Beyond Self-Made

In this episode of Beyond Self Made, Michael sits down with Rebecca Masters, CEO, entrepreneur, and one of the most quietly formidable leaders you will ever meet. Just ten days after welcoming a newborn, Rebecca shows up for a raw and wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond business. From losing her mother at a young age, to accelerating through life with relentless drive, to navigating divorce, danger, and rebuilding from the ground up, this is a story of resilience in its purest form. What makes Rebecca different is not just her story. It is how she operates. From managing VIP experiences in Las Vegas to leading high stakes cybersecurity initiatives for global organizations, she has built a reputation for something rare. White glove leadership in environments where failure is common. In this episode, we explore: The hidden power of belief and how it shapes your trajectory Why most technology projects fail and what actually makes them succeed The role of trust, relationships, and human judgment in a technology driven world What it really takes to lead under pressure Turning adversity into forward momentum Why people first leadership still wins, even in cybersecurity Rebecca's journey proves something most people overlook. Success is not built on perfect timing. It is built on showing up, staying in the fight, and refusing to let the mission fail. If you are navigating uncertainty, building something meaningful, or pushing to reach the next level in your career or leadership, this episode will stay with you. leadership, entrepreneurship, resilience, mindset, personal growth, career growth, business leadership, high performance, cybersecurity leadership, change management, executive leadership, organizational transformation, women in leadership, startup growth, consulting, overcoming adversity, life after loss, rebuilding your life, mental toughness, discipline, purpose driven life, career reinvention, leadership in the age of AI, human judgment, business podcast, motivational podcast, success stories

Feeling stuck in your career? Worried about AI replacing jobs? In this powerful episode, Michael Greenwalt reveals the leadership mindset, reinvention strategies, and daily habits that can transform your future. In this solo episode of the Beyond Self Made Podcast, Michael Greenwalt shares a masterclass on leadership, career growth, resilience, and adapting in the age of AI. Drawing from experience across military service, fire leadership, banking, entrepreneurship, and consulting, Michael breaks down the habits and mindset shifts that separate those who stagnate from those who rise. You'll learn why teams outperform individuals, how great leaders gain influence beyond their title, why mentorship and succession planning matter, and how micro-gains create macro results over time. Michael also gets candid about battling depression and self-doubt, and how small victories can pull you forward when motivation disappears. Whether you're early in your career, stuck in middle management, reinventing yourself, or trying to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world, this episode is packed with practical wisdom you can apply immediately. The future doesn't belong to AI alone, it belongs to those who learn how to use it. Key Topics Covered: - Leadership without a title - Career reinvention strategies - Building stronger teams - Extreme ownership & accountability - Why calmness is contagious - How AI is changing careers - Micro habits that change your life - Small wins during depression & doubt - Dreaming bigger again leadership, career growth, self improvement, mindset, career reinvention, AI jobs, future of work, motivation, entrepreneurship, management, middle management, personal development, resilience, teamwork, productivity, Michael Greenwalt, Beyond Self Made, success habits, emotional intelligence, leadership training

What if the biggest risk with artificial intelligence isn't what it can do, but who (or what) is controlling it? In this episode of Beyond Self-Made, Michael Greenwalt sits down with experimental engineer and AI pioneer Tim Kuglin; someone who isn't just using AI, but actively building the systems that will govern it. From early satellite communications and video conferencing innovation to today's cutting-edge work in AI governance through the RQLab and Zipr AI, Tim shares a rare inside look at what's actually happening behind the scenes of the AI revolution. This conversation goes far beyond surface-level AI hype. You'll hear: Why AI is no longer just a tool - but something that acts The hidden dangers of rapid AI development without governance Why "close enough" can be catastrophic in high-stakes environments How human + AI partnerships may be the only viable future The philosophy behind building technology that prioritizes humanity over profit If you're a founder, operator, or anyone trying to stay relevant in the next 3–10 years, this is a conversation you can't afford to miss. Because the real question isn't whether AI will change the world… It's whether we'll be ready for it. Learn more: https://www.zipr.ai https://www.rqlab.ai

Most entrepreneurs chase ideas: they rarely get the courage to bet on themselves. Steve Wideman, CEO of Ionite, did just that by leaving behind a decades-long career in enterprise sales to transform an industry with speed, simplicity, and relentless empathy. His journey from hospitality in Houston to leading a tech startup is a masterclass in daring to rewrite your own story, and proving that no background should limit your impact. In this episode, Steve shares how a deep-rooted fraternity bond and his unwavering confidence helped him navigate the chaos of startup life. You'll discover: the power of building genuine relationships over product pitches, why being willing to fail is the key to unprecedented innovation, and how a simple story to his daughter became a transformative business idea - proving that empathy fuels entrepreneurship. He reveals behind-the-scenes moments of risking a career move and winning big - by flying solo to meet Chicago prospects, and how that leap changed everything. We break down real-world insights on how to sell yourself, not just your product. You'll learn how leadership rooted in authenticity attracts top talent, why the fastest path to success is often through the lessons of failure, and how legacy-building isn't a gimmick but a deliberate act. Steve's passion for societal impact - speeding healthcare innovation and empowering startups - demonstrates that true success is measured by the lives we influence. This is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, sales leaders, and anyone craving a blueprint for turning risk into reward. If you believe that relationships trump technology, and that heartfelt storytelling can spark billion-dollar ideas, this episode is a must-listen. Join Steve as he explains why the best teams, the right mindset, and relentless determination put you ahead in a world obsessed with quick wins, and remind us all that success is a journey of persistence, human connection, and one bold step at a time. https://ionite.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/wideman1/ #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Leadership #Empathy #StartupJourney #BusinessSuccess #stepbystep #TechIndustry #CareerShift #Authenticity

Technical issues prevented me from providing the normal interview style podcast, but I promised you all an episode a week.  So here I am, in my pilot solo episode.  I've been getting asked a lot of questions about how I found the time to write a book, or start a podcast, or start an AI company, or volunteer with a public benefit AI company.  It's assumed that I'm caught in the toxic hustle culture.  In this episode, I share how I actually have more time to be present with family and things that are important to me than I ever have before.  I provide 3 steps to identifying your time habits and pursuing ambition.  I also provide a "life hack" that has completely transformed the way I approach my goals and ambitions.  Thank you for tuning in.  If you like this episode or know someone who could benefit from these tips, please like, comment, share, and subscribe. www.michaelgreenwalt.net Instagram: Themichaelgreenwalt    

Andrew Trujillo is the CTO (Chief Technology Officer) of ionite, a technology company that is disrupting app integration at the Enterprise level, with a goal of expanding the technology to all users.  Andy is a former Director at American Express, and has been involved with many other highly visible entities.  We talk about old times, military service, and his path to becoming a cofounder.   https://ionite.com

Michael Kennedy shares his compelling story:  from losing his mother as a young child, to struggling with the law and chaos, to finding new beginnings out west.  He has transformed his life into one of purpose; becoming a husband and father, competing in mixed martial arts, and winning awards as an actor.   #personalgrowth  #resilience #motivation #lifelessons #inspiration #martialarts #mma #mmafighter #acting

Michael and Ruben talk about old times, the highs and lows of parenting, ambition, and the Garcia family legacy: Lafonda.  Decades of taking care of people and building community.  We can all learn from their example of genuinely taking care of people.

Lily Finegan is a senior at Northern Arizona University.  In this episode, we talk about her surprising trip to Africa, her ambitions to get a "big girl" job, and Michael's early journey in the military and fire service.

Morgan Baggs is a jack of all trades.  He is a former Marine, Professional Blackjack Player, and Software Engineer.  Now he is the owner of Insurgent Fitness, and lead Black Belt Professor in Jiu Jitsu.  We talk about his life journey, as well as the importance of authentic relationships and structured instruction for our youth.  We also discuss his tragic accident, which changed the trajectory of his life, leading to a new phylosophical mindset. https://insurgent.fitness

Kim Robinson has lived experience.  Growing up in a "shotgun house", to the military, to entrepreneurship and service to her community, Kim embodies what it means to live a purposeful life.  All without fanfare or self promotion.  Join us for a conversation rooted in humanity.   https://gallyvantmarket.com

Dr. Charn McAllister is a graduate of West Point, and an Army Officer who flew helicopter combat missions in Iraq.  Join us for a powerful example of ethical leadership, proving that doing the right thing isn't always the easiest.

Roy Duprez is the CEO of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery.  His journey leads us from a reckless childhood filled with alcohol, crime, and occassional drug use.  Once he faced the truth regarding his behavior, he cleaned up his life, now helping others' in their recovery journey.

In our second episode of rising from the ashes, Michael sits down with Michelle Baggs from Frontline Fenix, for a grounded and honest conversation about resilience, and the unseen weight many people carry while still showing up for others. Michelle shares her personal journey, the moments that shaped her perspective, and what she has learned about navigating responsibility, identity, and growth when life doesn't follow a clean or predictable script.  Together, they explore what it really means to lead with integrity, how lived experience changes the way we show up for people, and why strength is often quieter than we expect.   This conversation isn't about chasing titles or pretending to have it all figured out.  It's about doing the work, asking better questions, and understanding that none of us are truly self-made. If you've ever wrestled with purpose, pressure, or the gap between who you are and who you're becoming, this episode will resonate. In this episode we discuss: Leadership shaped by lived experience Navigating responsibility without losing yourself The unseen challenges behind "doing well" Why growth often comes through discomfort and reflection What it means to lead with empathy and accountability This episode is for: Leaders at any stage People carrying responsibility others don't see Anyone rethinking success, identity, or purpose If this conversation adds value, consider subscribing, sharing it with someone who needs it, and continuing the conversation. https://frontlinefenix.org

Dave was born into poverty, spending his first year in a 40sq ft pop-up trailer. Throughout his life he encountered struggles with mental health/addiction, career changes, and relationships. That all changed once he lost everything.  His marriage was over, he resigned from his career in the fire service, and a wildfire consumed everything he owned. Rising like a Phoenix from the ashes, he rebuilt himself - becoming completely sober, showing up for himself, fixing relationships, and starting two successful businesses.   Dave's story reminds us that no matter how bad it gets, we can always rise above, and change our situation in life. https://www.1ofnone.org https://www.forgedinflow.org