On this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with Sean Griffith, founder of Truffle, a forward-thinking hiring platform that's changing how small and mid-sized businesses approach talent acquisition.

🔍 Truffle’s Smarter Hiring Model Sean shares how Truffle uses asynchronous audio and video interviews with structured, role-specific questions to efficiently filter large applicant pools. Designed especially for growing teams that can’t afford bulky enterprise software, Truffle delivers rich, manageable insights to help organizations hire not just for skills but also for trajectory and culture alignment.

🤖 AI-Powered Job Matching with a Human Touch We unpack Truffle’s AI matching system that ranks candidates based on their responses, spotlighting the top 10% so hiring managers can focus their time wisely. I emphasize how this tech helps reduce bias and allows candidates’ personalities to shine—leveling the playing field and building more equitable workplaces.

🔧 Origins Rooted in Real-World Growth Truffle was born from Sean’s experience scaling a company that was ultimately acquired. He reflects on how great hiring drove that success—and how Truffle is now a tool to replicate that process by identifying value- and mission-aligned talent from the outset.

🛠️ Customer-Led Innovation Meets Lean Product Development Sean shares how Truffle has evolved by co-creating with customers, staying close to their hiring workflows. I connect this to the Lean “Gemba” principle—learning directly from the source. Together, we explore how AI, humility, and industry-crossing insights are fueling a product that grows alongside its users.

📈 Scaling Through Systems: EOS, ‘Who’ Hiring, and Internal Alignment We dig into the practical challenges of scaling from 50 to 200 employees and how implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helped Truffle’s leadership stay grounded. Sean details how the Who method and consistent check-ins fostered accountability and clearer communication across teams.

🧩 Operational Rigor with Flexibility We explore the need for scalable hiring systems that still honor a company’s unique culture. From adapting hiring tools like Truffle to incorporating checklists and agendas, the conversation zeroes in on what it really takes to grow intentionally without burning out your teams.

🚀 Looking Ahead: Truffle’s Future As interest in Truffle expands to larger organizations, Sean invites listeners to explore more at hiretruffle.com and sign up for a trial.

Let’s face it—hostile workplaces are more common than we care to admit. Whether it’s passive-aggressive emails, micromanagement, gaslighting, or relentless pressure that crosses the line into emotional fatigue—these aren’t just “bad days.” They’re environments that chip away at your mental health.

But here’s the good news: you are not powerless.

This isn’t just about “getting through it.” It’s about transforming how you show up—with boundaries, support, and a deep commitment to your own growth.

By the end of this episode—and ideally by the end of the full program—we want you walking away with three superpowers:

1. The confidence to protect your time and emotional energy.

2. The tools to build support networks that lift you up.

3. And the mindset to focus on your growth, not the toxicity around you.

Because yes—you can thrive in difficult environments. And when you do, you become not just burnout-proof—but bulletproof.

Episode Title: Rethinking Wellness and Feedback Loops in Today’s Workplace

Show Notes:

In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael connects with business strategist Andrew Ronchetto to explore how organizations must evolve their approach to wellness, leadership, and performance in an ever-changing workforce.

Redefining Wellness & Feedback in the Modern Workplace Michael and Andrew dive into the shifting dynamics of today’s workforce and why it’s time to rethink traditional wellness programs and feedback mechanisms. Andrew shares insights from his business consulting background, along with lessons from a recent personal transformation. The discussion underscores the power of continuous learning and agility in responding to new challenges.

Holistic Workplace Wellness: Going Beyond the Surface They highlight why organizations must move beyond surface-level wellness initiatives to address root causes of burnout and disengagement. Michael and Andrew advocate for a holistic approach—blending tech-enabled solutions with human-centered design—to create environments where people feel heard, valued, and supported. Leaders, they note, must take action at the same level their teams are operating—grounded, informed, and proactive.

Intentional Onboarding: The First 90 Days Matter Andrew emphasizes the critical role of onboarding in setting up new hires—and newly promoted leaders—for success. Whether stepping into a new company or transitioning roles, the first 90 days are a window of opportunity. Michael adds that intentional onboarding directly impacts employee retention and performance, helping to build a culture of trust and accountability from day one.

Defining Roles to Drive Clarity and Success Clarity in roles and responsibilities isn’t just good practice—it’s mission-critical. Michael and Andrew compare well-functioning organizations to orchestras or military units, where each member understands their role and how it connects to the bigger picture. They also touch on the unique value consultants bring in fostering team alignment and strategy execution.

Supporting Small Businesses Through Wellness Small business leaders often overlook wellness, assuming it requires massive overhauls. Michael and Andrew challenge that thinking, showing how simple, intentional adjustments can spark better team flow, innovation, and performance. A few small shifts can make a big difference.

Final Takeaway: The future of work demands intentional leadership, personalized wellness strategies, and environments where feedback and growth are constant. Tune in to discover how small changes in approach can drive massive impact—no matter your team size or industry.

Website: beonplatform.com

In this episode, Michael and Ryan explore the power of video-based platforms in building authentic leadership presence. They discuss how confidence, executive presence, and self-improvement are essential for personal and professional growth. Ryan shares his journey in leadership development and how it shaped his company, Better On. Michael reinforces the idea that presence isn’t just about appearance—it’s about taking ownership of your growth, self-care, and professional development rather than outsourcing it to others.

Michael and Ryan tackle the common challenges people face when recording themselves on video. Many struggle with self-observation and discomfort, but Ryan explains how small, intentional steps can help build confidence. He highlights the importance of creating a safe space for people to embrace their presence and reframe their mindset. They also discuss how people often lack an understanding of how their audience perceives them—and how gaining that perspective can be a game-changer for communication and leadership.

Michael shares a pivotal story about his journey in overcoming the fear of public speaking. A required presentation in a business writing class once filled him with dread—until he unexpectedly had to deliver it while battling chickenpox. Despite his discomfort, his authenticity and delivery earned a standing ovation from his classmates. This experience reshaped his confidence, proving that presence and self-belief matter more than perfection. He reflects on how this breakthrough influenced his career as a healthcare executive and later as a business leader.

Michael and Ryan emphasize that public speaking is no longer just for executives—it’s an essential skill for everyone. Whether in boardrooms or virtual spaces, mastering communication can open doors to new opportunities. They discuss how practicing presentation skills leads to greater confidence and effectiveness, regardless of natural talent. Ryan also highlights how technology is leveling the playing field, making it easier than ever for individuals to share their ideas and perspectives on a global scale. The episode concludes with Ryan offering insights and resources for those looking to sharpen their communication skills.

Ryan Carey has the key for your next team development initiative, and he wants to share it with your audience!

With the steady rise of remote jobs in the past few years, on-camera presence has become a vital skill for companies worldwide. And if you could secure more deals, sell more products, or reach higher levels of success just by developing your team’s recording confidence, wouldn’t you?

With BetterOn, your listeners can help their teams grow – and not just on camera. BetterOn has helped countless professionals improve their interpersonal skills, speech skills, mental health, and confidence, increasing their quality of life and feelings of satisfaction/success far beyond their desks.

If your audience is interested in learning how asynchronous video presence can help their and their teams become better professionals, leaders, friends, family members, and team members, Ryan would be a great fit for your show. In your interview he can touch on:

• Ryan’s Journey from YouTube Employee #41 to BetterOn Founder: hear all about how the explosive growth and transformative power of YouTube inspired Ryan to create BetterOn to harness the power of video and elevate workplace communication.

• Investing in Your Team: Great leaders invest in their teams’ success, so everyone comes out a winner.

• Develop Yourself: By prioritizing your own career development as a leader, you’ll model proactive growth and advancement, and your team will follow your lead.

• The Link between Personal Satisfaction and Professional Success: when your employees feel like their best selves outside of work, they feel like their best selves at work. Learn how BetterOn prioritizes developing the whole self so your team can thrive.

Website: https://betteron.com/

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

The Leadership Legacy: Estate Planning with Purpose

In this insightful series, I sit down with Sara Ecklein, a California-based professional fiduciary, to unpack the often-overlooked leadership responsibility of estate planning. We explore how proactive planning—through trusts, wills, and end-of-life directives—is not just about assets, but about clarity, care, and legacy.

🔍 Why Estate Planning Matters for Leaders Sara and I dig into the reality that only one in three Americans have an estate plan. We challenge leaders to rise above this statistic, recognizing that thoughtful planning sets a tone of responsibility, transparency, and foresight for families, teams, and future generations. I reflect on my own estate planning experiences and the emotional fallout that can result when plans are vague or outdated.

🧭 Trusts vs. Wills—And Why Updates Matter Sara explains the advantages of trusts over traditional wills, particularly when it comes to avoiding disputes and streamlining administration. I share a personal story about naming a guardian in my will and how changing family dynamics made me rethink that choice. We both stress that estate plans aren’t one-and-done—they must evolve as your life, relationships, and leadership journey unfold.

🏢 Estate Planning for Business Owners and Employers We explore why estate planning isn’t just personal—it’s professional. I encourage business leaders to consider offering estate planning benefits to employees, knowing that the peace of mind it provides has a ripple effect on workplace culture. Sara shares a sobering story of inheriting poorly managed client files, driving home the point: leaders must live—and plan—with integrity.

🛠 Succession and End-of-Life Planning: The Gaps Leaders Miss Despite careful strategic planning in business, many leaders fail to prepare for succession or end-of-life decisions. Sara and I discuss the humility required to ask for help and the courage it takes to prioritize these uncomfortable but necessary conversations. We offer practical advice: if you can’t do it all at once, start small—but start now.

👪 Naming Guardians and Decision-Makers with Intention We dive into the importance of selecting guardians and healthcare proxies who are not just family, but fit. Sara emphasizes the value of involving professionals in high-stakes or high-conflict situations, while I remind listeners that choosing the right people—accessible, trustworthy, aligned—is one of the most meaningful decisions a leader can make.

📘 Resources to Get You Started To support listeners on their estate planning journey, Sara shares her workbook and website—essential tools to help demystify the process. Estate planning isn't just paperwork; it's a leadership legacy that reflects your values, your vision, and your care for those you lead and love.

Meet Sara Ecklein Redefining Legacy with Compassion and Intention. How we prepare for life’s most challenging moments defines the legacy we leave behind. Sara Ecklein is passionate about guiding individuals and families with peace, clarity, and compassion through life’s most difficult transitions. As the founder of Trust & Honor, a mindful fiduciary agency based in Northern California, she serves as a trusted advocate for clients navigating end-of-life decisions and planning meaningful legacies. Sara is also the creator and host of The Legacy of Love podcast, where she offers a holistic perspective on redefining the meaning of legacy. Her mission is deeply personal. After witnessing a loved one’s final three days of life, she gained a profound understanding of the importance of end-of-life care and legacy planning. With over a decade of expertise in the private fiduciary profession, Sara brings a wealth of knowledge to help seniors and families navigate complex family dynamics, end-of-life care, and trust and estate administration. A California Licensed Professional Fiduciary and Certified National Guardian, Sara is dedicated to helping her clients build legacies rooted in love and intention. Through her work and family life, Sara continually shapes her own legacy of love—building connections, sharing values, and inspiring others to do the same. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and daughter. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ecklein Facebook: @Sara Ecklein, CLPF Instagram: @themindfulfiduciary Website: www.trustandhonor.co Podcast: http://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2378190.rss Free Legacy of Love Workbook: www.trustandhonor.co/workbook

🎙 From Single Dad to Financial Powerhouse: Dwight’s Journey to Purpose and Prosperity

In this inspiring episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sat down with Dwight, a former IT consultant turned top-tier financial services and lifestyle coach, to explore his incredible transformation—from single father of five to one of North America’s most successful financial strategists.

🔥 Key Highlights:

💰 Living a Life of Purpose Through Finance Dwight opens up about his transition from tech to finance, driven by a mission to make a real difference in people’s lives. He shares how he built his personal brand around intentional living and became a bestselling author and podcast host along the way.

🧠 The Power of Critical Thinking & Mentorship We dove deep into the value of critical thinking in today’s reactive world. I emphasized the importance of the pause—that moment of reflection that creates space for better decisions and stronger boundaries. Dwight echoed this, crediting mentors and mindset shifts for his resilience and success in a new industry.

👂 Active Listening: The Missing Link in Financial Planning Dwight and I discussed how active listening, storytelling, and empathy are game changers in financial planning. By understanding a client’s full picture—goals, fears, and hopes—he helps people take control of their finances without judgment.

🌀 A Holistic Approach to Helping Clients Thrive Dwight doesn’t just crunch numbers—he helps people transform their mindset. We talked about the importance of holding space, letting go of victim mentality, and reverse-engineering your desired life. It’s about moving from “what happened” to “what’s possible.”

🧭 Self-Awareness and Small Steps Forward Financial success starts with self-awareness. Dwight stressed the importance of meeting people where they’re at, setting clear goals, and taking actionable steps. We also agreed on the need to release the grip of past failures and stay grounded in the present.

📚 Financial Education That Empowers We both believe financial literacy should be accessible. Dwight offers no-cost, no-obligation discovery calls for anyone looking to take the next step. His mission? To demystify money and help people rewrite their financial story.

📱 Social Media and the Mental Health Disconnect Lastly, we tackled the darker side of social media—keyboard courage, toxicity, and its impact on well-being. Dwight shared how he filters interactions based on value and peace, and we both agreed: It’s okay to block toxicity.

💡 This episode is a must-listen if you’re seeking financial clarity, purpose-driven success, and a reminder that your past doesn’t define your future.

🎧 Tune in now, and get ready to rethink what’s possible—financially, emotionally, and professionally.

I help educate people that life success is not just about having enough money; it is about learning what you truly want and taking ownership of where you are. Are you willing? Do you genuinely want to change? How does one figure this all out? How goal setting short- and long-term goals and learning how to live a life within your means by understanding your inflows and outflows of money is a start.

Working on a person 6 inches between their ears through understanding proper associations of people, what they listen/read, and what they do in their daily life. Getting off the hamster wheel of life takes effort, guidance, and personal accountability.

https://GiveAHeck.com