CEO Unscripted Ep. 21 | Michael Johnson on Leadership, Resilience, and Building Value in an Uncertain World

CEO Unscripted Ep. 21 | Michael Johnson on Leadership, Resilience, and Building Value in an Uncertain World

What if the biggest challenge in your career… is actually your biggest opportunity? In this episode, we sit down with Michael Johnson—Founder & CEO of MW Johnson Holdings, parent company of Peak Tree Roofing & Exteriors Atlanta and TC Roofing & Restoration Dallas. Hosted by Caden Vittorini, this conversation breaks down what students and young professionals really need to understand before entering the workforce. From: 📉 Losing his college scholarship ➡️ Door-to-door sales ➡️ Financial collapse during the 2008 crisis ➡️ Sleeping on a friend’s couch ➡️ Building and scaling multiple successful companies No straight path. No easy wins. 💡 What you’ll learn: • Why you don’t need to have your life figured out in college • How adversity can become your greatest advantage • The mindset shift needed to navigate uncertainty (including AI) • Why increasing your value is the key to long-term success • The role of courage, discipline, and EQ in leadership • How asking better questions leads to better outcomes The biggest takeaway? 👉 “Ask empowering questions—because the questions you ask yourself will shape your actions, your mindset, and your future.” If you’re in college, early in your career, or trying to level up—this is for you. 🎧 Watch now / listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts 🔗 www.thescla.org [http://www.thescla.org] 📌 @the_SCLA #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Motivation #CEOUnscripted

CEO Unscripted Ep. 19 | Trey Vick on Leadership, Resilience, and Building a Career Without a Straight Path

In this episode of SCLA’s CEO Unscripted Speaker Series, we sit down with Trey Vick, CEO of V3 Capital Group, Classic Home Health Services, and Strive Senior Living. With a background in commercial real estate, banking, and private equity, Trey brings a unique perspective on leadership, growth, and navigating an unconventional career path. Hosted by Caden Vittorini, this conversation explores what students and young professionals should understand before entering the workforce—and the lessons Trey wishes he knew in college. Trey shares his journey from playing college baseball and starting in pre-med to joining the United States Air Force, and ultimately becoming a CEO leading multiple organizations. He breaks down how resilience, adaptability, and a people-first mindset have shaped his success. In this episode, we cover: • Why you don’t need to have everything figured out in college • The career decision that changed Trey’s trajectory • How military experience built real-world leadership skills • Balancing ambition, family, and long-term success • Why starting before you feel ready gives you an advantage • The difference between being a boss and a true leader Key takeaway: “Work hard, do what you love, stay focused—and take other people on the journey with you.” This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone navigating college, early career decisions, or leadership growth. Subscribe for more conversations with today’s CEOs and founders. Instagram: @the_SCLA Website: www.thescla.org [http://www.thescla.org]

CEO Larry Sands — Leadership, Communication, and Building a Career That Lasts

In Episode 18 of the SCLA CEO Unscripted Speaker Series, we sit down with Larry Sands, seasoned broadcast executive, entrepreneur, and leadership coach, to explore the realities of building a successful career and the lessons that only come from real-world experience. With more than 25 years of leadership across major media markets, Larry shares the journey that took him from selling radio advertising in a small North Carolina town to leading major operations at Univision, including serving as President of Univision Puerto Rico and General Manager in Chicago and Sacramento. Today, he is the President of Creative Bone Consulting and Management, where he works with organizations across industries to help leaders grow with intention and build stronger teams. Throughout the conversation, Larry reflects on the myths he believed as a college student—including the idea that strong grades alone would lead to immediate career success. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of gaining real-world experience, learning from setbacks, and staying open to opportunities that may push you outside of your comfort zone. Larry also dives into one of the most overlooked leadership skills in today’s workforce: communication. He explains why the ability to listen, build relationships, and communicate clearly can set emerging leaders apart in a rapidly evolving professional environment. From navigating generational shifts in the workplace to building habits that lead to long-term success, Larry offers grounded insights for students and young professionals looking to grow with purpose. In this episode, Larry shares: 🔹 Why early career experience often matters more than GPA 🔹 The career decision that completely changed his leadership path 🔹 Why communication and listening are essential leadership skills 🔹 How curiosity and hard work can accelerate career growth 🔹 Advice for students entering today’s evolving workforce This episode is packed with practical insights for students, emerging professionals, and future leaders who want to build meaningful careers, strengthen their leadership skills, and grow through experience. #CEOUnscripted #SCLA #LeadershipDevelopment #StudentLeadership #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalGrowth #CommunicationSkills #BroadcastLeadership #FutureLeaders #Entrepreneurship

CEO Jyot Singh — AI, Adaptability, and Building Leaders in a Digital World

In Episode 17 of the SCLA CEO Unscripted Speaker Series, we sit down with Jyot Singh, serial entrepreneur, technologist, and CEO of RTS Labs, to explore leadership in the age of AI and what it truly takes to turn innovation into meaningful impact. As a leader focused on transforming artificial intelligence into real ROI, Jyot shares his journey from engineering student to building multiple companies centered on AI adoption, data strategy, and digital transformation. He reflects on the myths he once believed in college, why relationships matter more than grades alone, and how curiosity and adaptability shape long-term success. Throughout the conversation, Jyot offers grounded insight into navigating today’s fast-paced world filled with constant information and pressure. He discusses overcoming self-doubt, learning to filter noise from real opportunities, and why developing resilience and learning how to say no are essential skills for emerging leaders. He also challenges traditional views on education, emphasizing that the art of learning and critical thinking matter more than memorization in an AI-driven future. In this episode, Jyot shares: 🔹 Why building strong relationships is one of the most valuable investments students can make 🔹 The leadership habits that helped him overcome self-belief challenges 🔹 How AI is changing the way we learn, work, and lead 🔹 Practical productivity strategies, including the power of a “not-to-do” list 🔹 Advice for students looking to grow into confident, adaptable leaders This episode is packed with practical insight for students, innovators, and future leaders who want to grow with purpose, stay curious, and lead confidently in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. #CEOUnscripted #SCLA #ArtificialIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #StudentLeadership #CareerGrowth #DigitalTransformation #RTSLabs #FutureOfWork #Entrepreneurship

CEO Dusty Holcomb — Leading with Courage, Mentorship, and Purpose

In Episode 16 of the SCLA CEO Unscripted Speaker Series, we sit down with Dusty Holcomb, CEO & Founder of Arcqus Group, to talk about leadership, resilience, and what it really takes to grow from student to executive leader. With nearly three decades of experience in corporate leadership, CEO, and president roles, Dusty shares how early mentorship shaped his philosophy that leadership is about service, not ego. From starting his first business at eleven to leading large teams at a young age, his journey highlights the importance of courage, humility, and continuous learning. Throughout the conversation, Dusty challenges common myths about success, including the idea that leaders need to be liked to be effective. He opens up about imposter syndrome, standing firm in difficult conversations, and why focusing on long-term growth matters more than chasing short-term validation. He also discusses the biggest challenges students face today, from instant-gratification culture to overcoming bias around age and experience. In this episode, Dusty shares: 🔹 The biggest leadership myth he had to unlearn 🔹 How mentorship shaped his career path 🔹 Why resilience and adaptability matter more than perfect preparation 🔹 Practical habits that keep leaders grounded 🔹 Advice for students navigating leadership and career growth This episode delivers honest insight for students and emerging leaders looking to build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and lead with purpose in a changing world. #CEOUnscripted #SCLA #LeadershipDevelopment #StudentLeadership #CareerGrowth #ExecutiveLeadership #FutureLeaders #ArcqusGroup #PersonalGrowth #Mentorship