The Yeah, But Podcast

He saw the future of his firm—before anyone else did. Proved it would work. Built the relationships. Created demand. Leadership said no. So he walked away from everything. IN THIS EPISODE: Marc Dedman didn’t follow a clean, predictable path to success—he built it through grit, calculated risk, and an unwillingness to ignore opportunity. From working brutal hours in Arkansas rice fields for less th...

She was told—at one of the most personal moments of her life—“you can’t do this.”Most people would fold. She didn’t. That decision didn’t just define her—it exposed how often we let other people set our limits. And leaders do it every day with one phrase: “Yeah, but…” IN THIS EPISODE: Marc A. Wolfe sits down with Missy Acosta, Senior Vice President of Brand Experience at Delta Dental of Tennessee,...

He thought becoming CIO might expose him. A 150-year legacy. A massive brand. One wrong move—and it’s public failure. But what if imposter syndrome isn’t weakness… it’s proof you belong? IN THIS EPISODE: Shane Callahan, CIO at Vanderbilt University, dismantles one of the most misunderstood leadership challenges: imposter syndrome. Instead of treating it as something to eliminate, he reframes it as...

A doctor told him to stop competing and “play chess.” Weeks later, his lungs were filling with blood in Navy SEAL training. He was handed discharge papers and told he didn’t belong. He almost rang the bell. IN THIS EPISODE: In this powerful conversation, Marc A. Wolfe sits down with Alden Mills, a three-time Navy SEAL platoon commander, Inc. 500 CEO, Division I athlete, and author of Unstoppable M...

They wanted a brand-new tactical jet. From a company known for small civilian aircraft. Designed, built, and flying in under 24 months. The kind of program that normally takes five to six years. Twelve leaders sat in a conference room. As a sketch of the airplane goes up on the screen, excitement builds. Then Dale says the deadline. Collective gasp. Thirty-two “Yeah, Buts.” And one question nobody...

I'm scared of speed and height. I remember my first run and I just said, "You know what? If I die, I die." 3-time Olympian Devon Harris reveals the brutal reality of pushing a 650-pound bobsled into the unknown and why your current circumstances have zero say in where you end up. IN THIS EPISODE Marc Wolfe sits down with original Jamaican Bobsled Team member Devon Harris to dissect the transition...

Ben Utecht was a top NFL draft prospect until a career-ending injury red-flagged him as "too risky" for every team in the league. He sat by the phone, undrafted and devastated, until 5 seconds into free agency when Tony Dungy kept a promise that changed everything. This is the story of how Ben went from "damaged goods" to a Super Bowl ring, and the servant leadership lessons he...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Yeah, But Podcast. Expect brutally honest conversations about the excuses that hold leaders back. Everyone told Matt Outlaw he was crazy. He was a Sergeant with the Arkansas State Police, next in line for Lieutenant, with a guaranteed salary and full benefits. But he was also broke, filing for bankruptcy, and staring at a 'Yeah, But' that wouldn't go away. Th...

Futurist Tom Koulopoulos returns, and his biggest concern about AI isn't robots, it's us. He reveals why the choice to ignore AI is like insisting on a manual typewriter in a world that's already gone digital. In this essential follow-up, Tom shares why he now spends 3-4 hours a day working with AI and busts the biggest 'yeah, but' holding people back: the fear of the unknown....

Bust Your "Yeah, Buts" on Failure: A 3-Question Test from Futurist and AI Expert Tom Koulopoulos What does one of the world's leading AI futurists fear? In this candid conversation, Thomas Koulopoulos gets vulnerable about his journey battling failure and the need to please. He shares the powerful tool to stay on course: a simple 3-question 'But Buster' designed to silence the strongest 'yeah, but...

Yeah, But: How to Overcome "I'm Not Qualified" and Unlock Million-Dollar Opportunities From small-town Georgia tennis courts to a medical device executive, Woody Bibb reveals how he transformed limiting beliefs into career success. He discusses overcoming "I'm not qualified" thoughts and now mentors others while helping develop breakthrough cortisol monitoring technology. About Woody Bibb 30+ year...

Dr. Herman Williams: Turning Crisis Into Calling Dr. Herman Williams thought his dreams were over when health issues forced him out of surgical residency, but that crisis became the turning point that led him to his real calling. In this raw conversation, he shares how sometimes our greatest failures become the foundation for a life we never imagined. About Herman Williams Herman Williams is curre...

Ever feel like your calendar is full but your progress is stalled? Don explains how he changed his mindset to stop hiding behind the “too busy” excuse and start putting his values into practice. About Don Baham Don is a business-focused Chief Information Security Officer and Security Technologist with a passion for a healthy company culture. In his current role at Rubicon Founders, Don oversees In...

The Power of Starting Over: Because Safe Wasn’t the Right Fit What happens when comfort holds you back from real growth? Susie Long reveals how choosing uncertainty over familiarity led to greater meaning, impact, and a career that finally felt right. This is Part 2 of Susie’s journey through her “yeah, buts”. Missed Part 1? Go back to hear how she reimagines what it truly means to be “ready.” Spo...

What if “ready enough” was more than enough? In this episode, Susie Long dives into breaking career molds, overcoming cultural expectations, and reshaping leadership by leading with authenticity, not perfection. This is Part 1 of Susie’s story of confronting her “yeah, buts.” Part 2 drops next episode. The “yeah, buts” covered in this episode: Yeah, But... You Can’t Where I’m From [4:1] Yeah, But....

Most teams assume that conflict gets in the way of success. New York Times bestselling author and organizational psychologist Liane Davey reveals how it can be the foundation for better collaboration. About Liane Davey Liane Davey is a New York Times Bestselling author of three books, including The Good Fight: Use Productive Conflict to Get Your Team and Your Organization Back on Track and You Fir...

From getting laid off in his first job to navigating decades of corporate change, Brad Wingo shares what it means to keep showing up—even when the “yeah, buts” creep in. His journey is a reminder that growth rarely feels like progress at first. About Brad WingoBrad Wingo is a classically trained sales rep with a diverse background in consumer packaged goods. His experience includes both external c...

Starting a business is hard, but going at it alone makes it even harder. Sam Davidson, CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, shares how entrepreneurs can increase their chances of success by embracing mentorship, teamwork, and the power of community. About Sam DavidsonSam Davidson’s career has been full of both dreaming and doing. A four-time entrepreneur, he is the CEO of Nashville Entreprene...

What if the stories we tell ourselves and each other have the power to change the people we interact with and, ultimately, the world? In this episode, we explore how everyday moments of connection, kindness, and courage can create a wave of positive change that touches countless lives. About Pamela Holz:Pamela Holz has lived a lot of chapters in her life. Her earliest taste of fame was as a News A...

For years, Marc A. Wolfe coached leaders and entrepreneurs through their biggest obstacles, but he kept seeing the same roadblock: the “yeah, but” mindset. Discover why he knew this book had to be written—and how it can help you get unstuck. Timestamps What inspired Marc to write Yeah, But [0:01]How “yeah, buts” have evolved over time [3:16]Where “yeah, buts” come from [7:11]What Marc wants to acc...

How can writing about yourself become writing about the reader? Discover how putting your journey on paper can offer readers a new way of looking at the world and presenting ideas in a way that other books cannot. About Mickey Burnim:Mickey L. Burnim's career spanning over 40 years exemplifies servant leadership across multiple institutions. He served in key roles, including Assistant Vice Preside...

How can a stranger’s words transform your perspective? Explore how one conversation about time and dedication made a daunting mental and physical feat into an achievable goal. About Naomi Kent Naomi Kent's 20-year career is defined by her ability to build - successful brands, profitable businesses, and global professional networks. A trusted C-suite partner and strategic advisor, she motivates hig...

Former CIA intelligence collector Bonnie Stith reveals how inaction isn’t just a missed chance—it can have consequences far greater than the cost of failure. About Bonnie Stith Bonnie works with leaders and organizations to create success by developing strategic plans aligning leadership and culture with mission, vision, and values. As an executive coach, she helps leaders define, understand, and...

From flying at 30,000 feet to navigating challenges on the ground, pilots face their own ‘Yeah, Buts.’ Risk is constant, and the path forward isn’t always clear. How does one commercial airline captain turn turbulence into opportunities for growth and resilience? About Jimmy Ward From a young age, flying was in Jimmy's blood. His Grandfather, a seasoned pilot in the United States Air Force, instil...

From NBA players to Olympic medalists, even the best of the best encounter their own ‘Yeah, Buts.’ Dr. Ruth Gotian reveals how these high achievers face challenges strikingly similar to our own. What’s their secret to overcoming doubts, turning setbacks into stepping stones, and maintaining a balance between relentless ambition and staying true to themselves? About Dr. Ruth Gotian Dr. Ruth Gotian'...