On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by entrepreneur Steve Kearley, from Benson Kearley Insurance as they discuss the elements of success, the entrepreneurial mindset, and personal growth through business endeavors. Steve shares his journey from selling designer jeans out of his high school locker to becoming a prominent figure in the insurance industry. He emphasizes the significance of self-measurement and personal growth over comparing oneself to others, highlighting how his definition of excellence has evolved over the years. Steve's narrative is peppered with insights on overcoming societal expectations and focusing on one's strengths and unique abilities.

Throughout the discussion, Steve stresses the importance of networking, not in the traditional sense of merely exchanging business cards, but in building meaningful, reciprocal relationships without immediate expectations. This approach to networking, according to Steve, involves connecting people, helping others without a direct benefit to oneself, and ultimately, building a network based on trust and mutual respect. Both Steve and Matt reflect on their experiences within the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), underscoring how such networks have facilitated their business growth and personal development.

The conversation also delves into Steve's strategic approach to his insurance business, where he shifted focus from traditional metrics to providing real value to customers through educational seminars and resources that go beyond insurance. This value-driven approach helped differentiate his company in a competitive market. Steve's commitment to his team and ethical business practices, even post-business sale, reflects his dedication to ensuring the welfare of his employees and maintaining a legacy of integrity and trust. This episode not only explores the nuances of entrepreneurial success but also provides practical advice for personal and professional growth.

Join Matt and Steve for this fascinating episode.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How excellence isn't about surpassing others but measuring personal growth over time, understanding and leveraging your unique abilities
• The true value of networking: building authentic relationships and helping others without expecting something in return, rather than merely exchanging contacts for personal gain.
• Embracing failures as learning opportunities, fostering resilience, and continuous personal development.
• The characteristics that often define entrepreneurs, such as a dislike for being employed, the necessity for freedom, and the ability to see and seize opportunities for innovation and leadership.
• How to differentiate your business in a competitive market by providing additional value beyond the core services, using Steve’s approach in the insurance industry as a model.
• How setting and adhering to clear company values can simplify decision-making processes and contribute to long-term business success.
• Advice for young entrepreneurs on setting and sharing goals, the importance of mentorship, and why it's vital to understand and align with your core values.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Benson Kearley IFG

Steve's LinkedIn

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Brett Apel as he shares his journey from a college student to becoming an entrepreneur and business executive. Bret emphasizes the importance of hard work, continuous learning, and pushing boundaries to achieve success. He discusses his initial uncertainty about his career path and how his experience with College Works Painting opened the door to entrepreneurship, teaching him valuable business and life skills. Bret's story is a testament to the idea that with the right mindset and work ethic, one can turn challenges into opportunities and achieve remarkable success at a young age.

The conversation explores the concept of excellence, exploring how Bret's definition of excellence as a constant pursuit of self-improvement and challenging oneself has propelled him forward. They highlight the importance of resilience, open-mindedness, and taking ownership of one's actions to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities. Bret stresses the significance of not resting on past laurels but instead, using previous successes as a foundation for future achievements.

The episode touches on the sacrifices required for success, with Bret recounting the social pressures and the need for balance between work, personal growth, and social life he faced during college. He emphasizes the value of making tough choices early in life to set oneself up for long-term success, framing his sacrifices as a means to gain a head start in life. Bret's journey underscores the message that embracing challenges, maintaining a positive and resilient attitude, and continuously striving for excellence can lead to fulfilling and successful outcomes.

Join Matt and Brett for this fascinating episode.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Brett's decision to pursue entrepreneurship, emphasizing hard work, the desire to learn, and the ambition to succeed without constraints.
• His personal definition of excellence as the continuous pursuit of challenging oneself to be the best version possible.
• The significance of resilience and keeping an open mind to overcome obstacles and find one's path.
• The role of effort and time in developing strong relationships, whether with friends, coworkers, or family.
• Brett's approach to learning from both successes and failures, without dwelling on the past.
• The importance of balance and prioritizing long-term goals over short-term pleasures.
• Brett's belief in embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
• And so much more...

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by John Bruckner, a consultant and advisor with a unique blend of legal and financial expertise. John shares his journey from being a finance major to becoming an influential figure in the legal consulting world, emphasizing the importance of being open to opportunities and seeking mentorship. He recounts his decision to pursue law school while working, which ultimately led him to meet Byron McFarland, who played a pivotal role as his mentor. John's story highlights the value of curiosity, perseverance, and the willingness to seek and listen to advice from those more experienced.

Throughout the discussion, John stresses the critical skills needed for success in his field, including active listening, follow-through, expertise, and perseverance. He suggests that aspiring professionals should immerse themselves in learning opportunities and build relationships with mentors to navigate their careers effectively. John's approach to becoming a successful consultant involves a mix of continuous learning, understanding the importance of client relationships, and the ability to provide expert advice while admitting when further research is needed. His insights into building a career path that blends law and finance shed light on the non-linear nature of professional growth and the benefits of cross-disciplinary knowledge.

The conversation also explores the concept of work-life integration, where John advocates for a mindset of always being "on" but in a way that allows for flexibility and geographical freedom. This approach, he argues, is made possible by a career that aligns closely with one's interests and unique abilities, thus blurring the lines between work and personal life. By accepting the opportunity costs associated with prioritizing work, John suggests that professionals can achieve a form of freedom that allows for significant personal and professional satisfaction. The episode wraps up with a reflection on the journey to finding one's niche in the professional world, emphasizing that success comes from aligning one's work with their passions and strengths, leading to a fulfilling career.

Join Matt and John for this fascinating episode.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How actively listening to clients and seeking mentorship can lay the foundation for a successful career in law or any professional field.
• How John's background in finance and his decision to pursue law school led him to a unique niche in legal consulting for businesses.
• The core skills essential for success in legal consulting, including writing, case law analysis, and the application of law.
• The business side of law, including the job market dynamics and the financial implications of pursuing a career in law.
• Strategies for setting oneself apart in the legal field, such as embracing curiosity, networking, and leveraging unique skill sets.
• The concept of work-life integration as opposed to strict work-life balance.
• The sacrifices required for professional growth and how understanding opportunity cost can guide career decisions.
• And so much more...