Grit Rising

All In: Avoid Failure at All Costs ft. Jake Babian - Ep. 31

He's the Lights Out XF Welterweight Champion. And on May 16th, he'll be fighting in front of the world as part of a Netflix MMA fighting main event. Jake Babian is the real deal and he's one of our own. Grit Rising host Trent Bryson sits down with the Bryson sponsored fighter to dig into the mindset, sacrifice, and relentless grit it takes to rise to the top of MMA. Because the same discipline that builds a champion in the cage is often the same discipline that builds winners in the business world too. If you've ever wondered what separates elite performers from everyone else, whether in sports or in business, this conversation answers that question.

Run Your Race: Thoughts on Grit ft. Alexa Bryson - Ep. 30

This special episode of the Grit Rising podcast features host Trent Bryson in conversation with his daughter, Alexa Bryson. A current student at UC Santa Barbara and a standout runner on the cross country and track teams, Alexa brings curiosity and a fresh perspective as she interviews her father about the path that shaped his career. Trent reflects on starting his career at Merrill Lynch before returning to Bryson to help grow the family business in new directions, expanding beyond its insurance roots into areas such as private equity. The conversation centers on grit, resilience, and the mindset of finding a way when the path forward is not always clear. Alexa asks thoughtful questions about the risks, decisions, and lessons that shaped her father's journey. The episode also serves as a tribute to Trent's father, Rick, whose example of determination and perseverance continues to guide the Bryson family. It is a conversation about legacy, grit, and the responsibility each generation carries to keep moving forward and find its own way.

Ignore the Noise and Listen to the Customer ft. Thomas Flohr - Ep. 29

Thomas Flohr is a Swiss entrepreneur and visionary in private aviation, best known as the founder and chairman of VistaJet. After building a successful career in asset finance, he launched VistaJet in 2004 to redefine business aviation with a global fleet and a pioneering subscription model. Today, VistaJet serves leaders, innovators, and changemakers in over 180 countries, offering seamless travel without aircraft ownership. A true disruptor, Flohr has combined Swiss precision with bold innovation to create one of the world's most influential aviation companies, while continuing to expand Vista Global's footprint across mobility and luxury services worldwide. In this episode of Grit Rising, Trent and Thomas discuss the importance of listening to the customer. Don't miss this episode full of lessons on how to build a massively successful company.

Optimize relentlessly: give first, follow through, win consistently ft. Ron Earley - Ep. 28

Ron Earley is a distinguished entrepreneur and sales expert celebrated for building multiple million-dollar companies and generating over $1.4 billion in revenue through ventures like Greywolfe Investing. Known as the "Salesgod," he has closed more than $40 million in high-ticket sales and distilled his winning sales strategies into the best-selling book Closer, a trusted guide for sales professionals worldwide. Beyond business, Ron earned the key to the city of Sarasota, Florida, for his courageous efforts delivering life-saving supplies during a devastating hurricane, showcasing his unwavering commitment to community and leadership under pressure. In this episode of Grit Rising, Ron shares how he relentlessly optimizes for success, builds rapport in networking, and reveals key insights for achieving big goals. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

Father, Mentor & Best Friend: Lessons From the Best Salesman I Ever Met ft. Richard Bryson - Ep. 27

This special Father's Day edition of the Grit Rising podcast features Richard Bryson, whom Trent calls "the greatest salesman he has ever met." Richard is the president and founder of Bryson Financial Group, one of the nation's largest independent insurance brokerages. A former All-American athlete at CSULB, he is also a dedicated community leader and philanthropist. His numerous honors include the Junior Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year and the National Boys and Girls Foundation Golden Boy Award. Bryson remains deeply connected to both his alma mater and the Long Beach community. Don't miss this heartfelt episode, as a father reflects on his life and the lessons he's learned and shared with his son.