Pursuit of Excellence

From Farm Kid to 8-Figure Exit: Jason Bowen’s Blueprint for Building Purpose-Driven Businesses

Jason Bowen’s journey from chopping wood on a small farm to leading multiple companies and achieving a high eight-figure exit in 2024 is a masterclass in grit, strategy, and purpose. In this video, the blue-collar entrepreneur breaks down how he built his success from the ground up—starting with small ventures as a teenager and scaling into a powerful network of businesses. He shares the mindset shifts required to evolve from an owner-operator into a visionary CEO, why building deep relationships is the ultimate growth strategy, and how creating a “one source of truth” for customers can unlock massive scale. Jason also reveals how he redeployed his capital after his exit, targeting overlooked blue-collar businesses and transforming them with modern systems for immediate growth. Beyond profit, he dives into his mission-driven work—supporting vulnerable communities and helping entrepreneurs find meaning through impact. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, business owner, or someone seeking purpose beyond financial success, this conversation delivers actionable insights on leadership, delegation, investing, and building a legacy that matters.

Owning Your Story: Confidence, Authenticity & Building Trust in Business

What does it really take to put yourself out there—knowing not everyone will understand or agree with your story? In this episode of The Pursuit of Excellence, Tinja Anderson sits down with Paige Railey, entrepreneur and founder of Single Source Insurance, to explore the mindset behind authenticity, confidence, and building a business rooted in trust. From embracing vulnerability online to helping clients make smarter, more informed insurance decisions, Paige shares how owning your story—regardless of outside opinions—can become your greatest strength. Together, they unpack the realities of handling criticism, standing by your message, and creating value through service in a crowded digital world. You’ll learn: ✔️ Why not everyone needs to agree with your story ✔️ How to build confidence by staying authentic ✔️ The importance of second opinions in major financial decisions ✔️ How trust becomes your biggest asset in business ✔️ Why showing up consistently matters more than perfection ✔️ The mindset required to grow both personally and professionally Whether you're building a brand, growing a business, or learning to embrace your voice, this episode will challenge you to show up boldly—and own your story. Connect with Paige: Instagram: @paigeraileysailor TikTok & Instagram: @single_source_insurance Connect with Tinja: Instagram: @tinjaanderson, @pursuit_of_excellence_pod TikTok: @tinjaanderson_pod Podcast Website: The Pursuit of Excellence Podcast

From Grit to Greatness: Chris Van Dusen on Building with Purpose

What does it take to build enduring companies—and redefine excellence along the way? In this episode of The Pursuit of Excellence, CEO Tinja Anderson sits down with Chris Van Dusen, Senior Partner at Selo Capital, to explore a hands-on approach to investing, leadership, and growth. From backing resilient founders to going “a mile deep” in business, Chris shares the mindset required to navigate pressure, avoid costly mistakes, and scale with intention. Together, they unpack the balance between data and instinct, the reality behind AI trends, and why true success comes from discipline, focus, and adding value without expecting immediate returns. Whether you're a founder, operator, or investor, this conversation will challenge how you think about excellence—and how to pursue it for the long term. Connect with Chris: Instagram: @chrismvandusen  Connect with Tinja: Instagram: @tinjaanderson, @pursuit_of_excellence_pod TikTok: @tinjaanderson_pod Podcast Website: The Pursuit of Excellence Podcast

Olympian to Operator: Mike Anderson-Mitterling on Risk, Leadership & Redefining Excellence

What does it take to compete at the highest levels of sport, build companies from the ground up, and redefine success as life evolves? In this episode of The Pursuit of Excellence, Tinja Anderson sits down with Mike Anderson — world champion sailor, two-time Olympian, Managing Director at George Smith Partners, and Co-Founder of AHM Group — to explore how excellence transforms across seasons of life. From Olympic campaigns to structuring complex real estate capital stacks, Mike shares how his definition of success shifted from chasing accolades to building teams, leading with integrity, and showing up fully as a father and partner. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts required to navigate pressure, partnership, risk, and reinvention — both on the water and in the boardroom. You’ll learn: ✔️ Why attitude is the only thing you truly control ✔️ The difference between chasing outcomes and mastering process ✔️ How elite sport translates directly into leadership and capital markets ✔️ Why no real success is achieved alone ✔️ The underrated performance skill that sustains long-term growth ✔️ How patience and integrity create durable excellence Whether you're an athlete, founder, executive, or parent navigating your own next chapter, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what excellence really means — and how to pursue it sustainably. Connect with Mike: LinkedIn: Mike Anderson-Mitterling Connect with Tinja: Instagram: @tinjaanderson, @pursuit_of_excellence_pod TikTok: @tinjaanderson_pod Podcast Website: The Pursuit of Excellence Podcast

Financial Mythbusting: The Truth About Advisors, Investing, and Building Real Wealth with Evan Gruchot

What really separates smart financial strategy from noise, hype, and flat‑out misinformation? On this episode of The Pursuit of Excellence, host Tinja Anderson sits down again with Evan Gruchot, Founder and CIO of EG Capital Holdings, to dismantle the biggest financial myths holding people back. With experience managing hundreds of millions in assets and consulting across private equity, venture capital, and RIA firms, Evan brings clarity to a world full of conflicting advice. This episode breaks down the truth about advisors, debt, diversification, and how real investing actually works. From understanding fiduciary standards to evaluating fees, strategy alignment, and risk, Evan explains what most people overlook—and how making informed decisions can dramatically change long‑term outcomes. You’ll learn: • Why not all financial advisors are the same—and how to vet the right one • The real difference between investing and gambling • How to think strategically about debt, leverage, and opportunity cost • When insurance is a smart tool (and when it’s oversold) • How fee structures impact your long‑term returns • Why education and transparency should drive every financial decision If you’re ready to cut through misinformation, choose the right advisors, and build a more strategic financial plan, this episode gives you the framework to do it with confidence. Connect with Evan: Instagram: @egcapitalholdings LinkedIn: Evan Gruchot Website: eg-capital.co Connect with Tinja: Instagram: @tinjaanderson Podcast Website: The Pursuit of Excellence Podcast