What does it mean to build a life by design—not default? In this episode, we sit down with Dion Baker, a former scholar-athlete turned Department of Defense leader, entrepreneur, and now Operational Excellence Consultant in the banking industry. Dion opens up about his move from New Jersey to Charlotte, the decision to homeschool his kids, and the internal battles that come with discipline, fatherhood, and faith. This is more than a career spotlight—this is a masterclass in grit, strategy, and becoming a man of impact in your home and your calling.

Takeaways

• ​Dion Baker is an operational excellence consultant and a father of two.
• ​He moved to Charlotte from New Jersey for a new experience and job flexibility.
• ​Homeschooling was a decision made early on, focusing on curriculum control and flexibility.
• ​Dion emphasizes the importance of customized learning for children.
• ​He believes in the value of discipline and structure in both parenting and work.
• ​Dion's daily routine includes prioritizing health and fitness before work.
• ​He maintains open communication with his family while working from home.
• ​Dion's academic success was driven by a strong familial context and personal motivation.
• ​He aims to instill discipline and resilience in his children through example.
• ​Dion's early life experiences shaped his mindset towards education and achievement. Discipline and focus are essential values to adopt.
• ​Building resilience and grit is crucial for personal growth.
• ​Overcoming internal resistance is a common challenge.
• ​Creating a supportive environment can be done virtually.
• ​Professional transitions require adaptability and strategic thinking.
• ​It's important to challenge your own limits and norms.
• ​Self-awareness is key to identifying personal goals.
• ​Community and teamwork play a significant role in success.
• ​You can influence your outcomes by focusing on what you can control.
• ​It's not just about achieving goals, but about personal development. Transitioning from manufacturing to banking requires adaptability.
• ​Job opportunities can arise even during challenging times like COVID-19.
• ​Leaving a job in good standing is crucial for professional integrity.
• ​Operational excellence is about enabling human excellence.
• ​Personal growth is a lifelong journey that requires intention.
• ​Teaching children the importance of strategy is vital for their development.
• ​Living with intention leads to better outcomes in life.
• ​Setting a positive example for others is essential.
• ​Health and fitness are important for long-term well-being.
• ​Success is about continuous improvement and facing challenges head-on.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dion Baker

03:07 The Decision to Homeschool

06:04 Motivations Behind Homeschooling

09:00 Daily Life as a Homeschool Dad

11:56 Balancing Work and Family

14:54 Prioritizing Health and Discipline

18:07 Academic Journey and Mindset

20:55 Influences and Early Life Lessons

26:56 The Influence of Discipline and Focus

29:04 Building Resilience and Grit

32:55 Overcoming Internal Resistance

36:46 Creating Your Own Support System

39:40 Navigating Professional Transitions

49:41 The Importance of Community and Support

53:16 Transitioning from Manufacturing to Banking

55:06 Navigating Job Opportunities During COVID

57:06 Leaving Manufacturing with Integrity

58:56 Current Role in Banking and Operational Excellence

01:01:30 The Purpose of Operational Excellence

01:03:35 A Lifelong Commitment to Personal Growth

01:08:47 Teaching Kids the Importance of Strategy

01:19:06 Living Life with Intention

Connect with Dion:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionbaker?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Website: https://www.opexfuture.com/

Publication: https://www.opexfuture.com/store/p2/The_Field_Guide_to_AI_Conversational_Prompting_-_Work_Faster._Think_Clearer._Without_Complicated_Prompts..html

What does it take to transform your life—physically, mentally, and spiritually? In this episode, we sit down with Mac Hanslip, owner of Overtime Athletics Charlotte, to unpack his inspiring journey from childhood obesity and low confidence to earning a full scholarship at the University of Alabama and launching a youth sports franchise. Mac shares the painful truth about growing up in a broken home, his lowest moments, and the exact habits and mindset shifts that changed his life. This is more than a story about sports—it’s about discipline, redemption, and purpose. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or student, Mac’s transformation will challenge you to look at health, leadership, and legacy in a whole new way

From overweight teen with low confidence to Division 1 athlete, finance professional, and youth sports entrepreneur—this is the real-life transformation of Mac Hanslip. In this raw and revealing interview, Mac shares:

• How childhood trauma and poor health almost ruined his future

• The turning point that changed everything

• Why faith, food, and fitness are the 3 keys to building a powerful life

• His vision for youth sports in Charlotte and the impact of community

• Practical advice for parents raising kids in a convenience culture

This episode is a must-watch for anyone committed to building strong kids, healthy families, and a life of impact.

Website: https://otathletics.com/charlotte

Follow Mac: @roberthanslip on LinkedIn

Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/overtimefranchise?igsh=dzR0eXM1YWx5c2N4

In this engaging conversation, Lynn Pierre interviews Katie Cooper, the founder of Queen City Crunch, a pretzel business that blossomed from family traditions and a desire for entrepreneurship. Katie shares her journey from a stay-at-home mom to a thriving business owner, detailing the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. The discussion highlights the importance of community support, the impact of COVID-19 on her business launch, and the strategic decisions that led to her brand's growth. Katie's story is a testament to the power of personal connections and the entrepreneurial spirit. In this conversation, Katie Cooper shares her journey of building a pretzel business, emphasizing the importance of community connections, collaboration, and empowering women entrepreneurs. She discusses the significance of branding and storytelling in her packaging, the challenges of delegation, and the value of starting small while learning along the way. Katie also highlights her commitment to giving back to the Charlotte community and the support she has received from local businesses. In this conversation, Katie Cooper shares her journey as a business owner, discussing the importance of hiring the right people, overcoming challenges, and balancing family life with entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the value of failure as a learning opportunity and the need for support in the entrepreneurial journey. Katie also provides insights into her daily routine, sources of inspiration, and advice for young aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of nurturing dreams and learning from experiences. Looking ahead, she shares her plans for scaling her business, Queen City Crunch, and expanding its reach.

Website: https://www.queencitycrunch.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queencitycrunch?igsh=bDJhNTBxdHZpcWFq

CHAPTERS:

00:00

Introduction and Personal Connection

09:43

The Birth of Queen City Crunch

15:43

Scaling the Business

20:42

Growth and Future Plans

29:10

Branding and Packaging Insights

38:02

The Importance of Delegation

43:26

Giving Back to the Community

48:43

Hiring for Success: The Right Fit

54:45

A Day in the Life: Balancing Business and Family

01:02:50

Inspiration and Motivation: Feeding the Entrepreneurial Spirit

TAKEAWAYS:

• ​Lynn's initial encounter with Katie's pretzels sparked curiosity.
• ​Katie's background in marketing influenced her business approach.
• ​The idea for Queen City Crunch stemmed from family traditions.
• ​COVID-19 provided the opportunity for Katie to start her business.
• ​Katie's entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age.
• ​The importance of community support in business growth.
• ​Katie's first sale was a pivotal moment for her confidence.
• ​Scaling the business required strategic planning and investment.
• ​Katie's mother played a significant role in the business's origin.
• ​The transition to a commercial kitchen marked a significant growth phase. Community is essential for business growth.
• ​Collaboration leads to valuable connections.
• ​Branding should tell a story.
• ​Empowering women is crucial in entrepreneurship.
• ​Delegation is key to avoiding burnout.
• ​Starting small is a valid approach.
• ​Learning is a continuous journey.
• ​Giving back strengthens community ties.
• ​Local support can significantly impact success.
• ​It's important to focus on your own path. Hiring is about finding team players who are flexible.
• ​Embracing failure is crucial for growth and learning.
• ​Indecision can hinder progress; be decisive.
• ​Caring for others in business leads to success.
• ​Balancing family and business is essential.
• ​Daily routines can include personal time and reflection.
• ​Support from friends can motivate entrepreneurs.
• ​Encouraging young people to pursue their dreams is vital.
• ​Learning from past failures can inform future successes.
• ​Scaling a business requires planning and adaptability.