Build Your Empire Podcast

In this episode of the Build Your Empire Podcast, I sit down with Coach Bert Robinson — Principal Owner of the Entrepreneur Competency Center (ECC) and founder of Coaches C.L.A.S.S. (Communication, Leadership, Action, Success, Service). Bert has spent decades shaping leaders and founders across Dallas–Fort Worth, bringing real-world experience from corporate leadership (including Xerox and more) into the startup world through entrepreneurship education, financial literacy, and community building.  We dig into what separates real entrepreneurs from “corporate thinkers,” why mindset and perseverance are the difference-makers, and why so many early-stage companies stall out. Bert also breaks down how he teaches founders to think strategically — from ideation to launch — using frameworks like Kauffman FastTrac and the Ice House Entrepreneurial Mindset curriculum.  What you’ll learn in this episode: The 3 pillars that drive Bert’s mission: entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and community building The patterns Bert consistently sees in founders who succeed (and what derails the rest) Why leadership + capital are recurring make-or-break variables — and why leadership wins when investors evaluate founders The #1 entrepreneurial trait that keeps founders alive when things get dark: perseverance Why financial literacy isn’t “accounting” — it’s leadership, and why founders must understand their P&L and financial model How to avoid common early-stage financial mistakes like skipping real MVP validation and spending money in the wrong places Bert also shares books and concepts that helped shape his thinking — including Who Owns the Ice House? and The Entrepreneurial Imperative — and why it’s never too late to build something meaningful (especially for those starting after 40).  Connect with Coach Bert Robinson If you want to learn more about Bert’s programs, entrepreneurship coaching, or how to get involved: Email: [email protected]  Website: https://vgi.io/coachesclass Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bertrobinson/ #BuildYourEmpirePodcast #BuildYourEmpire #Entrepreneurship #EntrepreneurMindset #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #BusinessCoach #LeadershipDevelopment #FinancialLiteracy #FounderJourney #SmallBusinessOwner #Innovation #DFWBusiness #DallasEntrepreneurs #KauffmanFastTrac

Episode 7: Locked Up — Zach Lewis on Real-World Lessons from the LockBit Ransomware Attack. When ransomware strikes, panic is the easy reaction — but true leadership is revealed in how you respond. In this powerful episode of the Build Your Empire Podcast, host Nick Zellem sits down with Zach Lewis, CIO & CISO of the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, and author of Locked Up: Cybersecurity Threat Mitigation Lessons from a Real-World LockBit Ransomware Response (Wiley, 2026). Zach takes us inside a real LockBit ransomware attack — from the first ominous alerts to the moment he discovered the ransom note. He reveals what really happens when your network is compromised, how he led his university through a high-pressure incident, and what every leader — from CISO to CEO — can learn from it. You’ll hear: 🎯 How LockBit infiltrated his environment and how his team contained it 🧠 Why calm thinking under pressure is the ultimate cybersecurity skill 🔒 How resilience, leadership, and preparation can turn crisis into control 🧰 The key tools and tactics that saved critical systems from collapse 🤖 Why AI will transform both cyber defense and cybercrime in the next 5 years This episode isn’t just for cybersecurity pros — it’s for leaders in every industry who want to understand how to stay composed when everything’s on the line. Connect with Zach Lewis: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharylewis1/ 🌐 Website: homesteadingciso.com 📘 Pre-order his book Locked Up on Amazon (January 2026 release) 🎧 Listen now and discover what it truly means to lead under fire. #CyberSecurity #LockBit #Stoicism #Resilience #CISO #IncidentResponse #Leadership #BuildYourEmpirePodcast #ZachLewis #databreach #ransomwareresponse

Episode 7: Locked Up — Zach Lewis on Real-World Lessons from the LockBit Ransomware Attack When ransomware strikes, panic is the easy reaction — but true leadership is revealed in how you respond. In this powerful episode of the Build Your Empire Podcast, host Nick Zellem sits down with Zach Lewis, CIO & CISO of the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, and author of Locked Up: Cybersecurity Threat Mitigation Lessons from a Real-World LockBit Ransomware Response (Wiley, 2026). Zach takes us inside a real LockBit ransomware attack — from the first ominous alerts to the moment he discovered the ransom note. He reveals what really happens when your network is compromised, how he led his university through a high-pressure incident, and what every leader — from CISO to CEO — can learn from it. You’ll hear: 🎯 How LockBit infiltrated his environment and how his team contained it 🧠 Why calm thinking under pressure is the ultimate cybersecurity skill 🔒 How resilience, leadership, and preparation can turn crisis into control 🧰 The key tools and tactics that saved critical systems from collapse 🤖 Why AI will transform both cyber defense and cybercrime in the next 5 years This episode isn’t just for cybersecurity pros — it’s for leaders in every industry who want to understand how to stay composed when everything’s on the line. Connect with Zach Lewis: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharylewis1/ 🌐 Website: homesteadingciso.com 📘 Pre-order his book Locked Up on Amazon (January 2026 release) 🎧 Listen now and discover what it truly means to lead under fire.

In this episode of Build Your Empire, Dr. Anand Singh shares his journey as a cybersecurity leader, Chief Strategy officer, and author of Data Security in the Age of AI. He reveals how artificial intelligence is reshaping the threat landscape, why collaboration is essential for modern CISOs, and the leadership lessons he’s learned from decades in the industry. Tune in for insights on data protection, team building, and mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Website: https://anandsingh.a Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/anandsinghmn/ #BuildYourEmpirePodcast #Leadership #CyberSecurity #AI #Innovation #CISO #DataSecurity #CareerJourney #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalTrust #APACCyberSecurity #CyberSecurityAsia #MiddleEastCyberSecurity #EMEACyberSecurity #CyberSecurityIndia #CyberSecurityAfrica #GlobalCISO  

🎙 Episode 6 – “Data Security in the Age of AI: A CISO’s Perspective with Dr. Anand Singh” In this episode, host Nick Zellem sits down with Dr. Anand Singh, Chief Security and Strategy Officer at Symmetry Systems and author of Data Security in the Age of AI. Dr. Singh shares his remarkable journey—from a small town in India to leading cybersecurity for Fortune 500 companies—and explains how artificial intelligence is reshaping the global threat landscape. Together they explore what every organization needs to know about AI adoption, data governance, team building, and the leadership mindset required to stay ahead of modern threats. 🔗 Learn more: 🌐 Website → https://anandsingh.ai 💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/anandsinghmn/

Build Your Empire Podcast Episode 5: 🎙️ Build Your Empire Podcast – Episode Title: Building Cyber Resilience at Scale with Hardik Mehta, JPMorgan Chase In this episode of the Build Your Empire Podcast, host Nick Zellem sits down with Hardik Mehta, a global cybersecurity leader and current executive at JPMorgan Chase. Formerly at Uber, Microsoft, EY, and ADP, Hardik shares his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings in Mumbai to leading risk, compliance, and cybersecurity initiatives for some of the world’s most recognized organizations. Together, they explore: The personal and professional experiences that shaped his leadership style Building high-stakes cybersecurity programs at scale The cultural challenges of working in 5 countries How to embed risk into company culture using AI, data, and automation The importance of empathy, grit, and building future leaders And why penguins and polar bears inspire his photography passion From taming risk at Microsoft to launching “Project Matterhorn” at Uber, and now continuing to lead in financial services at JPMorgan, Hardik reveals practical strategies and timeless mindset lessons for every leader navigating change in a tech-driven world. This episode is packed with insightful stories, real-world strategies, and thoughtful leadership advice for cybersecurity pros, aspiring executives, and anyone looking to build their empire—brick by digital brick. To contact Hardik Mehta via LinkedIn use this Link:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hardik-mehta-grc/

🔐 Episode Description: In this powerhouse episode of the Build Your Empire Podcast, ethical hacker and cybersecurity trailblazer Terry Cutler joins host Nicholas Zellem to reveal what every entrepreneur, executive, and digital citizen must know in today’s cyber-threat landscape. Terry is the CEO of Cyology Labs, founder of Internet Safety University, and author of Insider Secrets to Internet Safety. With over 40,000 students and multiple Top 20 Global Cybersecurity Influencer awards, his mission is clear: protect people and businesses from the ever-evolving world of cybercrime. From deepfakes and ransomware to phishing scams and SIM-swapping, this episode unpacks: Why small businesses are the #1 target for hackers What CEOs misunderstand about cybersecurity The staggering 287-day average hackers stay undetected inside networks The most common—and costly—mistakes companies make Why “it’ll never happen to me” is the most dangerous mindset How the Fraudster App is crowd-sourcing scam awareness Actionable tips to protect your accounts, your identity, and your empire 🧠 Stoic Quote of the Episode: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." — Benjamin Franklin A perfect reminder that in cybersecurity—as in life—preparation is everything. 👤 Guest Info: Terry Cutler Ethical Hacker | CEO of Cyology Labs | Founder of Internet Safety University 🔗 TerryCutler.com 🔗 CyologyLabs.com 📚 Insider Secrets to Internet Safety — Available on Amazon 📱 Fraudster App — iOS & Android 💥 Listen now and learn how to protect what you’ve built—before it’s too late. #Cybersecurity #EthicalHacker #BuildYourEmpire #TerryCutler #DigitalSafety #FraudPrevention #Podcast  

Episode 3: The Winning Mindset – Tom Hulsey’s Journey of Resilience and Triumph What does it take to overcome life’s greatest challenges and emerge stronger than ever? In this episode of the Build Your Empire Podcast, host Nick Zellem sits down with Tom Hulsey, a man who defied the odds and redefined what it means to have a winning mindset. After battling cancer and surviving a heart attack, Tom transformed his life, proving that resilience isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving. As the author of "The Winning Mindset That Saved My Life", Tom shares his powerful insights on perseverance, mindset shifts, and the lessons that propelled him forward. From the world of business to endurance sports and personal transformation, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone facing adversity. 🔹 How do you turn setbacks into fuel for success? 🔹 What role does mindset play in overcoming life's toughest moments? 🔹 How can resilience reshape your personal and professional life? Listen in as we dive into Tom’s incredible journey and discover how you can apply his mindset strategies to build your own empire—no matter the challenges ahead. Tom’s Website: https://tomhulsey.com/ Build Your Empire Podcast: Listen to the Podcast: https://buildyourempirepodcast.podbean.com/ 🎧 Available now on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and iHeartRadio.

Elevating Cybersecurity – Knowledge, Networking, and Growth with Casey Yarbrough Tune in now! —- https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-hcvy8-1808320 How do top IT and cybersecurity professionals stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape?  They connect, collaborate, and elevate—and that’s exactly what Casey Yarbrough, President of Elevate Events, has mastered. In this episode of the Build Your Empire Podcast, we explore: The power of strategic networking in cybersecurity & IT How ElevateIT Summits & CruiseCon are redefining industry connections Why preparation meets opportunity—featuring a Stoic Quote from Seneca Plus, a hilarious Czarcasms segment with Astronaut DJ Nebulon debating space souvenirs vs. Earth souvenirs. (Is dehydrated space bacon really a must-have?) #BuildYourEmpire #Cybersecurity #Networking #CISO #CloudSecurity #ITLeadership #CyberAwareness #Czarcasms #StoicWisdom #ElevateIT #cybersecurity #cruisecon #cybersecurityawareness #cyberevents #cybersecurityevents #cybersecuritynews #cisos #cisolife #cybercrime #cyberwar #malware #itsecurity #cybersecuritytips #cybersecuritytip #cyberattack #ransomware #dataprotection #issa #cloudsecurity #cybersecurityarchitecture #cloudsecurityposturemanagement #aws #google #gcp #azure #azurecloud #microsoftazure #amazoncloud #csa  #cloud #cloudadministration #cloudarchitecture #cloudcomputing   

🔥 Episode 1: Build Your Empire Podcast 🔥 Join us as we sit down with MMA and UFC veteran James 'The Hammer' McSweeney, a legendary fighter, coach, and empire builder. From his beginnings as a professional kickboxer to stepping into the UFC octagon, James shares the highs, the struggles, and the lessons he's learned inside and outside the cage. 💪 In this episode, you'll hear: ✅ How mental discipline drives success in MMA and life. ✅ Insights into training, coaching, and competing at the highest level. ✅ How James overcame obstacles to build his empire, one fight at a time. Plus: 🌟 A powerful Stoic quote to inspire your week. 😂 A hilarious Czarcasms comedy segment featuring Astronaut DJ Nebulon roasting the NFL in "What Happened to the NFL." 🚨 Whether you're a fan of MMA, UFC, or just looking for inspiration to conquer your own battles, this episode delivers! 🎧 Listen now and start building YOUR empire! #MMA #UFC #JamesMcSweeney #BuildYourEmpirePodcast #Czarcasms #AstronautDJNebulon #Inspiration #Athletes #Motivation  

Welcome to the *Build Your Empire Podcast*, a show where ambition meets resilience, and where stories of success, struggle, and personal growth come to life. Hosted by Nick Zellem, an entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in sales and the founder of Zellem Enterprises, Inc which comprises Czar Clothing, Groovy Sound Productions, NickZellemVO, and other entities. This podcast is dedicated to exploring the journeys of those who’ve faced challenges and emerged stronger. At its core, this podcast is about empowering you to embrace your challenges, find your purpose, and create your own legacy. Because whether you’re an athlete, an entrepreneur, a CEO, a teacher, or an artist—behind every empire, there’s a story. **What are you building? Build Your Empire.**