Leadership Lounge

Samii and Mitch sit down with Marty Metro, Founder and CEO of Used Cardboard Boxes and UCB Environmental. Marty shares why he walked away from a successful technology consulting career, how his first venture, Boomerang Boxes, failed and left him deep in debt, and how he rebuilt the idea into a national business with about 175 employees. We also dive into why failure teaches what success cannot, what it means to be "angry at average," how coaching changed the way he leads, and how he keeps a founder's culture alive through his "Coffee with Marty" program. You especially do not want to miss Marty's billboard message for everyone and why it comes down to doing something with the time you have.

In this episode, Samii and Mitch sit down with Bryon Morrison, Cofounder and CEO of proxy and creator and host of The Leaders List Show. Bryon shares his entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind Proxxy, and what he has learned helping founders close the gap between strategy and execution. We also dive into the difference between a chief of staff and an executive assistant, the founder bottleneck, and how leaders can use AI as an amplifier rather than a hobby, including why personal branding has become a business necessity. You especially do not want to miss Bryon’s billboard message for every future leader and why seeing it through matters far more than most people realize.

In this episode, Samii and Mitch sit down with Dylan Gambardella, Founder and CEO of Different Health. Dylan shares his entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind Different Health, and what he has learned building and leading a company in the health and wellness space. We also dive into the connection between health, performance, and leadership, including practical habits that can make a meaningful difference. You especially do not want to miss Dylan’s insights and tips around sleep and why it matters far more than most people realize.

In this episode, Samii and Mitch sit down with Das Nobel, Founder and CEO of MTX Group, to discuss one of the most remarkable entrepreneurial journeys you will hear. After immigrating to the United States from humble beginnings in Bangladesh, Das and his wife, Nipa Nobel, built MTX Group from scratch into a globally recognized technology company serving governments and enterprises around the world. Throughout the conversation, Das shares why dreaming big has shaped every stage of his journey, the lessons learned while scaling a world-class business, and the leadership principles that have guided him along the way. He also opens up about surviving a sudden heart attack, how that life-changing experience reshaped his perspective, and why health, family, and purpose ultimately define success. This is a powerful episode for entrepreneurs, executives, and leaders looking to build something meaningful while keeping what matters most in focus.

In this episode, Samii and Mitch sit down with Rich Balot, CEO of Victra, the largest Verizon Authorized Retailer in the United States. Rich shares his leadership journey, the lessons he has learned building and leading high-performing teams, and what it takes to create a culture that continues to win as organizations grow. The conversation also dives into the importance of CEO Coaching, why great leaders continue investing in themselves, and how having the right coach and trusted advisors can elevate both leadership and business performance.

In this episode, Samii and Mitch sit down with Case Kenny, a must-listen special guest and one of the most influential voices in mindfulness and modern leadership today. Case is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and host of the widely popular New Mindset, Who Dis? podcast, whose work has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Forbes, and major national media outlets. This conversation is a true treat, as Case shares powerful insights on optimism as a leadership skill, the impact of language and self-talk on decision-making, and how leaders can pursue ambition without burning out. Drawing from research, real-world experience, and compelling stories, this episode delivers valuable takeaways for leaders, executives, and business owners looking to sharpen their mindset, lead with greater clarity, and navigate today’s fast-changing world with confidence and purpose.

In this episode, Samii and Mitch sit down with serial entrepreneur Juan Grobler, Founder and CEO of Global Footprints, to break down what it really takes to scale a business and exit successfully. Juan shares the key lesson that changed everything: you can’t be the “magic” in your business – you have to duplicate yourself through people, systems, and culture. He also dives into his experience with multiple exits, explaining why structure, alignment, and control matter far more than valuation. Juan also touches on leadership, scaling culture, and how AI is shaping better decision-making for today’s leaders. A sharp, practical conversation for any entrepreneur building with the end in mind.

In this episode, Samii and Mitch sit down with Grace Barnard and Daen Wombwell, Co-Founders of NIW Companies based in Plano, TX, to share how they built a business from scratch, pushed through years of adversity, and ultimately achieved a successful exit. They dive into leadership, hiring the right people, letting go as founders, and the discipline required to scale with integrity. The conversation also highlights Daen's passion for philanthropy through Save the Redwoods League and how they have partnered with the UBS Optimus Foundation to expand awareness and impact. Listeners can also learn how to get involved, support the mission, and contribute to preserving one of the world's most important resources by contacting Saman Samii at [email protected] or calling 214-981-0514.

In this episode, Samii and Mitch are joined by Ben Strake, Co-Founder and President of Premier M&A Advisors based in St Louis, MO. Ben shares how he successfully manages multiple companies at scale, the leadership principles that keep his teams aligned, and what separates great operators from average ones. We dive into decision-making, delegation, and the habits required to grow businesses that don’t rely on the founder for everything.

In this episode, Samii and Mitch are joined by Kyle Waldrep, Founder and CEO of Dottid based in Dallas, TX, and also the co-host of the podcast Intersections. Kyle opens up about his passion for entrepreneurship, faith, and leadership sharing best practices for the next generation of innovators. He reveals how resilience, purpose, and strong values can shape both business success and personal growth. This is a conversation about building with conviction, leading with integrity, and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.