What do a wholesale floral empire, the Bluetooth symbol, and 14 million monthly readers have in common? Michael Politz.

In this episode, Bart sits down with the endlessly curious and wildly creative founder of Food & Beverage Magazine. Michael shares his unbelievable path—from crafting the now-iconic Bluetooth logo to being mentored by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous legend Robin Leach, to growing one of the most influential publications in hospitality and F&B.

But the real magic? It started long before the media empire—when Michael, as a young man, sat at a local deli with wise, self-made grandfathers. He listened. He asked questions. And what they shared about work ethic, humility, and legacy would quietly shape every bold move he made after that.

This episode is a masterclass in curiosity, legacy, listening, and why most people don’t take the first step—but Michael always does.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

• Ask more. Listen deeply. Michael sat for years with local business legends—not to pitch, but to learn. That habit of asking and listening became his entrepreneurial foundation.
• Start before you're ready. He didn’t wait for credentials—he built a floral empire in college, helped brand Bluetooth, and launched a magazine from scratch.
• Mentorship multiplies momentum. Robin Leach didn’t just give access—he gave Michael the tools to build credibility and tell stories that mattered.
• Legacy isn’t inherited. It’s earned. Watching values decline across generations, Michael committed to building with gratitude and grit.
• Always stay curious. From red carpets to AI tools, Michael embraces learning and reinvention as non-negotiables.

Memorable Quotes

• “Most people walk into a room and wonder, ‘Who’s going to like me?’ I walk in and think, ‘Who am I going to like?’”
• “Those grandfathers at the deli didn’t sugarcoat it—they taught me what hard work looked like. And I listened.”

• “I didn’t wait for someone to show me how—I just figured out what needed to be done and did it.”

• “Robin Leach mentored me for 15 years. He taught me how to make stories sensational, and how to make people feel seen.”

• “Most people don’t take the first step.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

This episode is a reminder that success starts with curiosity—and grows through listening, learning, and lifting others. Michael’s journey is proof that bold ideas are only half the battle. The other half? Paying attention to the wisdom around you.

Take action by:

• Asking better questions

• Listening like it matters (because it does)

• Capturing the wisdom of mentors

• Acting on what you hear

Michael did. And he built an empire because of it.

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

Food and Beverage Magazine - https://www.fb101.com/

Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

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In this deeply human and heartfelt episode, Bart Berkey sits down with the legendary Edward Mady — author of Honing the Human Edge, former GM of The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air, and a true icon in luxury hospitality. From his humble beginnings in a family diner to leading 128 award-winning teams, Edward shares the powerful principle that shaped his leadership: crack the code of others’ hidden strengths and help them grow. With stories of grit, empathy, and purpose, this conversation is a masterclass in humanistic leadership and emotional intelligence.

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Major Takeaways / Learnings:

• “Cracking the Code”: Great leaders uncover strengths people don’t yet see in themselves.The Power of a
• Name: Using someone’s name validates their identity and worth — whether they’re an employee or a stranger on the street.
• Growth + Value: Every individual deserves a path to grow and add value. That’s the true headline of leadership.
• Onboarding = Culture: Integration isn’t training — it’s energizing people to join your culture with purpose and pride.
• Desire → Momentum → Movement: Leadership isn't about tasks; it’s about sparking desire that fuels momentum and creates collective impact.
• Lead Through Crisis by Showing Up: Sit in the fire with your team. Presence over perfection.
• Fire With Humanity: Even when letting someone go, leaders can do so with compassion, support, and continued belief in their potential.
• Work Can Be Joy: True leaders find joy in their work because it’s purpose-driven and people-centered.

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Memorable Quotes:

• “The most important thing you’ll ever own is your name.”
• “Cracking the code of someone’s hidden strength — that’s what great leadership is.”
• “Desire is when you make a contract with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.”
• “What can I do? How can I help? Who can I call?”
• “You never know what it’s like to work for Edward Mady… until you don’t.”
• “Leadership means sitting in the fire with your team and saying, ‘We’ll figure this out together.’”

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Why It Matters / How to Use It:

This episode is a playbook for anyone who wants to lead with more empathy, resilience, and impact — whether in hospitality, business, or life. Edward reminds us that it’s not enough to manage people — we must see them, support them, and help them discover their own edge. Apply this by:

• Calling people by name.
• Asking what lights them up.
• Creating safe space to grow, even through failure.
• Leading not just with policies, but with presence.

This is not just leadership — this is legacy.

Resources & Links:

• Edward Mady on LinkedIn: Click here
• Edwar Mady Book: Honing the Human Edge: How Leaders Can Unlock Success Through Caring, Coaching, and Accountability
• Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn