Elevate Your Leadership
by Robert Pizzini
Welcome to the Elevate Your Leadership podcast with me, your host, Bob Pizzini. This podcast will enable you to immediately advance your ability to lead others, as well as yourself. As a 26 year US Navy Special Operations veteran, and as the owner of a multimillion-dollar business I discuss issues that I know you face daily, because I also face them. We tackle leadership challenges head on. Leadership is a perishable skill… use it or lose it. Lifelong leadership requires lifelong learning and a commitment to health, fitness, and intentional wellness. Join me, along with entrepreneurs, industry executives, academics, public figures, and other highly successful professionals who share their formulas for success with you. We will discuss leadership success, failure, defining moments, and hard lessons learned with guests who are intentional in their approach to leadership.
Episodes
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Staying Calm Under Pressure and Breathwork with Frances McQueen
How do you prepare yourself for a difficult conversation, a high-pressure meeting, or a demanding day? Bob Pizzini and yoga teacher Frances McQueen explore breathwork, stress, and the role of calm in leadership. Drawing on their experience working together in leadership workshops, Bob and Frances...
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From the Coast Guard to University President: Bill Kelly on Leadership
What does a career in the U.S. Coast Guard have in common with leading a university? Bob Pizzini explores that question with Bill Kelly, president of Christopher Newport University and a retired Coast Guard Rear Admiral. From military service to higher education, Kelly’s career has taken him...
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What it Takes to Build Something That Doesn't Exist With Eric Pinzon
From Tesla to Marinas: Eric Pinson's Journey in Electric Vehicles and Sustainable Industry Disruption Discover Eric Pinson’s inspiring story of innovation across automotive tech, electric boats, and marina management, blending technical expertise with visionary entrepreneurship to shape a more...
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Dr. Deep Sea: Navy Diving, Hyperbaric Medicine, TBI Recovery, and 100 Days Underwater
In this episode, host Robert "Bob" Pizzini interviews retired Navy Commander and PhD Joseph Dituri, also known as "Dr. Deep Sea." Joseph, a Navy diver and engineering duty officer, served 28 years, during which he earned a master’s in astronautical engineering and led deep submergence and…
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Big Perm: F/A-18 Fighter Pilot, Combat Drone Shootdown, and the Next Chapter with NASA featuring Alexandra Mensing
In this episode, Robert “Bob” Pizzini is joined by Alexandra (“Big Perm”) Mensing, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot. Alexandra recounts growing up in Raleigh, the influence of sports and coaching, choosing the Naval Academy, and completing leadership and survival training including NOLS and...
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Optimizing Performance Through Nutrition with Cheryl Zonkowski
In this episode, Robert “Bob” Pizzini is joined by Cheryl Zonkowski, founder and owner of Catalyzt Nutrition, LLC. Cheryl shares her extensive experience ranging from her role as a performance dietician for Naval Special Warfare to her tenure as the Director of Sports Nutrition at the University…
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From Soldier to Scientist: Purpose-driven Leadership with LaTonya Warren
In this episode, Robert “Bob” Pizzini is joined by LaTonya Warren, CEO and founder of Armintia, LLC, a veteran-owned cannabis research, development, and education company. Throughout the conversation, LaTonya shares her personal journey from military service to becoming a leader in the cannabis...
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Growing Up in a Military Family with Ava Heil
In this episode, Robert “Bob” Pizzini is joined by Ava Heil, an 18-year-old division one soccer player and daughter of a retired US Navy SEAL. The discussion highlights Ava's upbringing in a military family, touching on the unique challenges and resilience required, her experiences with her...
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Leadership, Integrity, and Authenticity with John Reid
John Reid is a lifelong Virginian, trusted conservative voice, and proven leader with the skills to deliver results for the Commonwealth. For the past eight years, he’s hosted WRVA’s award-winning Morning Show—one of America’s longest-running conservative radio programs—where listeners tune in…
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Has the U.S. Military Lost Its Edge? A Deep Dive into Modern Challenges with Matt and Johan Suyderhoud
ABOUT THE GUEST(S) Matt and Johan Suyderhoud are twin brothers, both retired F-18 fighter pilots. Both served on active duty for many years and are now commercial pilots. In addition to their flying careers, they have a wealth of experience and insight into military culture and aviation, which…
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Leadership and Public Service with Governor George Allen
George Allen is the 67th Governor of Virginia who served from 1994 to 1998. He was also a U.S. Senator from 2001 to 2007. As a seasoned politician, Allen is well-known for his leadership in instituting major reforms in education, the economy, and public safety during his tenure. Besides his...
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Struggles with Traumatic Brain Injury: Treatment and Awareness
Sergeant First Class retired Josh Lindstrom is a former US Army Infantryman and Green Beret who served with distinction during the Global War on Terror, earning two bronze stars and a purple heart. After leaving the military, Josh became an adaptive sports athlete and coach, as well as an…
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How One Man Turned Military Discipline Into Multi-Million Dollar Ventures!
Dr. Johnny Garcia is a distinguished entrepreneur and technology leader, celebrated for founding and leading multiple successful businesses, including SimIS Inc. Inspired by his humble beginnings on the cotton fields of Lubbock, Texas, and driven by a commitment to service, Dr. Garcia has become…
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Navigating Military Transitions and Financial Literacy with Trevor Maxwell
Trevor Maxwell is a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief EOD Technician who served over 20 years. He has transitioned into a career in financial services, working to help military personnel and their families make informed financial decisions. Trevor is also a dedicated advocate for veterans, offering...
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Transformative Leadership and Personal Growth with Adam Dobbins
Adam Dobbins is a former Navy SEAL and the CEO and owner of Grow Depot, the largest hydroponic store in Virginia. With over 30 years of combined experience in military service, civilian leadership, and military contracting, Adam has dedicated his life to improving wellness practices for veterans...
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Olivia Gamber: Helping Clients Navigate Career Changes
Olivia Gamber, Founder and CEO of Career Evolved and bestselling author of The $150k+ Club: Discover the Career Strategies and Mindset that Separates the Top 10%, has spent the last decade helping thousands of high-achieving professionals break into top-tier roles across the country. With a...
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The Leadership Philosophy of Former Master EOD Technician Napoleon ‘Nap’ DeCiutiis
Napoleon "Nap" DeCiutiis is the president of ECFGov, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business specializing in advanced hydrofoil boat manufacturing. A retired Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Master Chief from the U.S. Navy, Nap served for 24 years, including multiple deployments and...
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From Farm Roots to Global Influence: A Leadership Journey with Lee Milteer
Lee Milteer is an internationally known entrepreneur, best-selling author, award-winning professional speaker, TV personality, and business mentor. She provides business and success advice to nearly 250,000 people around the world. Lee is the founder of the Alchemist Inner Circle and hosts the...
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Congresswoman Jen Kiggans Discusses Leadership, Legislation, and National Issues
Jen Kiggans is a distinguished public servant and the current Congresswoman for Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. A former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, Jen has combined her aviation experience and her background as a geriatric nurse practitioner to serve her country and community with...
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Reflections on Leadership, Security, and National Policies with Dr. Ronny Jackson
Dr. Ronny Jackson is a U.S. Navy veteran, former White House physician, and current U.S. Congressman from Texas's 13th congressional district. Raised in Texas, Jackson attended Texas A&M University and the University of Texas Medical Branch for medical school before embarking on a distinguished...
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Governor McDonnell on Trump’s Assassination Attempt
Robert F. McDonnell, the 71st Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is renowned for his extensive political career and military service. Having served in various leadership roles and received a multitude of accolades, McDonnell's background includes time in the Virginia House of Delegates,...
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Dr. Scott Miller: Transforming Higher Education Through Leadership Excellence
Dr. Scott Miller is the president of Virginia Wesleyan University with a remarkable 34-year career in higher education leadership. Recognized for his transformative leadership style, Dr. Miller is a seasoned college president guiding institutions towards international recognition. With a…
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Determination and Mentorship: From Immigrant to Empowering Entrepreneur
Jessica Quintero Howard is the founder and general manager of Turnkey Cleaning, a residential and commercial cleaning company focusing on vacant properties. Originally from San Andres Island, Colombia, Jessica migrated to the United States and pursued the American dream with ambition and a growth...
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Former Navy SEAL Dave Cooper Discusses His Career and Leadership Lessons
Dave Cooper is a distinguished former U.S. Navy SEAL and an expert in change leadership and complex system science. With a career marked by valor, innovation, and leadership, Dave has been at the heart of critical operations across Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. His leadership and...
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Be Different: Breaking Boundaries and Leadership Potential with Marty Strong
Marty Strong, a three-time guest on the "Elevate Your Leadership" podcast, is a former Navy SEAL, author, and Chief Executive Officer. With three published books – "Be Nimble," "Be Visionary," and "Be Different" – Marty draws on his SEAL experience and corporate leadership to explore…
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Journey to Weightlessness: NASA Astronaut Susan Kilrain's Path to the Stars
Susan Kilrain is an American aerospace engineer, former United States Navy officer, and a former NASA astronaut. She is the youngest person to pilot a Space Shuttle. She has flown more than 3,000 hours and among her merits she was awarded with the Defense Superior Service Medal. SHOW SUMMARY Join...
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Leadership and Overcoming Challenges with Paul Becker
Rear Admiral Paul Becker is a retired Naval Intelligence Officer with 30 years of experience in the intelligence community. He is the CEO of the Becker T3 Group and a professor at the U.S. Naval Academy. He has received numerous awards for his service, including the National Intelligence…
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Retired Army Aviator Shares Experiences and Lessons from 35 Years of Service with Alan Mack
Alan Mack, US Army, Chief Warrant Officer Five -- Retired, a native of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, served over 35 years in the US Army before retiring in 2016. His military career included 17 years in Army Special Operations. His awards include the Legion of Merit, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses…
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Colonel Hennadiy Kovalenko, Ukrainian Air Force
In this most sobering, yet fascinating episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast, Ukrainian Air Force Colonel Hennadiy Kovalenko (Colonel H) discusses the current state of affairs regarding the war with Russia and the potential outcomes, including a total collapse of Russia. He has served...
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Michelle Ellis Young, YWCA CEO and Community Builder
In this episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast, Michelle Ellis Young, Chief Executive Officer of YWCA South Hampton Roads, discusses her leadership journey culminating in her current role serving people in need in the Hampton Roads community. Michelle shares how her upbringing in New...
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Unsung: Quiet Voices of the US Navy's EOD Warriors and Their Families
What is a Navy EOD Technician and what is it like to become one? Who was the father and founder of Navy EOD and Navy SEALS? In their book Unsung, Joseph Shaffer III and Dr. Paula Kapp Greene share their in-depth interviews with the dedicated men and women of the US Navy Explosive Ordnance…
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Holly Duckworth, Trailblazing Keynote Speaker and Applied Mindful Leadership Advisor.
In this episode of The Elevate Your Leadership Podcast, Holly Duckworth defines mindfulness as we discuss what it means to leaders at work, and at home. Hallmark Holly (explained in this episode) tells us how Google uses mindfulness to allow a moment for arrival at the beginning of meetings and…
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Susan Kilrain, NASA Astronaut, Retired US Navy Pilot, and Venture Capital Partner
In this episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast, NASA Astronaut Susan Kilrain and I discuss her life and career. Commander Susan Kilrain is a renowned astronaut, a distinguished navy test pilot and aerospace engineer, and a world traveler. She is the youngest person, and one of only three...
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Chad Brown: Leadership Engagement Expert
Why do people come to work at your organization? What is personal vested interest (PVI) and do you know the PVI of those you lead? In this episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast, Chad Brown and I discuss organizational leadership to include culture, ego, fulfillment on and off the job…
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Cara Mae Melton, Entrepreneur and Hyperbaric Oxygen Provider
What is hyperbaric oxygen and what can this medicinal treatment do for you? In this episode, Cara Mae Melton and I discuss the use of hyperbaric oxygen to heal wounds, reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and even counter the effects of aging. Cara Mae Melton is a dynamic executive who has been...
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Dr. Alison Tendler, Ophthalmologist, Eye Surgeon, and Entrepreneur
Does seeing more clearly help you be a better leader? In this episode, Dr. Alison Tendler discusses her upbringing in South Dakota, experience in medical school, and what it is like to lead her team of 14 people. I called her green eyes blue. You may remember Dr. Tendler from the Restasis eye…
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Fitness and Health Coach David Greenwalt
Coach David Greenwalt has consulted with Fortune 500 CEOs, Academy Award winners, and people from all walks of life. Start 2023 with the motivation and information (intelligence) you need to focus on your health and wellness. David will meet you where you are and improve your focus, gratitude,...
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Eric Maddox, Author, Speaker, and former US Army Interrogator who used empathy based listening to lead the search for Saddam Hussein
In this fascinating discussion, Eric Maddox shares why he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, a jumpmaster, and graduate of Ranger School. In 2003, he was sent to Tikrit, Iraq where he joined a Delta Force team who was searching for high value…
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Rod Collins, Former Blue Cross Blue Shield Chief Executive
In this episode of The Elevate Your Leadership podcast, former Blue Cross Blue Shield Chief Executive Rod Collins discusses futuristic concepts of leadership that are being employed today by highly successful companies. Applying his concept that no one is in charge, Rod details his process for...
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Alexis Gerdes, Lifelong Virginia Beach Resident and Candidate for the Virginia Beach School Board
In this episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast, Alexis Gerdes discusses her run for the Virginia Beach school board first as a parent with “skin in the game" as two of her children currently attend Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Alexis shares details of her upbringing including her...
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Allie Stephens, Navy veteran, restaurant owner and entrepreneur
In this episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast, Navy veteran and entrepreneur, Allie Stephens, discusses how her work ethic served her in the restaurant industry and the US Navy. Allie put her leadership skills to work when she established her uniquely branded restaurant, Anchor Allie's…
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Linwood Branch, Virginia Beach City Councilman
Will the dome site project really happen? What is the TIP Fund? In this episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast Linwood Branch discusses life as a representative of Virginia Beach as an appointed member of City Council, up for election next month. Linwood was appointed to council one year...
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US Navy Master Diver Ross Garcia
In this episode, Ross discusses what a Navy Master Diver is and what a Navy Master Diver does. He shares his experiences leading various military diving operations including the recovery of victims and the removal of bridge debris to restore the commercial waterway following the collapse of the...
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Nanette Miller, Retired US Navy Intelligence Officer and City Council Candidate
In this episode of The Elevate Your Leadership Podcast, Nanette Miller discusses her career as a US Navy Intelligence Officer, family life in and out of the Navy, and why she believes she can win Virginia Beach's Second District, City Council seat. Bringing people together is one of Nanette's...
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Brad McDonald, Retired US Navy Captain, former submarine Commanding Officer, Business Owner, Author, Leadership Trainer, Coach, and Mentor
In this episode of The Elevate Your leadership podcast, Brad McDonald, former Commanding Officer of the USS L. MENDEL RIVERS (SSN686) discusses his seven principles of being a leader. As the Commanding Officer of the USS L. MENDEL RIVERS, he successfully hosted and transported SEALS and their…
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Be Visionary with CEO and Retired Navy SEAL Marty Strong
This is the second installment of a masterclass on business. In this episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast, Author Marty Strong discusses his second business book titled "Be Visionary, Strategic Leadership in the Age of Optimization." Are KPIs replacing common sense? Does the corporate...
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Jen Kiggans, Virginia State Senator and US Congressional Candidate
In this episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast, Senator Jen Kiggans and I discuss her upbringing in Orlando FL to include her first job at Disney World. Jen reveals what led her first to a military career, then to a career in the medical profession, followed by her interest in politics.…
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Hung Cao, Part Two. US Navy Special Operations (EOD) Captain Retired, and Congressional Candidate
Retired US Navy Special Operations officer Hung Cao is running for the 10th Congressional District of Virginia. Hung discusses how he developed as a leader and how his leadership is still evolving. Hung shares his viewpoint on education, the border, the US economy including the effect of…
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Robert Jordan and Olivia Wagner
Hone your craft of leadership. In this episode of the Elevate Your Leadership podcast Olivia Wagner and Bob Jordan discuss the four prevalent leadership styles that they identified in the many highly successful leaders they have worked with over the past 13 years. When a company is in chaos or...
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Nicole Wipp, experienced entrepreneur, business consultant, and founder of The Results Catalyst.
Nicole Wipp is an expert in helping business leaders get even better results through personal and performance development. Nicole is passionate about helping individuals and teams break the cycles of pervasive energy problems that keep people, teams, and their businesses stuck, so that they can...
About this show
Welcome to the Elevate Your Leadership podcast with me, your host, Bob Pizzini. This podcast will enable you to immediately advance your ability to lead others, as well as yourself. As a 26 year US Navy Special Operations veteran, and as the owner of a multimillion-dollar business I discuss issues that I know you face daily, because I also face them. We tackle leadership challenges head on. Leadership is a perishable skill… use it or lose it. Lifelong leadership requires lifelong learning and a commitment to health, fitness, and intentional wellness. Join me, along with entrepreneurs, industry executives, academics, public figures, and other highly successful professionals who share their formulas for success with you. We will discuss leadership success, failure, defining moments, and hard lessons learned with guests who are intentional in their approach to leadership.
Hosted by
Robert Pizzini
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