Elevate Your Leadership

George Allen is the 67th Governor of Virginia who served from 1994 to 1998. He was also a U.S. Senator from 2001 to 2007. As a seasoned politician, Allen is well-known for his leadership in instituting major reforms in education, the economy, and public safety during his tenure. Besides his political career, Allen is the current president of George Allen's Strategies, LLC. On today's episode, he shares his experiences, lessons, and insights from his extensive and varied career in public service. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode, Robert “Bob” Pizzini is joined by George Allen, the 67th Governor of Virginia and former US Senator. They delve into the intricacies of leadership, public policy, and personal experiences. Governor Allen recounts his journey from a football-centric upbringing to his tenure as governor and senator. He shares pivotal moments, from initiating the nation's first public-private transportation funding system to navigating post-9/11 America. The conversation touches on essential principles of leadership, the importance of integrity, and the impact of sports and teamwork in shaping societal values. Allen also discusses Virginia's political landscape, the challenges of governance, and lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn about all of these and more nuggets of insight in this latest episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Leadership and Integrity: Leadership involves having clear principles, genuine commitment, and assembling a capable team to achieve meaningful goals. * Economic Development: As governor, Allen prioritized economic development, emphasizing job creation and regulatory reform. * Crisis Response: Post-9/11 and during COVID-19, leadership required balancing security, public health, and individual freedoms. * Political Challenges: Navigating partisan politics and promoting bipartisan support were crucial for passing significant legislation. * Educational Standards: Implementing high academic standards and accountability in Virginia’s education system was a major achievement. * Diversity and Merit: Success in governance and business should be based on meritocracy and equal opportunity, not imposed equality of outcomes. QUOTES * "Leadership is a perishable skill. Use it or lose it." * "The best social program of all is a job." * "Never make a promise unless you intend to keep it." * "Equal opportunity to compete and succeed on a level playing field is what we should aspire to in our country." * "It's amazing how much can get accomplished if you don't worry about who gets the credit." * "You need to have a passion and an enthusiasm coming from the genuineness of your mission." * "If you're going to shut this down, all these vendors and concessionaires deserve compensation because it's a public purpose." * "Focusing on the evidence and facts rather than just following orders blindly is crucial." About Robert: Robert is a #1 Best Selling Author, Speaker, Award-Winning CEO, and above all, a Leadership Coach by heart. Join Robert and together you will lead with confidence, unify your team, and expand your comfort zone. Where to find Robert: Website - https://robertpizzini.com/ [https://robertpizzini.com/] Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-your-leadership/id1547181480 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-your-leadership/id1547181480] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx9fuoZnq0--c1ttdckwLg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx9fuoZnq0--c1ttdckwLg]  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [http://megaphone.fm/adchoices] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Sergeant First Class retired Josh Lindstrom is a former US Army Infantryman and Green Beret who served with distinction during the Global War on Terror, earning two bronze stars and a purple heart. After leaving the military, Josh became an adaptive sports athlete and coach, as well as an advocate for wounded veterans through his work with the Blast Foundation, focusing on traumatic brain injury recovery. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode, Robert “Bob” Pizzini is joined by Josh Lindstrom, a retired US Army Infantryman and Green Beret, who shares his deep insights into the enduring impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) on veterans. Josh recounts his military career, his struggles with TBI, and how it almost led him to take his own life. Despite the severe challenges, Josh found hope and significant improvement through innovative stem cell treatments. Now, as the founder of the Blast Foundation, he advocates for better TBI treatment and awareness, aiming to help veterans receive the care they need. The discussion also touches on leadership, resilience, and Josh's passionate mission to continue serving his fellow veterans. This episode is a heartfelt and informative journey through the invisible wounds of war, the complex path to recovery, and the spirit of relentless leadership. Learn about all of these and more nuggets of insight in this latest episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in the Military: Josh Lindstrom highlights the severe impact of TBI among service members, often leading to unrecognized and untreated mental and physical health issues, contributing to high suicide rates. * Stem Cell Treatment for TBI: Josh passionately advocates for stem cell treatment as an effective solution for TBI recovery, sharing his own success with the procedure. * Challenges in Seeking Help: Josh shares his personal struggles in obtaining proper treatment through traditional military and VA channels, underscoring a systemic issue in recognizing and addressing non-visible injuries like TBI. * Importance of Humility in Leadership: Josh emphasizes that true leadership involves humility, understanding that failures are part of the journey, and learning to accept and grow from them. * Human Life Value: The initiative to provide stem cell treatment underscores the immense value of human life and the need to address medical needs beyond conventional approaches. QUOTES * "Pain is the body asking for stem cells." * "Leadership is getting people to know to do what you know must be done." * "Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a prevalent yet often invisible injury in the military, leading to severe long-term consequences if untreated." * "Prepare to have your ass kicked because it’s going to happen." About Robert: Robert is a #1 Best Selling Author, Speaker, Award-Winning CEO, and above all, a Leadership Coach by heart. Join Robert and together you will lead with confidence, unify your team, and expand your comfort zone. Where to find Robert: Website - https://robertpizzini.com/ [https://robertpizzini.com/] Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-your-leadership/id1547181480 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-your-leadership/id1547181480] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx9fuoZnq0--c1ttdckwLg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx9fuoZnq0--c1ttdckwLg]  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [http://megaphone.fm/adchoices] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Dr. Johnny Garcia is a distinguished entrepreneur and technology leader, celebrated for founding and leading multiple successful businesses, including SimIS Inc. Inspired by his humble beginnings on the cotton fields of Lubbock, Texas, and driven by a commitment to service, Dr. Garcia has become a prominent figure in modeling and simulation, as well as healthcare innovation. With degrees from Old Dominion University, St. Leo College, and Florida Institute of Technology, he has contributed significantly to various community service initiatives and serves on numerous boards, including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Hampton Roads Workforce Council. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode, Robert “Bob” Pizzini is joined by Dr. Johnny Garcia, founder and CEO of SimIS Inc. Dr. Garcia shares his journey from growing up in poverty in Texas to becoming a successful entrepreneur and community leader. Bob and Johnny discuss his educational background, military service, and the various business ventures he has undertaken, including his work in modeling and simulation, cybersecurity, and medical simulation. They also delve into the importance of leadership, community involvement, and overcoming challenges in business. This insightful conversation highlights the key elements of leadership and perseverance that have driven Dr. Garcia's success. Learn about all of these and more nuggets of insight in this latest episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Importance of Lifelong Learning: Johnny Garcia emphasizes continuous education and learning from experiences, suggesting that one can continuously evolve as a leader. * Adapting Leadership Styles: Leadership methods must adapt to the changing workforce and environment, focusing on work harmony and employee satisfaction. * Community Involvement: Active involvement in the community can provide significant business benefits and helps in personal and professional growth. * Innovation and Adaptability: Success in business often involves adapting to failure and finding new opportunities, such as Garcia’s movement from military simulation to healthcare and other verticals. * Value of Military Service: Military experience can serve as an excellent foundation for leadership, discipline, and entrepreneurial ventures. QUOTES * "You have to constantly be educating yourself. Lifelong learning is key." * "In order to be successful in any business, you have to be audacious." * "Happy employees do better work; it’s about work harmony, not just work-life balance." * "Where else in the entire world could I go from working in the cotton fields at 12 years old to what I'm doing today? Only in this great country." About Robert: Robert is a #1 Best Selling Author, Speaker, Award-Winning CEO, and above all, a Leadership Coach by heart. Join Robert and together you will lead with confidence, unify your team, and expand your comfort zone. Where to find Robert: Website - https://robertpizzini.com/ [https://robertpizzini.com/] Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-your-leadership/id1547181480 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-your-leadership/id1547181480] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx9fuoZnq0--c1ttdckwLg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx9fuoZnq0--c1ttdckwLg]  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [http://megaphone.fm/adchoices] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Trevor Maxwell is a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief EOD Technician who served over 20 years. He has transitioned into a career in financial services, working to help military personnel and their families make informed financial decisions. Trevor is also a dedicated advocate for veterans, offering insights and support for those navigating the complexities of military transition. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode, Robert “Bob” Pizzini is joined with U.S. Navy Special Operations Veteran and financial consultant Trevor Maxwell. They discuss Trevor's journey from his challenging high school years to his extensive career in military service, culminating in over 20 years with the Navy, predominantly as an EOD technician. Trevor shares his pivotal decision to join the military, his experiences on multiple deployments, and the impact of the loss of his friend Scott Dayton. Transitioning into his current role, Trevor focuses on helping military personnel manage their finances post-service. The conversation covers the intricacies of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), the importance of financial literacy, and Trevor's efforts in providing educational content through platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube. They also touch upon current events, including Trevor's insights on the recent Las Vegas vehicle-born IED incident. Learn about all of these and more nuggets of insight in this latest episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Transition Challenges: Trevor Maxwell highlights the challenges and strategies involved in transitioning from a military to a civilian career. * Financial Planning: Emphasis on the importance of financial literacy, especially for military personnel transitioning to civilian life. Discusses the pros and cons of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and private life insurance. * Leadership Development: The importance of cultivating leadership skills and maintaining physical and mental wellness. * Commemorating Fallen Comrades: Insights on honoring and memorializing fallen heroes like Scott Dayton. QUOTES * "Leadership is a perishable skill, use it or lose it." * "If somebody is like, don't push that, I'm like, that button's getting pushed." * "I'm trying to teach people how to think versus what to think about these things and make well-informed decisions." * "You can see there's some inherent issues there that in comparison to private sector alternatives, i.e., life insurance, may or may not be the best deal for you." About Robert: Robert is a #1 Best Selling Author, Speaker, Award-Winning CEO, and above all, a Leadership Coach by heart. Join Robert and together you will lead with confidence, unify your team, and expand your comfort zone. Where to find Robert: Website - https://robertpizzini.com/ [https://robertpizzini.com/] Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-your-leadership/id1547181480 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-your-leadership/id1547181480] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx9fuoZnq0--c1ttdckwLg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx9fuoZnq0--c1ttdckwLg]  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [http://megaphone.fm/adchoices] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Adam Dobbins is a former Navy SEAL and the CEO and owner of Grow Depot, the largest hydroponic store in Virginia. With over 30 years of combined experience in military service, civilian leadership, and military contracting, Adam has dedicated his life to improving wellness practices for veterans and first responders. His endeavors in both the military and private sectors have greatly impacted the community, making him a valuable voice in discussions on leadership, health, and wellness. SHOW SUMMARY In this episode, Robert “Bob” Pizzini is joined by Adam Dobbins, former Navy SEAL and CEO of Grow Depot. They dive deep into Adam's journey from military service to becoming a successful entrepreneur. The discussion covers Adam's experience with leadership, overcoming personal health challenges, his transition from the military, and the founding of Grow Depot, Virginia's largest hydroponic store. Adam also discusses his involvement with various veteran support initiatives, including the VETS program, and his experiences with alternative health methodologies like plant medicine. Throughout the conversation, Adam shares insights into his business philosophies, personal hardships, and the transformative power of service dogs and veteran support networks. Learn about all of these and more nuggets of insight in this latest episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Leadership and Veterans: Adam Dobbins' journey from Navy SEAL to business owner highlights the transition challenges veterans face and the importance of strong leadership to navigate new ventures. * Health and Wellness: Chronic pain and mental health are significant issues for veterans. Adam’s use of plant medicine and alternative therapies such as yoga and canine companionship underscores the need for holistic approaches to health. * Business Challenges: Opening and running Grow Depot has been one of Adam's toughest challenges, emphasizing the necessity of adaptability, resourcefulness, and structured leadership in business. * Support Systems: Organizations like Vets (Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions) and community support play critical roles in veteran recovery, highlighting the importance of tailored resources for veterans. * Resilience and Perseverance: Adam's experiences with severe injury, loss, and business struggles underscore the value of resilience and the continuous pursuit of well-being and purpose. QUOTES * "Being a leader is like running a pirate ship, but even a pirate ship has a captain." * * "Leadership requires people to look up to you and trust you, playing a role that they can look up to." * * "My employees get the book to read because it helps them understand what the company is all about and assess their level of engagement." * * "What does a day look like without back pain? It’s unimaginable right now, but I'll keep fighting." * * "You have to be very careful with the gray areas in business, especially with how much scrutiny veterans businesses can face." About Robert: Robert is a #1 Best Selling Author, Speaker, Award-Winning CEO, and above all, a Leadership Coach by heart. Join Robert and together you will lead with confidence, unify your team, and expand your comfort zone. Where to find Robert: Website - https://robertpizzini.com/ [https://robertpizzini.com/] Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-your-leadership/id1547181480 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevate-your-leadership/id1547181480] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx9fuoZnq0--c1ttdckwLg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx9fuoZnq0--c1ttdckwLg]  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [http://megaphone.fm/adchoices] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]