Episode Title: Market Resilience, Counterfeit Realities, and the Future of Authentication with Perry Nguyen of Check Check

Show Notes:

In this episode, I’m joined by Perry Nguyen with Check Check, a cutting-edge digital authentication platform reshaping the luxury resale landscape. Our conversation explores the parallels between nature’s most resilient species and the dynamic, ever-evolving global marketplace, particularly the explosive growth of luxury resale and the counterfeit economy.

Perry shares how Check Check leverages a global team of expert authenticators to verify high-value goods, including sneakers, designer items, and collectibles. With the rise of “super fakes” and consumer trust hanging in the balance, Perry explains why real-time, mobile-first authentication is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity.

We dig into Perry’s fascinating career journey—from scaling a cannabis startup from zero to $11M in sales, to lobbying Congress (cowboy hat and all) in support of a groundbreaking antifungal vaccine for animals. His background in the music industry also adds a creative twist to his leadership style, which I found incredibly relatable.

Perry also opens up about joining Check Check just 12 months ago and partnering with co-founders Arnold Luck and Eddie Abramov to scale their sneaker authentication platform into a robust enterprise solution. With over 3.3 million app downloads and 2.2 million items authenticated, they’re redefining trust in the secondary market.

We wrap the conversation with a look at global expansion—including a powerful new partnership with India’s Culture Kicks—and discuss how APIs and mobile tech are driving the next phase of authentication for streetwear and luxury resale. I even encouraged my brother to download the app—because if you’re going to invest in high-value items, you need to make sure they’re the real deal.

And yes, I even share a story about tracking down an elusive 90s rock vocalist named Kurt, plus what my cousin's DIY guitar pedal business taught me about creative frustration, innovation, and self-determination in leadership.

📌 Topics Covered:

• How market adaptability mirrors species resilience

• The booming counterfeit market and rise of "super fakes"

• Scaling Check Check into a global authentication powerhouse

• The intersection of creativity, structure, and burnout

• Personal leadership stories from the music and tech worlds

In this powerful conversation, Michael D. Levitt and branding expert Barry LaBov explore the critical role of differentiation in today’s hyper-competitive and fast-moving business world. It’s not about being the biggest or best in every category—it’s about being unmistakably you.

The Human Edge of Differentiation Barry opens with a compelling take: while modern tools have made producing fast, mediocre content easier, what sets brands apart today is authenticity and humanity. He warns that failing to stand out leads to commoditization, lower profits, and disengaged teams. The takeaway? Know what makes you unique—and amplify it with intention.

Purpose Starts with "Who Are We?" Michael shares a story from a nonprofit healthcare board meeting where a simple but profound question was raised: “Who are we?” That moment sparked a conversation about alignment, identity, and clarity. He reminds leaders to pause regularly, assess direction, and stay grounded in purpose. Barry echoes this, referencing Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why,” but adds: you also need to clearly explain what you do and how it fulfills that purpose.

Belief Begins Within Barry shifts the focus inward, discussing how employee belief in a company's mission and differentiation directly impacts its longevity—citing that 16 of 17 startups fail within 10 years. His latest book, written during the COVID-era resignation wave, focuses on helping companies win hearts and minds through internal and external clarity. Real-world stories and practical frameworks help teams rediscover what makes them special.

Small Shifts, Big Impact Michael dives into adaptability with a brilliant metaphor: changing the lighting in a room can completely alter its feel without replacing the furniture. In the same way, businesses often need thoughtful tweaks—not complete reinventions. He also addresses current workplace trends—like post-2021 turnover and return-to-office debates—urging leaders to listen to their people and lead with empathy and internal communication.

Say It Like You Mean It Wrapping up, Barry and Michael discuss how language shapes culture. Self-deprecating phrases like “best kept secret” can quietly undermine confidence inside and outside the organization. Instead, leaders should communicate honestly and boldly about their value—without veering into ego. Michael even mentions recommending Barry’s book to a client struggling with this exact challenge.

Key Takeaways:

• True differentiation stems from authenticity, not superiority.

• Purpose is revealed by asking the hard questions—internally and externally.

• Your team must believe in what sets your organization apart.

• Minor shifts in leadership and culture can produce major results.

• How you describe your business matters—internally and externally.

🎧 Tune in to gain clarity, purpose, and practical insights that help your brand rise above the noise—without losing your soul.

this episode, I sat down with R.T. Custer to explore how he's bringing precision craftsmanship back to American soil. As the founder of Vortic Watch Company, R.T. began his journey a decade ago by upcycling antique American pocket watches into stunning wristwatches—each a one-of-a-kind blend of history and innovation. Now, with the launch of Colorado Watch Company, he's scaling that mission, aiming to produce over 500 watches a month. It’s a bold step forward for U.S. manufacturing.

Investing in American-Made Legacy

R.T. and I dug deep into the growing appetite for American-made products. There’s something powerful about choosing to support local—whether it's your community’s small businesses or the infrastructure that keeps our economy moving. We shared our hopes that more consumers will embrace domestically produced goods—not only for the quality, but because they represent a future built on sustainability, resilience, and meaningful employment.

A Return to Craftsmanship and Physical Innovation

One of the themes that resonated with me most was the tactile joy of building physical products. R.T. shared how fulfilling it is to work with his hands—and to create meaningful jobs for others doing the same. We discussed how newer generations are rediscovering analog experiences, from vinyl records to mechanical watches, in a digitally saturated world. There’s a renaissance happening—and it’s reminding us that innovation isn’t just digital. It’s human.

The Market Potential for American-Made Watches

We also touched on market opportunity—how entrepreneurs and cultural leaders like Kevin O’Leary are championing American craftsmanship. R.T. envisions producing up to 1,000 watches per month through Colorado Watch Company, bringing premium, American-made timepieces to a niche yet growing audience. This isn’t just about watches—it’s about reclaiming our manufacturing heritage and proving that we can lead with quality and purpose.

Reviving Industry in the American West

Our conversation closed on a big-picture note. We talked about Colorado’s roots in innovation and industry—and how the American West once symbolized opportunity, grit, and reinvention. Today, that spirit is still alive. R.T.’s work isn’t just about making watches—it’s about modeling what’s possible when we believe in rebuilding. We need more of that energy. More leaders. More makers. And more belief in what’s possible—right here at home.

On this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with Sean Griffith, founder of Truffle, a forward-thinking hiring platform that's changing how small and mid-sized businesses approach talent acquisition.

🔍 Truffle’s Smarter Hiring Model Sean shares how Truffle uses asynchronous audio and video interviews with structured, role-specific questions to efficiently filter large applicant pools. Designed especially for growing teams that can’t afford bulky enterprise software, Truffle delivers rich, manageable insights to help organizations hire not just for skills but also for trajectory and culture alignment.

🤖 AI-Powered Job Matching with a Human Touch We unpack Truffle’s AI matching system that ranks candidates based on their responses, spotlighting the top 10% so hiring managers can focus their time wisely. I emphasize how this tech helps reduce bias and allows candidates’ personalities to shine—leveling the playing field and building more equitable workplaces.

🔧 Origins Rooted in Real-World Growth Truffle was born from Sean’s experience scaling a company that was ultimately acquired. He reflects on how great hiring drove that success—and how Truffle is now a tool to replicate that process by identifying value- and mission-aligned talent from the outset.

🛠️ Customer-Led Innovation Meets Lean Product Development Sean shares how Truffle has evolved by co-creating with customers, staying close to their hiring workflows. I connect this to the Lean “Gemba” principle—learning directly from the source. Together, we explore how AI, humility, and industry-crossing insights are fueling a product that grows alongside its users.

📈 Scaling Through Systems: EOS, ‘Who’ Hiring, and Internal Alignment We dig into the practical challenges of scaling from 50 to 200 employees and how implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helped Truffle’s leadership stay grounded. Sean details how the Who method and consistent check-ins fostered accountability and clearer communication across teams.

🧩 Operational Rigor with Flexibility We explore the need for scalable hiring systems that still honor a company’s unique culture. From adapting hiring tools like Truffle to incorporating checklists and agendas, the conversation zeroes in on what it really takes to grow intentionally without burning out your teams.

🚀 Looking Ahead: Truffle’s Future As interest in Truffle expands to larger organizations, Sean invites listeners to explore more at hiretruffle.com and sign up for a trial.

Let’s face it—hostile workplaces are more common than we care to admit. Whether it’s passive-aggressive emails, micromanagement, gaslighting, or relentless pressure that crosses the line into emotional fatigue—these aren’t just “bad days.” They’re environments that chip away at your mental health.

But here’s the good news: you are not powerless.

This isn’t just about “getting through it.” It’s about transforming how you show up—with boundaries, support, and a deep commitment to your own growth.

By the end of this episode—and ideally by the end of the full program—we want you walking away with three superpowers:

1. The confidence to protect your time and emotional energy.

2. The tools to build support networks that lift you up.

3. And the mindset to focus on your growth, not the toxicity around you.

Because yes—you can thrive in difficult environments. And when you do, you become not just burnout-proof—but bulletproof.

Episode Title: Rethinking Wellness and Feedback Loops in Today’s Workplace

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael connects with business strategist Andrew Ronchetto to explore how organizations must evolve their approach to wellness, leadership, and performance in an ever-changing workforce.

Redefining Wellness & Feedback in the Modern Workplace Michael and Andrew dive into the shifting dynamics of today’s workforce and why it’s time to rethink traditional wellness programs and feedback mechanisms. Andrew shares insights from his business consulting background, along with lessons from a recent personal transformation. The discussion underscores the power of continuous learning and agility in responding to new challenges.

Holistic Workplace Wellness: Going Beyond the Surface They highlight why organizations must move beyond surface-level wellness initiatives to address root causes of burnout and disengagement. Michael and Andrew advocate for a holistic approach—blending tech-enabled solutions with human-centered design—to create environments where people feel heard, valued, and supported. Leaders, they note, must take action at the same level their teams are operating—grounded, informed, and proactive.

Intentional Onboarding: The First 90 Days Matter Andrew emphasizes the critical role of onboarding in setting up new hires—and newly promoted leaders—for success. Whether stepping into a new company or transitioning roles, the first 90 days are a window of opportunity. Michael adds that intentional onboarding directly impacts employee retention and performance, helping to build a culture of trust and accountability from day one.

Defining Roles to Drive Clarity and Success Clarity in roles and responsibilities isn’t just good practice—it’s mission-critical. Michael and Andrew compare well-functioning organizations to orchestras or military units, where each member understands their role and how it connects to the bigger picture. They also touch on the unique value consultants bring in fostering team alignment and strategy execution.

Supporting Small Businesses Through Wellness Small business leaders often overlook wellness, assuming it requires massive overhauls. Michael and Andrew challenge that thinking, showing how simple, intentional adjustments can spark better team flow, innovation, and performance. A few small shifts can make a big difference.

Final Takeaway: The future of work demands intentional leadership, personalized wellness strategies, and environments where feedback and growth are constant. Tune in to discover how small changes in approach can drive massive impact—no matter your team size or industry.

Website: beonplatform.com

In this episode, Michael and Ryan explore the power of video-based platforms in building authentic leadership presence. They discuss how confidence, executive presence, and self-improvement are essential for personal and professional growth. Ryan shares his journey in leadership development and how it shaped his company, Better On. Michael reinforces the idea that presence isn’t just about appearance—it’s about taking ownership of your growth, self-care, and professional development rather than outsourcing it to others.

Michael and Ryan tackle the common challenges people face when recording themselves on video. Many struggle with self-observation and discomfort, but Ryan explains how small, intentional steps can help build confidence. He highlights the importance of creating a safe space for people to embrace their presence and reframe their mindset. They also discuss how people often lack an understanding of how their audience perceives them—and how gaining that perspective can be a game-changer for communication and leadership.

Michael shares a pivotal story about his journey in overcoming the fear of public speaking. A required presentation in a business writing class once filled him with dread—until he unexpectedly had to deliver it while battling chickenpox. Despite his discomfort, his authenticity and delivery earned a standing ovation from his classmates. This experience reshaped his confidence, proving that presence and self-belief matter more than perfection. He reflects on how this breakthrough influenced his career as a healthcare executive and later as a business leader.

Michael and Ryan emphasize that public speaking is no longer just for executives—it’s an essential skill for everyone. Whether in boardrooms or virtual spaces, mastering communication can open doors to new opportunities. They discuss how practicing presentation skills leads to greater confidence and effectiveness, regardless of natural talent. Ryan also highlights how technology is leveling the playing field, making it easier than ever for individuals to share their ideas and perspectives on a global scale. The episode concludes with Ryan offering insights and resources for those looking to sharpen their communication skills.

Ryan Carey has the key for your next team development initiative, and he wants to share it with your audience!

With the steady rise of remote jobs in the past few years, on-camera presence has become a vital skill for companies worldwide. And if you could secure more deals, sell more products, or reach higher levels of success just by developing your team’s recording confidence, wouldn’t you?

With BetterOn, your listeners can help their teams grow – and not just on camera. BetterOn has helped countless professionals improve their interpersonal skills, speech skills, mental health, and confidence, increasing their quality of life and feelings of satisfaction/success far beyond their desks.

If your audience is interested in learning how asynchronous video presence can help their and their teams become better professionals, leaders, friends, family members, and team members, Ryan would be a great fit for your show. In your interview he can touch on:

• Ryan’s Journey from YouTube Employee #41 to BetterOn Founder: hear all about how the explosive growth and transformative power of YouTube inspired Ryan to create BetterOn to harness the power of video and elevate workplace communication.

• Investing in Your Team: Great leaders invest in their teams’ success, so everyone comes out a winner.

• Develop Yourself: By prioritizing your own career development as a leader, you’ll model proactive growth and advancement, and your team will follow your lead.

• The Link between Personal Satisfaction and Professional Success: when your employees feel like their best selves outside of work, they feel like their best selves at work. Learn how BetterOn prioritizes developing the whole self so your team can thrive.

Website: https://betteron.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancarey/