The Prestigious Initiative

The Prestigious Initiative

Join us weekly for deep, unfiltered conversations about personal development, leadership, productivity, and excellence. Each episode is crafted to help you take initiative and unlock your full potential — both personally and professionally

Shows

159: Caleb Benoit | Brewing Connection: Coffee, Business & Family

159: Caleb Benoit | Brewing Connection: Coffee, Business & Family

Caleb Benoit is the founder of Connect Coffee, a roaster and café built around one idea: coffee should connect people, not just caffeinate them. As a small business owner raising two young kids, Caleb knows firsthand the discipline it takes to balance entrepreneurship with family life. In this episode of The Prestigious Initiative, Chris and Caleb sit down for a candid conversation about building a purpose-driven brand, cultivating resilience as an entrepreneur, and keeping relationships at the center while navigating the demands of growth. From sourcing and roasting to community-building and parenting, Caleb’s story is equal parts practical wisdom and heart. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, coffee lover, or someone striving to balance ambition with family, this episode will give you both fuel and perspective.

158: Ralph Velasco: Bucket Lists for Travel

158: Ralph Velasco: Bucket Lists for Travel

Ralph Velasco returns to The Prestigious Initiative to share stories and lessons from his new book, Bucket Lists for Travel: Places to Go Before Your Knees Give Out! — a celebration of adventure, aging well, and embracing life while you can. As a travel photographer, entrepreneur, and storyteller, Ralph has spent decades exploring the world and helping others do the same. In this conversation, Chris and Ralph dive into what “mindful travel” really means, why curiosity is the ultimate business skill, and how entrepreneurs can stay passionate while building careers that allow freedom and purpose. With humor, heart, and practical insight, Ralph proves that adventure doesn’t end when your knees start to ache — it evolves. This episode is for anyone ready to explore more — in the world, in their work, and within themselves.

157: Randall Ian Thames | Rise to the Role: Ignite Your Super-Purpose

157: Randall Ian Thames | Rise to the Role: Ignite Your Super-Purpose

Randall Ian Thames spent 35 years navigating corporate boardrooms—from C-suite to senior roles at the world’s top consulting firms. Now, through his Inspirit Institute and the “Discover–Develop–Display™” framework, Randall helps leaders find their hidden “superpower,” ignite inner purpose, and produce inevitable outcomes in their careers and lives. In this episode of The Prestigious Initiative, Chris and Randall dig into how to build leadership from the inside out, why purpose fuels sustainable progress, and how every leader can rise—not just to the role, but beyond. Expect practical tools, philosophical depth, and stories that will make you rewrite what you thought success looked like.

154: Sid Mohasseb | Entrepreneur Philosopher

154: Sid Mohasseb | Entrepreneur Philosopher

How do trust, authenticity, and agility shape the future of leadership and business? Join us for an insightful conversation with Sid Mohasseb, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, advisor, and professor who’s been called the Entrepreneur Philosopher. Sid shares lessons from his incredible journey—starting his first business at 21, becoming the youngest partner at a consulting firm by 27, and mentoring countless entrepreneurs. Discover the five pillars of an evolving business model, how leaders can harmonize satisfaction, and why failure is the bridge to becoming your next best self. To join Sid Mohasseb in this mission and become part of a community dedicated to this kind of transformative growth, visit AnabasisAcademy.org.

153: Steven Werley | From Army Ranger to AI Strategist

153: Steven Werley | From Army Ranger to AI Strategist

Steven Werley has lived two lives: first as an Army Ranger, where discipline and clarity under pressure meant survival, and now as a marketing strategist, where those same principles drive revenue growth. Having helped more than 6,500 business owners rethink their sales systems, Steven knows most businesses don’t have a lead problem—they have a conversion problem. In this episode of The Prestigious Initiative, Chris and Steven unpack how AI agents are reshaping sales teams, why overlooked leads often hold the biggest wins, and how to scale revenue without losing the human touch. If you’ve ever felt like you’re leaving money on the table, or you’re burning out chasing leads that don’t close, this conversation will show you how to reclaim your time, sharpen your systems, and grow smarter—not harder.

152: Susanne Biro | Breaking the Outer Life Trap

152: Susanne Biro | Breaking the Outer Life Trap

Susanne Biro helps C-Suite and executive leaders escape what she calls the “Outer Life Trap”—the pattern of chasing external achievements to solve inner emptiness. With two decades coaching senior leaders globally, she believes sustainable success comes from integrating your inner world—your thoughts, feelings, and presence—into how you lead, decide, and show up. In this episode of The Prestigious Initiative, Chris and Susanne dive into the tension between outer life metrics and inner life reality: how many leaders feel “successful” but burned out, stressed, or disconnected. We explore tools for awareness, reducing stress without reducing impact, and leadership that grows from the inside out. For anyone who feels the results aren’t matching the effort, this conversation will illuminate a new path forward. www.susannebiro.com Get her book here: www.susannebiro.com/book

151: John Solleder | The Long Game: Mindset and Achievement

151: John Solleder | The Long Game: Mindset and Achievement

John Solleder has been building businesses—and people—for more than four decades. As a top earner in four network marketing companies and mentor to over 5,000 entrepreneurs, John knows the difference between chasing short-term wins and building a life of sustainable achievement. In this episode of The Prestigious Initiative, Chris and John dive deep into what it takes to stay relevant and effective for the long haul. They explore how mindset drives outcomes, why self-development is the non-negotiable investment, and how balance isn’t just possible—it’s essential. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone working to align personal growth with professional goals, this conversation will give you a blueprint for building success that lasts decades, not just years.

150: Bri Haug | Ink, Integrity, and Inner Strength

150: Bri Haug | Ink, Integrity, and Inner Strength

What does it take to build a life where business, family, and mental health all matter — and actually find balance in the middle of it? In this episode of The Prestigious Initiative, Chris Beane welcomes his friend Bri Haug — a mom, wife, and business owner who runs her own tattoo shop. Bri opens up about her journey of building a business with integrity, navigating equality in the industry, and prioritizing self-care in the face of life’s challenges. Together, Chris and Bri discuss the importance of mental health, how to manage time as both a leader and parent, and why setting goals with intention helps keep both personal and professional life aligned. This candid conversation shines a light on resilience, creativity, and the real work of living with balance. Website: www.electricladytattoo.com Email: brihaugtattoo@gmail.com Instagram: @brihaug and @electricladylounge

149: Kyle Smith | Unlocking Human Potential in Today’s Workplace

149: Kyle Smith | Unlocking Human Potential in Today’s Workplace

In this episode of The Prestigious Initiative Podcast, host Chris Beane sits down with Kyle Smith—leadership expert, HR consultant, and host of his own leadership podcast. With over 25 years of experience guiding professionals and executives to unlock their potential, Kyle shares actionable insights on what true leadership looks like today. Discover how to foster thriving teams, cultivate confidence as a leader, and create a culture that inspires growth and excellence. If you’re ready to elevate your leadership game, this episode is your blueprint. HRKyle.com LinkedIn.com/in/theHRKyle Facebook.com/theHRKyle

148: Neil Twa | From Hustle to Freedom

148: Neil Twa | From Hustle to Freedom

Most entrepreneurs dream of financial freedom, but too often end up stuck in endless hustle. How do you shift from grind to growth, and build a business that supports the life you actually want to live? In this episode of The Prestigious Initiative, Chris Beane sits down with Neil Twa — CEO of Voltage Holdings, Amazon brand builder, and co-author of the #1 new release Almost-Automated Income with FBA. After leaving a leadership role at IBM, Neil dedicated the past 15+ years to helping over 1,000 entrepreneurs design scalable e-commerce businesses, some reaching eight-figure success. Together, they dig into how to leverage systems, automation, and proven frameworks to grow sustainable businesses — while reclaiming time, health, and personal freedom along the way. If you’re ready to stop letting your business run you and start structuring your work around the life you want, this conversation is for you. Claim your free copies of his book by going to this link https://www.voltagedm.com/freebook and enter the discount code PRESTIGIOUS