Life After Flatline: Andreas Pettersson’s Approach to Transformative Leadership

Episode 38

In this episode, we talk with Andreas Pettersson about how his personal challenges radically reshaped his approach to leadership, resilience, and curiosity. He shares the story of a near-death experience that forced him to rethink everything—from how he shows up as a leader to how he lives each day. This isn’t just a story about survival; it’s about clarity, reinvention, and how intense personal events can become the foundation for meaningful leadership.

Andreas opens up about what happened the day his heart flatlined in the ER, how years of ignoring physical warning signs led to the event, and why he now lives with a calm sense of gratitude most people never find. He explains how that moment redefined his relationship with fear and urgency, and how it taught him to listen to his body in a way he never had before.

We also dive into what it was like to become a CEO and, on the very same day, receive his son’s autism diagnosis. Andreas breaks down how he and his wife navigated two life-altering changes at once, the decision to divide and conquer, and the mental toll of having a child with severe needs while also stepping into the pressure of executive leadership. He reflects on the guilt, the denial, the trials, and eventually the breakthroughs that came from being immersed in both roles. These moments didn’t just change his outlook—they completely reshaped how he leads, listens, and helps others grow.

This conversation also explores the idea of insecure overachievers, the hidden potential in overlooked employees, and how Andreas has developed a framework for identifying and mentoring rising leaders. He shares the probing questions he uses to understand someone’s mindset and potential, and why curiosity, integrity, and self-awareness are the top traits he looks for. We talk about building emotional resilience, learning how to stay grounded in chaos, and the difference between leaders who give answers and those who ask the right questions.

Andreas also shares his vision for a mentorship matchmaking community, the tools he recommends for better self-awareness, and how personality assessments can strengthen relationships—both professionally and personally. He offers clear examples of how leaders can use curiosity and deep questioning to unlock people’s potential and build stronger organizations from the inside out.

This episode is a raw, thoughtful look at leadership through the lens of life’s hardest moments, and how turning inward can lead to real, lasting growth.

To learn more about Andreas Pettersson and his work, please visit:

Website: https://www.leadersadapt.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreastheceo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaspettersson1/

0:00 Facing Mortality: A Unique Conversation
6:05 Life's Fragility and Maximizing Moments
10:21 "Leadership Begins with Self-Awareness"
11:27 Early Life Challenges Transform Perspective
16:51 Parental Denial of Child's Issues
20:04 Community Support Builds Resilience
22:41 Developing Supportive Parenting Strategies
27:44 Integrity and Curiosity in Organizations
30:39 "Unlocking Potential Through Curiosity"
31:50 Collecting Questions & Personality Assessments
38:08 AI Matchmaking for Financial Advisers
41:01 Kolbe: Instinct vs. Personality
45:13 "Effective Walking Meeting Strategy"
47:00 Adapting to Phone Meeting Challenges
49:18 "Life Is Long: Embrace Positivity"

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Discover how Richard Canfield and Mike Hajjar unravel financial literacy and mortgage strategies to build lasting wealth

Episode 37

Mike Hajjar has helped over 2500 families achieve homeownership over the last 20 years. But his journey wasn’t always easy. In this episode, Mike shares how he overcame seven figures of debt, rebuilt his financial life, and developed a deep understanding of financial literacy that transformed the way he approaches business and home financing.

Mike opens up about a major health scare that forced him to pause and reevaluate everything. While in the hospital, he picked up Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People—a book that changed his outlook and sparked a passion for continuous learning. He explains how financial literacy became the foundation of his personal and professional growth and why understanding the basics is crucial for anyone looking to build wealth.

He talks about the common misconceptions around homeownership, especially the widespread belief that first-time buyers need 20% down. Mike breaks down why that isn’t true and shares how strategic mortgage planning can make homeownership more attainable. He also discusses the shift from a transactional business model to a relationship-based approach, emphasizing the importance of working closely with financial advisors, CPAs, and estate planners to create long-term financial success for his clients.

Mike explains why the mortgage industry is undergoing a major shift and how professionals who focus on education and strategy will be the ones who thrive. He dives into the challenges that younger generations face in affording homes and the innovative solutions being used to combat the affordability crisis, from shared ownership models to creative financing options.

As an ambassador for financial literacy, Mike is dedicated to educating the next generation. He discusses his work with First Home IQ, a nonprofit that helps bring financial education into schools. His mission is to equip young people with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions, whether they plan to buy a home or not.

He also explores the future of the real estate market, predicting that supply and demand will take decades to balance out. He explains why home prices are unlikely to drop significantly and how rising interest rates are reshaping the industry. Mike shares insights on the power of reverse mortgages and how they can be used as a strategic tool for retirement planning.

This episode is packed with valuable lessons on financial literacy, homeownership strategies, and long-term wealth building. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a real estate professional, or someone looking to gain control of your financial future, you won’t want to miss Mike’s insights.

To learn more about Brian Galke and his work, please visit:

Website: https://beacons.ai/mikehajjar

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehajjar_mortgage/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikehajjar87/videos/?_rdr

0:00 Embrace Financial Literacy Basics
5:13 Perseverance Over Health Challenges
6:59 "Business Mindset Transformation"
9:52 Transition to Relationship-Based Mortgage Planning
14:43 Challenging Financial Perspectives
18:30 Early Reverse Mortgage Boosts Retirement
21:40 Reverse Mortgage vs. HELOC Comparison
26:37 Overcoming Debt with Determination
27:51 Persistence Through Financial Struggles
31:52 Financial Literacy Education Outreach
36:08...

How Brian Galke Uses Facial Decoding to Master Communication

Episode 36

Brian Galke is an expert in communication with a unique skill set that allows him to understand people on a deeper level just by looking at their faces. In this episode, Brian shares how he transitioned from working in corporate America for over two decades to becoming a sought-after speaker teaching the science of facial decoding.

Brian opens up about the major turning points in his life, including a divorce and losing his long-term job in 2022. Instead of seeing these challenges as setbacks, he used them as opportunities to rebuild his life and career. He explains how investing in personal development and networking at live events helped him turn a passion into a profession.

We dive deep into the concept of facial decoding and how it plays a role in business, sales, and everyday interactions. Brian breaks down how specific facial features reveal personality traits, decision-making styles, and even communication preferences. He shares how he leverages this knowledge to connect with people quickly and effectively, making conversations more impactful.

Brian also talks about the importance of consistency when building an online presence. He explains how his persistence on Instagram—posting hundreds of videos before gaining traction—eventually led to explosive growth, reaching over 200,000 followers. He shares tips on leveraging short-form content, the role of captions, and how to keep up with ever-changing social media trends.

For anyone looking to improve their communication skills, understand people better, or pivot into a new career, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

To learn more about Brian Galke and his work, please visit:

Website: https://subtleskills.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/subtleskills/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/briangalke/

Free Cheat Sheet: https://subtleskills.com/resources/#cheatsheet

0:00 Navigating Divorce Mediation Delays
6:01 Algorithm Change Results in Unexpected Job Loss
6:52 Pursuing a Speaking Career Transition
10:21 Serendipitous Life Changes
15:42 "Hobby or Side Job Essential"
20:02 Creating Engaging Video Content
20:43 Video Engagement: Words Are Essential
26:00 "Unexpected Corporate Climb Through Introversion"
28:25 "Overcoming Comfort Zones for Focus"
32:07 Eyebrow Height Affects Humor Perception
36:45 Eyebrows and Eye Contact Insights
37:41 Understanding Customer Decision-Making Styles
41:26 Verbal Affirmation Lines Explained
45:57 Engaging Presentations with Audience Participation
47:06 "Phenomenal Live Show Unpacked"

Unlock your potential get our FREE GUIDE HERE: https://coachcanfield.com/

Get my Bestselling Book and Start incredible Family Banking Conversations today: https://dontspreadwealth.com/

Learn how to implement The Infinite Banking Concept with this FREE Webinar now: https://learnibc.com/

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Doctor Phyllis Books, the brain changer for game changers.

Episode 35

Dr. Phyllis Books has spent decades helping individuals with dyslexia and ADHD rewire their brains and unlock their full potential. In this episode, she shares her journey from growing up misunderstood to becoming a leading expert in neurological transformation. She explains why so many entrepreneurs have ADHD or dyslexia and how their unique ways of thinking can be a competitive advantage when properly harnessed.

Dr. Books discusses her personal experiences with undiagnosed learning challenges and how she eventually discovered innovative methods to help others overcome similar struggles. She explains how the brain compensates for weaknesses in ways that can lead to exhaustion and burnout, especially for high-performing entrepreneurs. She shares how she developed her approach by combining neuroscience, chiropractic techniques, and holistic wellness to help clients improve focus, processing speed, and overall brain function.

She also highlights the resistance many people face when seeking alternative solutions. Despite decades of successful results, skepticism persists, and she addresses why many individuals hesitate to believe real change is possible. She shares stories of clients who saw life-changing improvements in just a few days, including one entrepreneur who quadrupled his income after working with her.

Dr. Books also explores the role of biohacking, AI, and modern neuroscience in improving cognitive function. She offers insights into how simple lifestyle adjustments, such as diet, movement, and brain exercises, can dramatically improve performance. She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, understanding personal strengths, and eliminating limiting beliefs that hold people back.

To learn more about Dr. Phyllis Books and her work, please visit:

Website: https://startupyourwholebrain.com/ https://drphyllisbooks.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drphyllisbooks/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/drbooks1

0:00 "Overlooked Challenges Behind Success"
5:09 Resilient Work Ethic from Dyslexia
7:46 Unseen Barriers to Understanding
12:37 Exploring ADHD and Dyslexia Journeys
15:26 Dyslexia: Beyond Words and Stigma
17:48 Brain Shortcuts and Learning Strategies
21:19 Empowering Kids Through Self-Belief
26:56 Parental Expectations Transform Children
28:38 "Embracing Self-Acceptance and Growth"
32:20 Kolbe Youth Advantage Explained
36:16 Reflecting on Dyslexia Awareness
38:58 AI as a Launchpad to Learning
41:49 Brain and Body Biohacking Strategies
46:48 AI Platform as a Second Brain
49:32 Brain Upgrades: Fixing Life's Glitches
50:52 Lifelong Mentor and Resource

Unlock your potential get our FREE GUIDE HERE: https://coachcanfield.com/

Get my Bestselling Book and Start incredible Family Banking Conversations today: https://dontspreadwealth.com/

Learn how to implement The Infinite Banking Concept with this FREE Webinar now: https://learnibc.com/

Get a FREE Copy of my Second book and learn how to grow CASH VALUE you can control over a lifetime: https://coachcanfield.com/cashfollows

Embracing Change and Technology in Legal Practice with Dave Zumpano

Episode 34

Dave Zumpano shares his journey of building and evolving multiple businesses in the legal industry, highlighting the lessons he learned through economic downturns, partnerships, and leadership transitions. He discusses how growing up in an entrepreneurial family shaped his mindset and how his early career in estate planning law led him to innovate within the field.

Dave reflects on the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on his law firm, revealing how he went from years of consistent growth to an unexpected downturn that forced him to restructure his business. He explains the importance of recognizing external economic forces, adapting to change, and building a company that can withstand uncertainty. Through this experience, he learned the value of surrounding himself with the right people and creating a self-managing, and ultimately self-growing, business.

The conversation explores the evolution of his national legal organization, from its early days as Medicaid Practice Systems to Lawyers with Purpose. Dave explains the difference between being an entrepreneur and a technician, emphasizing why replacing yourself within a business is one of the most valuable skills a leader can develop. He shares how he navigated partnerships, leadership transitions, and the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining a strong company culture.

Dave also dives into the role of technology in shaping the future of law. He discusses his latest venture, Attorney, and how it leverages AI and blockchain to modernize client interactions while maintaining the importance of human connection. He shares insights on how legal practices must adapt to changing consumer expectations and the digital transformation of the industry.

Throughout the episode, Dave offers wisdom on business growth, leadership, and resilience. He explains how wisdom comes from experience, why asking the right questions is more powerful than having all the answers, and how coaching others to step into leadership is the key to long-term success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or someone navigating change, Dave’s insights provide a roadmap for building a sustainable and thriving business.

To learn more about Dave Zumpano and his work, please visit:

Website: https://www.lawyerswithpurpose.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zumpano-a0208119a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidZumpano/

0:00 Pioneering Woman Entrepreneur's Legacy
4:47 Pioneering Medicaid Planning Attorney
9:59 Estate Planning Lawyers Thrive Amid COVID
10:42 Legal Community Support in Crisis
15:45 Entrepreneurs vs. Technicians Debate
19:31 Revitalizing Leadership and Vision
21:40 Rebuilding Success Amidst Skill Gaps
23:59 Leadership Transition Boosts Company Growth
26:39 "Law, Business, and Talent Insights"
30:47 Returning to Reinvent the Firm
33:14 Rebuilding Sales and Finance Leadership
37:42 Wisdom Through Coaching and Listening
40:17 Journey from Tech to Legal Innovation
44:24 Hybrid Legal Services Platform
49:56 Blockchain, AI, and Human Connection
52:03 Human Connection Enhances Unique Talents

Unlock your potential get our FREE GUIDE HERE: https://coachcanfield.com/

Get my Bestselling Book and Start incredible Family Banking Conversations today: https://dontspreadwealth.com/

Learn how to implement The Infinite Banking Concept with this...

The Power in the Pause: Discovering Intuition and Overcoming Fear with Wendy Paige Sterling

Episode 33

Wendy Paige Stirling shares how life's unexpected moments can serve as powerful wake-up calls, leading us to reclaim control over our choices, energy, and mindset. She opens up about a pivotal moment in her life when she discovered her ex-husband’s infidelity and how that experience taught her to distinguish between fear and intuition. Through this, she learned the importance of pausing and listening to the inner voice that guides us toward truth and personal power.

Wendy discusses how autopilot living keeps people stuck in unfulfilling careers, relationships, and routines. She explains why so many high achievers wear hustle culture like a badge of honor, only to find themselves burned out and disconnected from their real desires. She dives into the transformative power of slowing down, stepping out of societal expectations, and making intentional decisions based on personal truth rather than external validation.

She reflects on her experience as a successful corporate executive who walked away from a high-powered career to build a thriving seven-figure coaching business. She shares how losing her mother was another defining moment that forced her to reevaluate her purpose and make yet another shift in her career. Wendy emphasizes that personal growth is an ongoing process, with no final destination, only continuous evolution.

Wendy also explores the illusions of social media, the fear of stepping into one's true self, and the societal conditioning that leads many to prioritize others’ expectations over their own happiness. Wendy provides insights into how individuals can recognize when they are living a life that isn’t truly theirs and what steps they can take to break free.

Throughout the conversation, Wendy highlights the importance of energy, intention, and self-awareness. She explains why intuition is quiet and calm while fear is loud and anxiety-inducing, and how learning to tell the difference can be life-changing. She also offers practical advice on how to slow down, reassess life’s direction, and align daily actions with long-term vision.

Wendy’s insights provide a powerful reminder that the path to fulfillment requires pausing, listening, and making choices rooted in personal truth rather than fear. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from what truly matters, this conversation will help you rediscover your inner voice and take meaningful steps toward a life that feels aligned and fulfilling.

To learn more about Wendy Paige Stirling and her work, please visit:

Website: https://wendypaigesterling.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-paige-sterling/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendypaigesterling/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendypaigesterling

0:00 "Self-Reflection and Empowerment"
5:20 "Power in Pause: Personal Transformation"
8:18 Rejecting Autopilot and Hustle Culture
13:37 "Social Media Facade"
17:17 "Curiosity Curbed by Conformity"
20:29 "Prioritizing Desired Family Lifestyle"
23:15 "Mindset's Power in Life's Journey"
27:52 Ego-Fueled Fear vs. Intuition
29:11 Intuition vs. Fear in Resolutions
32:17 "The Power of Slowing Down"
35:51 Creative Sparks from Unexpected Moments
40:16 Navigating Grief and Self-Discovery
43:34 Rediscovering Intuition and Passion
46:27 Embrace Self-Awareness and Abundance
50:00 Embrace Imperfection and Self-Understanding

U...

How Darrell Sutherland Built a Thriving Manufacturing Business from the Ground Up

Episode 32

Darrell Sutherland shares his journey from a kid who struggled in the traditional education system to a successful entrepreneur in the manufacturing industry. He talks about how his early fascination with math and craftsmanship, inspired by his father, led him into the world of metal manufacturing. From working in a friend's garage building military parts to launching his own company, Darrell discusses the critical moments that shaped his path, including his first major welding job and the lessons he learned along the way.

Throughout the conversation, Darrell highlights the importance of mentorship, curiosity, and persistence in building a business. He explains how he leveraged his relationships to gain insights from established companies and how he developed his unique approach to time management, which he calls the My Toys model. This structured yet flexible method helped him balance entrepreneurship with personal growth, ultimately allowing him to scale his business while maintaining focus on what truly mattered.

Darrell also dives into the challenges of scaling a manufacturing company, from navigating industry downturns like post-9/11 aerospace struggles to dealing with the complexities of hiring and retaining top talent. He discusses his approach to leadership, how he built efficient systems, and why creating an organizational structure is crucial for long-term success. His experience proves that no business can thrive without the right team in place. One of the key takeaways from this episode is Darrell’s perspective on personal development and business growth. He shares how understanding his own strengths and weaknesses helped him become a better leader and why focusing on strengths rather than trying to fix weaknesses is the key to success. He also talks about the tools he has developed to help other entrepreneurs streamline their operations and document valuable company knowledge.

Darrell’s insights extend beyond manufacturing, touching on broader lessons in business, personal growth, and the importance of capturing knowledge. He discusses his software development efforts aimed at helping companies document and scale their operations, ensuring that critical expertise is never lost when employees move on. His innovative approach to knowledge management and process automation is something any entrepreneur can learn from.

For those looking to understand what it takes to succeed in the manufacturing space—or in any business that requires deep expertise and strong leadership—this episode is packed with valuable lessons. Darrell’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt in an ever-changing industry.

To learn more about Darrell Sutherland and his work, please visit:

Website: https://www.legacymaker.co/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrellasutherland/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarrellASutherland/

0:00 "Inquisitive Kid, Silent Lessons"
6:37 Mentorship Sparks Welding Career Transformation
10:21 "Four-Hour Productivity Model"
14:52 "Bridging Front and Back Doors"
18:31 Embrace Strengths, Not Weaknesses
20:28 Essential C-Suite for Business Success
24:33 "Aligning Beliefs for True Happiness"
29:42 Entrepreneurial Tools and Vision Realization
33:22 Building an Empire with Innovation
34:37 Capturing Knowledge Through Attempts
38:27 Optimizing Work...

Jason Schappert shares entrepreneurial lessons and insights on personal finance and technology

Episode 31

In this episode, Jason Schappert takes us through his inspiring journey from struggling flight instructor to building one of the largest FAA test preparation platforms. Jason opens up about his early challenges, from near financial ruin to losing his airplane, and how those experiences became a turning point in his life. He shares the importance of taking action, testing ideas, and iterating quickly—a principle he applied to build his online ground school business from scratch.

Jason reflects on the power of understanding your customers, learning to adapt your offerings, and focusing on the mission behind your business. Whether he’s helping pilots become safer in the sky or empowering individuals to manage their personal finances through technology, Jason emphasizes the need to create meaningful, lasting value.

The conversation also dives into his new venture, where Jason applies technology and artificial intelligence to simplify personal finance. He explains how this platform uses tools like budgeting pockets, expense tracking, and investment insights to guide everyday people toward financial clarity. Jason’s goal is to provide technology that empowers individuals, whether they're saving for their families, cutting unnecessary expenses, or planning for retirement.

Throughout the episode, Jason discusses timeless principles of business and personal development, citing influential mentors like Jim Rohn and Napoleon Hill. He also reflects on how a clear mission and a customer-first mindset have shaped his entrepreneurial philosophy. For Jason, wealth is not just about money but about having the freedom to do what you love with the people who matter most.

If you’re looking for actionable advice, powerful business lessons, and insights on balancing entrepreneurship with personal values, this episode is for you.

To learn more about Jason Schappert and his work, please visit:

Website: https://moo.la/

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/moola.copilot?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moola_copilot/?igsh=MTJoMGRpZzN1NDc0cw%3D%3D#

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoolaCopilot

0:00 Pioneering Online Pilot Training 6:00 Inspiration and Overcoming Challenges
7:52 "Reading: Rich People's Secret" 11:51 "Prove Concept, Test Early"
14:20 Birthday Flight Gift Insight 17:36 Efficient Online Pilot Training
19:17 Visionary Leadership and Internet Leverage
22:58 "Empowering Safer, Smarter Pilots"
28:13 AI-Powered Personal Finance Insights
29:26 "Understanding the Financial System Game"
32:30 Subscription Savings Downside
38:37 Rapid Launch Through Lean Methodology
42:41 Strategic Land Investment Wisdom
44:00 Personalized Financial Insights with Moola
48:41 "Moola Meter: Personalized Stock Scoring"
49:46 Innovative Financial Behavior Insights

Unlock your potential get our FREE GUIDE HERE: https://coachcanfield.com/

Get my Bestselling Book and Start incredible Family Banking Conversations today: https://dontspreadwealth.com/

Learn how to implement The Infinite Banking Concept with this FREE Webinar now: https://learnibc.com/