In this episode PART II of Business Decoded, Ronnie Spellman welcomes back Anthony Brock, a retired Navy commander and executive coach, to discuss his work with the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute and his broader views on leadership. They explore the significance of the Medal of Honor and the values it represents, delving into how those values can be applied in both personal and professional life. The conversation also covers Brock's military career, his experiences living around the world, and the transition to leadership coaching, which stemmed from a passion for organizational management. Brock shares his insights on decision-making, the importance of open communication, and strategies for overcoming leadership challenges. For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast Produced by www.andycostafilms.com

In this episode of Business Decoded, host Ronnie Spellman interviews Anthony Brock, a retired Navy commander, business owner, and executive coach. The discussion covers Brock’s diverse career path, from his early days in the military as a submarine sonar tech and intelligence officer, his work with special operations, and his transition to business coaching. Brock shares insights into the development of his leadership philosophy, drawing parallels between military and corporate leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and clear communication. They also explore strategies for building high-performance teams, the challenges of leading at scale, and the need for leaders to be mindful of the human element in business. For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast Produced by www.andycostafilms.com

In this engaging episode of Business Decoded, Ronnie Spellman welcomes back James Rodriguez, the Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor, to further explore the intersection of military service and business success. James shares insights from his 21-year Marine Corps career and his experiences in both the private and public sectors. He emphasizes the value of military service as a pathway to success and creating generational wealth. The conversation highlights the critical role of mentorship, family support, and the importance of looking beyond traditional qualifications when evaluating potential employees, with a focus on the unique skills and leadership abilities veterans bring to the table. James also details the importance of employers understanding and valuing the entire family dynamic when hiring and retaining veterans, while highlighting his own personal journey of service, leadership, and family values. For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast Produced by www.andycostafilms.com

In this episode of Business Decoded, Ronnie Spellman interviews James Rodriguez, the Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor, focusing on veteran employment and training services. James, a 21-year Marine veteran, shares his journey from a humble background in Texas to becoming a key figure in national policy. He highlights the value veterans bring to the private sector, emphasizing their leadership skills, discipline, and ability to manage risk. James discusses the challenges of underemployment for veterans and military spouses, and the importance of connecting them with the right resources, and employers. He stresses the need for companies to look beyond resumes to see the potential veterans offer, which will ultimately lead to their business success. For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast Produced by www.andycostafilms.com

In this episode of Business Decoded, Ronnie Spellman interviews Graciela Casillas, a former undefeated world champion in boxing and kickboxing, and a true pioneer in women's combat sports. Graciela shares her unconventional journey, beginning with martial arts training in the Catholic church and moving into the professional fighting world at a time when women were rarely involved. She discusses how her rigorous training, driven by a passion for self-improvement and teaching led her to find success, not only in the ring but also in education and her own martial arts studio, where she now focuses on empowering women through self-defense. The conversation highlights how Graciela’s dedication, confidence building, and trailblazing spirit led to her breaking barriers to finally be recognized and inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast Produced by www.andycostafilms.com

In this episode of "Business Decoded," Ronnie Spellman interviews Max Alvarez, the founder of Sunshine Gasoline, to discuss his journey from being a Cuban refugee to a successful businessman. Max details his early life, including being sent away from Cuba as a child, losing his brother shortly after, and being placed in a program for unaccompanied minors under the care of Monsignor Brian Walsh. He emphasizes the importance of family values instilled by his parents and the Catholic education, as well as hard work, resilience, and a drive to be the best. He shares his experiences in various jobs before his career in Oil and Gas, which led him to create his own company, and build a family environment with his staff. Throughout the interview, Max highlights the influence of Monsignor Walsh’s selfless actions and how it shaped him. He encourages listeners to overcome fear and focus on working hard to achieve excellence, as well as the importance of gratitude and loyalty as foundations for success. He expresses concern over changing values and the need for future generations to understand the principles that made America great. For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast Produced by www.andycostafilms.com

In a captivating interview, Riva Levinson, President and CEO of KRL International, shares her remarkable journey from a young intern with no political connections to a major international power broker. She recounts her early experiences working for the controversial firm, Black, Manafort, Stone and Kelly, and her transition into international advocacy. She details her work across Africa, especially her pivotal role in supporting Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s rise to the presidency of Liberia and her own journey of building her own successful consulting firm with purpose and passion, not based on political power, but on delivering real results. Levinson stresses the importance of ground-level experience, the power of storytelling, and staying true to one's values amidst complicated situations, drawing inspiration from her family’s Holocaust survival and her commitment to making a difference in the world.

In a recent Article K. Riva Levinson talks about a new meaning for courage.

In a World Turned Upside Down, Courage Has New Meaning for Me

Recent USA Today Article about K. Riva Levinson

Her ancestors left in chains. She came back as a guest of the president

For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast Produced by www.andycostafilms.com

Chef John Coletta, founder of Quatrino Restaurant, shares his journey from a young apprentice at the Waldorf Astoria to a renowned chef with a passion for authentic Italian cuisine. He emphasizes the importance of high-quality ingredients, sourced both locally and from Italy, and the vital role of empowered staff in creating memorable dining experiences. Coletta champions a customer-centric approach, valuing flexibility and personalization, rather than rigid traditionalism. He believes in the long-term game, fostering a culture where customers become advocates by enjoying value for money with the best possible seasonal ingredients. Coletta highlights the nutritional value and farming standards in food production, drawing comparisons with European methods, and underscores the idea of providing a transportive experience where guests are treated like honored guests in their own home. For a summary and to connect with the guest, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-decoded-podcast Produced by www.andycostafilms.com