S2.EP53 - Discipline & Success w/ Dave Crull, CFO at Jackson Square Aviation & BJJ Black Belt

S2.EP53 - Discipline & Success w/ Dave Crull, CFO at Jackson Square Aviation & BJJ Black Belt

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 aircraft mechanic to finance executive was shaped by major change, hard lessons, and a commitment to growth. The conversation also explores mentorship, longevity, humility, adaptability, and how AI is reshaping the future of finance and business. If you’re interested in leadership, personal development, martial arts, executive coaching, and the mindset required to stay resilient in high-pressure environments, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom.

S2.EP52 - The Boardroom Journey w/ Dr. Keith Dorsey, Seasoned Board Member & Author

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 a masterclass in how intentionality and relationship-building open doors most overlook. In this episode, Keith shares actionable insights on cultivating the network that matters—by showing up authentically and adding value where it counts. You'll discover how to craft your personal brand in every conversation, leveraging every interaction as an interview for your next board role. He breaks down how to identify and fill the skill gaps that make you "board ready"—without relying solely on qualifications, but through strategic self-investment. Keith also dives into the importance of understanding diversity from a deeper, more impactful perspective—one rooted in community, differing perspectives, and authentic inclusion. He challenges the myths around meritocracy and explains how to shift from just doing good to being seen as a must-have in any boardroom. Plus, he offers practical advice for high-level executives seeking to break into boards, emphasizing the power of nonprofit service and intentional career planning over time.

S2.EP51 - Fall In Love With The Problem with Aftab Banth, Podcast Host & Former CISO of Tik Tok

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 him lead at global giants like TikTok and how trust fundamentally changes the way security functions within a business. You’ll discover why doing the simple things well can prevent the biggest failures, how vulnerability accelerates team cohesion, and why authenticity is the most effective form of leadership. His approach challenges the conventional tech mindset, emphasizing that technical expertise alone isn't enough—it's about human connection, integrity, and the courage to show imperfections. We break down actionable insights on how to influence across cultures, manage rapid technological change (like AI), and build a security strategy rooted in trust rather than fear. Aftab emphasizes that success is not about being perfect but about continuous growth—something every leader and aspiring professional needs to hear in today’s fast-moving world. If you're navigating complexity or trying to influence at scale, this episode offers clarity and courage to lead with authenticity. Whether you're a seasoned security executive, a startup founder, or climbing the corporate ladder, you'll leave with a new perspective: true leadership starts with vulnerability and trust. Get ready to rethink what it means to lead effectively in a complex, interconnected world.

S2.EP50 - 50th Episode Special: Black Belts vs The Boardroom

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 humility, patience, and continuous learning—values reinforced through decades of martial arts discipline. You'll discover how earning every belt, especially the elusive black belt, mirrors leadership development: it's not about titles but about mastering oneself and giving back to others. Renard and Amir share candid stories of their own progression, the humility of coming close to giving up, and why humility is the real strength in leadership. Key insights include: the importance of patience in growth, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and the mindset shift from chasing titles to serving others. You'll learn how martial arts foster resilience, teach you to embrace failure as an opportunity, and develop mental toughness that withstands life's crises. Whether you're in corporate America or just starting your leadership journey, these lessons help you develop grit, adaptability, and empathy—traits that make you truly formidable. This episode is essential for anyone seeking practical, timeless principles to elevate their leadership through the lens of martial arts wisdom. It's about more than fighting; it's about fighting for your best self and lifting others along the way. If you’re ready to unlock your true potential, sharpen your focus, and lead with humility and confidence, this conversation is your blueprint. Whether you're a martial artist, a corporate leader, or simply someone eager to become better—this episode will inspire you to see leadership differently: as a continuous journey of humility, growth, and service. Hit play and redefine what it means to be a leader.

S2.EP49 - AI is AutoMagicial w/Monica Marquez, Speaker & Co-Founder of FlipWork

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 your impact. Monica, a seasoned leader with a 25-year career spanning Goldman Sachs, Google, and now founder of Flipwork, shares how her martial arts discipline, global experience, and passion for empowering women shape her approach to AI-driven leadership. She details how reframing your view of AI as a tool for collective intelligence—like an agentic teammate—can elevate your impact exponentially. You'll discover how her innovative AI transformation system, Flippy, acts as a safe space for reflection, helping leaders shed old identities tied to mundane tasks and embrace high-value, strategic work. We break down the importance of social learning in technology adoption—how community accelerates mastery—and why vulnerability and psychological safety matter more than ever in a fast-moving AI landscape. Monica shares practical strategies for women re-entering the workforce postpartum or taking career breaks, emphasizing that everyone, regardless of background, can reinvent themselves with AI at their side. Plus, her insights on deconstructing workflows, challenging the reliance on effort-based rewards, and staying critical in an age of auto-magical solutions will reshape how you think about your role in the new digital economy. This episode isn’t just about adopting tools—it's about transforming your identity as a leader and a lifelong learner. Monica’s perspective is a call to action for anyone who refuses to let AI displace their purpose but instead uses it to amplify their authentic impact. Perfect for leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers ready to level up—because your next chapter depends on it.