Black Belts and Boardrooms

In this episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, hosts Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry talk with Pedro Arellano, CEO of Wallaby, about what it really takes to make AI useful, trustworthy, and valuable. Drawing on nearly 30 years in data, analytics, and enterprise technology—including leadership roles at MicroStrategy, Tableau, Salesforce, and Google—Pedro explains why AI initiatives should start with...

Timothy Youngblood shares how he became the first CISO at Dell and Kimberly-Clark, helped transform security programs at major global companies, and later moved into AI strategy and angel investing. He explains how to lead through compliance failures, align executives, manage risk, and build functions that do not yet exist. The conversation also explores how HBCU experiences shaped Tim’s persisten...

Nancy Matter is building a 12,000-horsepower Top Fuel funny car, running a business, and turning every setback into fuel. If you want to understand what real grit looks like under pressure, this conversation is it. Amir Khwaja and Renard Henry catch up with the returning friend of the podcast to hear how far her racing program has come since April. Nancy shares what it takes to prepare a brand-new...

Most companies treat quality like a checkbox. Chris Berry treats it like the business model—and that mindset has powered everything from automotive validation software to a wearable that can alert loved ones before a health issue turns serious. Amir Khawaja and co-host Renard Henry sit down with Chris Berry, founder and CEO of Echelle Resources, for a conversation that moves from Air Force boot ca...

Most candidates are judged on the wrong things, and most hiring managers are missing the signals that actually predict success. Talent recruiter Amy Sulgrove pulls back the curtain on executive search and shows how to spot real leadership, not just polished resumes. Joined by co-hosts Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry, Amy breaks down how top recruiters think behind the scenes - from the intake brief...

Most entrepreneurs fail because they try to do everything alone, too early, and without a system. Adnan Khawaja built multiple businesses by doing the opposite - leading teams, creating processes, and staying in his lane long enough to turn side hustles into real companies. On this episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, Amir Khawaja and co-host Renard Henry sit down with Amir’s brother, Adnan Khaw...

What if the biggest barrier to better leadership is the ego you think is helping you? Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry sit down with Kevin Rustici, VP and Chief Operating Officer of Boulter Industrial Contractors, for a raw conversation about self-awareness, emotional discipline, and why the best leaders don’t manage people - they learn how to truly see them. Kevin shares how he went from giving advi...

The smartest leaders are not just building careers - they are building financial freedom, personal brands, and a future they can actually control. Roger Silvera breaks down why the best executives think like entrepreneurs, how to keep more of what you earn, and why "retirement" is the wrong word for the life transition most high performers are planning toward. Host Amir Khawaja and co-ho...

Most AI conversations are missing the only question that matters - is any of this actually working? Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry sit down with Zack Tembi, CEO of Single Fin and creator of CIO Surge, to unpack how leaders separate real signal from hype in sales, startups, and AI. Zach’s career spans enterprise sales, entrepreneurship, angel investing, and advising Fortune 500 companies, which give...

In this episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry sit down with Mykel Solomon, host of The Human Protocol, for a thoughtful conversation about the real impact of AI on people, teams, and culture. Mykel shares why he created his podcast, how a human-first lens shapes his view of AI adoption, and why strategy, trust, and intentional leadership matter more than chasing quic...

Unlock the secrets to mastering AI governance before it’s too late. In a rapidly evolving landscape where AI impact extends across every business function, are you prepared to lead confidently—and safely? If you're a leader, board member, or cybersecurity professional feeling behind the curve, this episode is your essential wake-up call. Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry sit down with Dr. Kimberly KJ...

In this episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry sit down with Dani Chou to explore what leadership looks like from the perspective of an executive assistant and former city planner. Dani shares how working closely with senior leaders taught her about confidence, grace, decision-making, trust, and the importance of being authentic in leadership. The conversation also di...

Most leaders stumble in the dark because they lack clarity — but what if gaining clarity is simpler than you think? Jeremy Scott’s transformative framework, The Clarity Code, reveals how to navigate setbacks, clear mental fog, and stay unstuck long enough to reach your goals. This isn’t just theory; it’s a practical map for transforming confusion into confidence in any space—whether in health tech...

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...