Take The Power Back

Take The Power Back - Episode #29 In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sit down with Marshall Ellison to break down how he doubled his income three years in a row after graduating college and fast-tracked his way into executive leadership by the age of 25. Marshall shares the mindset, habits, and career decisions that helped him accelerate his growth faster than his peers. From turning down a traditional salaried job, betting on himself in a commission-based career, relocating multiple times for opportunity, and consistently outworking the competition, Marshall explains the exact strategies that fueled his rapid rise. We discuss the importance of finding a career with unlimited upside, why most young professionals underestimate the power of hard work, how leadership opportunities create exponential growth, and the lessons Marshall learned from sports that translated directly into business success. You'll also learn why persistence matters more than talent, how to position yourself for promotions, and what separates top performers from everyone else. Marshall Ellison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshall-ellison48/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/

Take The Power Back - Episode #28 How To Rise To The Top Of Any Company? We'll It's actually easier than you think. In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sit down with Sami Dongle, one of the top performers in our company, to break down exactly how he went from a recent college graduate to a Regional Vice President in just a few short years. Sam Dhungel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samyam-dhungel/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/

Take The Power Back - Episode #27 Most people go through school believing that if they get good grades, follow the rules, and stay on the “safe” path, success will eventually come. But what if the education system was never designed to create entrepreneurs, leaders, or independent thinkers in the first place? In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sit down with talent development expert and educator Colby Jubenville to break down one of the biggest problems facing young people today: the system may secretly be training people to think average. Colby Jubenville: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjubenville/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/

Take The Power Back - Episode #26 In this episode of the Take The Power Back Podcast, I sit down with Todd Buchanan, President of Wealth at AmeriLife, to break down the mindset, discipline, and relentless work ethic that transformed his life from growing up with nothing to leading at the highest levels of financial services. Todd Buchanan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-buchanan/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/

Take The Power Back - Episode #25 Most people stay average because they avoid discomfort. In this episode of Take the Power Back, I sit down with Mike Karsa to unpack the mindset, discipline, and relentless work ethic required to create extraordinary success. From sleeping only a few hours a night and grinding through rejection, to building over $4 billion in assets under management, Mike shares the real story behind what it takes to win in business and life. We dive deep into confidence, adversity, sales, entrepreneurship, mental toughness, and why becoming comfortable being uncomfortable is the true key to growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck, average, or uncertain about your future, this conversation will challenge the way you think. Subscribe for more conversations on mindset, business, self-improvement, and taking your power back. Mike Karsa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkarsa/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/

Take The Power Back - Episode #24 In this Episode I sit down with Bernard Porter, investor, Entrepreneur, and CEO. He gives his inspiring story going from a school dropout to becoming the CEO of 5 successful companies.   In this interview, we dive into entrepreneurship, business growth, mindset, failure, success habits, and what it really takes to build multiple companies from the ground up. From leaving school early to leading thriving businesses, this conversation is packed with motivation, real-world business advice, and entrepreneurial insights. If you're interested in startups, self-made millionaires, business strategy, leadership, personal development, or inspiring success stories, this episode is for you. Topics Covered: How he became CEO of 5 companies Why he dropped out of school Entrepreneur mindset & discipline Building businesses from scratch Lessons on leadership and success Motivation for entrepreneurs & creators Bernard Porter: https://www.instagram.com/bernardporter/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/

Take The Power Back - Episode #23 In this episode of the Take the Power Back, I sit down with a Food Network Champion and Chopped winner Jordan Arcuri to break down exactly what it takes to win at the highest level and how winning changed her entire career. Chef Jordan shares the real story behind winning Chopped, what happened after the cameras stopped rolling, and how she became a Food Network Champion again and again. From mastering high-pressure cooking competitions to building a reputation as the “Beef Queen,” she dives deep into the mindset, discipline, and strategy required to succeed in the culinary world. If you’ve ever wondered how top chefs actually win, what separates champions from everyone else, or how to turn one opportunity into long-term success — this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: How she REALLY won on Food Network competitions What winning Chopped did for her career The habits and mindset of a repeat champion Behind-the-scenes insights from competitive cooking shows How to build authority and stand out in a competitive industry Whether you're an aspiring chef, entrepreneur, or just love Food Network, cooking competitions, and success stories, this episode will give you powerful insights you can apply to your own journey. Jordan Arcuri: https://www.instagram.com/broilerqueen/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/ Chapters: 0:00 - Leadership Starts At The Top 0:48 - Jordan Arcuri 3:20 - "The Broil Highness" 3:54 - Who is the "Beef Queen" 5:00 - Leading a Kitchen 8:00 - How to Become an Executive Chef 12:13 - Designing a Menu 14:20 - Angry Chefs 15:53 - Take the Power Back 16:50 - Responsibilities of a Chef 23:12 - Growing Up Around Cooking 29:00 - Getting a Michelin Star 30:57 - Challenges in the Restaurant Industry 32:45 - How to be Successful in Food 36:00 - Like and Subscribe! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool

Take The Power Back - Episode #22   Most people wait until their idea is perfect, which is why their idea never gets made.   Today I called Kyle Scheele, and we broke down how one of his “bad” videos posted to just 17 followers turned into 68+ million views, and completely changed his life.   This isn’t about luck, it’s about how creativity actually works, and why most people never give their ideas a chance. If you’re a student, creator, or entrepreneur trying to figure out your next move, this episode will change how you think about your actions.   Kyle Scheele: https://kylescheele.com/    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/    Chapters: 0:00 - Gaining Traction 0:53 - Kyle Scheele 2:27 - Million View Video 5:07 - How Did You Get Into Your Field? 8:15 - Corporate Speaking 11:46 - Magic Get-Rich Scheme 13:04 - Creative Energy 16:23 - What Is Your Process? 20:17 - Teacher Stories 23:27 - Take The Power Back 24:20 - What To Do Out Of College 29:45 - Limiting Belief 32:10 - Don't Stop 35:47 - Getting Started 37:51 - Why Weird Ideas? 41:05 - What's Next? 42:37 - Last Advice 45:00 - Like and Subscribe! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Take The Power Back - Episode #21   Most people want success, but very few are willing to push through the hard times in order to get there.   In this episode, I sat down with Chase Gruening, who shared his journey from starting as a solo sales agent knocking on doors to building a growing business through recruitment, leadership, and discipline. We break down what qualities someone needs to push past mediocrity, like a competitive mindset, and a drive to build from the ground up, showing how consistent effort and a commitment to excellence can evolve into leadership and long-term success.   Chase Gruening: https://www.youtube.com/@coachg_chasegruening    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/    Chapters: 00:00 - That Inner Fire 00:53 - What Is Gruening Health & Wealth? 02:13 - Platform Model 03:05 - Door Knocking & Early Sales Hustle 05:48 - Coaching To Insurance Career 08:17 - Where The Drive Comes From 10:05 - College Football & Work Ethic 13:08 - Commission VS Salary Mindset Shift 15:21 - Going Independent 17:27 - Building Systems 19:06 - Sales Strategy 22:26 - Lead Generation Funnel 25:46 - Scaling Into A Business 29:53 - ROI Strategy 31:05 - Biggest Challenges 32:33 - Leadership 33:44 - Why People Fail In Sales 35:47 - Advice For People In Their 20s 40:00 - Vision, Impact & Legacy 40:51 - Personal Life 43:27 - Motivation 45:09 - Mentors 46:24 - Final Thoughts 47:05 - Like And Subscribe!   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Take The Power Back - Episode #20   It’s one thing to achieve success coming from nothing, it’s another thing to do it twice over.   This episode of Take The Power Back features Ricky Carruth, a real estate entrepreneur, investor, and content creator, sharing his journey from manual labor to becoming a top-producing agent and eventually building a massive personal brand through social media. He shares how he went from making millions in real estate to losing everything during the 2008 crash. This led to a period where he was homeless, sleeping in his car, and working various jobs, including on an oil rig, while trying to rebuild his life.   The episode delivers a powerful message about resilience, reinvention, and building a brand through value and relationships, showing how long-term thinking and consistent action can turn setbacks into massive opportunities.   Ricky Carruth: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP0h0eOBAg4hj1LHR28T6wA    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/    Chapters: 0:00 - Person Of Interest 0:38 - Ricky Caruth 0:56 - Building People Skills 3:13 - College Life 5:00 - Most Agents Fail 9:30 - Market Driven 11:06 - Your Success Role 16:09 - My Mentor’s Advice 18:44 - Balancing Work And People 22:03 - The Big Transition 25:31 - People Don’t Think They’re Worthy 27:54 - Take The Power Back 28:48 - If You Want To Win… 30:49 - The Financial Pivot 33:57 - Becoming The Entrepreneur 34:47 - How To Gain Attention 35:58 - The “It” Factor 38:15 - Formula For Success 42:12 - How Are You Monetizing Your Person Of Interest? 46:07 - Advice For The Youth 50:57 - Like & Subscribe!   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Take The Power Back - Episode #19   Most people think they can change their life by reading the right book. Real success isn’t that simple.   In this episode, I sat down with Coach Micheal Burt, where he shares his journey from a young athlete and coach to a high-level business coach and entrepreneur. We break down the real difference between information and transformation, and why mentorship, environment, and execution are what actually change your life.   Coach Micheal Burt: https://www.youtube.com/@Coach-MichealBurt    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/    Chapters: 0:00 - Opening Your Mind 0:40 - Coach Micheal Burt 4:56 - Where You Afraid? 6:28 - I Can Go Do That 9:37 - You're An Entrepreneur 11:10 - How Advice Do You Give? 13:10 - Self Development 15:20 - What Gets Somebody To Go? 20:02 - How Do You Coach Around That? 23:37 - Take The Power Back 24:36 - The Greatness Lab 29:00 - Lies About Young People 31:45 - What Do You Tell Parents? 37:00 - Little Successes 39:57 - Find Your Primary Skill 43:19 - Like and Subscribe!   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Take The Power Back - Episode #18   Most people want a clear plan for their career, but what happens if you don’t have one?   In this episode, I interviewed Carolyn Nolan, a financial advisor and entrepreneur who shared her journey from an uncertain college graduate, to building a successful wealth management firm and leadership platform. Starting in a commission-only, high-failure environment, she nearly didn’t make it. Her persistence, curiosity, and willingness to outwork everyone around her changed everything.   About The Guest: Carolyn Nolan is a Private Wealth Advisor, CEO & Visionary of TNG Private Wealth, and a women-led private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial. If you wish the learn more about her practices, you can visit here to watch a couple videos and request a free consultation: https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/tng-private-wealth/lp/request-contact/1/    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Take The Power Back - Episode #17   Most people are looking for success overnight. What they aren’t ready for, is how much time and effort it actually takes to see growth.   Today, I sat down with entrepreneur and wealth strategist Rob Luna, who shares his journey from extreme poverty to building and selling a nearly $1 billion wealth management firm. Rob’s story reinforces the idea that financial success rarely happens overnight, and instead comes from years of disciplined effort, strategic relationships, and continually investing in personal growth.    Rob Luna: https://www.instagram.com/realrobluna/    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/    Chapters: 00:00 - Exponential Value 01:28 - Who Is Rob Luna? 03:26 - Discovering Finance 05:46 - Cop Who Changed His Path 08:13 - Playing The Long Game 09:10 - College & Wrestling Scholarship 09:59 - Passing The Series 7 12:14 - First Exposure To Wealth 17:02 - Early Entrepreneur Lessons 18:05 - Value VS Paychecks 19:01 - Hedge Fund Experience 21:11 - Building The Retail Business 22:11 - Father’s Death & Quitting 23:01 - Starting His Own Firm 25:11 - First Clients 27:10 - The 10-Year Grind 27:32 - NFL Client Breakthrough 28:29 - Media & TV Exposure 31:23 - Why He Sold The Firm 32:24 - MBA & Exit Strategy 33:27 - Walking Away From A Deal 34:07 - Selling The Business 36:11 - Building Again 37:39 - Moving Up Market 38:47 - Authority Celebrity Exclusivity 41:59 - Delivering For Clients 43:11 - How Wealthy People Think 45:20 - Working With Athletes 48:05 - Wealth Creation VS Management 49:31 - Practitioner VS Entrepreneur 50:07 - What’s Next? 52:38 - Life After An Exit 54:03 - Advice For Gen Z 55:26 - Picking A Skill to Master 57:55 - Competitive Mindset 58:11 - Choosing Learning Over Pay 59:40 - Relationships Over Money 01:00:33 - Entrepreneurship VS Corporate 01:01:14 - Building the Right Team 01:02:02 - Subscribe For More! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Take The Power Back - Episode #16   Most people want success, but very few are willing to take the necessary steps in order to get there.   In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sat down with Marko Arsic, a top NYC luxury realtor who crossed $300M in transactions this year alone and has surpassed 1 BILLION in career sales. Born into instability and financial hardship, Marko overcame every hardship the world had thrown at him. Through his hard work in building connections and clientele, he has settled into success that others only ever hope to achieve. Watch as he shares the steps he took to surpassing everyone’s expectations.   Marko Arsic: https://www.instagram.com/markonyc/?hl=en    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/    Chapters: 00:00 - Don't Be Scared 00:51 - Meet Marko Arsic 03:40 - How Do You Get These Clients? 05:00 - What Makes A Realtor A Luxury Realtor 08:14 - How Do You Manage Your Relationships? 14:24 - Where Did You Learn Your People Skills? 16:50 - What Did You Do For Work When You First Got Here? 21:04 - How Did You Survive The Garage Years? 23:20 - When Was Your Financial Transition? 27:56 - What Made You Relentless? 35:35 - A Day In The Life 37:34 - When Would You Recommend Real Estate To Someone? 40:16 - What Is The End Game? 42:57 - How Do You Manage The Ups And Downs? 46:27 - Do You Have Any Regrets? 50:10 - Words Of Advice 53:30 - Thanks For Watching! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Take The Power Back - Episode #15   Most young professionals don’t fail because they aren’t good enough, they fail because they don’t care enough.   This episode of Take The Power Back features Daniel “Raps” Huffman, Regional Vice President of Georgia Financial Advisors (GFA), sharing his journey from an immature college frat star to a high-level executive leading nearly 80 advisors across Atlanta and Savannah.    Much of his personal development came from choosing uncomfortable growth over easy paths. He encourages young professionals to avoid settling for stability too early, and to understand that success compounds from small disciplined decisions over time.   Daniel Raps Huffman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-raps-huffman-ffa/    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/    Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:57 - Meet Daniel “Raps” Hoffman 02:13 - Building Atlanta From Scratch 07:18 - Imposter Syndrome & Panic Attacks 09:23 - Growth Through Discomfort 11:07 - Your First Five Hires Matter 13:41 - “I Get To” VS “I Have To” 14:54 - Why Coaching Changes Everything 17:23 - Investing In Yourself Pays Off 21:56 - From Frat Star To Leader 24:07 - Getting Passed Up & Finding Drive 26:21 - Inspiration For Young Entrepreneurs 28:10 - Why He Chose Financial Advising 32:47 - Breaking Lazy Habits 36:28 - Realizing It Was A Startup 39:15 - Trauma Bonding & Early Grind 42:29 - Fighting to Be In The Room 44:08 - What Is Vision Based Leadership 47:08 - Don’t Choose Comfort 49:05 - A Mom’s Perspective 51:34 - What’s Next for GFA 53:47 - Building Leaders 55:10 - Outro -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool   

Take The Power Back - Episode #14 There’s a narrative being pushed onto young people today. “Play it safe, follow the system, and hope everything works out”. That’s not how leaders are built. In this conversation, Jason sits down with investment specialist Emily Richard to break down the mindset and discipline required to take ownership of your future. From paying off nearly $100,000 in student debt to stepping into a high-pressure finance career, her story highlights what happens when you invest in yourself, and refuse to let outside voices define your limits.   Emily Richard: https://www.instagram.com/emilylrichard/    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    Chapters: 00:00 - Paying Off My Student Loans 01:00 - Meet Emily Richards  02:30 - Breaking Into Private Banking  04:00 - Leaving Credit Research  06:30 - Betting On Herself  09:00 - Pressure Is A Privilege  11:30 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome  14:20 - First Client Pitch Lessons  16:30 - Women In Finance  18:00 - Respond VS React  20:00 - Working With Ultra Wealthy Clients  22:30 - Growing Up  24:30 - Paying For College  26:30 - Sports & Discipline  29:00 - The Power Of Routine  31:00 - Goal Setting Formula  34:30 - Who Moved My Cheese  37:00 - Taking Moonshots  39:00 - Deleting Social Media  41:00 - Power Of Mentorship  44:00 - Networking Strategy  48:00 - Finding Her Purpose  49:30 - $100K Student Loan Payoff  52:00 - Ignoring Limiting Beliefs  54:00 - Embracing the Grind  57:00 - What’s Next  58:25 - Thanks For Watching! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Take The Power Back - Episode #13 Most people don’t fail because they aren’t capable, they fail because they choose comfort over growth. By focusing on what’s important, you learn how to tap into your true potential. In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sat down with Andrew Nigrelli to unpack what it really means to be an entrepreneur. From early career pressure and “safe” financial success to reinvention, this conversation exposes the difference between building a lifestyle practice and building a real business. Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com  Chapters: 00:00 - Learning From Failure 00:42 - What is TTPB 03:10 - Who is Andrew Nigrelli 06:40 - Off the Results Sheet 09:45 - Learning to Pick Yourself Back Up 13:20 - Trying Again After You Fall 16:15 - Two Ways to Look at Failure 19:10 - Failure as Feedback 22:45 - Perspective Only Comes With Time 26:30 - Learning From Getting Knocked Down 30:40 - Defining the Mission 33:50 - Why the Focus Is on Gen Z 37:54 - Take The Power Back 38:35 - Inspiring Entrepreneurship 42:10 - Introducing Andrew 45:55 - How We First Met 49:30 - Andrew’s Early Career 53:40 - Corporate Experience 57:10 - Reinventing Yourself 01:02:20 - What Sustained Success Really Takes 01:05:40 - Final Reflections and Takeaways 01:08:06 - Thanks For Watching! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool  #takethepowerback #failure #learning #growing #entrepreneur #business

Take The Power Back - Episode #12 Most people don’t fail because they’re incapable, they fail because they’re listening to the wrong advice. In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sat down with Tommy Nickerson to break down what actually separates people who rise into leadership from those who burn out. We unpack the difference between trust and loyalty, why most advice is based on emotions instead of outcomes, and why you should never make life decisions when you’re frustrated. Tommy Nickerson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tnickerson/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ Chapters: 00:00 - Leadership 02:00 - Tom’s Role At FFA 05:30 - Developing Leaders 08:15 - Trust Respect Loyalty 12:00 - How Leaders Lose Trust 15:30 - Moving To Florida 18:00 - First Days In The Business 20:30 - Culture & Competitive Mindset 24:30 - Working Two Jobs 27:30 - Opening The Orlando Office 31:00 - Jacksonville Breakthrough 35:00 - Belief Over Talent 38:07 - Take The Power Back 38:50 - Why People Burn Out 43:00 - Who You Should Take Advice From 49:00 - Leading Leaders At Scale 55:30 - Advice For Young People 1:00:30 - Final Reflections 1:04:41 - Outro -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool #leadership #takethepowerback #genz #trust #loyalty #ffa

Take The Power Back - Episode #11 Too many young professionals are being sold a version of success that keeps them comfortable. What they don’t realize is that their idea of safety is doing the exact opposite. In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sat down with entrepreneur George Zeppos to break down what it actually takes to build unstoppable leadership. From washing dishes on opening night, to building and scaling multiple businesses, this conversation exposes the truth. Chapters: 0:00:00 - No Limitations 0:00:33 - TTPB 0:01:40 - Who Is George Zeppos? 0:02:46 - The Dodo Bird Technique 0:05:00 - Betting On Yourself 0:07:30 - The Real Grind 0:11:00 - Ownership Mindset 0:16:15 - Systems Win 0:20:15 - Fail Forward 0:23:15 - Finding The Right Room 0:26:00 - Outworking Everyone 0:29:45 - Turning Last Place Around 0:34:30 - Mastering The Details 0:37:45 - Breaking Through Walls 0:41:00 - Building Leaders 0:44:30 - Talent vs Business 0:48:45 - Creating Real Wealth 0:52:00 - Scaling Beyond One Location 0:56:00 - Uncapped Potential 1:01:00 - Choosing Freedom 1:04:30 - Final Thoughts 1:07:34 - Like & Subscribe Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool  #takethepowerback #FFA #scaling #security #millionaire #restaurantowners

Take The Power Back - Episode #10 Most people don’t fail because they aren’t talented, they fail because they adopt a victim mentality. In this episode I sit down with Steve Schmitt, a successful financial advisor and entrepreneur, to break down why most young professionals fail. We explore the complications of earning six figures early in life, what it takes to be a successful financial leader, and why "victim mentality" is killing Gen Z's careers. Steve Schmitt- https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-s-40515294/ Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ Chapters: 0:00:00 – Six Figures In Your Twenties 0:00:57 – Who Is Steve Schmitt? 0:08:40 – Entering Financial Services 0:13:39 – Why Most People Fail 0:18:48 – Overcoming Rejection 0:25:51 – Work Hours And Expectations 0:31:46 – Creating And Scaling A Firm 0:53:14 – Advice to Gen Z 1:08:24 – Like and Subscribe!   Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jmickool Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool

Take The Power Back - Episode #9 Most people think career success comes down to how much effort you put in, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In the end, corporate America will never reward your hard work. In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sat down with Mike Vietri, Chief Distribution Officer at Amerilife, to break down what it actually takes to succeed as a leader inside large organizations, and why so many high performers somehow end up fumbling their careers. Mike Vietri - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-vietri-39176b4a/  Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/  Chapters: 00:00 - The Systems 00:40 - Who Is Mike Vietri? 03:45 - Building Scale  07:00 - Corporate Athlete  10:15 - Communication  12:54 - Discipline & Systems  17:04 - Empathy In Leadership  22:26 - Early Career  26:40 - Choosing Leadership  34:00 - Leadership Mistakes  37:10 - Image & Culture  40:41 - Take The Power Back 41:25 - Professional Boundaries  46:59 - Recognition  52:09 - The Business Model  55:30 - Founder Mindset  58:30 - Scaling Through People  01:01:58 - Staying Focused  01:04:44 - Leadership Discipline  01:10:30 - Opportunity Today  01:13:30 - Final Thoughts  01:17:08 - Outro -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jmickool  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Take The Power Back - Episode #8   Most beginners chase comfort, but experienced, high performers chase growth.   In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sat down with Victoria Raps, Senior Director of Operations at Florida Financial Advisors. We broke down what real career growth actually looks like, and why the “safe path” so many Gen Z professionals are sold is quietly holding them back.   Victoria Raps: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-pena-raps/    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    Chapters: 0:00 - Leadership Tactics 0:47 - Take The Power Back 1:20 - Meet Victoria Ralph  2:09 - From Intern To Operations Lead  3:09 - Scaling A Fast-Growth Firm  4:29 - A Day In Operations  5:23 - Leadership Styles  7:10 - Motivation & Growth Systems  8:40 - Using Norms At Work  10:55 - Emotional Intelligence  12:57 - Early Life  14:02 - College And Internships  15:01 - First Roles At FFA  16:49 - Becoming An Executive  19:55 - Expectations VS Reality  21:00 - Coaching & Accountability  22:31 - Almost Quitting  24:05 - Startup Reality Check  27:02 - Conflict & Team Tension  31:06 - Resistance To Change  33:40 - Scaling The Team  39:00 - What’s Next  43:30 - Advice For Young Pros  45:01 - Pride In the Systems  47:20 - Earning Titles & Pay  49:00 - Career Momentum  50:40 - Becoming More Valuable  51:30 - Trusting the Process  52:20 - Final Reflections  54:09 - Thanks For Watching! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jmickool Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool

Take The Power Back - Episode #8 Most people don’t fail because they aren’t talented, they fail because their expectations are wrong. In this episode I sit down with wealth advisor and entrepreneur Chandler Durham to break down what actually separates the people who succeed from those who quit early. From building a career in financial services, to turning a practice into a business, this conversation is a masterclass for Gen Z and young professionals who want more than a “safe” career. Chandler Dutram: https://www.instagram.com/chandler_dutram Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 0:53 - Who Is Chandler Dutram? 3:15 - Growing Up In Florida 7:08 - Choosing One's Own Path 9:29 - First Job Search 11:51 - Imposter Syndrome & Early Confidence 14:09 - Horatio Office Culture 17:19 - STEM Meetings 19:36 - Entrepreneurial Wants 21:25 - Handling Rejection 25:45 - Why Some People Don't Make It 26:28 - Pre-COVID vs Post-COVID 27:46 - Take the Power Back 28:23 - Moving Into Leadership 30:17 - Managing People 32:11 - Going Independent 34:08 - Building His Own Brand 35:43 - Working Remotely From New York 40:04 - Why Talented People Fail 42:38 - “Success Is A Bowl Of Spaghetti” 45:28 - Comfort vs Long-Term Reward 47:40 - Financial Advisory Business 50:15 - Choosing The Path Forward 53:01 - Building Lifelong Friendships 54:12 - Final Advice For Gen Z 56:40 - Outro -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jmickool Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Take The Power Back - Episode #6 In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sat down with former Green Beret and entrepreneur Patrick Laughlin to break down what elite performance really looks like in the military, in business, and in life. Patrick shares what it actually takes to survive Special Forces selection, why most people fail long before they hit their physical limits, and how those same principles apply directly to entrepreneurship. Patrick Laughlin: https://www.instagram.com/conquer_custom/ Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:13 - Who is Patrick Laughlin? 3:08 - Gen Z and Technology 4:32 - Custom Car Shop 6:36 - Preparing to Leave the Military 8:27 - Special Forces Mindset 10:51 - Early Life and Military School 12:56 - Impact of 9/11 16:09 - Green Beret Training 19:25 - The 3% Mentality 22:11 - Grit Beats Talent 27:34 - Leadership and Expertise 28:22 - Becoming an Expert 33:18 - Side Hustles While Serving 46:53 - Rejecting Corporate Life 49:11 - Owning the Hard Parts 53:30 - Passion Over Paychecks 58:10 - Freedom and Responsibility 59:30 - Risk and Consequences 1:01:07 - Advice for Gen Z 1:06:27 - Outro Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jmickool Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Take The Power Back - Episode #5 In today’s episode of Take The Power Back, Jason sits down with Rena, the founder of Event Lab and the creative force behind some of Tampa’s biggest, most iconic events. Her story is raw, real, and exactly what entrepreneurs need to hear. She dropped out of college, became the “worst bartender ever,” beat cancer, walked away from a cushy job, and built a high-end event company from absolutely nothing. Rena Wiser: https://www.instagram.com/the1queenreen/ Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:58 - Who Is Rena? 03:54 - Discovering The Love For Events 04:22 - Starting Event Lab 06:13 - Leaving Stability 08:50 - First Client 12:35 - Staying Organized 14:45 - Pulling It Off 16:17 - Managing The Process 17:17 - Building From Vision Boards 19:44 - Building Relationships 20:53 - Take The Power Back 21:38 - Building Out Their Vision 25:15 - Busy Season 28:00 - Advice For Those Starting Out 30:48 - Looking Backwards 31:56 - Where Do You Start? 34:50 - Where Did You Get Your Confidence 36:42 - What's Next? 39:30 - Outro -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jmickool Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Take The Power Back - Episode #4 Gen Z isn’t struggling to find jobs. They’re being restricted by outdated college career systems that hide entrepreneurial and business opportunities. In this conversation, Jason Mickool and Gino Lavorgna break down how universities filter out the highest-growth paths, force students into “approved” careers, and leave ambitious young people feeling stuck. If you’re hungry, coachable, and ready to build something real, this episode exposes why the system failed you. Gino Lavorgna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginolavorgna Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ Chapters: 0:00 - Teaser 0:34 - Take The Power Back 0:46 - Who is Gino Lavorgana 1:53 - Connecticut to Corporate Life 4:03 - Leaving Corporate for Sales 7:17 - Joining a Startup 9:03 - Startup Challenges 11:29 - Building the Business 15:52 - Developing Leadership 22:02 - Identifying Talent 27:53 - Advice for Gen Z 28:34 - Systems and Time Management 31:54 - What Do You Get From Coaching? 36:37 - Problem-Solving and Leverage Points 38:24 - "Inspect What You Expect" 41:08 - Structure and Skill Demonstration 42:09 - Gino’s Path to Becoming an Advisor 44:03 - Financial Goals 45:25 - What's Next After Fatherhood? 47:20 - University Gatekeeping 48:19 - Fighting for Access 53:08 - Why Do Broken Career Services Hurt Students? 56:09 - Outro ----------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jmickool Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Take The Power Back - Episode #3    At what point do you realize you've gone from having a job to a business? I sat down with Bradley Graham to discuss how he started out, climbed the ranks, and successfully scaled his business to be what it is today.   Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-graham-730a2a78/    Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/    Chapters: 0:00 - Teaser 0:24 - Take The Power Back 0:34 - Who Is Bradley Graham? 2:28 - What Does Engineering Attention Mean? 4:20 - How Do New Eyes Reach You? 5:35 - How Was Your Childhood? 10:48 - How Did You Scale Your Cleaning Business? 16:24 - How Did Evy Media Start? 18:50 - I've Got A Client, Now What Do I Do? 21:56 - What Takeaways Do You Have From Prior Experience? 23:24 - How Did You Manage Family Life In The Beginning? 24:17 - How Did You Organize Your Business In The Beginning? 22:18 - Why Did You Go Into Leadership? 25:09 - Take The Power Back 26:01 - What Does The Business Growth Process Look Like? 32:08 - How Do You Shift From A Job To A Business? 35:13 - What Is Your Approach Towards Leadership? 39:40 - What Is The Next Chapter For Evy Media? 43:46 - How Does Evy Media Reach The Next Level? 46:03 - What Advice Do You Have For The Next Generation? 48:37 - What Does Evy Media's Startup Culture Look Like? 53:00 - Like and Subscribe —----------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jmickool  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Take The Power Back - Episode #2   Watch as I sit down with Justin Barbato to uncover what’s really holding people back from thriving in the financial service world.   We get brutally honest about why most people stay average, and how to fix it. We also break down what it means to be a real professional in this industry, by being someone who builds trust, and doesn’t rely on outdated sales tactics.   Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbarbato   Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/   Chapters: 0:00 - Teaser 0:30 - Take The Power Back 0:40 - Who Is Justin Barbato? 7:43 - What Have Sports Taught You About Success? 8:44 - What Does Preparation Look Like Today? 9:53 - What Have You Learned About Time Management? 11:31 - How Do You Implement Time Management When Leading People? 14:12 - How Do You Inspire People To Be The Best Version Of Themselves? 16:15 - What Does This Mantra Mean To You? 19:05 - What Was The Quote You Gave Me? 20:12 - How Do You Get Rid Of Good Habits 21:01 - What Advice Do You Have For Those Who Aren't Getting Results? 22:18 - Why Did You Go Into Leadership? 25:23 - What Was Your Turning Point? 26:49 - What Advice Do You Have About Career Choices And Moving Forward? 27:41 - Take The Power Back 29:18 - Who Do You Take Advice From? 31:14 - How Do You Manage People Who Are Bad Influences? 34:00 - How Do You Interpret Feedback? 36:07 - What's Next? 38:23 - What Did He See In You? 40:02 - What Do You Think You'll Make This Year? 44:56 - Why Does It Change Over Time? 46:26 - What Does Mom And Dad Think? 47:54 - What Is Important In Making Right Decisions? 52:25 - Like and Subscribe _____________________________________________________ Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool  LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Can't find a job after college? It's not a coincidence, it's engineered.  Jason Mickool has spent 30 years building companies, hiring hundreds, and watching the system fail ambitious students. That’s why he created Take The Power Back. He wants to break the monopoly on opportunity and connect students directly to the careers that actually change lives. Real jobs. Real access. No gatekeepers. Chapters: 0:00 - Why Gen Z is One of The Best Generations 0:40 - The Problem With Universities 1:57 - If Mark Zuckerberg Went Back To Career Services 2:16 - Why Are Most Jobs Not Allowed On Job Listings? 2:45 - The Revolution Against College 2:56 - Motivational Stories From Successful Business Owners 3:14 - Eliminate Gate Keeping Within The Job Market 3:40 - Creating A Speaking Bureau As A Student Resource 3:50 - Giving Back To Students 4:11 - This Is Where It STARTS and ENDS. 4:14 - Join The Movement. ____________________________________________________ Get connected and check out Jason’s other content: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jmickool Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool

Take The Power Back - Episode #1    Four years ago, John was living in his parents’ basement delivering sandwiches. Today, he’s a top executive making nearly half a million dollars a year. Join Jason Mickool as he interviews John on how he flipped his mindset, embraced discomfort, and turned that inner itch into unstoppable ambition.   Chapters: 0:00 - Teaser 0:23 - Take The Power Back 0:34 - Who Is John Scrifinny? 7:10 - What Happened In DC? 9:10 - Where Has Your Development Come From, And Why? 10:44 - Did You Figure It Out As You Go? 13:06 - How Do You Lead People Today? 14:47 - Did Anyone Help You At College? 17:40 - What Makes Me Successful? 22:21 - What Do You Do When You're Not Living Your Life Everyday? 24:16 - What Is The Freest Game And How Do You Play It? 25:27 - The Four R's, and How To Apply Them To The Freest Game. 29:03 - How Did This Happen? What Was The Catalyst To Your Success? 30:57 - What Are Your Dad's Thoughts About You Today? 32:14 - What Advice Would You Give To A College Graduate? 33:55 - How Do You Get People To Understand To Not Become Average? 34:50 - What Are Your Goals? 36:57 - Like and Subscribe   Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more high-profile interviews. —----------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jmickool Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool

Can't find a job after college? It's not a coincidence, it's engineered.  Jason Mickool has spent 30 years building companies, hiring hundreds, and watching the system fail ambitious students. That’s why he created Take The Power Back. He wants to break the monopoly on opportunity and connect students directly to the careers that actually change lives. Real jobs. Real access. No gatekeepers. Chapters: 0:00 - Why Gen Z is One of The Best Generations 0:40 - The Problem With Universities 1:57 - If Mark Zuckerberg Went Back To Career Services 2:16 - Why Are Most Jobs Not Allowed On Job Listings? 2:45 - The Revolution Against College 2:56 - Motivational Stories From Successful Business Owners 3:14 - Eliminate Gate Keeping Within The Job Market 3:40 - Creating A Speaking Bureau As A Student Resource 3:50 - Giving Back To Students 4:11 - This Is Where It STARTS and ENDS. 4:14 - Join The Movement. ____________________________________________________ Get connected and check out Jason’s other content: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jmickool Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool

Take The Power Back - Episode #1    Four years ago, John was living in his parents’ basement delivering sandwiches. Today, he’s a top executive making nearly half a million dollars a year. Join Jason Mickool as he interviews John on how he flipped his mindset, embraced discomfort, and turned that inner itch into unstoppable ambition.   Chapters: 0:00 - Teaser 0:23 - Take The Power Back 0:34 - Who Is John Scrifinny? 7:10 - What Happened In DC? 9:10 - Where Has Your Development Come From, And Why? 10:44 - Did You Figure It Out As You Go? 13:06 - How Do You Lead People Today? 14:47 - Did Anyone Help You At College? 17:40 - What Makes Me Successful? 22:21 - What Do You Do When You're Not Living Your Life Everyday? 24:16 - What Is The Freest Game And How Do You Play It? 25:27 - The Four R's, and How To Apply Them To The Freest Game. 29:03 - How Did This Happen? What Was The Catalyst To Your Success? 30:57 - What Are Your Dad's Thoughts About You Today? 32:14 - What Advice Would You Give To A College Graduate? 33:55 - How Do You Get People To Understand To Not Become Average? 34:50 - What Are Your Goals? 36:57 - Like and Subscribe   Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more high-profile interviews. —----------- Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jmickool Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool