Business Leaders of America Podcast

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by Peter Cimoroni, a seasoned entrepreneur and visionary leader whose career spans consulting, nutraceuticals, media, and now food innovation. As the CEO and founder of AVOGO Foods, Peter is redefining what healthy, avocado-based products can be, creating bold, flavorful offerings like AVO DOUGH Guacamole Bread and Burger Buns that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Peter shared how his diverse experiences across industries converged to inspire AVOGO Foods, and how he identified a gap in the market for simple, clean ingredients without compromising on taste. He also revealed how a family recipe dating back over 100 years shaped the flavors, values, and story behind the brand, and the lessons he’s learned navigating the complexities of scaling a food business in today’s competitive landscape.

We also discussed how his background with Palladium, producing emotionally powerful, human-centered storytelling, has influenced the way he builds and markets AVOGO, and what his long-term vision is for the brand as it continues to grow and innovate.

If you’re an entrepreneur, founder, or business leader looking to create something truly unique and break through a crowded market, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiration from a leader who knows how to turn bold ideas into reality.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• 39+ years of leadership experience across consulting, nutraceuticals, media, and food innovation

• Founder and CEO of AVOGO Foods, creator of the first-ever AVO DOUGH Guacamole Bread and Burger Buns

• Built three brands and seven products emphasizing simple ingredients and bold flavor

• Extensive experience producing emotionally powerful, human-centered content through Palladium

How to connect with Peter Cimoroni

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpetercimoroni/

• https://www.instagram.com/c.peter.cimoroni/

• https://x.com/cimoroni152

• https://www.tiktok.com/@cpetercimoroni

• https://www.avogo.co/

• https://www.facebook.com/avogofoods/

• https://www.palladiumedge.com/

Show Notes

[1:32] Peter shares how his diverse leadership experiences across consulting, nutraceuticals, media, and food innovation came together and ultimately led to the creation of AVO-GO Foods.

[3:17] The gap he saw in the food market and how AVO-GO Foods was built around simplicity, delivering bold flavor with the fewest possible ingredients.

[8:06] How a family recipe dating back more than 100 years shaped the flavors, values, and story behind AVO-GO Foods.

[10:18] The biggest hurdles in scaling a food product today and where founders tend to underestimate the complexity as they grow.

[14:34] Peter shares how his experience with Palladium and its focus on emotionally powerful, human-centered storytelling has shaped the way he builds and markets AVO-GO Foods.

[21:22] The long-term vision for AVO-GO Foods and hints at new products or categories he sees emerging as the brand grows.

[23:44] Where listeners can connect with him and learn more about AVO-GO Foods.

[24:52] Peter offers his best advice for entrepreneurs looking to create something truly unique and break through the noise in crowded markets.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sat down with Jordan Solender, a self-made tech entrepreneur and the founder of IT Select, an AI-powered platform rethinking how IT leaders evaluate vendors and navigate procurement.

Jordan shared his journey from launching his first businesses as a teenager to building and exiting a technology advisory firm at eight figures, along the way confronting a hard truth many founders face: even successful leaders can become the biggest bottleneck in their own companies. We talked about the moment he recognized that pattern, why stepping away was so uncomfortable, and how watching things break ultimately reshaped his approach to leadership.

We also explored what led to the creation of IT Select, the inefficiencies in traditional IT procurement that inspired it, and how Jordan now helps founders move from hands-on operators to architects of scalable systems through his Founder Freedom Formula.

If you’re a founder, operator, or business leader looking to scale without becoming the constraint, this episode offers practical insight into building autonomy, leverage, and long-term freedom

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• 20+ years of entrepreneurship, starting at 15

• Multiple successful exits, including an eight-figure tech exit

• Generated $40M+ in revenue across several companies

• CEO of IT Select, the AI-driven procurement platform for SMBs

• Featured in Forbes, FinTech TV, CIO Review

• Board Member at EO, supporter of Georgetown Lombardi & Make-A-Wish

How to connect with Jordan Solender

• https://www.jordansolender.com/

• https://www.itselect.io/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordansolender/

• https://www.instagram.com/jordan_sols/

• https://www.instagram.com/jordan.solender/

Show Notes

[1:48] Jay Jordan reflects on launching his first businesses as a teenager and shares when he first realized he had an entrepreneurial mindset from an early age.

[3:32] The moment he realized he was the bottleneck in his own companies, and how confronting that reality changed the way he approached leadership and growth.

[6:38] How stepping away and watching cracks form revealed critical insights, ultimately reshaping his approach to leadership and building true operational autonomy.

[12:01] The key drivers that fueled rapid growth in his technology advisory firm and ultimately led to an eight-figure exit.

[12:59] The broken aspects of the IT procurement process that inspired IT Select and how the AI-powered platform helps IT leaders save significant time.

[16:02] Jordan breaks down his Founder Freedom Formula and explains how each step is designed to create more clarity, leverage, and freedom for founders.

[19:21] Where listeners can learn more about Jordan, explore IT Select, and discover how he helps founders escape the bottleneck trap.

[21:32] Jordan issues a bold challenge for listeners to test how scalable their business truly is.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sat down with Jay Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Abacus Global Management, a publicly traded alternative asset management company that has grown into a global, multi-division platform under his leadership.

Jay shared how stepping into the life-settlements space in 2016 led to the transformation of Abacus into four complementary business units. We discussed the company’s expansion across 49 states, its deep relationships with institutional partners and tens of thousands of financial advisors, and the role technology now plays in modernizing an often misunderstood industry.

He also walked through the thinking behind Abacus’s first-ever annual dividend and what it signals about the company’s financial strength and long-term strategy.

If you’re interested in alternative assets, longevity-based financial solutions, or scaling a financial services company in a complex market, this episode offers valuable insight.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Chairman & CEO of Abacus Global Management, leading the company through its evolution into a publicly traded, global alternative asset management platform.

• Architect of Abacus’s four-division business model, Life Solutions, Asset Group, Wealth Advisors, and ABL Tech, creating an integrated, longevity-based financial ecosystem.

• Led Abacus’s expansion across 49 states, building long-term relationships with institutional partners and more than 30,000 financial advisors.

• Recognized industry leader in longevity-based investing and life-settlement asset management, with Abacus having purchased over $10 billion in face value of life insurance policies since 2004.

• Guided Abacus through its transition to a publicly traded company and the launch of its first-ever annual dividend, reflecting strong cash flow generation and disciplined capital allocation.

How to connect with Jay Jackson

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjacksonabl/

• https://abacusgm.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/abacusgm/

• NASDAQ: ABL

Show Notes

[1:45] Jay shares his original vision when he became CEO of Abacus in 2016 and how that vision has evolved over the past nine years as the company has grown in the life-settlements space.

[15:51] The catalyst behind restructuring Abacus into four distinct yet complementary business units and how that strategic shift supported global growth and long-term scalability.

[19:16] The key drivers behind expanding Abacus’s presence across 49 states, strengthening institutional partnerships, and building relationships with more than 30,000 financial advisors.

[22:01] What’s most misunderstood about the life-settlement and secondary insurance market and what he wishes consumers, advisors, and investors better understood about the value these solutions provide.

[24:00] How Abacus identified critical technology gaps in the life-settlement industry and how ABL Tech is solving complex challenges through innovations like real-time mortality verification and missing participant location.

[29:49] The strategic decision behind Abacus’s first-ever annual dividend and the message it sends to the market about the company’s stability, performance, and long-term outlook.

[31:28] Jay shares his perspective on the key trends shaping the future of alternative asset management and how increased access, data, and regulation will influence the next decade of investing.

[39:06] How listeners can learn more about Abacus Global Management, explore its services, and connect with Jay or his team.

[39:37] Jay offers advice to the next generation of financial leaders looking to innovate in an industry that isn’t always welcoming to change.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Thomas Gilman, a seasoned executive and consultant with a 40-year career spanning engineering, operations, finance, business development, and auditing.

Thomas shares his journey from a corporate leader to a trusted advisor for CEOs, explaining how his diverse experience informs the way he helps companies strengthen their financial and operational health. We dive into why the externally facing health of a business is often overlooked, how simple yet powerful tools like his rapid business scan can uncover opportunities, and what it truly means for a company to be “bankable.”

He also provides actionable insights on common mistakes companies make when seeking funding or boosting profitability, and offers guidance for entrepreneurs looking to build strong, sustainable businesses.

If you’re a business leader or entrepreneur looking to improve financial strength, secure funding, or uncover hidden growth opportunities, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement right away.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Owner of Driving Business Growth, LLC, helping businesses boost financial strength, optimize profits, and secure funding.

• Over 40 years of corporate leadership at BP/Amoco, leading global audits, operations, projects, and economic analysis across 18 countries.

• Managed high-impact projects including BP’s $17B decommissioning compliance, offshore drilling risers, and multi-billion-dollar pipeline negotiations.

• Expert in operational and financial optimization, delivering multi-million-dollar savings through plant and scheduling improvements.

• Advises CEOs on funding, equity financing, compliance, business credit, and banking strategy to drive growth and profitability.

How to connect with Thomas Gilman

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-gilman/

• https://drivingbusinessgrowthllc.com/

• Email: thomas.gilman@drivingbusinessgrowthllc.com

• Cell: (281) 972-2377

Show Notes

[1:41] Thomas reflects on his transition from a 40-year corporate career into consulting, sharing how his diverse experience across engineering, operations, finance, business development, and auditing shaped the way he now helps CEOs strengthen their companies.

[3:38] Why the externally facing health of a business is often overlooked by CEOs and outlines the risks companies face when it’s ignored.

[4:33] How the free, rapid business scan works, what it uncovers about a company’s true health, and why it’s such a powerful starting point for meaningful improvement.

[7:04] What it truly means for a company to be “bankable,” explaining how the same compliance-based evaluation tools used by banks, institutional lenders, and private equity firms assess a business’s strength, readiness, and credibility.

[9:12] How the process is designed to surface meaningful growth opportunities and financial insights while requiring minimal time and disruption for business leaders.

[11:31] The most common mistakes companies make when trying to secure funding or boost profitability, and explains what CEOs should be focusing on instead to strengthen financial performance and long-term viability.

[15:12] How investors, banks, and acquirers are evolving their evaluation criteria for companies and what that means for business leaders.

[17:27] How listeners can learn more, explore the business scan, and connect directly.

[18:31] Thomas offers his top financial and strategic advice for entrepreneurs building meaningful businesses.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Sabine Gedeon, a transformational speaker, executive coach, and leadership strategist with nearly two decades of experience guiding leaders and organizations through moments of growth, change, and reinvention.

Sabine shares what first sparked her passion for leadership transformation and dives into the mindset and leadership shifts that high-performing leaders need to break through growth ceilings and take their impact to the next level. She also walks us through her framework connecting identity, influence, and execution, showing how leaders can apply it in practice to build sustainable, long-term success.

We explore how she helps teams rebuild alignment and restore stability when growth outpaces people, systems, or culture, all while maintaining momentum. Sabine also discusses the inspiration behind The Leverage Lab and The Aligned Leader Circle, programs designed to help founders and leaders create sustainable systems for growth.

If you’re interested in leadership evolution, building high-performing teams, or strengthening alignment and trust within your organization, this episode offers actionable insights and practical strategies you won’t want to miss.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder of Gedeon Enterprises, a leadership advisory and professional development firm helping high-impact leaders and organizations navigate growth, change, and transformation.

• Creator of The Leverage Lab, a 12-week accelerator teaching service-based founders to turn relationships into capital and build consistent growth pipelines.

• Founder of The Aligned Leader Circle, a 6-month mastermind program supporting high-performing leaders to expand their impact with greater clarity and ease.

• Certified ICF Professional Coach with nearly two decades of experience guiding executives, founders, and teams to strengthen alignment, influence, and sustainable performance.

• Named one of Influence Digest’s Top 15 Coaches in San Diego (2025) for excellence in executive coaching and leadership development.

• Author of Transformed: The Journey to Becoming

How to connect with Sabine Gideon

• https://sabinegedeon.com

• https://sabinegedeon.com/challenge

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabinegedeon

• https://www.instagram.com/sabinegedeon

• https://www.youtube.com/@CoachSabineGedeon

Show Notes

[1:40] Sabine shares what first sparked her passion for leadership transformation and how it led to nearly two decades of guiding leaders and organizations through growth, change, and reinvention.

[6:27] The key mindset and leadership behavior shifts needed to break through growth ceilings and move to the next level.

[11:00] How she helps leadership teams rebuild alignment and restore stability when growth outpaces their people, systems, or culture — all while maintaining momentum.

[15:30] Sabine walks through her framework connecting identity, influence, and execution, showing how leaders can apply it in practice to build more sustainable, long-term success.

[19:30] How she balances the human side of leadership with the strategic, performance-driven needs of organizations through Gedeon Enterprises’ people-centered approach.

[28:53] The inspiration behind The Leverage Lab and The Aligned Leader Circle, explaining how these programs help leaders and founders build sustainable systems for growth.

[31:19] How listeners can connect, learn more about Gedeon Enterprises, and access her programs and coaching offerings.

[31:53] Sabine shares one practical shift listeners can implement today to strengthen alignment, trust, and influence within their teams.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Todd Youngblood, a seasoned fintech operator, military veteran, and the co-founder of Pneuma Gladius. After more than 15 years leading growth in the fintech and payments space, Todd reached a point where traditional markers of success no longer aligned with his inner reality. That realization set him on a powerful path toward healing, mental wellness, and redefining what meaningful success looks like.

In our conversation, Todd opens up about the personal turning point that sparked this shift, why so many high achievers feel disconnected even after major financial wins, and how plant-based and psychedelic-assisted therapies played a role in helping him access greater clarity and empathy. We also dive into the vision behind Pneuma Gladius and how his work is supporting both entrepreneurs and the veteran and first-responder communities through ethical, structured healing modalities.

If you’re interested in leadership evolution, mental-health innovation, or the intersection of performance and personal transformation, this episode offers a powerful perspective you won’t want to miss.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Co-Founder of Pneuma Gladius, an emerging mental-health and leadership organization focused on safe, ethical access to plant-based and psychedelic-assisted healing modalities for veterans, first responders, and high-performing leaders.

• Former fintech and payments executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience driving growth, strategy, and operational scale across multiple high-growth companies.

• United States military veteran, bringing lessons from service, resilience, and mission-driven leadership into his work supporting those navigating trauma, transition, and high-pressure environments.

• Advisor and consultant to founders, executives, and organizations seeking to integrate mental-health-centered frameworks into their leadership and performance models.

How to connect with Todd Youngblood

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-youngblood/

• https://www.pneumagladius.com/

Show Notes

[1:33] Todd shares the personal and professional turning point that led him to shift from fintech and payments toward mental health, healing, and redefining what success truly means.

[7:34] Why many high achievers still feel disconnected even after major financial wins and how his own journey reshaped his definition of true success.

[16:17] The role of plant-based and psychedelic-assisted therapies in his healing journey, explaining how, when approached responsibly and with proper guidance, these experiences can help leaders tap into greater creativity, empathy, and clarity.

[27:47] The original vision behind founding Pneuma Gladius and the unmet needs in the mental-health and leadership space that inspired its creation.

[35:44] The best ways for listeners to connect with Todd, learn more about his work, and get involved with the mission behind Pneuma Gladius.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with I sit down with Monica McKitterick-Smith, a Family Nurse Practitioner, entrepreneur, and the CEO of Impact Family Wellness. After more than a decade in traditional healthcare, Monica realized she wanted to build a different model, one that prioritized personal, connected care over rushed, insurance-driven visits. Starting with just $20,000 and a Craigslist exam table, she grew her first clinic into three thriving locations serving over 2,000 patients.

Monica also founded The DPC Formula, turning her experience into a roadmap to help other clinicians launch and scale their own Direct Primary Care practices. In this conversation, she shares the pivotal moment that pushed her to leave traditional healthcare, how Direct Primary Care is transforming patient and employer experiences, and what it really takes to build and grow a successful, patient-centered business. She also reflects on winning Season 18 of The Blox and offers actionable advice for clinicians and entrepreneurs ready to take bold steps.

If you’re interested in healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, or scaling mission-driven businesses, this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder and CEO of Impact Family Wellness, a network of thriving Direct Primary Care clinics serving over 2,000 patients.

• Creator and principal coach of The DPC Formula, providing step-by-step guidance, courses, and resources for clinicians to launch and scale their own Direct Primary Care practices.

• Author of “DPC: Dream Job or Total Disaster” and creator of The DPC Launch Kit e-course, helping healthcare professionals navigate the complexities of starting a DPC clinic.

• Winner of Season 18 of The Blox, a national entrepreneurship competition recognizing innovative business leadership and growth.

• Over a decade of experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner, combining clinical expertise with entrepreneurial leadership to transform patient-centered care.

How to connect with Monica McKitterick-Smith

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamckitterick/

• https://dpcformula.com/

• https://www.impactfamilywellness.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/impact-family-wellness/

• https://www.instagram.com/impactfamilywellness/

• https://dpcformula.com/

• https://www.betablox.com/season/season-18

Show Notes

[1:42] Monica shares the pivotal moment that inspired her to leave traditional healthcare and launch Impact Family Wellness, ultimately leading to multiple successful DPC clinics and The DPC Formula.

[5:08] The early days of building her clinics with just $20K, sharing the mindset and determination that helped her overcome uncertainty and grow to serve over 2,000 patients.

[6:49] What Direct Primary Care is and how it’s transforming healthcare by restoring personal, connected relationships between providers and patients, benefiting both individuals and employers.

[12:38] What motivated her to create The DPC Formula, turning her own clinic success into a roadmap to help other clinicians build thriving Direct Primary Care practices.

[18:43] Monica reflects on winning Season 18 of The Blox, sharing how the experience shaped her approach to business, leadership, and entrepreneurial growth.

[23:23] How listeners can connect and learn more about Impact Family Wellness, The DPC Formula, and her book and course.

[24:42] Monica offers her top advice for clinicians and entrepreneurs looking to disrupt their industries and take that first bold step toward innovation and growth.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Jamie Lima, a former billion-dollar wealth manager at Morgan Stanley and Fidelity who left the traditional finance world to reinvent how people navigate the financial side of divorce.

Jamie’s journey is shaped by both professional expertise and deeply personal experience. After watching his parents struggle through divorce and later going through his own, he shifted his career toward helping others avoid the financial chaos, uncertainty, and stress that too often come with major life transitions.

In this conversation, Jamie shares what ultimately led him to launch Allegiant Divorce Solutions, the critical gap he saw in divorce financial planning, and how his AI-powered platform, SecureSplit, is transforming the way individuals, professionals, and even courts handle complex divorce financials. He also dives into how divorce can unexpectedly impact entrepreneurs and business owners, sometimes with devastating consequences, and what leaders can do to better protect themselves and their companies.

If you’re interested in financial clarity, smart leadership decisions, or the intersection of fintech and real-world problem solving, this episode is filled with insights you won’t want to miss.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder of Allegiant Divorce Solutions, a nationwide firm providing divorce financial planning, mediation support, and settlement strategy.

• Creator of SecureSplit, an AI-powered divorce fintech platform that automates complex financial analyses and generates court-ready reports for all 50 states.

• Former wealth management leader at Morgan Stanley and Fidelity, overseeing $1B+ in client assets across high-net-worth families.

• Nearly 20 years of experience as a financial professional, holding credentials as a CFP®, CDFA®, and Certified Mediator.

• Frequent speaker and consultant at the intersection of divorce, fintech, and client advocacy, advising leaders and organizations on better financial processes and systems.

How to connect with Jamie Lima

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamielima/

• https://allegiantds.com/

• https://securesplit.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/allegiantdivorce/

Show Notes

[1:34] Jamie explains the pivotal moment that led him to leave his billion-dollar wealth management career at Morgan Stanley and Fidelity to launch Allegiant Divorce Solutions, sharing what inspired the shift and the deeper purpose behind his new mission.

[4:28] How his own divorce transformed his perspective on money, relationships, and long-term planning, revealing how that experience ultimately reshaped his entire approach to guiding clients through major life transitions.

[5:40] The critical gap he recognized in the divorce and wealth-management space, explaining why he launched Allegiant Divorce Solutions to provide clearer guidance, better financial strategy, and more personalized support for people navigating one of life’s most difficult transitions.

[9:46] Jamie walks through how SecureSplit’s AI-driven, court-ready platform simplifies the financial side of divorce and the core problems it’s designed to solve.

[16:24] How he balances empathy with financial precision, ensuring clients feel supported emotionally while still making sound, strategic decisions during divorce.

[18:50] Highlighting a few financial pitfalls entrepreneurs often face during a divorce and explains why many don’t realize the potential impact on their business until it’s too late.

[24:28] The first critical financial steps business leaders should take to protect themselves and their company when navigating a separation.

[26:17] How listeners can connect with him, learn more about Allegiant Divorce Solutions, and explore the SecureSplit platform.

[27:50] Jamie offers his top advice for entrepreneurs navigating a divorce or looking to safeguard their assets during challenging times.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Vera Quinn, the first female President and CEO of Cydcor, a $300 million leader in outsourced face-to-face sales.

Vera’s journey is a true testament to resilience, determination, and people-first leadership. She began her career as a door-to-door sales representative and rose through the ranks to lead a company renowned for connecting brands with customers in meaningful ways.

In this conversation, Vera shares how early experiences in sales shaped her leadership style, the strategies behind Cydcor’s remarkable growth, and how she balances high performance with cultivating a strong, people-focused culture.

If you’re interested in leadership, growth, and building a thriving team, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• First female President and CEO of Cydcor, a $300 million leader in outsourced face-to-face sales.

• Successfully led Cydcor through significant growth, including expanding retail and omnichannel capabilities and achieving over 100% revenue growth under her leadership.

• Executive Director of Liberty Children’s Home in Belize, demonstrating a commitment to philanthropy and community impact.

• Active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), serving as Vice Membership Officer and Engagement Officer, connecting with and supporting global business leaders.

How to connect with Vera Quinn

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/veraquinn/

• https://www.instagram.com/veraquinn/

• https://www.cydcor.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/cydcor/

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/cydcor/

Show Notes

[1:28] Vera highlights how the foundational sales training, especially learning to face rejection head-on, built her resilience and ultimately propelled her entire career forward.

[3:40] How moving across multiple disciplines within Cydcor helped prepare her to step into the CEO role.

[7:11] Emphasizing how she approaches leadership as a people-first CEO by balancing strong performance expectations with a culture that prioritizes connection, engagement, and supporting employees so they can deliver their best work.

[11:52] The strategies and initiatives that have been most impactful in driving Cydcor’s 100% revenue growth during her leadership.

[13:56] How Cydcor is implementing AI and digital tools, even though the core of the business is still built on face-to-face selling.

[15:08] Cydcor’s approach to client acquisition and retention, especially in an era increasingly dominated by automation.

[19:23] How the next big goals for Cydcor and how the company is evolving under her leadership.

[22:15] Ways to connect with Vera, learn more about Cydcor, and follow the company’s work.

[26:30] Key advice from Vera for entrepreneurs and emerging leaders on building a business and leading with purpose.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with JJ Birden, a former NFL wide receiver, motivational keynote speaker, and founder of Team X 88 Inc.

JJ overcame incredible odds to play nine seasons in the NFL as one of the smallest players on the field, catching passes from legends like Joe Montana and competing against stars like Deion Sanders. That journey shaped the mindset, discipline, and leadership principles he now shares with audiences around the world.

During our conversation, JJ talks about the mindset that allowed him to defy expectations, his “Beat The Coverage” framework and how it applies to business and leadership, and practical strategies leaders can use to help their teams perform under pressure and stay focused through challenges. We also explore how he integrates physical, mental, and financial wellness into long-term performance and personal growth.

If you’re interested in leadership, high performance under pressure, and turning opportunities into results, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder of Team X 88 Inc., a company focused on helping individuals live healthier, more balanced lives physically, mentally, and financially.

• Former NFL wide receiver who played nine seasons despite being one of the smallest players in league history at 5’10” and 157 pounds, consistently defying the odds.

• Author of When Opportunity Knocks: 8 Surefire Ways to Take Advantage, a guide for achieving excellence and seizing opportunities.

• Motivational keynote speaker who has delivered over 175 presentations for Fortune 500 companies, including MassMutual, Bank of America, Hershey’s, Orangetheory Fitness, Aflac, and O’Reilly Auto Parts.

• Inducted into the University of Oregon Athletics Hall of Fame.

How to connect with JJ Birden

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjbirden/

• https://www.jjbirden.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/jjbirden

• https://x.com/jjbirden

Show Notes

[1:37] JJ explaining the mindset that allowed him to overcome being overlooked in high school, enter the NFL as one of the smallest players, and sustain a nine-year career by consistently defying the odds.

[4:18] How competing alongside and against NFL legends like Joe Montana and Deion Sanders shaped his approach to preparation, discipline, and personal performance at the highest level.

[6:32] Practical strategies leaders can use to help their teams perform under pressure, stay focused amid distractions, and consistently execute at a high level.

[9:14] The “Beat The Coverage” framework and how its principles translate into business—helping teams rise above obstacles, adapt under pressure, and execute with consistency.

[16:43] Why a holistic approach to health, physical, mental, and financial, is at the core of Team X 88 Inc., and why integrating all three areas is essential for long-term wellbeing and performance.

[19:03] Highlighting key principles from When Opportunity Knocks and explaining how people can apply those strategies to recognize, prepare for, and seize opportunities in their everyday lives.

[25:01] How listeners can connect, learn more about speaking engagements, and pick up a copy of When Opportunity Knocks.

[26:30] JJ shares the one piece of advice that he’d give his younger self before stepping onto an NFL field for the first time.

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