Ameritocracy

In this week's episode, join host Troy Edgar as he talks with Brett Barbre, President of Yorba Linda Water District. California, the fourth-largest economy globally relies heavily on water for various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and tourism. With over 30 years of experience, Brett has served on the boards of the Municipal Water District of Orange County and the Metropolitan...

In this week's podcast, Troy Edgar sits down with Lisa Dante Papini, President and CEO of Dante Valve, a full-service manufacturer, distributor, and repair facility of valves and related products for the industrial and military markets. From warehouse clerk to leading the family business since 2016, Lisa discusses the company's important role in the U.S. shipbuilding industry and her position as C...

This week on Ameritocracy, host Troy Edgar had the opportunity to sit down with Sohan Dasgupta, a Law Partner at Taft, Stettinius, and Hollister based in Washington, D.C. With a notable career that included serving as the former Deputy General Counsel at the Department of Homeland Security and Special Counsel of the U.S. Department of Education, Sohan now represents clients before the U.S. Supreme...

In this week's Ameritocracy episode, host Troy Edgar had the privilege of interviewing Suzanne Mann Coppel. Suzanne was born in Manheim, Germany in 1933.  She is a Holocaust survivor and former Jewish refugee in Western Europe where the genocide claimed over 6 million lives from 1933 to 1945. In 1949, Suzanne left her family at age 16 and immigrated from Europe to New York. Now, at 90, she shares...

This week from Stockholm, Sweden, we are diving into the world of NATO's supply chain management in this episode of Ameritocracy with Troy Edgar featuring guest David Platt, Moody's Corporation's Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. Join us as we follow David's career journey to his current role at Moody's where he has overseen corporate strategic planning and led over $8 billion in M...

Join host Troy Edgar at the NATO Industry Forum in Stockholm, Sweden as he sits down with Leendert Van Bochoven, IBM Technology Global Leader for Defense, Intel, and NATO. Leendert is based in Amsterdam and shares his career journey to becoming a distinguished industry leader with an extraordinary network and global eminence.  Listen to this insightful conversation on the art of building successfu...

In this week's podcast episode, Troy Edgar meets with Mark Newsome, IBM Consulting Vice President & Senior Partner, U.S. Federal Healthcare. Mark's approach to management in IBM's Veterans Affairs and Defense Health programs demonstrates valuable lessons in humble and thoughtful leadership. Mark shares his journey of resilience from his childhood in Prentiss, MS to Washington, D.C., his foundation...

In this week's episode, host Troy Edgar travels to Key West, Florida to meet at the Joint Interagency Task Force - South (JIATF-S) headquarters with Director, Rear Admiral Mark Fedor. Admiral Fedor shares his insights into the mission of JIATF-S, which involves countering illicit drug, human, and weapons trafficking and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.  In this episode, Admiral Fe...

In this week's episode of Ameritocracy, host Troy Edgar meets with Chief Eric Nuñez to explore issues including crime, law enforcement, and public safety policies in California.  In addition to his role as Police Chief,  Eric had recently served as President of the California Police Chiefs Association (known as Cal Chiefs).  He shared details of his 31-year career to becoming a Police Chief and hi...

This week, host Troy Edgar meets with Pat Rose, the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). While most people associate TSA with airport security, Pat sheds light on their broader mission, his career and overseeing a $10.4 billion budget.  In this episode, we examine the government's approach to planning and funding technology modernization, why do...

Host Troy Edgar meets with Congresswoman Michelle Steel at the NRCC in Washington, D.C. Michelle takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of her journey to America from Korea. She shares the story of her family's initial struggles as small business owners and their encounter with the government, which ultimately led Michelle to become a public servant and tax fighter. As a member of the U.S. Congress,...

This week, host Troy Edgar meets with Congressman Lou Correa at his District Office. Lou discusses his pursuit of the American Dream and his genuine appreciation and passion for making it accessible to all. As a member of the U.S. Congress, Lou serves on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Government Affairs Committees. Lou's role as the Ranking Member on the Judiciary Committee positions him to...

Aloha! In the final episode of Ameritocracy's Hawaii Series, host Troy Edgar meets with Hui O Ho'ohonua Non-Profit CEO and retired Navy Seabee Sr. Chief Tony Chance. The organization has an ambitious mission to revitalize the environment and ecosystems of Pearl Harbor that have been contaminated by hazardous materials and deemed a Superfund site by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). T...

Aloha! Ameritocracy is still on the road in Hawaii. This week, host Troy Edgar meets with U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Commander, Rear Admiral (RADM) Michael Day who is responsible for operations over 14 million square miles of land and sea including the Hawaiian Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and activities in Saipan, Singapore, and Japan. RADM Day talks about his career, leadership, and his hist...

Aloha! Ameritocracy is on the road in Hawaii for four great episodes. In this episode, host Troy Edgar meets with Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. Mayor Blangiardi talks about starting out in Cambridge, Mass., his early connections to Hawaii, and his transition from a successful Television and Broadcasting career to public service, modernization of city government, and running the City like a busin...

Aloha! Ameritocracy is on the road in Hawaii for four great episodes. In this episode, host Troy Edgar meets with Head Olympic and Pro Surfing Judge Rich Pierce. Rich provides his behind-the-scenes perspective on judging talent, the exciting debut of surfing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, and the effects on the surfing community as the sport goes mainstream.  This episode was recorded shortly be...

This week, Troy Edgar met with Laura Herzog, CEO of the non-profit Honoring Our Fallen in our LA Studio. Laura works tirelessly coordinating with military casualty officers on Hero Missions to ensure that military heroes are given the respect and recognition they deserve upon their final return home.  Laura's commitment does not end there. She and her organization continue to provide resources, co...

This week, host Troy Edgar meets with Karen Evans, Washington D.C. Cyber Leader and the former Chief Information Officer for the Department of Homeland Security who has served in three Presidential appointed positions. In this informative and insightful discussion, Karen and Troy talk about their work together as political appointees, the crucial preparation involved with Presidential transitions,...

Tod Neal is a true American Hero. After growing up in a youth home in Louisiana, Tod forged his own way as a highly decorated U.S. Navy Master Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Operator. During his 30-year career, he completed 10 deployments, 6 combat tours, diffused 360 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and over 560 combat missions that included accompanying the Navy Seals, Army Special Forces...

Ameritocracy Goes  to Dallas, Part  Two : In this episode Troy Edgar meets with Dallas musician and Guitar Center Platinum Room Manager Robbie Gustin.  Robbie's deep connection with music started at a young age. His grandfather was an original member of the Texas Playboys. At his first job as a teenager, he was hired by Kim Davis, Stevie Ray Vaughan's guitarist at his local Dallas music store. Now...

Ameritocracy Goes to Dallas Part One: In this two-part series host Troy Edgar travels to the Lone Star State to meet with Tiffany Caballero a highly regarded real estate agent and entrepreneur in Dallas, Texas, one of the country's most thriving real estate markets. Tiffany talks with Troy about the appreciation and responsibility she feels when guiding her clients through a significant personal i...

Kirk Cartozian is a dynamic leader that believes in the American Dream.  Prior to running Tequila Mandala, Kirk balanced his professional career as an executive and public service as the Mayor and Councilmember for the City of Downey in California.  He has also played an integral part in notable Southern California restaurant expansions including Porto's Bakery and the Gaucho Grill. Kirk talks wit...

In a special interview at the Ameritocracy studio in LA, Troy Edgar sits down with Vietnam veteran and Emmy Award winner Ronnie Guyer as he recounts his time at the Battle of Ia Drang Valley serving under the legendary Army Lt. Col. Hal Moore as immortalized in the movie "We Were Soldiers" starring Mel Gibson. Ronnie also reflects on the significance of receiving one of the military's prestigious...

In this week's episode, Troy Edgar ventures out of the studio and visits the historic George Town Club in Washington, D.C. to meet with Anne Collier, an executive coach and CEO of Arudia. Anne shares insights into her coaching approach and the tools she uses to support individuals in their professional development by unlocking their full potential to achieve their goals.  To find out more about An...

Edward Ma is the founder of Ed's Friends, a nonprofit that provides medical support to Ukraine. Ed developed a deep connection to the people of Ukraine while serving in the Peace Corps. He sits down to talk with Troy Edgar about the impact the Peace Corps and Ukraine had on his career ambitions and how he strives for work/war balance since the events of February 24, 2022. If you are interested in...