What if the real pivot in your life isn’t about chasing more, but choosing growth over comfort?

In today’s episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with Charles Scott, former Intel Corporation executive turned executive mentor, to explore what it truly means to live a life of vitality, purpose, and self-directed growth. Charles shares the deeply personal journey that led him to leave a high-level corporate role at Intel to build a legacy centered around family, meaning, and transformation.

From cycling across Japan with his 8-year-old son to mentoring ambitious CEOs through their midlife transitions, Charles unpacks the power of “following the nudge,” embracing discomfort, and learning how to design a life that doesn’t just look good on paper, but actually feels fulfilling.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or high-performer quietly asking “Is this all there is?”—this conversation offers a roadmap to tune back into what really matters, without blowing up your life to get there.

If you've enjoyed this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why your dream job can still lead to stagnation—and how to recognize it
• The definition of vitality (and why it’s your most important metric)
• How to identify and act on a “nudge” when you feel called to change
• The difference between succeeding within a structure vs. building your own
• What the “ambitious person’s trap” looks like—and how to avoid it
• Why physical and emotional health are non-negotiable for growth
• How to use self-check-ins to realign your goals with who you are now
• Why the second half of life can be more creative, meaningful, and alive
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Charles R. Scott is an executive mentor who helps leaders pursue ambitious goals while building lives of purpose and intentionality. After 14 years at Intel Corporation, Charles left the corporate world to become an adventurer, author, and co-founder of the nonprofit Team See Possibilities. He has cycled over 7,000 miles across Japan, Iceland, Europe, and the U.S. with his children, and guided the first blind runner to complete a nonstop double crossing of the Grand Canyon. Charles is the creator of the executive workshop “What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?”—delivered to thousands of CEOs and senior leaders across North America—and was named Speaker of the Year by TEC Canada. His talks have reached audiences at The World Bank, Uber, Intel, Harvard Business School, and more.

Resources:

ExecutiveMentorCharlesScott.com

Podcast Mentioned:

Good Life Project podcast

Book Mentioned:

Sparked: Discover Your Unique Imprint for Work that Makes You Come Alive

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any...

In today’s episode of the Going Beyond the Deal Podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with Bill Duerr, President and CEO of Hatteras, a leading print and packaging company with deep family roots and a strong innovation streak. What began as a bold move by Bill’s father in 1983 has since evolved into a thriving middle-market business that blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge data-driven marketing.

Bill shares his personal journey from wanting nothing to do with the family business to eventually taking the reins, applying lessons from coaching and team leadership to grow Hatteras into a national brand. From retail signage and influencer packaging to personalized direct mail triggered by e-commerce behavior, Bill reveals how Hatteras is staying relevant—and growing—in a digital-first world.

You’ll also hear the wisdom passed down from his father and the leadership philosophy that has shaped his company’s culture. Whether you're a founder, executive, or next-gen leader navigating growth, legacy, and personal identity, this conversation will give you both perspective and tactical ideas.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why personalized print marketing still delivers results in 2025
• How to lead a family business without losing your own identity
• The surprising power of print in a digital world
• What Bill learned from coaching college lacrosse that shaped his business leadership
• Why packaging is becoming a key marketing channel—not just a necessity
• The mindset shift that helped him step confidently into the CEO role
• How breathwork, jiu jitsu, and cold plunges sharpen his leadership edge
• The life and leadership lessons Bill learned from his father
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Bill Duerr is the President and CEO of Hatteras, a print and packaging company founded by his father in 1983. From marketing collateral to direct mail, influencer kits to custom folding cartons, Hatteras serves top national brands with print solutions that are relevant, timely, and deeply human. Bill began his career in coaching college lacrosse before joining the family business, eventually stepping into leadership and helping evolve Hatteras into a modern, data-savvy organization.

Resources:

Hatteras

Follow Hatteras on Facebook

Follow Hatteras on Instagram

Follow Hatteras on LinkedIn

What drives an entrepreneur to leave a successful corporate career and start something entirely their own? In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, I sit down with Manuel Aczualdez, founder and CEO of Drink Good Spirits, to uncover the story behind his journey from working for industry giants like Diageo and Clase Azul to creating a brand that blends sustainability, authenticity, and craftsmanship.

Manuel shares how he leveraged decades of experience in the spirits industry to develop a unique portfolio of premium tequila, mezcal, and gin brands. From navigating the challenges of launching a brand—from scratch to overcoming setbacks in trademarking and distribution—Manuel provides an inside look at the highs and lows of building a business.

He also delves into the importance of storytelling, brand integrity, and maintaining work-life balance while growing an international brand. If you’ve ever considered taking the leap into entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Corporate jobs often only show a narrow view of the big picture
• Growth comes with cycles of ups and downs; learning from setbacks is key
• Maintaining clarity of mind is essential for effective leadership
• Entrepreneurship can be isolating, but a strong team and support system make it manageable
• Passion and expertise in your field are critical for long-term success
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Manuel Aczualdez is the founder and CEO of Drink Good Spirits, a company specializing in premium tequila, mezcal, and gin crafted with sustainability and authenticity at its core. With over two decades of experience at industry giants like Diageo and Clase Azul, Manuel combines his expertise with a passion for creating meaningful brands that tell stories. His commitment to quality and innovation has made Drink Good Spirits a standout in the industry.

Resources:

Aldeztequila.com

Aldezmezcal.com

Aczugin.com

Follow Aldez Tequila on Instagram

Follow Aldez Mezcal on Instagram

Follow Aczu Gin on Instagram

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Disclaimer

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on...