Mick Unplugged

You don't rise to the occasion, you rise or fall to your level of preparation.

This Memorial Day episode features reflections from figures like Chef Robert Irvine and Michelle Mace-Curren on military service and leadership. Delve into the deep driving forces behind dedication and self-sacrifice, exploring the critical role of preparation in overcoming impossible challenges.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

- Chef Robert Irvine's mission to help those lost

- The reason behind a 30-year Air Force veteran's call for help

- Why micromanaging doesn't constitute leadership

- 4 principles for building strong, loyal teams

- The significance of 1% of the US population serving in the military

QUOTES THAT HIT

"Because there are people out there that need my help." - Memorial Day 

"If you're worried about something right now that your worry will not affect, you're wasting your energy." - Memorial Day 

"My because is simply because we're temporary." - Memorial Day 

CHAPTERS

00:03 Mick Unplugged: Your Because

00:46 Chef Irvine's Because: Helping Others

02:12 Tough Love and Relatability

05:48 Overcoming Impossible: Start with Chapter One

07:29 Empathetic Leadership: Beyond Micromanagement

10:51 Military Service: A Daughter-in-Law's Journey

17:03 My Because: A Free Nation

22:43 Robert J. Ono's Because: Family

28:02 Bin Laden Raid: The 90-Minute Flight

32:31 Preparation: Master the Basics

33:23 CZ Lopez: Purpose and Misfortunes

43:17 Michelle Mace-Curren: Legacy and Leadership

QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS

Q: What does Chef Robert Irvine consider his "because"?

A: Chef Robert Irvine says his "because" is that there are people out there who need his help, and he uses his platform for the betterment of others who are less fortunate.

Q: How does Michelle Mace-Curren define her "because" as an entrepreneur after military service?

A: Michelle Mace-Curren finds her "because" in creating her legacy now, seeing the tangible inspiration in front of her eyes when she gives keynote speeches, and knowing that her work impacts people's lives.

Q: Why is preparation essential for leaders, according to Robert J. Ono?

A: Robert J. Ono emphasizes that leaders must be prepared for contingencies and master the basics, because "you don't rise to the occasion, you rise or fall to your level of preparation."

Connect & Discover Our Memorial Day Heroes:

Chef Robert Irvine Website: ChefIrvine.com

Chef Robert Irvine Instagram: @chefirvine

Robert Irvine Foundation: RobertIrvineFoundation.org

JoAnne Bass LinkedIn: @jo-bass

JoAnne Bass Instagram: @thejoannebass

Rob O'Neill Website: RobONeill.com

Rob O'Neill Instagram: @mchooyah

CZ Lopez LinkedIn: @ramoncolonlopez

CZ Lopez Instagram: @therealczcolonlopez

Michelle "Mace" Curran Website: MaceCurran.com

Michelle "Mace" Curran Instagram: @mace.curran

Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer?

Mick Hunt’s BEST SELLING book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

Grab your copy now and level up your life: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A MillionFOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged

Facebook: @mickunplugged

YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast

LinkedIn: @mickhunt

Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 The story will keep you there.

This Mick Unplugged episode features JEFRË, a Public Artist and Creative Director. He explores how pivotal life experiences and a singular vision shaped his career, leading him to create monumental public art around the globe. Discover JEFRË’s journey from urban designer to iconic artist.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

- JEFRË's journey after a 35-year-old heart attack

- How to become a brand-collaborating artist

- The significance behind "Victor" in the Philippines

- Why brands seek creative leaders like JEFRË

- Developing art from community insights

QUOTES THAT HIT

"The story will keep you there." - JEFRË

"I'm getting cities and nations together to create icons or moments that they can identify with their own culture." - JEFRË

"The key is, is really engineering. That's where it is." - JEFRË

CHAPTERS

00:00 Mick Unplugged Introduction

02:30 JEFRË on legacy and creation

06:51 JEFRË's Filipino-American origin story

09:42 Heart attack, career change to artist

13:47 JEFRË's process for designing art

20:06 JEFRË on personal connections

24:43 Branding and entrepreneurship with JEFRË

31:54 New projects and Shark Art

QUESTIONS THIS EPISODE ANSWERS

Q: What motivated JEFRË to become an artist after a career in urban design?

A: JEFRË’s near-death experience from a heart attack at 35 prompted him to pursue creating impactful art immediately, shifting from long-term urban planning projects to direct artistic creation.

Q: How does JEFRË ensure his monumental public artworks resonate with communities?

A: JEFRË emphasizes listening to the community to understand their desires, then interpreting that input into his art. He believes the storyline derived from community engagement is more important than the scale of the artwork.

Q: What is "Shark Art" and how does Damon John support artists like JEFRË?

A: Shark Art is Damon John's initiative to support artists by providing management and business guidance. Damon helps artists like JEFRË navigate commercial aspects, manage their image, and secure licensing deals to expand their reach.

Connect & Discover Jefrë:

Instagram: @jefre_artist

Website: jefre.org

LinkedIn: JEFRË Studio

TikTok: @jefre_artist

 🔥 Ready to Lead Different & Win Bigger? 🔥 

How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One by Mick Hunt isn’t just a book - it’s your blueprint to set up, stand out, and lead with confidence (even if no one ever showed you how).

Straight talk. Real Strategy. No fluff. Just the tools you need to elevate your leadership and life.

👉 Get your copy now and start leading on your terms → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged 

Facebook: @mickunplugged

YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

Website: Leadloudseries.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Haley Sacks — better known as Mrs. Dow Jones — is the financial educator helping millions of people stop being weird about money and start building real wealth. Named Creator of the Year by Adweek, featured on Fortune's 40 Under 40, and dubbed by The Wall Street Journal as “the financial guru millennials listen to,” Haley has built a movement around making personal finance feel less like punishment and more like power. She's also the author of the brand-new book Future Rich Person: The New Rules for Building Wealth — a modernized, judgment-free playbook for anyone who's tired of the old advice that doesn't work anymore. This conversation is a masterclass in mindset, money, and why the old American Dream needs a complete rewrite.

Takeaways:

•       The Old American Dream Is Dead — Use the New Rules: Your parents' money playbook was built for a world that no longer exists. Pensions, affordable homes, single-employer careers, and predictable student debt are gone. Haley breaks down why financial literacy in 2026 has to include AI, business structures like LLCs and S-corps, retirement vehicles for entrepreneurs, and the negotiation tactics nobody taught you. If you're still playing by 1985 rules, you're already losing.

•       Money Magnifies Who You Already Are: There's no shame in wanting to be rich — money is just a tool that amplifies your character. If you're a giver, money lets you give bigger. If you want to take care of your family, build your community, or leave a job that doesn't serve you, wealth is the fuel that makes it possible. Drop the guilt, own the goal, and start building a financial life that matches the impact you want to have.

•       Money Etiquette Is a Wealth Skill: Money is energy — and how you carry yourself with it determines how it flows back to you. Holding too tight, nickel-and-diming, or being tone-deaf about other people's situations doesn't just hurt your relationships, it actually slows your wealth-building. Move with grace, lead with humor, communicate openly with your people, and treat money etiquette like a non-negotiable part of your financial education.

Sound Bytes:

“Money only magnifies who you are.” 

“The system was always created by the people that it serves.” 

“Money is energy. If you hold on to it too tight, it's not going to come to you as freely.”

Connect & Discover Haley:

Instagram: @mrsdowjones

Website: mrsdowjones.com

LinkedIn: @mrsdowjones

TikTok: @mrsdowjones

Book: Future Rich Person

 🔥 Ready to Lead Different & Win Bigger? 🔥 

How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One by Mick Hunt isn’t just a book - it’s your blueprint to set up, stand out, and lead with confidence (even if no one ever showed you how).

Straight talk. Real Strategy. No fluff. Just the tools you need to elevate your leadership and life.

👉 Get your copy now and start leading on your terms → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged 

Facebook: @mickunplugged

YouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

Website: Leadloudseries.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rickey Smiley is a nationally beloved stand-up comedian, award-winning syndicated radio host, television personality, bestselling author, and one of the most authentic voices in entertainment today. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Rickey first captured America’s attention through his legendary prank phone calls and breakout performances on BET’s Comic View before building a media empire that includes The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, heard in over 70 cities nationwide. A two-time Marconi Award winner, Rickey has starred in multiple television series and specials, including his critically acclaimed Hulu comedy special Foolish. Beyond the laughs, Rickey is a devoted father, grandfather, mentor, and man of deep faith who uses his platform to uplift communities and inspire others. His bestselling memoir, Sideshow: Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith, chronicles his journey through unimaginable grief—including the loss of his eldest son Brandon—and stands as a powerful testament to resilience, service, and the healing power of purpose.

Takeaways:

• Give Your Kids What You Had, Not What You Didn’t: Rickey Smiley is unapologetic about raising his children and grandchildren with the same discipline, structure, and old-fashioned home training his grandparents gave him. No negotiations, no iPads as pacifiers, no coddling. In a world where everything right is being called wrong and everything wrong is being called right, Rickey stands firm—because the foundation that built him still works. If you liked who you became, give your kids the blueprint that made you, not the things you missed out on.

• Men, Put Your Ego Down and Get Help: Rickey Smiley performed comedy shows while crying backstage. He went back on the radio three days after burying his son because eight million listeners needed him. But behind closed doors, he sat on the steps of his kitchen and cried for days. This conversation is a direct message to men—you cannot be too big, too proud, or too successful to grieve, to seek therapy, and to talk about what you are carrying. Rickey’s honesty about his own mental health journey, and Mick’s personal testimony about how the book Sideshow pushed him into therapy, is the kind of real talk that saves lives.

• Help People, Protect Your Peace, and Pay It Forward: Rickey’s “because” is simple—he wakes up every day to serve, to bless, and to make somebody’s life better. But he also delivers a truth that every giver needs to hear: not everybody you help is going to appreciate it. Out of twenty people you pour into, maybe six or seven will say thank you. Be prepared for the disappointment, protect your peace fiercely, and keep pouring anyway—because that is the assignment. Our grandparents and teachers made personal sacrifices so we could have what we have, and the only proper response is to pay it forward.

Sound Bytes:

“I told God a long time ago, hey, if you get me out of this rut right here, I promise you, I’ll serve you to the day I die and try to make somebody life better because of the things that you bless me with.”

“You literally on stage, doing joke, doing comedy, performing while you crying on the inside.”

“I think that what my grandparents and my parents did for me, it worked for me. It was critical to my development. And if it worked for me, it should work for my kids, because it still works.”

Connect & Discover Rickey:

Instagram: @rickeysmileyofficial

Facebook: @RickeySmileyOfficial

YouTube: @RickeySmileyOfficial

TikTok: @rickeysmileydigital

Website: RickeySmiley.com

Show: The Rickey Smiley Morning Show

Book: Sideshow: Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s BEST SELLING book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers. 

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged 

Facebook: @mickunplugged

YouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

Website: Leadloudseries.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeremy Guthrie is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who commanded the mound for over a decade with the Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles, Colorado Rockies, and Kansas City Royals. A Stanford graduate and former BYU standout, Jeremy was an American League Rookie of the Year candidate in 2007, represented Team USA in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, and started Games 3 and 7 of the 2014 World Series before earning a World Series ring in 2015. Off the field, Jeremy serves as an MLB Commissioner’s Ambassador, traveling to over 60 countries across six continents to grow the game globally. He is also the owner of Custom Cleats, the pioneering company that converts any sneaker into a high-performance cleat for athletes of all ages and sports. A man of deep faith, Jeremy’s two-year mission in Spain at age 19 laid the foundation for a life built on service, resilience, and redefining what success truly means.

Takeaways:

• Redefine Success Before It Defines You: Jeremy learned on the streets of Spain what most people never figure out in a lifetime — success isn’t about the scoreboard. It’s about the effort you pour into becoming the best version of yourself. John Wooden said it, Jeremy lived it, and it carried him through a decade in the big leagues when the stats didn’t always cooperate. If you’re measuring your worth by outcomes you can’t control, you’re playing a losing game. Control your effort, your focus, your resilience — and let the results take care of themselves.

• Forget Yourself and Find Your Purpose: At 19, Jeremy walked away from a professional baseball contract to spend two years serving others in Spain. No fastball. No spotlight. Just service. And what he found was the foundation of everything that followed — a deeper understanding of who he was and what he was capable of becoming. When you stop chasing what the world says you should want and start pouring into other people, that’s when the real breakthroughs happen. Lose yourself in service and watch your purpose reveal itself.

• Every Day You Have a Platform, Use It: Jeremy’s teammate Kevin Millar said it best — every day you’re in the big leagues, you have a chance to touch somebody’s life. Jeremy took that to heart and ran with it across 60 countries and six continents. But here’s the thing — you don’t need a Major League roster spot to have a platform. You have one right now. The question is, are you using it? Whether it’s a kind word, a signed autograph, or showing up for your community, your platform is your opportunity to leave people better than you found them.

Sound Bytes:

“Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of the self-satisfaction that you have in making the best effort you can to become the best you’re capable of becoming.” 

“Every day you’re in the big leagues, you have a chance to touch somebody’s life.” 

“I learned the joy of forgetting yourself, of losing yourself, and yet finding yourself through that.”

Connect & Discover Jeremy Guthrie:

Instagram: @therealjguts

Custom Cleats Instagram: @customcleats

Facebook: @TheRealJGuts

X: @TheRealJGuts

Website: customcleats.com

 🔥 Ready to Lead Different & Win Bigger? 🔥 

How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One by Mick Hunt isn’t just a book - it’s your blueprint to set up, stand out, and lead with confidence (even if no one ever showed you how).

Straight talk. Real Strategy. No fluff. Just the tools you need to elevate your leadership and life.

👉 Get your copy now and start leading on your terms → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged 

Facebook: @mickunplugged

YouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

Website: Leadloudseries.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aneesh Raman is LinkedIn’s Chief Economic Opportunity Officer, where he works with leaders across societies and sectors to shape the global response to the historic changes hitting work. A former CNN war correspondent and presidential speechwriter for Barack Obama, Aneesh has spent his career at the intersection of storytelling, economic policy, and human potential. He previously served as Senior Advisor on economic strategy to the State of California and led economic impact initiatives at Facebook. Alongside LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky, Aneesh co-authored the groundbreaking book “Open to Work: How to Get Ahead in the Age of AI,” a practical guide that draws on LinkedIn’s global data to help individuals and companies thrive in the rapidly evolving world of work.

Takeaways:

• AI Won’t Replace You — Unless You Let It: The fear is real, but the fatalism is a choice. 70% of job skills will change by 2030, and for the first time ever, workers — not executives — get to decide how. Your boss doesn’t know what you do all day better than you do. Stop waiting for a playbook and start writing your own.
• The Three Buckets That Redefine Your Job: Aneesh breaks your weekly tasks into three buckets: what AI can do for you, what you’re building with AI, and what’s pure you — critical thinking, ethical judgment, human connection. As you shift work across those buckets, you stop being replaceable and start becoming indispensable. CEO or newest hire, start now.
• Nobody Beats You at Being You: The industrial age told us to be machine-like. Now a machine can out-machine us — and people are terrified. But Aneesh flips it: for the first time in human history, work is about to index on human capabilities. Your curiosity, creativity, and ability to build real partnerships — that’s your competitive edge. Bet on yourself, because the systems of work are finally shifting to reward what makes you uniquely you.

Sound Bytes:

“AI is not going to replace you unless you let it. It all starts with the agency we have as individuals and the strengths we start with.”

“Nobody beats you at being you. Figuring out not just what makes you unique as a human, but what makes you unique as this human, is going to become your biggest competitive edge.”

“Bet on yourself for every person who couldn’t do that, even though they desperately wanted to. Bet on yourself.”

Connect & Discover Aneesh Raman:

LinkedIn: Aneesh Raman

Book — Open to Work: How to Get Ahead in the Age of AI

Amazon: Open to Work

Barnes & Noble: Open to Work

🔥 Ready to Lead Different & Win Bigger? 🔥

Leadership isn’t about a title — it’s about what you do when no one gave you a blueprint. In his book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One, Mick Hunt delivers the raw, real leadership playbook for the rest of us. Whether you’re building a team, growing a business, or just trying to lead yourself better — this book is for you.

Straight talk. Real strategy. No fluff.

👉 Get your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Books A Million.

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged

Facebook: @mickunplugged

YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast

LinkedIn: @mickhunt

Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

Website: Leadloudseries.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/mickunplugged Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jason Wild is a globally recognized innovation strategist and co-author of the groundbreaking book “Genius at Scale: How Great Leaders Drive Innovation,” written alongside Dr. Linda A. Hill of Harvard Business School and Emily Tedards. A former child actor turned business leader, Jason has shaped innovation strategy for some of the world’s most iconic brands—including Microsoft, Salesforce, and IBM—while advising CEOs across six continents. As the former Global Vice President of CEO Co-Innovation and Customer Engagement at Microsoft, Jason brings a rare blend of practitioner experience and thought leadership to the art and science of scaling breakthrough ideas.

Takeaways:

• Stop Falling in Love with Ideas and Start Falling in Love with Problems: Most companies pour millions into brainstorming and ideation—and then wonder why nothing actually changes. Jason nails it: innovation isn’t about getting to the top of the mountain, it’s about making it back down alive. More initiatives die in execution than in conception. The Waldorf Astoria didn’t have a slow elevator problem—they had a boring wait problem. An intern with a mirror solved what a million-dollar algorithm couldn’t. Leaders, stop rewarding ideas and start rewarding impact. Pick the right problem and the solution will follow.
• Innovation Is a Social Process—You Can’t Mandate It, Delegate It, or Dictate It: Jason has spent 25 years in tech and he’ll tell you straight: it’s more about people than technology. The most innovative companies don’t obsess over the “what” of innovation—they master the “how.” They build communities where the best ideas rise organically, not because someone with the biggest title pounds the table. Creative abrasion, psychological safety, and diverse perspectives aren’t corporate buzzwords—they’re the operating system of every company that’s actually scaling something that matters. AI isn’t going to replace you. But a clueless leader who thinks AI can do your job? That’s the real threat.
• Wayfinding Is the New Leadership—Forget the Five-Year Plan: The old playbook of pathfinding—point A to point B, remove barriers, minimize turbulence—is dead. AI, quantum, blockchain—the ground is literally shifting under our feet every week. Jason and his co-authors call it wayfinding: figuring out the destination while you’re already on the way there. It’s uncomfortable. It demands humility. And it’s the only leadership approach that actually works when you’re leading in fog. Stop pouring new technology on old thinking and start building the framework to navigate what’s next.

Sound Bytes:

“The most innovative companies don’t focus on the what, they focus on how. And they focus on creating a community where organically innovation happens and the best ideas thrive.”

“I don’t think people should be necessarily worried about the conversation of AI taking your job. But I think you should be more worried about some leader who is clueless, thinking that AI can do your job.”

“Get in the right mindset and you surround yourself with the right people that are willing and able to innovate and seemingly impossible is not.”

Connect & Discover Jason Wild:

LinkedIn: Jason Wild

Book — Genius at Scale: How Great Leaders Drive Innovation

Amazon: Genius at Scale

Website: GeniusatScale.com

🔥 Ready to Lead Different & Win Bigger? 🔥

Leadership isn’t about a title — it’s about what you do when no one gave you a blueprint. In his book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One, Mick Hunt delivers the raw, real leadership playbook for the rest of us. Whether you’re building a team, growing a business, or just trying to lead yourself better — this book is for you.

Straight talk. Real strategy. No fluff.

👉 Get your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Books A Million.

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged

Facebook: @mickunplugged

YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast

LinkedIn: @mickhunt

Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

Website: Leadloudseries.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/mickunplugged Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alanna Taylor is a visionary leader and strategic architect who has spent three decades transforming bold ideas into fundable realities. With a staggering 60% plus grant win rate and over a million dollars raised annually for her clients, she is a nationally respected expert in program design, funding, and sustainable growth for mission-driven organizations. As the founder of Granted Success, Inc., Alanna specializes in grant writing, fractional executive director services, and her signature Grant-Ready Elevation Audit—a powerful diagnostic tool that evaluates a nonprofit’s win-ability across internal operations, messaging, digital footprint, and fundraising strategy. Her work is deeply rooted in empowering Black women executive directors and the Black-centered nonprofit organizations they lead.

Takeaways:

• Founders, Stop Making Yourself the Executive Director: Alanna reveals a critical pattern in the nonprofit space—Black women founders who position themselves as the executive director are inadvertently creating their own boss through the board. Her advice: position yourself as the board chair, build a strong and diverse board, and consider launching a consulting business alongside your mission. If you can create a nonprofit, you can create a business.
• Win Rate Is About Discipline, Not Just Writing: A 60% plus win rate does not come from fancy proposals—it comes from the discipline to say no. Alanna carefully evaluates every RFP, reviews the terms and conditions at the end that most people skip, and declines clients whose programs do not align with a funder’s priority areas. Funders now want quantitative outcomes, not wordy narratives, and Alanna delivers exactly that.
• Sustainability Means Multiple Revenue Streams: Grants alone will not sustain a nonprofit. Alanna pushes her clients to create fee-for-service offerings, technical assistance programs, merchandise, published books, and private donor bases. Unlike restricted grant funding, these revenue streams give organizations the unrestricted capital they need to truly grow and thrive on their own terms.

Sound Bytes:

“My because is really meeting the needs of Black women who are in the nonprofit space.” 

“You’re allowed to make money as a nonprofit. You are allowed to generate revenue. You are allowed to create a service and charge for it.” 

“Look, I’m a great writer, but I am not Jesus. I cannot make this work.”

Connect & Discover Alanna:

LinkedIn: @alannataylor

Website: grantedsuccess.org

Website: grantreadynow.com

Email: ataylor@grantedsuccess.org

 🔥 Ready to Lead Different & Win Bigger? 🔥 

How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One by Mick Hunt isn’t just a book - it’s your blueprint to set up, stand out, and lead with confidence (even if no one ever showed you how).

Straight talk. Real Strategy. No fluff. Just the tools you need to elevate your leadership and life.

👉 Get your copy now and start leading on your terms → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged 

Facebook: @mickunplugged

YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

Website: Leadloudseries.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/mickunplugged Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Boomer Anderson is not your typical health guru—he’s a former investment banker turned health optimization pioneer who got the wake-up call of a lifetime when he was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease at just 30 years old. Instead of accepting the standard “take a pill and come back in ten years” approach, Boomer went all-in on understanding what true health actually means. Today he’s the CEO of Troscriptions, building science-backed solutions for stress, sleep, focus, and immune function, and the driving force behind Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMe HOPe), a nonprofit that trains doctors worldwide to optimize for health rather than just manage disease. With a background that spans global finance, over 65 countries, and a relentless passion for challenging the process, Boomer brings the kind of real-world, research-backed insights that every entrepreneur and leader needs to hear.

Takeaways:

• Your Stress Bucket Is Probably Already Broken: Boomer introduces the concept of the stress bucket—a container for all the stress in your life from work, relationships, environment, and yes, even exercise. When that bucket overflows, what you think is helping you (like intense workouts) can actually accelerate damage. Leaders need to audit their total stress load before adding more to the pile.
• Sleep Is the ROI Play You’re Ignoring: Getting just six hours of sleep has the same cognitive impact as drinking two to three beers. Pull an all-nighter and you’re operating like you’ve had ten to twelve. For entrepreneurs whose greatest asset is their brain, sacrificing sleep is literally leaving performance and money on the table.
• Health Starts at the Cellular Level: Boomer breaks down his framework that true health is more than the absence of disease—it’s about getting your body’s basic cell optimized and balanced. When you bring biomarkers like hormones and nutrients back to their evolutionary optimal levels (ages 21 to 30), the symptoms that plague most executives—brain fog, low energy, poor sleep—begin to fall away.

Sound Bytes:

“The through line for everything that I do is challenging the process.”

“Getting six hours of sleep a night versus eight is the cognitive impact of drinking two to three beers. An all-nighter is the equivalent of drinking ten to twelve.”

“Your day doesn’t start with when you wake up in your morning routine. It actually starts with your evening routine.”

Connect & Discover Boomer:

Instagram: @boomersnh

Website: troscriptions.com

X: @boomersnh

LinkedIn: @boomeranderson

Nonprofit: homehope.org

YouTube: Troscriptions

  🔥 Ready to Lead Different & Win Bigger? 🔥 

How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One by Mick Hunt isn’t just a book - it’s your blueprint to set up, stand out, and lead with confidence (even if no one ever showed you how).

Straight talk. Real Strategy. No fluff. Just the tools you need to elevate your leadership and life.

👉 Get your copy now and start leading on your terms → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged 

Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

Website: Leadloudseries.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

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Bruce Bruce is an entertainment legend, a master of comedic timing whose sharp wit and improvisational brilliance have captivated audiences for decades across stand-up, television, and film. With a new Netflix special "I Ain't Playing" that has audiences roaring from start to finish, he redefines longevity and authenticity in the comedy game, building a career on delivering big laughs infused with relatable human insights. A true "goat" of comedy, Bruce Bruce consistently draws sold-out crowds with fresh material and an unwavering dedication to his craft, proving that genuine connection and humor are timeless.

Takeaways:

• Authenticity in Performance: Bruce Bruce emphasizes the importance of being genuinely yourself, stating "He's the same person. It's not a difference. I'm not putting out a front."

• Treating Your Craft as a Business: He advises aspiring comedians and creators to view their passion as a business, highlighting the need for consistency, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

• Longevity Through Adaptability: Bruce Bruce’s sustained success is attributed to staying relevant, embracing new platforms like social media, and evolving his material to connect with contemporary audiences while still delivering classic humor.

• The Power of Mentorship and Communication: He emphasizes the value of honest feedback and open communication within relationships, whether with family, managers, or colleagues, to foster growth and avoid pitfalls.

• Joy in the Journey: Despite the demands of a long career, Bruce Bruce reiterated that his driving force is his genuine love for what he does, underscoring that passion sustains effort over time.

Sound Bytes:

"I wanna be like, look, I'm about to throw up. This dude is about to make me throw up. So that's what I wanted. And I think that's what I got."

"If you like stripping strip, if you like stealing cars, still them, but you got to love what you do."

"When people come to see you, have something for them to go home and talk about."

"I don't care about nothing else but nobody should be 80 years old with a shag and a bang."

"In every aspect of life, man, like my manager and I, we go back and forth on stuff. Sometimes I get hot here at Bruce."

Connect & Discover Bruce Bruce:

Website: bruce-bruce.com

Facebook: @mybrucebruce

Instagram: @mybrucebruce

X: @mybrucebruce

TikTok: @mybrucebruce

Netflix: I Ain't Playin'

 🔥 Ready to Lead Different & Win Bigger? 🔥 

How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One by Mick Hunt isn’t just a book - it’s your blueprint to set up, stand out, and lead with confidence (even if no one ever showed you how).

Straight talk. Real Strategy. No fluff. Just the tools you need to elevate your leadership and life.

👉 Get your copy now and start leading on your terms → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged 

Facebook: @mickunplugged

YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

Website: Leadloudseries.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/mickunplugged Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nir Eyal is not just an author; he’s a behavioral architect, a master decoder of the invisible forces that drive human action and inaction. A former Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer who co-founded and sold tech companies before transitioning into writing and teaching, Nir’s brilliance lies in his rare ability to bridge psychology, technology, and business into frameworks that fundamentally change how leaders think, operate, and perform. With bestselling books like Hooked, Indistractable, and the upcoming Beyond Belief, Nir delivers the kind of substance that makes you stop, think, and actually do the work.

Takeaways:

• Distraction Is an Action, Not an Accident: Nir reframes distraction as something we do, not something that happens to us. The opposite of distraction isn’t focus—it’s traction. Both end in “action,” and the difference comes down to intent. If it’s not what you planned to do, it’s pulling you off course.
• Time Boxing Beats To-Do Lists Every Time: To-do lists have no constraints and reward busyness over progress. Time boxing forces you to commit focused blocks to what matters most, teaches you how long things actually take, and creates the feedback loop that to-do lists can never provide.
• Belief Is the Missing Piece of Motivation: Knowing what to do and wanting the benefit isn’t enough. Nir reveals that motivation is a triangle—behavior, benefit, and belief—and without the belief that you can achieve the outcome, persistence collapses. His new book Beyond Belief unpacks the science-backed way to engineer the beliefs that unlock extraordinary results.

Sound Bytes:

“My purpose is to explain the world so that it can be made better.”

“The superpower, the skill of the century is going to be the ability to follow through. Because it turns out that people want to do business with those who follow through.”

“They went from 15 minutes to 60 hours of straight swimming. Why? What happened? What changed? The only variable left is that something was unlocked in their brains.”

Connect & Discover Nir:

Instagram: @neyal99

Website: nirandfar.com

X: @nireyal

LinkedIn: @nireyal

Book: Beyond Belief

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥 

Mick Hunt’s BEST SELLING book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged 

Facebook: @mickunpluggedYouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

Website: Leadloudseries.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/mickunplugged Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 

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Morgan Housel is not just an author; he's a financial philosopher, an alchemist of understanding who transforms complex financial concepts into relatable human narratives. With a staggering 11 million books sold worldwide and translations into over 60 languages, Morgan's brilliance lies in his unique ability to unpack the intricate dance between human behavior and financial success, offering unparalleled insights that resonate deeply with business leaders and entrepreneurs alike.

Takeaways:

• The Power of Storytelling in Finance: Housel emphasizes that effective financial communication lies in compelling stories, making concepts memorable and relatable, far beyond the dry memorization of formulas.
• Redefining Financial Goals: He advocates for an inward-focused assessment of financial goals, distinguishing between genuine happiness and the social hierarchy-driven pursuit of more, encouraging listeners to define success on their own terms.
• Quiet Compounding for Lasting Success: Housel introduces the concept of "quiet compounding," highlighting that financial success often stems from a long-term, internal benchmark-driven approach rather than outward showmanship or fleeting achievements.

Sound Bytes:

"I always said this in my first book, The Psychology of Money, there are two topics that impact everybody, whether they like it or not, which are money and health. Like whether or not you're interested in those topics, those topics are interested in you and they will have a profound impact on your life."

"If I could tell a cool story, that was A, it was timeless. And an article that was relevant yesterday might be relevant 20 years from now. And like, man, there's incredible value in that and B, it was much less competitive with other people."

"That's the goal. That right there is the goal. It's gratitude and contentment. And the idea of like, I'm only gonna be happier if I can anchor my gaze and my expectations on what other people have and I don't. That's the formula for perpetual misery."

Connect & Discover Morgan:

Instagram: @morganhousel

Website: morganhousel.com

Podcast: @themorganhouselpodcast

X: @morganhousel

Book: The Art of Spending Money

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

Mick Hunt’s BEST SELLING book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged 

Facebook: @mickunplugged

YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

Website: Leadloudseries.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

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Chef Kwame Onwuachi is a revolutionary culinary artist, an award-winning author, and a visionary restaurateur who is boldly redefining the landscape of modern American cuisine with a global perspective rooted in his Nigerian, Caribbean, and Creole heritage. From launching a catering company from the trunk of his car to earning a James Beard Award and opening nationally celebrated restaurants like Tatiana and the upcoming Maroon, Kwame is an unstoppable force constantly pushing boundaries and elevating Black foodways on the global stage.

Takeaways:

• Leaving a Place Better Than You Found It: His "why" is deeply rooted in a commitment to societal impact, aiming to leave every space and community in a better condition than he found it.

• Teamwork Multiplies Success: Relying on a strong team allows for concentrated work and multiplies effective hours, demonstrating that leadership involves knowing when to be the quarterback, coach, or water boy.

• Vulnerability in Storytelling: Sharing his full journey, including obstacles and vulnerabilities, is crucial for connecting with others and highlighting that true defining moments come from how one responds to challenges.

• Spice vs. Spicy: Kwame clarifies that "spice" refers to flavor additives that radiate taste, not just heat, and can be balanced like instruments in a symphony to create complex flavor profiles.

Sound Bytes:

"The times that I am working, they're very concentrated and it's more like, you know, I have a team and I would say I'm sometimes I'm the quarterback and sometimes I'm the coach and sometimes I'm the water boy."

"It's not what happens to them. It's how they get back up. It's how they respond to it. Cause that's what you're really in control of."

"The heat doesn't have to be the driving force. It's like a symphony almost, you know, every instrument has a role in creating this beautiful sound."

Connect & Discover Chef Kwame:

Instagram: @chefkwameonwuachi

Website: kwameonwuachi.com

Facebook: @Chefkwame

Restaurant: Maroon

Book: Notes from a Young Black Chef

 🔥 Ready to Lead Different & Win Bigger? 🔥 

How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One by Mick Hunt isn’t just a book - it’s your blueprint to set up, stand out, and lead with confidence (even if no one ever showed you how).

Straight talk. Real Strategy. No fluff. Just the tools you need to elevate your leadership and life.

👉 Get your copy now and start leading on your terms → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged 

Facebook: @mickunplugged

YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

Website: Leadloudseries.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/mickunplugged Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Allyson Felix, a name synonymous with unparalleled achievement and groundbreaking advocacy, joins Mick Unplugged to share her remarkable journey. From shattering Olympic records and redefining what it means to be a champion athlete to becoming a fierce advocate for maternal rights and an innovative entrepreneur with her brand, Saysh, Allyson's story is one of unwavering resilience, profound purpose, and inspiring leadership. She delves into the core values that have guided her through athletic triumphs and personal challenges, demonstrating how faith, integrity, and a commitment to impact have shaped her legacy far beyond the track.

Takeaways:

• The 'Because' of Purpose: Allyson Felix reveals that her profound drive stems from a faith-based belief in serving others and making a lasting impact, viewing her gifts as divine and meant for more than personal glory.

• Building Your Own Lane: Faced with a lack of support in the industry, Allyson Felix co-founded Saysh, demonstrating that true change often comes from building the solutions you wish to see, rather than waiting for existing structures to adapt.

• Beyond the Medal: For Allyson Felix, triumph extended beyond winning races; her most meaningful victory was competing in her own Saysh shoes, symbolizing a deeper purpose of representing women, especially women of color, and advocating for her daughter.

Sound Bytes:

"I truly believe that I was there for more than, you know, to run fast or, you know, really tried to live out my values as well and hope that that was seen and that was a real picture of someone striving for something. So yeah, to me, it's a part of who I am."

"I did always have to come back to, know, well, who am I? And that is more important than any of these other things. And I truly believe also like what's for me will be for me. And I think that helped, you know, it really helped a lot of those times where you felt that pull and, you know, come back to say, you know, I need to be unapologetically myself."

"But it was something that I knew that I wanted for my life. And I also knew that I had a career that I loved as well and that that was very important to me."

Connect & Discover Allyson:

Website: allysonfelix.com

Facebook: @allysonfelixusa

Instagram: @allysonfelix

X: @allysonfelix

🔥 Ready to Lead Different & Win Bigger? 🔥 

How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One by Mick Hunt isn’t just a book - it’s your blueprint to set up, stand out, and lead with confidence (even if no one ever showed you how).

Straight talk. Real Strategy. No fluff. Just the tools you need to elevate your leadership and life.

👉 Get your copy now and start leading on your terms → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged 

Facebook: @mickunplugged

YouTube:  @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

Website:  MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

Website: Leadloudseries.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

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Ron "Boss" Everline is not just a trainer; he's a true titan of transformation, a visionary whose profound impact sweeps across elite performance and entrepreneurial mastery. Forging an empire born of unwavering discipline and a relentless pursuit of excellence, he has become a beacon of inspiration, pushing countless individuals—from celebrity clients to everyday aspirants—to unlock their ultimate potential. His philosophy transcends physical training, encapsulating a holistic approach to life, mindset, and unwavering commitment, proving that true power comes from within.

Takeaways:

• The Art of Intentionality: Every endeavor, whether in business, mentorship, or personal growth, thrives when approached with deep presence and pure intention, leading to authentic engagement and powerful outcomes.

• The Power of the "Why Not Me?": Shifting from "Why me?" to "Why not me?" transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience, fostering a powerful mindset that embraces personal strength and purpose.

• Discipline as a Superpower: Discipline isn’t just about rigor; it’s a magnetic force that attracts success and rewards, embodying the core of lasting legacy and personal achievement.

Sound Bytes:

"I'm trying to prove myself right and the belief that I could do more than what people, what the surroundings offered me."

"I like to talk to people from a what I've learned perspective of position versus what I know."

"Gratitude is one of the greatest human emotions. And when you have gratefulness for the good and the bad, it's hard to be negative."

Connect & Discover Ron:

Instagram: @justtrain

LinkedIn: @ron-boss-everline

Facebook: @JustTrainWithBoss

X: @justtrain

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥 

Mick Hunt’s BEST SELLING book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers. 

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

FOLLOW MICK ON:

Spotify: MickUnplugged

Instagram: @mickunplugged 

Facebook: @mickunplugged

YouTube: @MickUnpluggedPodcast 

LinkedIn: @mickhunt 

Website: MickHuntOfficial.com

Website: howtobeagoodleader.com

Website: Leadloudseries.com

Apple: MickUnplugged

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/mickunplugged Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.