The Edge Of Excellence Podcast

Are you still fighting for success in a role that drains you? What if the secret isn’t working harder… but understanding yourself more deeply than ever before? In this dynamic Edge of Excellence collage episode, host Matt Stewart brings together the most insightful moments with Max Alesi and Matt Maneage to unravel the surprising, emotional impact of the DISC assessment. Hear raw stories of strugg...

What if handling adversity was less about avoiding stress and more about growing alongside it?  In this Edge of Excellence collage episode, host Matt Stewart curates transformative stories and mental frameworks from five exceptional guests—Genevieve Elefante-Sigmund, Caden Brunell, Lydia Hodgson, and Payson Maydew—for anyone seeking to turn life’s pressures into fuel for progress. Here, you’l...

What does it really take to build relationships that last? Not just the shiny highlight-reel moments, but the gritty, human, honest parts that make connection the real currency of success. In this Edge of Excellence collage episode, host Matt Stewart brings together powerful voices—Jason Reid, Breanna Kaufman, Isaiah Henry, David Renberg, and Joe Clavin—to explore how trust, integrity, empathy, an...

What does intentional living really look like? It’s not about following someone else’s script. It’s about knowing what matters, choosing with clarity, and building a life that aligns with your values. In this Edge of Excellence collage episode, host Matt Stewart brings together seven powerful voices—Dane Mauland, Chris Krause, Cody Voelker, Jerome Stewart, Keaton Petite, Kyle Emerick, and Chris Ma...

Finding the right career isn’t about luck, but it’s about clarity, courage, and consistency. In this Edge of Excellence collage episode, host Matt Stewart brings together career lessons from John Bruckner, Andrew Reid, Devid O’Dowd, Danielle Whitaker, Jerome Stewart, Steve Tchejeyan, and Michael Yates — seven leaders who’ve built exceptional careers by being curious, intentional, and bold. From fi...

What does real leadership look like? It’s not about titles or applause. It’s about rolling up your sleeves, owning your impact, and leading with heart. In this Edge of Excellence collage episode, host Matt Stewart brings together four remarkable voices — Joe John Duran, Jeff Gunhus, Sharon Taylor, and Lisa Merage — to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose. From courage and humility to d...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Michael Caito, CEO and controlling shareholder of Map Consulting, Nicole McMackin, CEO of Irvine Technology Corp and host of the Elevate Your Career podcast, and Shawn Baldwin, President of Baldwin and Sons. In a wide-ranging conversation, you'll be taken behind the curtain of high-performing teams, where camaraderie and accou...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, co-host Sean Phelps is joined by Jaime Rogozinski, entrepreneur and founder of WallStreetBets. In this fascinating conversation, Jaime shares a remarkable journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, highlighting how unconventional paths can lead to profound personal and professional growth. Through stories of trial, error, and resilience,...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Chris Marsh, Founder and CEO of Cherry Tree Capital Partners and the Co-founder of BCT Development. This episode explores the journey of building something meaningful from the ground up—full of twists, resilience, and leadership lessons learned the hard way. You'll discover the importance of vision and trust, such as how persi...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Samantha Gold, founder of Motette, a children’s clothing brand. During the conversation, Samantha shares her unconventional career journey marked by bold transitions and an unyielding passion for growth. Starting in tech sales, she reflects on the challenges and triumphs of shifting industries and embracing new roles, highligh...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Caden Brunell, a junior at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and entrepreneur. In this engaging conversation, Caden shares a journey marked by determination, growth, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. From humble beginnings in a small town, you'll hear how early experiences in sports and family businesses laid a fo...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Kash Fadaie, Founder of Fadaie Insurance Services Inc. In this intriguing conversation, Kash shares a transformative personal experience that reshaped his understanding of self and purpose. Through a unique practice, he describes reaching a profound state of bliss and clarity that transcends ordinary consciousness, leading to...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Liv Mitchell, entrepreneur and Founder of Liv Mitchell Jewelry. In this engaging conversation, Liv shares her journey of growing a business from humble beginnings to gaining momentum through word-of-mouth and dedicated client relationships. The discussion explores the pivotal moments when steady progress begins to accelerate a...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Yashaar Amin, Managing Principal at Arch Anchor. In this insightful conversation, Matt and Yashaar discuss the journey of mastering a complex craft that blends both technical knowledge and relationship-building. They explore the significance of gaining hands-on experience across different roles and how filling gaps in expertis...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, co-host Sean Phelps is joined by Keaton Petite, a higher education consultant. In this engaging conversation, Keaton reflects on the evolving landscape of work and learning, revealing how emerging tools have transformed the way professionals approach problem-solving and creativity. From leveraging technology to streamline complex tasks to rethi...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Craig Atkins, Chairman and Co-founder of City Ventures, a real estate development firm focused on urban housing throughout California. In this engaging conversation, Matt and Craig dive deep into the unpredictable journey of building a career from the ground up. From relentless persistence that spans hundreds of days to unexpe...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, co-host Sean Phelps is joined by Dave Foster, the Founder and CEO of Gateway Wealth Management. In this insightful conversation, Sean and Dave explore a nuanced journey of personal growth, career evolution, and the often-overlooked importance of perseverance. Through stories of early challenges and surprising pivots, you'll learn how formative...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Matt Sivewright, a four-time serial entrepreneur. During the conversation, the discussion explores the challenges of building businesses, from the initial spark of an idea to overcoming the hurdles of growth. The two Matts touch on the pressures and sacrifices involved in the entrepreneurial world, highlighting how pivotal dec...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Frank Guimont, a young finance student and record-breaking business professional. This conversation dives deep into Frank's journey - redefining success through personal growth and leadership. Emphasizing the importance of embracing the process rather than fixating on outcomes, the discussion explores how true success often co...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Sharon Taylor, widely regarded as the greatest headmaster in the history of Southern California schools. During this insightful conversation, Matt and Sharon explore the intricate journey of leadership within a unique and impactful field. They explore how passion for education can evolve into higher leadership roles and the co...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, co-host Sean Phelps is joined by Ian Beacraft, a futurist, AI expert, and CEO of Signal and Cipher. You'll hear about the journey of an entrepreneur who has carved out a unique path through persistence, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. From an intense early business experience that tested the limits of endurance to later nav...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Nate Douglas, who is a medical device sales professional, a real estate investor, and a former College Works alumni and one of the few individuals to summit Mount Everest, and all 7 summits. You'll discover the personal journey that led Nate to push boundaries and tackle challenges that few would even consider. The story weave...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, co-host Sean Phelps is joined by R.T. Custer, founder and CEO of Vortic Watch Company, an American watch manufacturer. During the conversation, R.T. shares insights on a journey that combines passion, creativity, and a relentless drive for success. From the beginnings of a dream to the challenges faced along the way, the discussion dives deep i...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, Matt is joined by Nelma Maddox, a regional vice president for a major pharmaceutical sales company. Nelma discusses her journey to carve a unique path in a competitive and demanding industry. With a blend of hard work, determination, and seizing opportunities, you'll learn how she navigated various career shifts and leadership roles. Her story...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Gage Ward, College Works alumni and Account Manager for Engineered Sales Inc. Gage reflects on overcoming initial struggles and adapting to the demands of a high-pressure field, all while embracing a mindset focused on growth and learning. Matt and Gage discuss the importance of resilience, noting how persistence in the face of setbac...