Black Belts and Boardrooms

In this episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, we sit down with former New Orleans Saints wide receiver and Super Bowl 44 champion Lance Moore for a powerful conversation about perseverance, discipline, and rebuilding success after setbacks. Lance shares the reality of going undrafted, fighting through injuries, earning his place in the NFL, and making one of the most iconic catches in Saints hist...

In this episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, host Amir Khawaja and co-host Renard Henry sit down with Dave Crull, CFO of a major aviation company, black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Marine Corps veteran, and nonprofit leader behind Mat Mission. Dave shares how the discipline of jiu-jitsu translates into leadership, why having a coach matters in every season of your career, and how his path from...

Unlock the secret to advancing your leadership journey—it's not just what you know, but who knows you. Keith Dorsey, a seasoned board member and organizational change expert, reveals how to strategically position yourself for boardroom success, even if you think it’s out of reach. His journey from military service to corporate turnaround specialist, and now a trusted advisor on governance, is...

Most cybersecurity leaders focus on technology, but the true secret to leadership lies in something much deeper—people, trust, and vulnerability. Aftab Banth shares how embracing failures publicly, fostering authentic relationships, and building trust can transform your influence in any organization—especially at the hyperscale level. In this episode, Aftab reveals the mindset shifts that helped h...

Most leaders are missing a secret sauce that martial arts masterfully teaches: resilience, humility, and unshakable mental toughness—lessons that don't just stay on the mat. In this episode, Renard Henry and Amir Khawaja reveal how their martial arts journeys shape their approach to leadership, vulnerability, and growth—both in the boardroom and in life. We explore the transformative power of...

Conventional wisdom says growth comes from doing more. But Monica Marquez reveals the real secret: impact multiplies when you master prioritization, especially when integrating AI into your leadership. If you’re ready to unlock your full potential—whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or forging your entrepreneurial path—this episode is the blueprint for transforming your mindset and yo...

Join Dr. Megan Jimenez, a world-champion martial artist and orthopedic surgeon, as she reveals the mindset secrets behind peak performance and resilience. Discover how mental training accelerates recovery and enhances leadership, with practical tools for overcoming setbacks and achieving greatness. Perfect for athletes, leaders, and anyone eager to harness the power of the mind.

Unlock the future of stadium experiences and security—where AI, facial recognition, and cybersecurity converge to transform fan engagement. In this episode, Dr. Charles Harris shares how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers leverage cutting-edge technology not just for seamless stadium entry but to redefine what it means to serve fans in a digital age. From implementing facial recognition to combat friction,...

Most leaders overlook a simple, yet transformative truth: trust is the foundation of effective leadership—yet few truly master it. In this episode, Habib, a global executive and trusted leader, shares how authenticity and intentionality in communication elevate influence and results. Discover how prioritizing trust, self-awareness, and strategic insight can turn good managers into inspiring leader...

Most high achievers don't realize how essential storytelling and personal branding are—until they hear from one of the best. Trish Lindo, a master storyteller with experience at Oprah, CNN, Buzzfeed, and LinkedIn, reveals how your story is your most powerful currency. Whether you're an aspiring leader, mid-career professional, or seasoned executive, the secret to standing out now isn’t jus...

Most people see racing and music as worlds apart—Nancy Matter proves otherwise. From her childhood in Southern California’s racing scene to becoming a top fuel funny car driver and a respected music industry professional, her story is a masterclass in passion, perseverance, and reinvention. Nancy's journey defies stereotypes. She started in drag racing at age 13, playing a pivotal role behind the...

Most people overlook the power of doing the hard, behind-the-scenes work that builds trust and leadership. Philip McKibbins’s journey from a Naval submarine officer to a tech innovator at ESPN, Disney, and the Dallas Mavericks reveals a profound lesson: true leadership starts with sacrifice, humility, and relentless mastery of your craft. His story of facing danger head-on in the military, then tr...

Most of us think of midlife as a crisis, but what if it's really an awakening? In this episode of Blackbelts and Boardrooms, Renard Henry and Amir Khawaja challenge that familiar narrative, revealing how reevaluating life's pivots can unlock surprising growth at any age—yes, even midlife. They explore how major career shifts, such as transitioning from corporate roles to entrepreneurship o...

In this episode, Jawed Khan, Senior Vice President of US Operations at Regal Cinemas shares his journey from assistant manager to SVP in the movie theater industry, emphasizing the importance of service, resilience, and evolving with technology. Discover how a focus on people and experience drives success in a competitive entertainment landscape.

In this episode, Vic Peram shares insights from leading Veritis Group for over two decades, emphasizing honesty, trust, and continuous learning as keys to long-term success. Discover how culture, bold pivots in technology, and values-driven leadership can sustain growth and foster loyalty. Resources & Links:Veritas GroupEmpire of the Sun: Walking on a DreamTech Allies OrganizationCharles Haley...

Unlock the truth about AI safety, misinformation, and the future of transformative technology—directly from leading researchers shaping the digital landscape. If you're a leader, innovator, or curious mind, this episode reveals why understanding AI’s risks and potentials isn’t just technical; it's strategic, ethical, and essential to navigate the coming decades. Imagine mastering AI securi...

Most professionals overlook the true power of diversification—until they realize it’s the key to more freedom, family, and impact. Divya Smith, a seasoned tech exec turned real estate investor and leadership coach, reveals how her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship unlocked a new level of influence and purpose. With over 22 years in corporate leadership—including roles at Target an...

In this engaging conversation, Renard Henry and Amir Khawaja interview Ryan Roberts, a former fighter pilot turned entrepreneur. They explore Ryan's journey from the military to running his own defense contracting company, his experiences living on a sailboat, and the lessons learned about risk analysis and systems thinking. The discussion delves into the impact of AI on business and leadershi...

In this engaging episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, hosts Renard Henry and Amir Khawaja welcome Fern Johnson, a seasoned leader in technology and operations. Fern shares her inspiring journey from her early exposure to technology in her father's basement to her extensive career at PepsiCo. The conversation delves into the evolution of IT and operational technology, the importance of mentorship...

In this episode, Tiffany Whitener shares her journey from journalism to user experience and now into the realm of AI. She discusses the importance of transformation as a mindset, the evolution of user experience, and how generative AI can be a collaborative tool rather than a job replacement. Tiffany emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the face of technological advancemen...

In this episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, Tyler White shares his journey from sports to leadership, emphasizing the importance of connection, authenticity, and serving others. He discusses the current job market, the impact of AI, and the significance of personal relationships in professional settings. Tyler also reflects on his podcasting experience and the community-building efforts at CISO...

In this episode of "Black Belts and Boardrooms," hosts Renard Henry and Amir Khawaja engage in a compelling conversation with Nikki Barua, a visionary leader in digital transformation and AI. Nikki shares her inspiring journey from India to the United States, emphasizing her relentless pursuit of reinvention and the importance of adaptability in today's fast-paced world. She discusses the evolving...

In this episode, Bruce Elliott, Co-founder and CEO of Memory Lane Games, shares his journey of creating an innovative app that uses AI to enhance socialization for individuals with dementia. The conversation explores the intersection of technology and healthcare, emphasizing the importance of AI for good, the challenges of scaling globally, and the future of marketing in the age of AI. Bruce also...

In this engaging conversation, Samuel Davis shares his journey as a first-generation college graduate and servant leader. He discusses the importance of balancing work with community engagement, prioritizing family, and the impact of mentorship on his career. Samuel emphasizes the significance of kindness in leadership, the role of faith in his life, and the necessity of self-care. He also provide...

In this engaging conversation, Joi Chevalier shares her journey from a corporate career to becoming a leader in the food and health sector with the Cook's Nook. She discusses her background, the importance of cyber sociology in technology, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI. Joy also offers valuable advice for those looking to transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship and...