The Edge Of Excellence Podcast

Are you still fighting for success in a role that drains you? What if the secret isn’t working harder… but understanding yourself more deeply than ever before?In this dynamic Edge of Excellence collage episode, host Matt Stewart brings together the most insightful moments with Max Alesi and Matt Maneage to unravel the surprising, emotional impact of the DISC assessment. Hear raw stories of struggle, the destructive cost of misalignment, and the game-changing clarity that comes from knowing your unique strengths. Discover how self-awareness, not just discipline, is the true engine of career growth, fulfillment, and leadership.Don’t risk years stuck on the wrong path. Tune in now for exclusive, field-tested takeaways that will empower you to pivot fast, avoid burnout, and unlock your potential. The opportunity to realign your career and your life starts here, and you won’t find these insights anywhere else.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Why fighting against your nature is the fastest road to quitting (and what you can do instead).[00:46] – The single leadership lesson every driven young person must absorb—before they burn out.[01:22] – When Max Alesi and Matt Maneage realized DISC was the catalyst for authentic success.[02:00] – The hilarious (and costly) outcome of ignoring your DISC insight on the job.[02:40] – Why years of frustration in the wrong career are completely avoidable—and how.[03:29] – Raw truths about discipline, joy, and the emotional grind of staying (or not staying) on your path.[04:42] – The “driver influencer” advantage, plus shocking ways to bend your strengths to your goals.[06:25] – Why “good enough” doesn’t cut it—and the emotional upgrade that comes with realignment.About the GuestsMax Alesi – Entrepreneur and advocate for personal alignment, Max emphasizes the power of choosing work that fits your natural strengths and personality. His insights reveal how tuning into what excites and motivates you paves the way for sustainable progress and lasting fulfillment. | Episode 44: Max Alesi | Discovering the Right Path For You and Going After ExcellenceMatt Maneage – A seasoned leader in the automotive industry, Matt Maneage shares his personal journey with DISC profiles, illustrating how pivoting from misaligned roles (like finance) into his natural zone (sales and management) can unlock true professional growth. His experience underlines the power of self-awareness in designing a career that fits. | Episode 52: Matt Maneage | Excellence Through Giving It 100% Physically and MentallyImportant LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTubeThe Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What if handling adversity was less about avoiding stress and more about growing alongside it? In this Edge of Excellence collage episode, host Matt Stewart curates transformative stories and mental frameworks from five exceptional guests—Genevieve Elefante-Sigmund, Caden Brunell, Lydia Hodgson, and Payson Maydew—for anyone seeking to turn life’s pressures into fuel for progress.Here, you’ll hear firsthand how deep breaths, clarity of purpose, and an openness to growth can change the way you relate to stress. The episode moves beyond clichéd advice, diving into practical tools, honest reflections, and inner mindset shifts that empower ambitious young leaders to thrive—even in the face of setbacks.From giving yourself kindness and grace (Genevieve Elefante-Sigmund), to getting out of your comfort zone (Caden Brunell), to embracing challenge as a catalyst for change (Lydia Hodgson), and mastering time management and mindset (Payson Maydew), these voices reveal that stress isn’t the enemy; it’s the invitation to excellence.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Genevieve Elefante-Sigmund on recognizing stress, pausing, and reframing adversity as opportunity—“there’s always a window, even when doors are closed.”[01:49] – Caden Brunell on pushing past comfort and fighting for growth—why “the path to heaven feels like hell,” and how consistency pays off in the future.[03:08] – Genevieve Elefante-Sigmund redefines excellence as daily resilience, self-kindness, and relentless, imperfect progress.[05:40] – Lydia Hodgson on deep breathing, seeking perspective, and inviting challenge as a reason to grow—not a reason to retreat.[07:22] – Payson Maydew reflects on bouncing back from adversity, learning from every setback, and using structure—“every 10 minutes of my day was planned”—as a tool to reduce stress and focus on what matters.About the GuestsGenevieve Elefante-Sigmund – An inspiring leader devoted to growth, self-compassion, and honest storytelling—reminding us that excellence is a process of listening, learning, and rising, one day at a time. | Episode 120: Genevieve Elefante-Sigmund | Beyond The Bottom LineCaden Brunell – Former nervous talker turned confident communicator, showing that stepping far outside your comfort zone is where true capability and resilience are born. | Episode 161: Caden Brunell | Transform Your Life Today by Leaning into Discomfort and GritLydia Hodgson – Reflective and growth-minded, she invites listeners to accept the tough times as a springboard for positive change—and to never fear outgrowing who you are now. | Episode 116: Lydia Hodgson | Empowerment Through VulnerabilityPayson Maydew – Track athlete and time-management pro offering a practical playbook for converting adversity into progress, all while setting your own standard of excellence. | Episode 13: Payson Maydew | Overcoming Adversity in Pursuit of ExcellenceImportant LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTubeThe Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What does it really take to build relationships that last? Not just the shiny highlight-reel moments, but the gritty, human, honest parts that make connection the real currency of success. In this Edge of Excellence collage episode, host Matt Stewart brings together powerful voices—Jason Reid, Breanna Kaufman, Isaiah Henry, David Renberg, and Joe Clavin—to explore how trust, integrity, empathy, and genuine care shape everything from business partnerships to leadership, sales, and personal growth.From learning how to stay connected in the chaos, to building teams that feel like family, to showing up with authenticity even when it’s hard, these stories remind us that relationships aren’t an accessory to success; they are the foundation of it.You’ll hear about loyalty and long-term partnership (Jason Reid), building trust through service and authenticity (Breanna Kaufman), leading with heart and human connection (Isaiah Henry), slowing down to truly value people over tasks (David Renberg), and learning to coach, challenge, and encourage those around you (Joe Clavin). Together they show that strong relationships aren’t given… they’re built.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Jason Reid on loyalty, partnership, conflict, and why trust is the core of every long-term relationship.[02:05] – Jason Reid on excellence being defined by the quality of the relationships you build.[05:00] – Breanna Kaufman on choosing the right people, lifelong mentors, and why caring deeply makes you unforgettable in sales.[07:41] – Breanna Kaufman on serving clients, being “their person,” and building trust through empathy and presence.[09:12] – Isaiah Henry on why relationships are the most important currency we have—and how genuine connection beats strategy every time.[11:18] – Isaiah Henry on attracting great people, building healthy cultures, and why success comes from taking care of others.[11:55] – David Renberg on shifting from task-focused to people-focused, and why seeing the human in front of you changes everything.[14:14] – Joe Clavin on coaching, challenging, and encouraging others with emotional intelligence and personal ownership.About the GuestsJason Reid – Entrepreneur and longtime partner of Matt Stewart, known for his belief that excellence is measured through trust, loyalty, and the relationships you steward. | Episode 90: Jason Reid | Relationships Are Everything in BusinessBreanna Kaufman – Top-performing sales professional whose relationship-first approach transforms client interactions into meaningful, long-term connections. | Episode 48: Breanna Kaufman | Excelling in Relationship Building, Martial Arts and Professional SalesIsaiah Henry – CEO of Seabreeze Management, championing people-first leadership, authentic connection, and building cultures where individuals feel valued. | Episode 74: Isaiah Henry | Creating Your Own SerendipityDavid Renberg – Real estate advisor and entrepreneur focused on community, connection, and slowing down enough to truly see and serve others. | Episode 135: David Renberg | The Massive Value of Making Meaningful Connections with PeopleJoe Clavin – Business leader, coach, and former College Works manager known for his practical wisdom on ownership, communication, and leading with empathy. | Episode 118: Joe Clavin | Building Wealth and CharacterImportant LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTubeThe Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What does intentional living really look like? It’s not about following someone else’s script. It’s about knowing what matters, choosing with clarity, and building a life that aligns with your values.In this Edge of Excellence collage episode, host Matt Stewart brings together seven powerful voices—Dane Mauland, Chris Krause, Cody Voelker, Jerome Stewart, Keaton Petite, Kyle Emerick, and Chris Marsh—to explore how purposeful life planning shapes long-term happiness, fulfillment, and excellence. From defining your values and setting meaningful goals to choosing sacrifice over comfort and designing a path that reflects your true priorities, these stories show that life planning is both art and discipline.You’ll hear about finding the intersection of passion and excellence (Dane Mauland), building a value-driven life plan (Chris Krause & Chris Marsh), aligning your goals with your deepest “why” (Cody Voelker), choosing bold paths and compounding life experiences (Jerome Stewart), rediscovering joy and authenticity through reflection (Keaton Petite), prioritizing what matters most (Kyle Emerick), and holding yourself accountable through honest self-assessment and sacrifice.Together, they remind us that your life won’t magically become what you want, you have to design it, refine it, and commit to it every day.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Dane Mauland on why life is “long and short” and how to choose work that brings excellence and fulfillment.[02:06] – Chris Krause & Chris Marsh on defining your values, honoring what matters, and building a meaningful life plan.[03:35] – Cody Voelker on aligning goals with purpose and becoming the best version of yourself daily.[06:00] – Dane Mauland on sacrifice, prioritization, and giving up the unimportant to build the life you want.[08:50] – Jerome Stewart on bold life choices, adventure, and pursuing paths that shape who you become.[12:04] – Keaton Petite on stepping back, asking hard questions, and redefining success through joy and authenticity.[14:23] – Kyle Emerick on prioritizing the 5 F’s and journaling your way through life’s crucible moments.About the GuestsDane Mauland – Finance professional and educator known for his philosophy that life is “long and short,” emphasizing intentional career and life decisions. | Episode 19: Dane Mauland | Discover The Meaning Of Passion and ExcellenceChris Krause – Founder of NCSA, emphasizing relationship-building, mentorship, and clarity in creating a life plan. | Episode 47: Chris Krause | The Power of Relationships and Turning Your Passion into a Life PlanChris Marsh – Leader and life strategist focused on defining values and creating meaningful accountability systems. | Episode 163: Chris Marsh | From Setbacks to Success: The Hidden Secrets of Resilient LeadersCody Voelker – Real estate entrepreneur focused on long-term thinking, goal alignment, and everyday excellence. | Episode 57: Cody Voelker | Finding Success in Real Estate InvestingJerome Stewart – International professional and Peace Corps veteran, known for bold choices and embracing diverse life paths. | Episode 26: Jerome Stewart | There Is More Than One Path To ExcellenceKeaton Petite – Higher education administrator who champions reflection, mental clarity, and redefining success. | Episode 157: Keaton Petite | From Chaos to Clarity: Mastering Productivity in a Digital WorldKyle Emerick – Former Marine and business leader known for his “5 F’s” framework and disciplined life prioritization. | Episode 11: Kyle Emerick | What Is The 5 F’s Life And How You Can Use It TodayImportant LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTubeThe Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

Finding the right career isn’t about luck, but it’s about clarity, courage, and consistency.In this Edge of Excellence collage episode, host Matt Stewart brings together career lessons from John Bruckner, Andrew Reid, Devid O’Dowd, Danielle Whitaker, Jerome Stewart, Steve Tchejeyan, and Michael Yates — seven leaders who’ve built exceptional careers by being curious, intentional, and bold.From finding mentors and identifying the right company to owning your strengths and crafting your story, this episode dives deep into what it really takes to land and grow in a career you love. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to pivot, these voices share the strategies, mindsets, and truths that turn opportunity into impact.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Matt Stewart introduces the core of the career hunt: curiosity, courage, and consistency.[00:30] – John Bruckner: Be open. Seek mentors and relationships — most successful people want to help.[02:00] – Andrew Reid: How to pick the right company (and manager) by following venture capital indicators.[05:00] – Devid O’Dowd: Embrace your natural superpower and stay true to your authentic strengths.[06:30] – Danielle Whitaker: Use StrengthsFinder to know yourself and tell a confident story in interviews.[08:00] – Jerome Stewart: Stand out through meaningful, long-term experiences — and the power of perseverance.[10:30] – Steve Tchejeyan: Know your story. Be intentional, consistent, and proactive in every opportunity.[13:00] – Michael Yates: How foundational business skills build long-term success and self-belief.About the GuestsJohn Bruckner – Entrepreneur and mentor passionate about connection and lifelong curiosity. | Episode 126 - John Bruckner | Redefining Work-Life IntegrationAndrew Reid – Business leader and investor, sharing insights on strategic career choices. | Episode 93 - Andrew Reid | Navigating the Tech WorldDevid O’Dowd – Executive focused on leadership, authenticity, and performance. | Episode 39 - Devin O‘Dowd | Working Smarter and The Shockingly Simple Basics of SuccessDanielle Whitaker – Talent leader who helps others uncover and leverage their strengths. | Episode 17 - Danielle Whitaker | Flourish Through Professional and Personal ChallengesJerome Stewart – Business professional and Peace Corps alumnus advocating for grit and experience. | Episode 26 - Jerome Stewart | There Is More Than One Path To ExcellenceSteve Tchejeyan – Executive coach guiding professionals toward clarity and consistency. | Episode 146 - Steve Tchejeyan | Unraveling the Ambition Paradox in Professional GrowthMichael Yates – Entrepreneur and business leader emphasizing the power of foundational skills. | Episode 43 - Michael Yates | Driving Growth Through Passion and Work EthicImportant LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTubeThe Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.