The Crossman Conversation

On this edition of The Crossman Conversation - Former media pro Ryan Elijah discusses his pivot to politics, driven by purpose and making a bigger difference. Get his advice for young professionals on patience, networking, and taking impactful steps.

Join John Crossman and retired Navy SEAL Captain Brad Geary for a powerful discussion on leadership through suffering and the "Hard Mind, Soft Heart" philosophy. Geary shares insights from two decades in elite warfare, discussing how to navigate high-stakes conflict, build unbreakable team bonds, and find purpose in life’s most challenging valleys.

John Crossman sits down with Belinda Ortez Kirkegard, President of the National Entrepreneur Center, to discuss entrepreneurship, small business growth, and the free resources available to help business owners succeed. In this episode of The Crossman Conversation, they explore how entrepreneurs can access coaching, workshops, government contracting support, Central Florida BizLink, and guidance fr...

In this episode of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman talks with Brett Clemmer, president and CEO of Man in the Mirror, about why healthy relationships and clear boundaries are essential at work and at home. They explore men’s mental health, loneliness, mentorship, self-awareness, and how professionals can build stronger support systems inside and outside the workplace. A practical conversat...

In this episode of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman sits down with Erika Donalds, Founder and CEO of the Education Freedom Foundation, to discuss school choice, education freedom, and why every child deserves an academic path that fits their unique needs. Erika shares how her own family’s experience shaped her mission to help parents access better educational options, from traditional scho...

Stephen Holmes Jr. is a marketing strategist with 20+ years of experience leading $40M+ in digital campaigns for brands like Delta Air Lines, General Motors, and AtkinsRéalis. A Bethune-Cookman University consultant and founder of The Ave BCU, he specializes in brand storytelling, digital strategy, and HBCU engagement.

Dr. Nicholas Nikolov is an internationally recognized plastic surgeon and mentor known for patient-centered care, ethical surgical decision-making, and advancing personalized aesthetic medicine across Beverly Hills and Madrid.

In this episode of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman speaks with Curtis Sprouse—life sciences entrepreneur, board advisor, and founder of EurekaConnect—about how behavioral analytics transform leadership effectiveness. Learn how CEOs identify blind spots, build resilient teams, and scale innovation from bench to bedside in the age of AI.

Photographer and author Scott Proposki shares leadership lessons from his Camera Focus Method, shaped by his work with icons like Michael Jackson and Robin Williams. In this episode of Crossman Conversations, he explains how focus, resilience, and small steps forward can help entrepreneurs overcome setbacks and grow stronger businesses.

Dr. Belinda Johnson-Cornett, President & CEO of Osceola Community Health Services, joins John Crossman to discuss healthcare access, preventive care, mental health awareness, and reducing disparities for underserved communities. Learn how community partnerships, outreach programs, and ethical leadership are transforming population health across Central Florida and beyond. Discover how individuals...

In this episode of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman interviews Spectra Management President John de Armas about entrepreneurship, purpose-driven leadership, and the mindset required to succeed at the highest levels. They explore the role of culture, sacrifice, and vision in building meaningful careers and why “there is no balance, only purpose.” A powerful conversation for young profession...

In this episode of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman switches seats and is interviewed by John Martinez for an honest discussion about mental health, suicide prevention, and the overlooked reality behind gun violence in America. Crossman explains why nearly two-thirds of gun deaths are linked to suicide and why open conversations, community support, and removing stigma are critical to savin...

In this episode of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman interviews Christian LeFer of Instant Nonprofit on how entrepreneurs and families can launch a 501(c)(3) quickly and create lasting community impact. Christian explains how removing IRS bureaucracy empowers people to “be the change they want to see,” while John emphasizes action-driven generosity: “If somebody has an opinion on a social t...

In this powerful episode of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman interviews award-winning teacher and Crossman Career Builders advisor John Martinez about his journey from clinical depression and rehab to a meaningful life serving students and families. Martinez shares how honesty, community support, and recovery tools helped him rebuild after crisis and become a leader impacting others. Now 1...

How can entrepreneurs use artificial intelligence without losing the human insight that makes businesses meaningful and enduring? In this episode of The Crossman Conversation, Barbara Wittman joins John Crossman to share how leaders can combine AI with collective intelligence to strengthen decision-making, expand impact, and build organizations designed for long-term legacy. She also offers practi...

In this episode of The Crossman Conversation, host John Crossman speaks with strategic communications expert and social impact leader Wendy J. Roundtree, APR, founder of Jarel Communications, about how purpose-driven storytelling helps organizations engage audiences and create lasting community impact. Drawing on her experience supporting public agencies, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizatio...

On this episode of The Crossman Conversation, host John Crossman sits down with nonprofit leader and CPA firm managing partner Mike Batts to discuss professionalism, leadership, and building meaningful careers in today’s evolving workplace. With more than 30 years of experience advising nonprofit organizations, Mike shares expert insights on nonprofit governance, financial oversight, risk manageme...

On this episode of The Crossman Conversation, host John Crossman sits down with Nadine Jones to discuss corporate leadership, public policy, and community policing reform. Jones, a graduate of the Howard University School of Law, brings extensive experience as a former General Counsel and corporate governance executive. In the conversation, she shares insights on how legal leaders help organizatio...

In this episode of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman welcomes Shellee Howard, founder and CEO of College Ready. Shellee has turned college confusion into a clear, personalized plan for families worldwide. As a two-time bestselling author and international speaker, she helps driven, high-performing parents move from stress and uncertainty to strategy and confidence. Her message is simple: Co...

Today’s leaders are expected to do more with less — drive results, navigate constant change, and protect their teams from burnout. Hanna Bauer is helping them do exactly that. As Founder and CEO of HEARTnomics, Hanna equips leaders to achieve transformation through love and excellence — valuing people while delivering measurable performance. A former CEO, Board Chair, and Executive Director, she b...

In this episode of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman sits down with Alaina Shearer, founder and Head of Strategy at Good Now, to explore how leaders and businesses can find their brand voice and create movements that drive real growth. Alaina shares proven brand strategy frameworks, the power of authentic storytelling, and how personal branding fuels trust, revenue, and long-term success. F...

Adam Mizel, Co-Founder and CEO of US United, joins The Crossman Conversation to discuss the organization’s nationwide effort to help Americans engage in healthier conversations. Adam shares how US United is creating space for meaningful dialogue on tough topics and why respectful communication is essential for strengthening communities across the country.

In this episode of The Crossman Conversation, Bishop Kevin Foreman discusses how national leadership can successfully balance a strong business mindset with a calling to ministry. He shares insights on how CEOs, pastors, and community leaders can collaborate, build partnerships, and create meaningful impact through shared purpose and service. BIO: https://www.harvestchurch.church/bishop-kevin-fore...

Award-winning teacher John Martinez joins John Crossman to discuss the challenges facing the public school system and how individuals and companies can make meaningful, positive change. Practical insights for creating a better future in education. 

In this CEO Edition of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman sits down with Kae Kronthaler-Williams to discuss navigating toxic work environments and building healthy, fulfilling careers. Kae, author of a new book focused on women in male-dominated industries, shares guidance for deciding whether to leave or stay and how to make a positive impact wherever you are. Her insights provide practical...