Have you wondered why military teams have crystal clear expectations while business teams often operate in a "fricking void" of clarity? In this episode (complete with surprise appearances from Matt's son), Cam and Otis dive deep with Matt Granados, founder of Life Pulse Inc., on the missing link between expectations and performance.

"You have to articulate what the expectations are," Matt explains, "but then the key is you have to properly equip your people to be able to live up to them." It's this combination that's often missing in business leadership.

From the fascinating distinction between high performance (unsustainable pace) and optimal performance (sustainable excellence) to the provocative question of whether we're forcing growth on people who don't need it, this conversation challenges conventional wisdom about team development. Matt even shares the four levels of performance that transform how leaders view their teams: lazy, unaware, high potential, and the elusive optimal performance.

Whether you're leading a team that's struggling with clarity or you're wondering if your own "high performance" might be burning you out, Matt's practical insights offer a refreshing alternative to the "microwave theory" of leadership development.

Special Link for 10x Your Team Listeners: https://www.lifepulseinc.com/co

More About Matt:
Matt Granados is the founder and CEO of Life Pulse Inc., where he teaches organizations how to stop treating symptoms and finally fix their people problems—for good. A two-time #1 international bestselling author and in-demand speaker, Matt’s work is grounded in real-world results, not theories. His proprietary Life Pulse Methodology fuses structure with mindset to create “Perpetual Development”—a practical, scalable system that builds high-performing individuals and teams from the inside out. Matt first proved his power by turning a Craigslist-hired crew into a $40 million sales force. Today, clients like Google, Twitter, and the U.S. Air Force use his system to improve performance, reduce burnout, and transform culture at every level. Whether he’s working with executives or entry-level employees, Matt helps people take ownership of their growth and leaders build teams that run on purpose—not pressure.


#10xYourTeam #TeamClarity #LeadershipDevelopment #HighPerformanceTeams #OptimalPerformance #TeamGrowth #BusinessLeadership #EmployeeDevelopment #PerformanceCulture #SustainableExcellence #LeadershipInsights #TeamEquipping #PurposeDrivenLeadership #LifePulseMethod #TeamTransformation #NextLevelLeadership

Chapter Times and Titles:

Setting Clear Expectations [00:00 - 18:52]
Introduction to Matt Granados
The importance of articulating standards
Properly equipping people to meet expectations

The Military-Business Disconnect [18:53 - 25:00]
"Why is it a fricking void in the business world?"
Otis's experience with written expectations in the Army
The transition challenges for military leaders entering business

The "All Boats Rise" Philosophy [25:01 - 42:00]
Creating a culture where everyone improves
The "microwave theory" of leadership
Building sustainable growth systems

A Family Interruption (and Proud Grandpa Moment) [42:01 - 43:05]
Matt's son makes a surprise appearance
"It's a family show!"
The human side of leadership conversations

The Four Levels of Performance [43:06 - 46:09]
Lazy, unaware, high potential, high performance
The critical fifth level: optimal performance
Why do we force unnecessary growth on people

High Performance vs. Optimal Performance [46:10 - 50:38]
"High performers: high output, unsustainable pace"
The subtle but drastic differences
Finding the sustainable sweet spot

Elevating the Whole Team [50:39 - End]
The Salesforce example of valuing BDRs and SDRs
Treating entry-l

Ever wondered why most press releases disappear into the void? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases and a 25-year veteran of the PR industry.

"It's like a bank account," Mickie explains, revealing how successful PR professionals build relationships with journalists that pay dividends over time. From neighborhood papers to radio opportunities, he breaks down exactly where businesses should focus their PR efforts based on their specific needs and audience.

Mickie pulls back the curtain on the "duopoly of news wires" that makes it nearly impossible for smaller businesses to get noticed, while offering practical alternatives that don't require the budget of a Fortune 500 company. He also addresses the elephant in the room: those suspicious "earned media" placements that may not be as earned as they seem.

Whether you're a small business owner seeking your first media coverage or a marketing professional looking to enhance your PR strategy, this episode provides actionable insights from someone who has identified the patterns behind the tiny 3% of press releases that get picked up. Plus, Mickie shares details about his free masterclass that could save you thousands in wasted PR efforts.

More About Mickie:
Mickie Kennedy is the founder of eReleases, a leading press release distribution service that helps small businesses, startups, and authors gain national media exposure. With over 25 years in the industry, Mickie built eReleases to bridge the gap between businesses and journalists, providing an affordable way to secure real press coverage. His expertise in crafting compelling press releases and navigating the PR landscape has helped thousands
of businesses establish credibility and grow. A recognized leader in small business PR, Mickie is passionate about making media access easy, effective, and results-driven for entrepreneurs looking to stand out.


#10xYourTeam #PRStrategy #SmallBusinessGrowth #MediaRelations #EarnedMedia #MarketingTips #PressReleaseSuccess #EntrepreneurInsights #BusinessExposure


Chapter Times and Titles:

The PR Landscape Today [00:00 - 05:41]
Introduction to Mickie Kennedy
How PR has evolved over 25 years
The challenge of standing out in a journalist's chaotic inbox

Finding Your Media Sweet Spot [05:42 - 15:00]
Neighborhood papers vs. national outlets
Radio opportunities for local businesses
Matching your business type to the right media

The Visual Element of PR [15:01 - 25:00]
Including visuals that enhance your story
How do different media use images differently
Making your pitch stand out visually

Earned vs. Paid Media [25:01 - 31:17]
The truth about "paid features"
When paid placements work (and when they don't)
Maintaining authenticity in media coverage

Building a Journalist Bank Account [31:18 - 41:36]
Creating relationships that pay dividends
How PR professionals become valuable connectors
The ethics of media relationships

Strategic Press Release Campaigns [41:37 - 50:46]
Identifying patterns in successful releases
Creating a campaign of 6-8 releases
Why you only need 2-3 "winners" to make an impact

The 3% Solution: Mickie's Free Masterclass [50:47 - End]
How to access the free training at eReleases.com/plan
Final thoughts and takeaways
Connecting with Mickie and eReleases


Mickie Kennedy
Website: https://www.ereleases.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/publicity/
X: https://x.com/ereleases
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ereleases.press.release.distribution

Ever wondered why traditional recruiters seem more interested in their commission than in finding you the right person? Ryan Hogan did too—and it bugged him enough to build an entirely different model.

In this conversation with Cam and Otis, the Navy Reservist and serial entrepreneur shares how scaling Hunt A Killer to a $205M phenomenon exposed him to the broken incentives plaguing the recruiting industry. "I'm an anti-recruiter recruiter all day long," Ryan admits with a laugh, explaining why the commission-based headhunter approach just doesn't work for growing businesses.

From the controversial reality that "your next best hire is probably already employed" to the magic of turning recruiting into a true sales and marketing process, Ryan breaks down why finding great talent is actually a lot like hunting. He shares the exact process his team uses to create marketing materials for jobs that actually attract the right people—not just the available ones.

Whether you're struggling to find talent for your growing business or just curious about a better approach to building teams, Ryan's flat-fee, embedded recruiting model offers a refreshing alternative to the status quo. Plus, he explains why understanding a candidate's drivers is the key to convincing them to even consider your opportunity.

More About Ryan:
Ryan Hogan is a Navy Reservist, serial entrepreneur, and the co-founder and CEO of Talent Harbor, a recruiting-as-a-service company helping growth businesses find world-class talent—without the broken incentives of traditional headhunters. After scaling Hunt A Killer from an idea to a $205M global phenomenon, Ryan experienced firsthand how ridiculous the recruiting industry was. That challenge became his next mission. With a deep belief that recruiting needs to be a core competency for all businesses—not an afterthought – Ryan built Talent Harbor to serve growing B2B businesses, especially those running on EOS. His team replaces antiquated commission-driven models with a flat-fee, embedded recruiting service focused on fit, process, and long-term results. Ryan is on a mission to change how business leaders think about hiring—and to challenge the outdated models that no longer
serve today’s workforce or workplace.


#10xYourTeam #RyanHogan #TalentHarbor #RecruitingReimagined #AntiRecruiter #FlatFeeRecruiting #HiringForFit #EOSBusiness #GrowthFocusedHiring #SmartTeamsGrow #EmbeddedRecruiting #BuildBetterTeams

Chapter Times and Titles:

The Anti-Recruiter Recruiter [00:00 - 05:00]
Introduction to Ryan Hogan
"I just poo poo all over recruiters."
The pain point that led to Talent Harbor

From Hunt A Killer to Talent Hunter [05:01 - 12:00]
Ryan's journey with Hunt A Killer
The transition to solving recruiting problems
Why traditional recruiting models are broken

"Your Next Best Hire Is Already Employed" [12:01 - 20:00]
The controversial LinkedIn post
Why are employed people make better candidates
The challenge of finding people who aren't looking

Recruiting Is Hunting (Then Sales) [20:01 - 30:00]
"Expert recruiting is hunting."
The 90-minute kickoff process
Creating marketing materials for jobs

The Moral Question of Poaching [30:01 - 45:00]
Is it wrong to recruit from other companies?
Understanding candidates' drivers
Building a process that respects everyone involved

The Flat-Fee Revolution [45:01 - 55:00]
Why commission models create bad incentives
How Talent Harbor's approach differs
Results from the embedded recruiting model

Connect with Ryan [55:01 - End]
"It's talentHarbor.com/Ryan"
Final thoughts and takeaways
Standard outro with Camden


Ryan Hogan
https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentharbor/
https://talentharbor.com/

Ever wondered why that job you applied for needed FIVE interviews? Tracy Noel has some thoughts about that—and they might surprise you.

In this conversation with Cam and Otis, the Marine Corps veteran and founder of Aion Worldwide pulls back the curtain on what's happening in recruiting today. "The value is in the human," Tracy explains, challenging the transactional approach many companies take to hiring.

From balancing the needs of employers against the experience of candidates to making companies sign an ethics portfolio before she will work with them, Tracy's approach to recruiting is refreshingly relationship-driven. She even shares the inside scoop on why some hiring processes drag on forever (hint: it's not always about finding the perfect candidate).

Whether you're looking to hire better people or hoping to get hired yourself, this episode offers rare insights into how the best matches happen when recruiters hold both sides accountable. Plus, Otis can't help but compare modern hiring processes to Special Forces selection—and he might not be wrong.

More About Tracy:
Tracy Noel is a Marine Corps veteran and the founder of Aion Worldwide, a recruiting firm built on the belief that the right hire can change everything. With a background that spans military service, international advocacy, and public sector leadership, Tracy brings a unique blend of discipline, strategic foresight, and heart to the world of talent acquisition.

Through Aion, she partners with companies in the energy, tech, and medical sectors to make high-impact hires that drive real results. Her approach focuses on more than just filling roles —it's about placing people who will increase revenue, protect company culture, and fuel long-term growth. She’s worked with founders making their first hire and organizations restructuring teams at scale, always with the same mission: hire with intention, not desperation.

Looking ahead, Tracy is focused on scaling Aion’s impact globally, expanding veteran-led hiring initiatives, and helping more companies move away from transactional hiring models toward transformational leadership. Her work is a powerful reminder that the right person, hired at the right time, can completely shift the future of a business.


#10xYourTeam #RecruitingInsights #HireWithIntention #RelationshipDrivenHiring #AionWorldwide #TracyNoel #VeteranLedBusiness #EthicalRecruiting #TalentAcquisition #HumanCenteredHiring #BetterHiringProcesses #RecruitmentStrategy #BusinessGrowthThroughPeople #TransformationalHiring #RightHireRightTime #PeopleOverProcess


Chapter Times and Titles:

What's in a Name: Aion Worldwide [00:00 - 06:00]
Introduction to Tracy Noel
The meaning behind "Aion" (timeless)
First glimpses of Tracy's relationship-driven approach

The Human in Human Capital [06:01 - 15:00]
"The value is in the human"
Moving beyond transactional recruiting
Cultural and international responsibilities

Who's Really the Client? [15:01 - 30:00]
The ethical balancing act
"My client is the organization."
Holding both employers and candidates accountable

The Ethics Portfolio [30:01 - 40:00]
Making clients sign ethical agreements
Doing things "ethically and efficiently"
Building relationships that last

"Five Interviews Are Too Many" [40:01 - 50:00]
The frustration of endless interview processes
Comparison to Special Forces selection
Industry-specific hiring challenges

Hiring with Intention [50:01 - End]
Moving away from desperate hiring
What candidates are really noticing
Final thoughts and how to connect with Tracy


Tracy Noel
Website: https://aionworldwide.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-noel-a2z/

Ever wondered what it's like to work with a coach who refuses to sugarcoat the truth? In this episode, we sit down with Paul Glover, the self-proclaimed "No B.S. Executive Leadership Coach" who's built his practice on brutal honesty and genuine results.

"I'm not going to try to convince you," Paul tells us about his approach to potential clients. "If what we've done up to this point doesn't convince you, then you need to find somebody else." It's this refreshing directness that sets the tone for our entire conversation about what real leadership development looks like.

From discussing why empathy is a skill set that can be learned to exploring why human psychology hasn't changed since Marcus Aurelius was complaining about the Roman Senate (Camden's words: "complaining about going to work because the people in the Senate are assholes"), Paul shares insights from his unique journey as an ex-white-collar felon and "recovering" federal trial lawyer.

Whether you're looking for a leadership coach or trying to become a better leader yourself, Paul's perspective on the exchange of energy in coaching relationships and why critical thinking is a learnable skill will challenge you to rethink what growth requires. Just don't expect him to be "soft and cuddly" about it.

More About Paul:
About Me: I'm the No B.S. Executive Leadership Coach, Challenging the Best to Be Better in organizations with revenue up to one billion dollars. I’m also an ex- white-collar felon, a "recovering” federal trial lawyer, a TEDx speaker, an approved Vistage and YPO Speaker on leadership in the Post-Pandemic work environment, the author of WorkQuake™: Making the Seismic Shift to a Knowledge Economy, a Forbes contributor, a Starbucks addict, and a Chicago Bears fanatic.


#10xYourTeam #NoBSLeadership #ExecutiveCoach #BrutalHonestyWins #LeadWithTruth #CriticalThinkingMatters #EmpathyIsASkill #LeadershipWithoutExcuses #WorkQuakeWisdom #RealTalkLeadership #GrowOrGo #PaulGlover


Chapter Times and Titles:

The YouTube Rant [00:00 - 01:30]
Otis's passionate plea for subscribers
"Hit the stupid subscribe button. It costs you nothing."
Setting the tone for an unfiltered conversation

Meet Paul: The No-BS Coach [01:31 - 10:00]
Introduction to Paul's background
From federal trial lawyer to executive coach
The philosophy behind his direct approach

"I Don't Coach People I Don't Like" [10:01 - 20:00]
Paul's criteria for client selection
"I look at coaching as an exchange of energy"
Why compatibility matters more than credentials

The Guide in the Hero's Journey [20:01 - 35:00]
The tension between guiding and knowing better
Paul's approach to the coaching relationship
"I'm not into persuading you to enter my coaching program"

Empathy as a Learnable Skill [35:01 - 45:00]
Breaking down leadership into skill sets
"People who aren't empathetic, empathy is a skill set"
The importance of delivery in leadership

Timeless Human Psychology [45:01 - 53:30]
References to stoicism and Marcus Aurelius
How human nature remains consistent through history
Applying ancient wisdom to modern leadership challenges

Prison Leadership? [53:31 - End]
Lighthearted discussion about potential book titles
Final thoughts and contact information
Standard outro and wrap-up


Paul Glover
https://paulgloverspeaks.com/

Have you ever noticed how some people always seem to be in crisis mode, while others handle the same situations with ease? In this impromptu family episode (complete with the authentic soundtrack of roofers overhead), Cam and Otis dive into what might be behind this difference.

"If that 10-year-old had been told every day for his entire life that he sucks, he could never have that belief to go do something beyond what he should be able to do," Otis reflects, as they explore how our past shapes our response to challenges.

From missed flights to Medal of Honor winners, father and son unpack the concept of locus of control—that invisible force determining whether you see yourself as the driver of your life or just a passenger along for the ride. Plus, they share practical wisdom about how preparation eliminates most of the "emergencies" we create for ourselves.

Whether you're dealing with your crisis patterns or trying to understand why some team members thrive under pressure while others crumble, this conversation offers both psychological insight and practical tips for building resilience. And yes, we kept the roof thumping in because real conversations happen in imperfect settings.


#10xYourTeam #MindsetMatters #CrisisOrControl #LocusOfControl #ResilienceInRealLife #OwnYourResponse #PreparedNotPanicked #LeadThroughChaos #BeliefDrivesBehavior #EmergencyProof #RoofTopWisdom


Chapter Times and Titles:

The Impromptu Episode (With Bonus Roof Work) [00:00 - 01:45]
Introduction and explanation of background noise
"That's how you know it's real."
Setting up the family episode format

Internal vs. External Locus of Control [01:46 - 23:15]
Defining the psychological concept
How it affects our response to challenges
"If you feel like you are in control of things, you're going to take action."

The 10-Year-Old's Perspective [23:16 - 27:26]
How childhood messaging shapes our belief in our abilities
Connection to extraordinary actions in crisis
The Medal of Honor winner comparison

Creating Your Own Emergencies [27:27 - 35:00]
The missed flight example
"It's an undue crisis."
How preparation eliminates most "emergencies"

Building Buffer Time [35:01 - 45:00]
Practical strategies for avoiding crisis
"I've got an extra buffer in time"
The procrastination trap

Lessons Learned and Closing Thoughts [45:01 - End]
Key takeaways about preparation and control
How to apply these concepts in leadership
Standard outro and wrap-up

https://www.10xyourteam.net/

Ever wondered why it's so hard to get people to care about cybersecurity before disaster strikes? Joshua Wathen has a theory—and it might sound familiar to anyone who's tried to convince someone to buy insurance.

In this conversation with Cam and Otis (plus a surprise appearance from thunder rolling in the Houston sky), Joshua shares his journey from Special Forces Weapons Sergeant to COO of Triad Info Sec. "We are of service to the people that are our customers, to each other, to our families," he explains, revealing the core value that drives his approach to both team building and cybersecurity.

From his practical approach to hiring (where he roots out BS during interviews) to his spot-on comparison between cybersecurity and gun ownership ("if you don't understand it, you're not likely to invest in it until you get mugged"), Joshua offers refreshingly straightforward insights about protection in the digital age.

Whether you're building a team, running a business, or just trying to figure out if your company needs better digital security, Joshua's blend of military precision and entrepreneurial wisdom offers a perspective you won't want to miss.

More About Josh:
I am Joshua Wathen, the Chief Operations Officer of Triad Info Sec, the owner of Dux Fortis Consulting and a member of the Board of Advisors for Owners In Honor. I have chosen to help build these entities because they are Veteran Owned and help others with service and security, both physically and digitally. My work is not a necessity at this point in my life. It is a calling. I am a US Army veteran and hold qualifications as a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant, a Special Operations Combat Medic, and an Airborne Infantryman. In that time, I learned that shiny medals are awarded for dark days done well, that people are more important than equipment, and most importantly, that your values are what make you who you are. Since leaving the military, I have become a serial entrepreneur, a husband, and a father. I have built several businesses in different industries and helped grow many different veteran service organizations ranging from PTSD treatment to business development for transitioning veterans. My value to any organization is that I am a team builder and a super connector. There is nothing more powerful than putting driven, capable, and like-minded people in a room with a problem to solve.


#10xYourTeam #CybersecurityMindset #FromSpecialForcesToCyberForce #ServiceOverSelf #DigitalDefenseDoneRight #TeamBeforeTech #HardTruthsSoftSkills #CyberPreparedNotScared #MissionDrivenLeadership #SecureYourFuture #EntrepreneurWithPurpose


Chapter Times and Titles:

The Quiet Professional (With Thunder) [00:00 - 03:58]
Introduction to Joshua Wathen
Houston storms making their presence known
Initial banter and setup

From "Helping a Buddy" to Full Partnership [03:58 - 14:34]
Joshua's journey into Triad Info Sec
The progression from consultant to partner
Building on veteran connections

"We Are of Service" [14:34 - 25:00]
Defining the core cultural value
How Joshua roots out cultural mismatches in interviews
Building teams that put others first

The Cybersecurity Challenge [25:00 - 35:00]
Why most people don't care about digital protection
The "bag of dirt" approach to winning wars
Making technical concepts accessible

When Monday Comes and Everything's Frozen [35:00 - 47:45]
Real stories of companies being hacked
The aftermath of ransomware attacks
Why prevention matters more than recovery

The Second Amendment Parallel [47:45 - 55:00]
"It's very similar to the gun culture"
Why people don't invest until after they're victims
Building awareness before disaster strikes

Resources and Closing [55:00 - End]
Joshua as the "informal concierge for veteran everything."
How to connect

Ever worked somewhere that claimed "we're a family" but treated you like anything but? Stephen Bump has seen both sides—and he's building something different with Persperity.

In this conversation with Cam and Otis, Stephen shares his journey from Air Force leadership to founding a consultancy that's deliberately challenging the "always-on" culture of modern business. "They actually treated people really well and understood that people had a life outside of work," he reflects about a former employer that got it right.

From battling his own "shiny object syndrome" to making tough calls about which opportunities to pursue, Stephen offers a refreshingly honest look at the early stages of building a purpose-driven business. Plus, Otis shares a laugh-out-loud story about military decision matrices that anyone who's ever had their carefully-crafted presentation ignored by the boss will relate to.

Whether you're scaling a business, leading a team, or just trying to find work that respects your whole life, Stephen's practical approach to building a company that values both results and people will leave you with actionable insights.

More About Stephen:
Strategic leader with deep expertise in life sciences, defense, and aerospace. At Persperity, I lead multi-million dollar initiatives for Fortune 500 clients, enabling them to scale within regulated industries. My career spans high-stakes program management with the U.S. Air Force, impactful continuous improvement projects at Eli Lilly, and Lean Six Sigma transformations. I started Persperity for two reasons: to help life sciences companies break through manufacturing and regulatory roadblocks so they can scale fast and meet demand, and to give employees the flexibility they crave without losing sight of meaningful, purpose-driven work.


#10xYourTeam #LeadWithPurpose #PeopleOverProcess #AntiAlwaysOn #WorkLifeRespect #PurposeDrivenLeadership #BuildBetterCulture #FromMilitaryToMission #StartUpWithSoul #RealLeadershipMatters #NoMoreFakeFamily

Chapter Times and Titles:

The "We're a Family" Business Trap [00:00 - 12:00]
Introduction to Stephen Bump
The problem with companies claiming to be "family"
What good employers do differently

Life Outside of Work Matters [12:01 - 17:00
Building flexibility into early-stage businesses
How different life phases change what employees value
Stephen's approach at Persperity

Fighting Shiny Object Syndrome [17:01 - 25:00]
"Just because there's an opportunity doesn't mean you should go after it."
Defining your business focus
Strategic decisions in life sciences manufacturing

When Gut Feeling Trumps Analysis [25:01 - 30:00]
Otis's military decision matrix story
The value of the process, even when the outcome is predetermined
Finding a balance between analysis and intuition

Working On vs. In the Business [30:01 - 40:00]
Stephen's honest struggle with stepping back
"For me, working on the business means doing billable work."
Building fences to prevent founder burnout

Consulting Relationships That Work [40:01 - End]
The challenge of clients who don't follow advice
Building trust through expertise
Final thoughts on creating meaningful work



Stephen Bump
Website: https://persperity.net/