Elevate Your Leadership

In this episode, host Robert "Bob" Pizzini interviews retired Navy Commander and PhD Joseph Dituri, also known as "Dr. Deep Sea." Joseph, a Navy diver and engineering duty officer, served 28 years, during which he earned a master’s in astronautical engineering and led deep submergence and submarine rescue capabilities. He later contributed to the development of the SEAL Dry Combat Submersible at S...

In this episode, Robert “Bob” Pizzini is joined by Alexandra (“Big Perm”) Mensing, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot. Alexandra recounts growing up in Raleigh, the influence of sports and coaching, choosing the Naval Academy, and completing leadership and survival training including NOLS and SERE. She explains aviation and jet selection, E/F single- vs two-seat aircraft, and carrier operations,...

In this episode, Robert “Bob” Pizzini is joined by Cheryl Zonkowski, founder and owner of Catalyzt Nutrition, LLC. Cheryl shares her extensive experience ranging from her role as a performance dietician for Naval Special Warfare to her tenure as the Director of Sports Nutrition at the University of Florida. The discussion focuses on how proper nutrition can optimize cognition, energy levels, and l...

In this episode, Robert “Bob” Pizzini is joined by LaTonya Warren, CEO and founder of Armintia, LLC, a veteran-owned cannabis research, development, and education company. Throughout the conversation, LaTonya shares her personal journey from military service to becoming a leader in the cannabis industry. She discusses her grandmother's influence as a holistic cannabis healer, her academic and prof...

In this episode, Robert “Bob” Pizzini is joined by Ava Heil, an 18-year-old division one soccer player and daughter of a retired US Navy SEAL. The discussion highlights Ava's upbringing in a military family, touching on the unique challenges and resilience required, her experiences with her father's deployments, and how her parents inspired her. Ava shares her perspective on growing up in a milita...

John Reid is a lifelong Virginian, trusted conservative voice, and proven leader with the skills to deliver results for the Commonwealth. For the past eight years, he’s hosted WRVA’s award-winning Morning Show—one of America’s longest-running conservative radio programs—where listeners tune in for his clear, common-sense takes on issues that matter. He also founded and chairs The Virginia Council,...

ABOUT THE GUEST(S) Matt and Johan Suyderhoud are twin brothers, both retired F-18 fighter pilots. Both served on active duty for many years and are now commercial pilots. In addition to their flying careers, they have a wealth of experience and insight into military culture and aviation, which they share candidly in discussions about the current state and future of military aviation. SHOW SUMMARY...

George Allen is the 67th Governor of Virginia who served from 1994 to 1998. He was also a U.S. Senator from 2001 to 2007. As a seasoned politician, Allen is well-known for his leadership in instituting major reforms in education, the economy, and public safety during his tenure. Besides his political career, Allen is the current president of George Allen's Strategies, LLC. On today's episode, he s...

Sergeant First Class retired Josh Lindstrom is a former US Army Infantryman and Green Beret who served with distinction during the Global War on Terror, earning two bronze stars and a purple heart. After leaving the military, Josh became an adaptive sports athlete and coach, as well as an advocate for wounded veterans through his work with the Blast Foundation, focusing on traumatic brain injury r...

Dr. Johnny Garcia is a distinguished entrepreneur and technology leader, celebrated for founding and leading multiple successful businesses, including SimIS Inc. Inspired by his humble beginnings on the cotton fields of Lubbock, Texas, and driven by a commitment to service, Dr. Garcia has become a prominent figure in modeling and simulation, as well as healthcare innovation. With degrees from Old...

Trevor Maxwell is a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief EOD Technician who served over 20 years. He has transitioned into a career in financial services, working to help military personnel and their families make informed financial decisions. Trevor is also a dedicated advocate for veterans, offering insights and support for those navigating the complexities of military transition. SHOW SUMMARY In this...

Adam Dobbins is a former Navy SEAL and the CEO and owner of Grow Depot, the largest hydroponic store in Virginia. With over 30 years of combined experience in military service, civilian leadership, and military contracting, Adam has dedicated his life to improving wellness practices for veterans and first responders. His endeavors in both the military and private sectors have greatly impacted the...

Olivia Gamber, Founder and CEO of Career Evolved and bestselling author of The $150k+ Club: Discover the Career Strategies and Mindset that Separates the Top 10%, has spent the last decade helping thousands of high-achieving professionals break into top-tier roles across the country. With a background in organizational psychology, Olivia uncovers the hidden barriers holding many high achievers bac...

Napoleon "Nap" DeCiutiis is the president of ECFGov, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business specializing in advanced hydrofoil boat manufacturing. A retired Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Master Chief from the U.S. Navy, Nap served for 24 years, including multiple deployments and significant leadership roles. He also founded Emerald Cush Farms, a CBD extraction company. Nap's leadershi...

Lee Milteer is an internationally known entrepreneur, best-selling author, award-winning professional speaker, TV personality, and business mentor. She provides business and success advice to nearly 250,000 people around the world. Lee is the founder of the Alchemist Inner Circle and hosts the Blonde Warrior of Solutions on Rumble. Additionally, she has co-authored several esteemed books and has b...

Jen Kiggans is a distinguished public servant and the current Congresswoman for Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. A former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, Jen has combined her aviation experience and her background as a geriatric nurse practitioner to serve her country and community with dedication and integrity. Her efforts focus on impactful legislative work, especially in areas such as nationa...

Dr. Ronny Jackson is a U.S. Navy veteran, former White House physician, and current U.S. Congressman from Texas's 13th congressional district. Raised in Texas, Jackson attended Texas A&M University and the University of Texas Medical Branch for medical school before embarking on a distinguished 25-year service in the Navy, where he served in various capacities including emergency medicine and divi...

Robert F. McDonnell, the 71st Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is renowned for his extensive political career and military service. Having served in various leadership roles and received a multitude of accolades, McDonnell's background includes time in the Virginia House of Delegates, Attorney General of Virginia, and distinguished professor positions at renowned universities. With a focu...

Dr. Scott Miller is the president of Virginia Wesleyan University with a remarkable 34-year career in higher education leadership. Recognized for his transformative leadership style, Dr. Miller is a seasoned college president guiding institutions towards international recognition. With a background in journalism and a track record of being a change agent, he excels at moving organizations to the n...

Jessica Quintero Howard is the founder and general manager of Turnkey Cleaning, a residential and commercial cleaning company focusing on vacant properties. Originally from San Andres Island, Colombia, Jessica migrated to the United States and pursued the American dream with ambition and a growth mindset. She has a strong background in business strategies, organizational development, operations, s...

Dave Cooper is a distinguished former U.S. Navy SEAL and an expert in change leadership and complex system science. With a career marked by valor, innovation, and leadership, Dave has been at the heart of critical operations across Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. His leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in some of the most significant special operations missions in U.S. m...

Marty Strong, a three-time guest on the "Elevate Your Leadership" podcast, is a former Navy SEAL, author, and Chief Executive Officer. With three published books – "Be Nimble," "Be Visionary," and "Be Different" – Marty draws on his SEAL experience and corporate leadership to explore unconventional thinking and innovative leadership strategies. He emphasizes the importance of challenging norms, fo...

Susan Kilrain is an American aerospace engineer, former United States Navy officer, and a former NASA astronaut. She is the youngest person to pilot a Space Shuttle. She has flown more than 3,000 hours and among her merits she was awarded with the Defense Superior Service Medal. SHOW SUMMARY Join host Bob Pizzini in an inspiring conversation with NASA astronaut Susan Kilrain, where she shares her...

Rear Admiral Paul Becker is a retired Naval Intelligence Officer with 30 years of experience in the intelligence community. He is the CEO of the Becker T3 Group and a professor at the U.S. Naval Academy. He has received numerous awards for his service, including the National Intelligence Community and Department of Defense's Distinguished Service Medals. Retired Admiral Paul Becker discusses the i...

Alan Mack, US Army, Chief Warrant Officer Five -- Retired, a native of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, served over 35 years in the US Army before retiring in 2016. His military career included 17 years in Army Special Operations. His awards include the Legion of Merit, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 3 Bronze Stars, 10 Air Medals (one with Valor Device), and a Combat Action Badge. Additionally, he logg...