What if the real key to leadership, influence, and long-term success isn’t how smart you are, but how well you understand people?

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Melissa Robinson Winemiller international bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and founder of EQ via Empathy, to break down why emotional intelligence (EQ) consistently outperforms IQ in leadership, business, and life.

Drawing from her work with global organizations and elite institutions, Dr. Melissa shares how empathy transforms communication, strengthens teams, and creates leaders people actually want to follow.

This conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, executives, veterans, and high performers who want real influence, not just impressive credentials

Subscribe now, share this episode with a leader who needs to hear it, and visit our website to keep sharpening the skills that truly move the needle.

To Get In Touch With Dr Melissa Click Here ➡️ https://eqviaempathy.com/

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Donovan Rittenbach Jr a serial entrepreneur, AI marketing strategist, and author of Prompt Virtuoso, to unpack The Rise and Fall of AI.

With nearly three decades of experience in programming, copywriting, and digital transformation—and having worked with Fortune 500 companies and major institutions, Donovan breaks down why AI isn’t truly “intelligent,” how it amplifies human thinking, and where blind reliance on technology could lead us astray.

This conversation dives deep into AI ethics, business leadership, human creativity, and what entrepreneurs and leaders must understand to stay relevant in an AI-driven world.

Subscribe, share this episode, and visit my website to join the conversation shaping the future of technology, leadership, and human potential.

To Get In Touch With Donovan Click Here ➡️ https://www.donovanrittenbach.com

In this episode, I sit down with JR Butler Founder & CEO of The Shift Group, to break down how elite athletes and military veterans can translate discipline, resilience, and coachability into high-performance careers.

From mindset shifts to leadership, sales, and life after the uniform, JR delivers real-world insight on how to stop feeling stuck and start winning again, subscribe, share this with a battle buddy, and visit my website to keep building unstoppable momentum

To Get In Touch With JR Click Here ➡️ http://Www.shiftgroup.io

In this raw and unforgettable episode, Richard sits down with Matt Melvin author of Bullied Behind Bars, who shares the brutal reality of what he endured while incarcerated and the inner transformation that followed.

Matt opens up about bullying, identity, faith, mental health, and how one life-altering mistake forced him to confront who he was and who he needed to become.

This is a powerful conversation about accountability, resilience, and the truth that even in the darkest places, redemption is possible.

Subscribe, share this episode with someone who believes in second chances, and visit your website for more stories of comeback, courage, and purpose.

To Pick Up His Book Click Here https://www.amazon.com/Bullied-Behind-Bars-Christian-Supporter-ebook/dp/B09SFKYFCD

Feeling stuck isn’t a lack of motivation,it’s a system failure.

In this powerful episode, Richard sits down with Todd Hagopian as the “Stagnation Assassin,” a business transformation expert who has helped generate billions in shareholder value, doubled and exited his own manufacturing company, and developed proven frameworks to eliminate what he calls Stagnation Syndrome.

Todd breaks down why comfort quietly kills momentum, how high performers get trapped by their own success, and the exact mindset and systems required to break free, whether you’re stuck in life, business, or purpose.

This conversation is raw, strategic, and packed with actionable insights that will help you move from stalled to unstoppable.

Subscribe, share this episode with someone who feels stuck, and visit VerticalMomentumPodcast.com to start building real momentum again.

#GetUnstuck

#BreakStagnation

#MindsetShift

From Navy SEAL to CEO

What does it take to transition from the elite world of Navy SEALs to becoming a successful CEO, without losing purpose, discipline, or identity?

In this powerful episode, Jeff L. Gonzales, former Navy SEAL, combat veteran, and founder & CEO of Trident Concepts, shares how the leadership, decision-making, and mental toughness forged in Special Operations became the foundation for building a thriving business.

From graduating BUD/S Class 155, serving with SEAL Team Four, and training future SEALs, to leading one of the most respected tactical training companies in the country, Jeff breaks down what actually transfers from the battlefield to the boardroom.

This conversation goes far beyond motivation.

Jeff delivers real-world lessons on leadership under pressure, accountability, standards, and winning in business when the stakes are high, lessons every veteran, entrepreneur, and leader needs to hear.

👉 Subscribe to the Vertical Momentum Podcast

👉 Share this episode with a battle buddy or business partner

👉 Visit VerticalMomentumPodcast.com to hear more conversations that help veterans and leaders turn experience into impact.

To Get In Touch With Jeff Click Here ➡️ http://www.tridentconcepts.com

Are you tired of being the “Nice Guy” who gets overlooked, under-appreciated, or stuck playing small?

In this powerful episode, host Richard Kaufman dives deep with men’s life coach and community leader McKenzie Beeby to expose the cultural forces that keep men trapped in people-pleasing habits and shame-based thinking, and how to break free for good.

Together, we unpack Nice Guy Syndrome, explore why too many men struggle with identity, purpose, and emotional honesty, and reveal actionable tools for building confidence, setting boundaries, and living a life of integrity, purpose, and connection

Listen now for courage-building insights that will shift how you see yourself, and how you show up in your relationships, career, and faith.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that transform lives.

📢 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear the truth.

To Get In Touch With McKenzie Click Here ➡️ www.McKenzieBeeby.com

How To Get Wealthy The Right Way (NIL & Athlete Wealth Edition)

Most college athletes are chasing NIL deals.

Very few are being taught how to turn NIL into real, lasting wealth.

In this powerful episode, Richard Kaufman sits down with Christopher Calvin, author, NIL coach, investor, and former championship-level coach, who now helps college athletes and their families navigate NIL the smart way.

Christopher breaks down how mindset, personal branding, financial literacy, and disciplined investing separate athletes who get quick money from those who build long-term freedom.

Drawing from his experience coaching elite athletes and mentoring investors, Christopher shares practical strategies to protect NIL income, avoid common traps, and build wealth that lasts long after the jersey comes off.

This is the conversation every athlete, parent, and coach needs to hear, but rarely does.

If you want to turn NIL opportunities into a legacy instead of a liability, hit subscribe, share this episode with a student-athlete who needs this message, and visit VerticalMomentumPodcast.com for more conversations that build purpose, power, and financial freedom.