192: Jerome Stewart & Darius Mirshahzadeh - How To Navigate AI

194: Henry Goodnow - Brutal Lessons from Building Trust, Fast

What if the secret to breaking through wasn’t talent but choosing the harder path, even when “good enough” should be enough? In this revealing episode, Matt Stewart sits down with Henry Goodnow to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to stand out as a young leader and entrepreneur right now. They go far beyond résumés, diving into the pressure of building trust in small towns, the brutal truth about indecision, and what happens when you commit to seeing things through—no matter how uncomfortable it gets. If you think you need experience to be ready for anything, this conversation challenges that head-on. Miss this, and you risk sleepwalking through opportunities that will never return. Listen now to uncover rare mindsets and tactical wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS 00:31 – The definition of excellence that flips “good enough” on its head 04:54 – Can you really work and play three sports in high school? A myth busted 10:48 – The brutal surprise of starting a business where nobody knows your name 13:42 – What most people get wrong about decisiveness and commitment 19:53 – How choosing harder paths transforms your reputation and outcomes 24:50 – The yellow card wisdom: Make a decision, then make it right 32:46 – When messing up earns respect (if you do this one thing) 41:40 – Why most young people get stuck—and the fastest way out ABOUT THE GUEST Henry Goodnow is a fast-rising entrepreneur, currently leading teams and divisions within the College Works organization. He has managed over 100 people and millions in revenue before age 23, earning a reputation for radical accountability, coach-style leadership, and relentless pursuit of better outcomes. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-goodnow-91b930318/] MENTIONED RESOURCES * College Works * Handshake (college recruiting platform) * YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) IMPORTANT LINKS * Grow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG) [https://rebrand.ly/acb9b9] * Join our Student Professional Program: Internship Application [https://rebrand.ly/0e0f13] * Connect with Matt on LinkedIn [https://rebrand.ly/a571d1] * Watch full interviews on YouTube [https://rebrand.ly/56fe17] The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand [https://rebrand.ly/pybms2026].

193: Crush Fear: Your First Business Launch Survival Guide - CWP Executive Team (Sean Phelps, Jack Kratcha, Brett Apel, Tyler McCullough, Kory Finley, and Tyler Schuster)

Are you secretly wondering if you have what it takes to survive your first real business challenge... or if you’ll fumble and flame out like everyone fears? This roundtable episode brings together the boldest voices from the College Works Painting executive team as they pull back the curtain on launching businesses in your 20s, conquering the fear of failure, and learning to own your setbacks (and your victories). You’ll hear real stories of panic, poor decisions, painful learning, and turning chaos into confidence from being terrified of sales, to losing all your employees at a backyard BBQ, to thriving despite every reason not to. If you want battle-tested strategies and truth bombs that rise above cliches, tune in now. Step past the self-doubt and excuses. Get the exclusive mindset secrets, hard-won tactics, and support you can’t find anywhere else... especially when the only thing between you and success is the courage to keep moving. Skip it, and risk making the same painful mistakes without the blueprint to win. This episode delivers candid wisdom forged in the fire, only from leaders who’ve walked it for real. Listen now! TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS 00:33 – The surprising truth every new founder ignores (but pays for) 06:39 – The one assessment that saves years of painful missteps 09:59 – When fear of failure nearly stopped them cold and what flipped the script 13:55 – The brutal lesson of losing your entire team at once 19:44 – The painful production disaster that became a turning point 26:25 – The costly mistake every first-time entrepreneur makes and how to fix it 34:07 – The strategy that tripled sales and crushed self-doubt 41:32 – The one mindset shift you need to break through your ceiling ABOUT THE GUEST Sean Phelps, President at College Works Painting, is a leadership-minded entrepreneur who once believed business ownership was only possible in mid-life. Instead, he dove in early, learning to blend hard work with effective organization and team leadership. Sean’s transformation came from realizing leadership is less about personal output and more about enabling others to succeed. He stands out for his ability to assess failures honestly, refine systems, and mentor others on their journey to excellence. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-phelps-2754782/] Jack Kratcha, President at College Works Painting, is proof that you don’t need decades of experience to make an impact in business. Jack began his academic journey studying actuarial science and crunching numbers before pivoting into entrepreneurship, drawn by the opportunity to build something real and lasting. He credits his success to “going all in” channeling his energy into his business and leveraging every learning moment. Jack stands out for his resilience, willingness to take risks, and his ability to keep a level head amid setbacks. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackkratcha] Brett Apel, Vice President at College Works Painting, is an accomplished young leader with a background shaped by hard work, adaptability, and a deep desire to learn from every challenge. Growing up with a tax accountant father, Brett first considered a traditional business path, but quickly discovered his passion for sales, leadership, and entrepreneurship. He’s known for his willingness to ask questions, leverage networks, and pivot quickly transforming early failures into later success. Brett’s journey showcases how embracing discomfort and seeking mentorship can skyrocket growth. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-apel-932b57191/] Tyler McCullough, Vice President at College Works Painting, approaches every venture with analytical rigor and a commitment to tracking results. Originally set on becoming an engineer, he shifted into business and leadership, moving from a science and math background into the world of entrepreneurship. Tyler learned the power of ownership taking responsibility for both failures and successes and developed a knack for rapid self-improvement through self-reflection and data-driven action. He exemplifies how changing directions and mindsets leads to unexpected achievement. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-mccullough-a7b79024b/] Kory Finley, Vice President at College Works Painting, grew up immersed in entrepreneurship from running a cattle business with his brothers in Colby, Kansas, to thriving in fast-paced business environments. Kory brings a pragmatic, coachable spirit to every challenge, never shying away from hard lessons or feedback. He’s motivated by self-reliance, a curiosity about what makes businesses work, and a preference for hands-on leadership. Kory’s drive comes from a desire to continuously learn, grow, and elevate those around him. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/koryfinley] Tyler Schuster, Vice President at College Works Painting, is a former collegiate quarterback who translated the discipline and teamwork of college football into entrepreneurial leadership. With a degree in business administration and a focus on sales and management, Tyler’s journey reflects adaptability and self-belief. Despite uncertainty about his long-term goals at first, he soon discovered a love for real estate development and business-building. Tyler’s story illustrates the importance of persistence, self-confidence, and embracing discomfort to fuel a career of impact. 🔗 LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/tyler-schuster-6255092ba] MENTIONED RESOURCES * University of Wisconsin-Madison [https://www.wisc.edu/] * Grand Valley State University [https://www.gvsu.edu/] * University of Sioux Falls [https://www.usiouxfalls.edu/] * StrengthsFinder [https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/254033/strengthsfinder.aspx] * DISC personality assessment [https://discpersonalitytesting.com/free-disc-test/] * Thomas Edison [https://sites.psu.edu/wilsonpassion/2020/11/05/thomas-edison/] (as a frame for failing forward) IMPORTANT LINKS * Grow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG) [https://rebrand.ly/acb9b9] * Join our Student Professional Program: Internship Application [https://rebrand.ly/0e0f13] * Connect with Matt on LinkedIn [https://rebrand.ly/a571d1] * Watch full interviews on YouTube [https://rebrand.ly/56fe17] The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand [https://rebrand.ly/pybms2026].

192: Jerome Stewart & Darius Mirshahzadeh - How To Navigate AI

Are you ready for a world where your knowledge job could disappear overnight? In this explosive conversation, Matt Stewart and Sean Phelps dive in with Jerome Stewart and Darius Mirshahzadeh to uncover the pace, risks, and surprising opportunities behind the AI upheaval transforming every industry. These world-recognized AI experts cut through the hype to reveal who wins, who gets left behind, and the essential skillsets you need right now. This episode delivers the raw, practical playbook for adapting and thriving in the new AI-first era. Miss this, and you risk getting locked out of tomorrow’s job market or watching your business fade away. Catch it now for exclusive strategies you won’t hear anywhere else, and get the jump on everyone still waiting for things to settle. TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS 00:48 – Why 2026 is a shock year for AI advances and productivity 04:04 – The jaw-dropping moment AI replaced work in seconds 06:08 – Brutal reality: Should most knowledge work even be done by humans? 09:45 – Handshake skills and the surprising future of sales in an AI world 12:19 – The new knowledge work that 20-somethings must master to stand out 14:06 – How hiring has flipped: Entry-level jobs and unemployment decoded 18:13 – Why anyone can become an AI builder in just months 27:12 – Physical jobs, digital robots, and training tomorrow’s workforce 45:25 – The Internet moment: Why even a small AI adoption triggers wipeout ABOUT THE GUEST Jerome Stewart is a recognized expert in artificial intelligence and business process optimization, known for his hands-on approach to leveraging AI for 2x and even 3x productivity gains. As a leader with the White Feathers Group, Jerome Stewart dives deep into marketing, workflow automation, and the transformative power of large language models like Claude. He has a knack for demystifying emerging technology, training teams, and encouraging young professionals to lean into AI-driven change. Jerome Stewart also champions the importance of human connection, emphasizing skills like discernment and relationship-building that AI can’t replace. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeromestewart/] | Website [https://whitefeathergroup.com/] Darius Mirshahzadeh is a forward-thinking entrepreneur and business leader. He is the chairman of AI It and the host of The Greatness Machine podcast. Featured by Fortune magazine as an AI expert, he specializes in helping organizations automate knowledge work and redefine their tech stacks using AI-first strategies. He is known for his candid assessments of the job market, his ability to break down complex trends, and his passion for building teams skilled in automation platforms and agent-building. With a focus on practical implementation, Darius Mirshahzadeh is a leading voice at the intersection of leadership, automation, and future-of-work innovation. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/] | Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-greatness-machine/id1555334180] MENTIONED RESOURCES * Claude [http://claude.ai] (AI platform) * ChatGPT [http://chatgpt.com] * Gemini [http://gemini.google.com] * Perplexity [https://www.perplexity.ai/] * N8N [https://n8n.io/] * Make [http://make.com] * OpenClaw [http://openclaw.ai] * Core Value Equation Book [https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708] * YouTube [http://youtube.com] (for AI tutorials and deep dives) IMPORTANT LINKS * Grow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG) [https://rebrand.ly/acb9b9] * Join our Student Professional Program: Internship Application [https://rebrand.ly/0e0f13] * Connect with Matt on LinkedIn [https://rebrand.ly/a571d1] * Watch full interviews on YouTube [https://rebrand.ly/56fe17] The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand [https://rebrand.ly/pybms2026].

191: Stephen Bauer - Secrets of Excellence Most Never Share

Have you ever wondered what truly separates elite performers from everyone else, not just in business, but in life? In this emotionally charged episode, guest host Sean Phelps sits down with Stephen Bauer, a nationally recognized wealth advisor who climbed from uncertain college beginnings to managing director and Forbes Next Gen honoree. Together, they explore the real drivers of sustained excellence from finding your “why” to leading through adversity and building teams that win long after you’ve left the spotlight. If you settle for surface-level career advice, you’ll miss what makes top financial leaders tick, especially the strategies most never teach. Listen now for an insider’s look at the habits, choices, and mindset shifts that could change your approach to success, before someone else takes your edge. TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS 02:06 – The brutally honest reason “effort” beats talent every time 07:49 – Why your success will mirror your inner circle 13:06 – The true story behind Stephen’s pivot from engineering to finance 17:14 – How one relationship shortcut Stephen’s entire career trajectory 23:27 – The painful loss that fueled a new level of ambition 27:32 – Breaking down the “niche advantage” to dominate any market 32:27 – The bold career risk that turned into an unfair advantage 44:35 – The overlooked lesson top leaders wish they learned sooner ABOUT THE GUEST Stephen Bauer is Managing Director at United Capital Financial Advisors, multiple-year Forbes Next Gen Wealth Advisor, and widely recognized as one of America’s leading millennial financial advisors. He brings decades of proven results, including 11 Five Star Professional awards and national acclaim for his expertise in helping clients achieve real-world peace of mind through values-driven financial planning. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephendbauer] | Website [https://unitedcapitalwealth.com/team/stephen-bauer/] MENTIONED RESOURCES * Forbes Next Gen Wealth Advisors [https://www.forbes.com/lists/top-next-gen-advisors/] * Simon Sinek [https://simonsinek.com/] * Michael Kitces [https://www.kitces.com/] * Zig Ziglar [https://www.ziglar.com/] * College Works Painting [https://collegeworks.com/] IMPORTANT LINKS * Grow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG) [https://rebrand.ly/acb9b9] * Join our Student Professional Program: Internship Application [https://rebrand.ly/0e0f13] * Connect with Matt on LinkedIn [https://rebrand.ly/a571d1] * Watch full interviews on YouTube [https://rebrand.ly/56fe17] The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand [https://rebrand.ly/pybms2026].

190: Carter Zirbes - Break Through Average: Unleash Your Inner Excellence Now

Are you stuck at the edge of your potential, wondering how to leap ahead of the crowd? In this raw conversation, Matt Stewart pulls back the curtain with Carter Zirbes, an industrial engineering standout and relentless reinventer who has raised $40,000 for cancer research, run million-dollar teams, and mastered the art of pivoting through setbacks. Today’s episode is about more than career trajectories. It’s about the inner battles, owning brutal mistakes, finding mentors when none exist, and refusing to coast when you could climb. Discover the “embrace the suck” mindset, the power of extreme ownership, and the real reason successful people never truly feel satisfied. If you want to avoid mediocrity and play at the highest level, you cannot afford to miss this exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at what separates the excellent from everyone else. Listen now, before the next opportunity passes you by, or you convince yourself that good enough is really enough. TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS 00:25 – The shocking truth about engineering internships most students ignore 02:30 – Why excellence is a moving target and why that actually matters 08:11 – Raising $40,000 for cancer as a teen: The hustle behind the headlines 15:28 – What to do when you have no mentors or support system 19:07 – How a personality test rewrote Carter’s entire career trajectory 26:23 – The “embrace the suck” principle that catapults personal growth 31:06 – The moment extreme ownership flipped customer disaster into loyalty 36:43 – Tradeoffs, FOMO, and the real story on sacrifice versus balance ABOUT THE GUEST Carter Zirbes is a senior industrial engineering student at Iowa State University and a standout leader with CollegeWorks, where he’s managed million-dollar teams and raised tens of thousands for cancer research. Known for his rare blend of technical ability and people skills, Carter brings proven success in both sales and engineering leadership roles. 🔗 LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/carter-zirbes-8480b9100] MENTIONED RESOURCES * Miracles of Mitch Foundation [https://people.com/dad-promises-9-year-old-dying-cancer-to-help-others-pinky-swear-foundation-exclusive-11867949] * DISC Assessment [https://www.discprofile.com/what-is-disc] * Iowa State University [https://www.iastate.edu/] * University of Minnesota [https://twin-cities.umn.edu/] * Jets Pizza [https://www.jetspizza.com/] IMPORTANT LINKS * Grow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG) [https://rebrand.ly/acb9b9] * Join our Student Professional Program: Internship Application [https://rebrand.ly/0e0f13] * Connect with Matt on LinkedIn [https://rebrand.ly/a571d1] * Watch full interviews on YouTube [https://rebrand.ly/56fe17] The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand [https://rebrand.ly/pybms2026].