Steve Wideman: Taking empathy, sales skills, and relationships to build disruptive technology

From Silent Struggle to Self-Belief | Agnel Etienne on Debt, Depression, MMA, DJing & Reinventing

What happens when you realize the life you worked so hard to build still doesn't make you happy? In this episode of the Beyond Self Made podcast, Agnel Etienne shares an incredibly honest story about growing up through financial struggle, battling anxiety and depression in silence, and ultimately rebuilding his life through small wins, discipline, and the willingness to try new things. From painful childhood experiences and crushing student loan debt, to moving across the country for a fresh start, Agnel opens up about the moments that changed everything. We dive into therapy, personal growth, combat sports, confidence building, DJing, resilience, and why doing hard things can completely transform your life. This conversation is about much more than success. It's about becoming the person you were meant to be - one uncomfortable step at a time. Topics include: Anxiety and silent depression Overcoming self-doubt Paying off $185,000 in debt Moving from New Jersey to Arizona MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and personal growth Building confidence through hard experiences DJing and entrepreneurship Small wins that change your life Learning to embrace discomfort Why "trying new things" matters If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, uncertain, or afraid to reinvent yourself, this episode is for you. Listen now and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that growth starts the moment you stop running from discomfort. #BeyondSelfMade #Podcast #MentalHealth #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth #MMA #JiuJitsu #MuayThai #Entrepreneurship #DebtFreeJourney #Motivation #Mindset #Resilience #Leadership #AnxietyRecovery #TryNewThings #CareerGrowth #Confidence #MensMentalHealth #Transformation #DJLife #CombatSports #GrowthMindset #MichaelGreenwalt

Built Under Pressure: The Leadership, Resilience, and Relentless Execution Behind Real Success

In this episode of Beyond Self Made, Michael sits down with Rebecca Masters, CEO, entrepreneur, and one of the most quietly formidable leaders you will ever meet. Just ten days after welcoming a newborn, Rebecca shows up for a raw and wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond business. From losing her mother at a young age, to accelerating through life with relentless drive, to navigating divorce, danger, and rebuilding from the ground up, this is a story of resilience in its purest form. What makes Rebecca different is not just her story. It is how she operates. From managing VIP experiences in Las Vegas to leading high stakes cybersecurity initiatives for global organizations, she has built a reputation for something rare. White glove leadership in environments where failure is common. In this episode, we explore: * The hidden power of belief and how it shapes your trajectory * Why most technology projects fail and what actually makes them succeed * The role of trust, relationships, and human judgment in a technology driven world * What it really takes to lead under pressure * Turning adversity into forward momentum * Why people first leadership still wins, even in cybersecurity Rebecca's journey proves something most people overlook. Success is not built on perfect timing. It is built on showing up, staying in the fight, and refusing to let the mission fail. If you are navigating uncertainty, building something meaningful, or pushing to reach the next level in your career or leadership, this episode will stay with you. leadership, entrepreneurship, resilience, mindset, personal growth, career growth, business leadership, high performance, cybersecurity leadership, change management, executive leadership, organizational transformation, women in leadership, startup growth, consulting, overcoming adversity, life after loss, rebuilding your life, mental toughness, discipline, purpose driven life, career reinvention, leadership in the age of AI, human judgment, business podcast, motivational podcast, success stories

Leadership, Reinvention & the Gold Nugget Mindset | How to Win in the Age of AI

Feeling stuck in your career? Worried about AI replacing jobs? In this powerful episode, Michael Greenwalt reveals the leadership mindset, reinvention strategies, and daily habits that can transform your future. In this solo episode of the Beyond Self Made Podcast, Michael Greenwalt shares a masterclass on leadership, career growth, resilience, and adapting in the age of AI. Drawing from experience across military service, fire leadership, banking, entrepreneurship, and consulting, Michael breaks down the habits and mindset shifts that separate those who stagnate from those who rise. You'll learn why teams outperform individuals, how great leaders gain influence beyond their title, why mentorship and succession planning matter, and how micro-gains create macro results over time. Michael also gets candid about battling depression and self-doubt, and how small victories can pull you forward when motivation disappears. Whether you're early in your career, stuck in middle management, reinventing yourself, or trying to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world, this episode is packed with practical wisdom you can apply immediately. The future doesn't belong to AI alone, it belongs to those who learn how to use it. Key Topics Covered: - Leadership without a title - Career reinvention strategies - Building stronger teams - Extreme ownership & accountability - Why calmness is contagious - How AI is changing careers - Micro habits that change your life - Small wins during depression & doubt - Dreaming bigger again leadership, career growth, self improvement, mindset, career reinvention, AI jobs, future of work, motivation, entrepreneurship, management, middle management, personal development, resilience, teamwork, productivity, Michael Greenwalt, Beyond Self Made, success habits, emotional intelligence, leadership training

AI Is Moving Faster Than Humanity - Why Governance Is the Only Way Forward - with Tim Kuglin

What if the biggest risk with artificial intelligence isn't what it can do, but who (or what) is controlling it? In this episode of Beyond Self-Made, Michael Greenwalt sits down with experimental engineer and AI pioneer Tim Kuglin; someone who isn't just using AI, but actively building the systems that will govern it. From early satellite communications and video conferencing innovation to today's cutting-edge work in AI governance through the RQLab and Zipr AI, Tim shares a rare inside look at what's actually happening behind the scenes of the AI revolution. This conversation goes far beyond surface-level AI hype. You'll hear: * Why AI is no longer just a tool - but something that acts * The hidden dangers of rapid AI development without governance * Why "close enough" can be catastrophic in high-stakes environments * How human + AI partnerships may be the only viable future * The philosophy behind building technology that prioritizes humanity over profit If you're a founder, operator, or anyone trying to stay relevant in the next 3–10 years, this is a conversation you can't afford to miss. Because the real question isn't whether AI will change the world… It's whether we'll be ready for it. Learn more: https://www.zipr.ai [https://www.zipr.ai] https://www.rqlab.ai [https://www.rqlab.ai]

Steve Wideman: Taking empathy, sales skills, and relationships to build disruptive technology

Most entrepreneurs chase ideas: they rarely get the courage to bet on themselves. Steve Wideman, CEO of Ionite, did just that by leaving behind a decades-long career in enterprise sales to transform an industry with speed, simplicity, and relentless empathy. His journey from hospitality in Houston to leading a tech startup is a masterclass in daring to rewrite your own story, and proving that no background should limit your impact. In this episode, Steve shares how a deep-rooted fraternity bond and his unwavering confidence helped him navigate the chaos of startup life. You'll discover: the power of building genuine relationships over product pitches, why being willing to fail is the key to unprecedented innovation, and how a simple story to his daughter became a transformative business idea - proving that empathy fuels entrepreneurship. He reveals behind-the-scenes moments of risking a career move and winning big - by flying solo to meet Chicago prospects, and how that leap changed everything. We break down real-world insights on how to sell yourself, not just your product. You'll learn how leadership rooted in authenticity attracts top talent, why the fastest path to success is often through the lessons of failure, and how legacy-building isn't a gimmick but a deliberate act. Steve's passion for societal impact - speeding healthcare innovation and empowering startups - demonstrates that true success is measured by the lives we influence. This is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, sales leaders, and anyone craving a blueprint for turning risk into reward. If you believe that relationships trump technology, and that heartfelt storytelling can spark billion-dollar ideas, this episode is a must-listen. Join Steve as he explains why the best teams, the right mindset, and relentless determination put you ahead in a world obsessed with quick wins, and remind us all that success is a journey of persistence, human connection, and one bold step at a time. https://ionite.com [https://ionite.com] https://www.linkedin.com/in/wideman1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wideman1/] #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Leadership #Empathy #StartupJourney #BusinessSuccess #stepbystep #TechIndustry #CareerShift #Authenticity