In this week’s episode of The Pitch and The Catch Podcast, host Dirk Horn explores the intersection of science, innovation, and leadership with Michael Anthonavage, VP of Innovation at Vitaquest and a biochemist who has spent more than 30 years turning complex ideas into practical breakthroughs. They discuss what real empowerment looks like, why innovation begins with recognizing opportunity, and how to navigate a world overflowing with information.

Michael breaks down biohacking, truth in a shifting landscape, and the art of listening with intent. A conversation about clarity, curiosity, and making smarter decisions in a world that rewards noise.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is about empowering others to take on leadership roles themselves, fostering a culture of growth and development.

• Recognizing opportunities is a fundamental aspect of innovation, driving progress and transformation in various fields.

• Biohacking is revolutionizing personal health management by allowing individuals to tailor their health strategies based on personal data.

• Managing information overload requires a strategic focus, enabling individuals to navigate the vast sea of available data effectively.

• Empowerment goes beyond mere permission; it involves creating the right conditions for individuals to succeed and thrive.

New episode every Thursday.

Interested in joining the conversation? Talk to us: https://calendly.com/horn-mab-partners/30min-tpatc-brief

Check out The Winning Balance: https://www.mab-partners.com/thewinningbalance

Stay connected with us here:

Connect with Dirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkhorn/

Website: https://www.mab-partners.com/tpatc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepitchandthecatch?igsh=aGw2M3hqeThndHVr&utm_sourc

Timing is rarely the issue. Staying the course is.

This week on The Pitch & The Catch, host Dirk Horn spoke with Benoit La Salle, President and CEO of Aya Gold & Silver.

Benoit has spent more than three decades building mining companies across commodity cycles, geopolitical shifts, and moments where decisions had to be made years before results were visible. From academia to West Africa to leading one of the fastest-growing silver companies in Morocco, his career is a case study in long-cycle leadership.

We talked about:

• Why perseverance matters more than timing

• How leaders make judgment calls when outcomes are years away

• Why most value is created before anyone believes the story

• How to lead through sustained uncertainty

• What separates leaders who endure from those who give up

In a world obsessed with short-term signals, this conversation is a reminder that the most successful decisions are often made quietly, early, against consensus and with long-term vision.

Listen in and join the conversation.

In the first episode of 2026, Dirk sits down with Daryn Walters—former President of Exmark Manufacturing and senior leader at The Toro Company—to unpack a three-decade career that spanned entrepreneurship, manufacturing, engineering, large-scale operations, and people-centered leadership. Daryn shares how he helped build Exmark from a small operation into an industry force, what he learned about talent, culture, and execution, and why kindness and clarity became defining pillars of his leadership.

The conversation then turns to transition: the often-unspoken shift from running a major organization to rediscovering identity, rhythm, and purpose beyond work. Daryn talks openly about letting go, redefining success, exploring curiosity, and navigating the early stages of “retirement” while still searching for what comes next. It’s an honest, thoughtful look at leadership, reinvention, and the personal journey that begins when the corporate chapter ends.

New episode every Thursday.

Interested in joining the conversation? Talk to us: https://calendly.com/horn-mab-partners/30min-tpatc-brief

Check out The Winning Balance: https://www.mab-partners.com/thewinningbalance

Stay connected with us here:

Connect with Dirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkhorn/

Website: https://www.mab-partners.com/tpatc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepitchandthecatch?igsh=aGw2M3hqeThndHVr&utm_sourc