Most People Don't... But You Do!

Bart Berkey

A journey into the extraordinary. Stories of individuals who have gone above and beyond in their lives and careers. Those who defined excellence & achieved remarkable success. Join Bart Berkey, former Global Executive for the Ritz-Carlton as he sits down with influential leaders, innovators, and visionaries to uncover the key decisions, early influences, and acts of kindness that have shaped their paths. From hospitality legends like Horst Schulze, Founder of the Ritz-Carlton to entrepreneurial trailblazers like Kara Goldin, these conversations reveal the insights and lessons that inspire.

  1. 4 HR AGO

    #227: Causing What Comes Next: Richard Dolan on Advising Presidents, Icons, and Yourself

    In this energetic conversation, Bart sits down with Richard Dolan — investment banker, family office veteran, and trusted advisor to three former U.S. presidents, Oprah, Ellen, and a long list of athletes and artists including Juwan Howard, Drake, The Weeknd, and Ice Cube. Richard explains how a chance moment sharing a stage with President Bill Clinton turned into a career advising icons not just on their money, but on what he calls "celebrity equity" — the often-overlooked value of name, image, and likeness. He unpacks why the people closest to the top need advisors who think beyond the balance sheet, and why his real superpower is being a futurist: helping legends and leaders "cause and create what comes next" when the game, the tour, or the spotlight ends. The conversation then turns to a looming crisis Richard is determined to solve: a baby boomer turns 75 every seven seconds, with trillions of dollars in motion — yet there are only about 100,000 financial advisors for the more than two million people retiring each year. His mission now is building the next generation of financial thought leaders to fill those empty chairs. When Bart asks the signature closing question, Richard's answer lands hard: Most people don't forgive themselves, forgive others, or forgive life itself — and just roll with the punches. The episode wraps with a genuine, heartfelt exchange of gratitude, including a Tiger Eye stone, a surprise on-camera endorsement from Richard, and a reminder that proximity to creators — not takers — shapes who you become. Major Takeaways / Learnings Advising goes beyond money. True advisory includes brand, image, reputation, and long-term legacy. Celebrity is equity. Name, image, and likeness are assets that must be managed like investments. Success creates a new problem: “What’s next?” High performers often need guidance after their primary career peak. Proximity shapes outcomes. The people around you influence your direction more than you realize. Great advisors create the future. They don’t just react—they help design what comes next. Listening is a strategic skill. Understanding both the person and their desired future is key to effective advising.  Memorable Quotes “Experience is everything.” “What feels effortless is never accidental.” “Details create the difference.” “Execution is what separates good from great.” “Consistency builds trust"

    9 min
  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    #226: We Just Changed How Humans Connect — From Earth to Space with Dr. Fernando de la Peña Yaka

    In this mind-expanding and futuristic conversation, Bart sits down with Dr. Fernando de la Peña Yaka—visionary entrepreneur, aerospace innovator, and CEO of AEXA Aerospace—to explore how technology is redefining human connection. From enabling the first two-way holographic communication with astronauts aboard the International Space Station to building accessible holographic AI tools for everyday businesses, Dr. Fernando shares how imagination, belief, and focused thinking can turn impossible ideas into reality. This episode dives into space, artificial intelligence, quantum theory, and the future of human interaction—challenging listeners to think bigger, act faster, and embrace the technologies shaping tomorrow. Major Takeaways / Learnings Imagination drives innovation. What you believe is possible shapes what you create. Technology should be accessible. Breakthrough tools only matter if people can actually use them. AI is a mirror, not a replacement. It amplifies your thinking, not replaces it. Human connection still matters. Even in a tech-driven world, relationships remain foundational. Focus changes outcomes. What you pay attention to—and believe in—can influence results. Speed matters, but clarity matters more. Fast technology without purpose creates noise. We have limited time—use it well. Thinking on a universal scale changes how you prioritize your life. Adopt or fall behind. People who embrace new technology move forward; those who don’t get left behind. Memorable Quotes “We are just dust in the universe.” “If you believe something will happen, you can make it happen.” “AI will not replace you—someone using AI will.” “Everything starts with a plan and belief.” “We have a very small timeframe to do something meaningful.” “Most people don’t try new technology.” Why It Matters / How to Use It This episode challenges how you think about the future—and your role in it. Dr. Fernando’s story proves that innovation doesn’t start with resources; it starts with belief, vision, and action. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or simply curious about what’s next, the message is clear: the future belongs to those willing to adopt, adapt, and think beyond current limitations. By embracing new technology while staying grounded in human connection, you position yourself not just to keep up—but to lead.

    39 min
  3. 28 APR

    #225: The Truth About How You Work (AI Just Exposes It) with David Dean, Author

    In this sharp and thought-provoking conversation, Bart sits down with David Dean to explore how artificial intelligence is changing not just how we work but how we see ourselves at work. David argues that AI isn’t just a productivity tool; it’s a mirror that reflects our clarity, thinking, and decision-making. He explains why AI doesn’t fix bad processes or unclear thinking,it amplifies them. From prompting to problem-solving, this episode breaks down the real skill behind leveraging AI effectively: self-awareness. This conversation challenges listeners to rethink their relationship with technology and shows that the future of work belongs to those who think clearly, not just those who use tools quickly.  Major Takeaways / Learnings AI is a mirror, not a solution. It reflects the quality of your thinking and inputs. Clarity is the real advantage. Better prompts come from better thinking, not better tools. Garbage in, garbage out—faster. AI accelerates both good and bad processes. AI doesn’t replace skill—it exposes gaps. Weak strategy and unclear direction become more obvious. Thinking is the differentiator. The people who win with AI are those who understand problems deeply. Tools don’t fix broken systems. AI can’t compensate for poor workflows or lack of direction. Speed without clarity creates chaos. Faster output isn’t useful if it’s misaligned. Self-awareness is a competitive edge. Understanding how you work improves how you use AI.  Memorable Quotes “AI is a mirror, it shows you how you actually think.” “Better prompts come from better thinking.” “Garbage in, garbage out, just faster now.” “AI doesn’t fix bad system, it exposes them.” “Speed without clarity is just noise.” “The real skill isn’t using AI, it’s thinking clearly.” Why It Matters / How to Use It This episode reframes AI from a tool into a lens for self-improvement. David Dean’s perspective highlights a critical truth: technology doesn’t create excellence, it amplifies what’s already there. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or knowledge worker, the takeaway is clear: the better you think, the better AI performs. Instead of chasing tools, focus on clarity, structure, and understanding your own workflow. When you improve how you think, AI becomes exponentially more powerful, not because it changed, but because you did.

    31 min
  4. 20 APR

    #224: Building a Life That Matters with Dan Barnard, Capital Fit Podcast

    In this insightful conversation, Bart sits down with Dan Barnard, entrepreneur, investor, and host of the Capital Fit podcast, to explore what it really means to build a life that matters. Dan shares how early challenges shaped his deep sense of empathy and responsibility, and how that mindset carried into a successful career in wealth management. Despite professional success, he chose to step away and pursue a more meaningful path focused on health, innovation, and impact. Today, through his work with startups, med-tech ventures, and Capital Fit, Dan focuses on helping build businesses that genuinely improve lives. This episode highlights a powerful truth. Real success is not just about achievement, but about connection, purpose, and the courage to evolve. Major Takeaways / Learnings Caring is a competitive advantage. Genuine empathy builds stronger relationships and lasting impact. Your past shapes your purpose. Difficult experiences can become the foundation of who you are. Success without fulfillment feels incomplete. Achievement alone is not enough. Identity can evolve. You are not limited to the role you have always played. Health is non-negotiable. Stress and imbalance will eventually force change. Surrounding yourself with the right people changes everything. Mindset attracts alignment. Memorable Quotes “I care. I really do care.” “You can either face challenges or let them define you.” “I became the glue that held everything together.” “Success without fulfillment is fleeting.” “Most people don’t follow through.” Why It Matters / How to Use It This episode is a powerful reminder that success is not just about what you build, but who you become in the process. Dan Barnard’s journey shows that caring deeply, even in high-performance environments, is not a weakness. It is a strength that sets you apart. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, or someone navigating a life transition, the lesson is clear. You can reinvent yourself at any stage. You can choose meaning over comfort. And you can build a life centered on impact rather than just achievement. If you want to apply this, start simple. Follow through on what you say. Invest in relationships. Stay open to new directions. And most importantly, do not ignore the signals your life is giving you when it is time to change. Learn More / Connect To explore more of Dan Barnard’s work and listen to his podcast at [Capital Fit ]

    42 min
  5. #223: Creator of the #1 online low-back rehab program in the world; Dr. Grant Elliott of RehabFix

    16 APR

    #223: Creator of the #1 online low-back rehab program in the world; Dr. Grant Elliott of RehabFix

    In this practical and eye-opening conversation, Bart sits down with Dr. Grant Elliott, founder of RehabFix and expert in physical therapy and performance training, to challenge the way most people think about pain, injury, and recovery. Dr. Elliott explains why traditional approaches often focus on short-term relief instead of long-term solutions, and how that keeps people stuck in cycles of pain. Drawing from his experience working with clients and building RehabFix, he shares a more effective approach based on identifying root causes, building strength, and restoring proper movement. This episode reframes rehab as more than recovery. It is about creating a stronger and more resilient body for the long term. Major Takeaways / Learnings Pain is a signal, not the problem. Treating symptoms without addressing the root cause leads to recurring issues. Quick fixes create long-term problems. Temporary relief often delays real recovery. Movement quality matters more than intensity. How you move determines how your body performs and heals. Strength is protection. Building strength reduces the likelihood of future injuries. Rehab is proactive, not reactive. The best approach prevents problems before they start. Consistency beats intensity. Sustainable progress comes from small, repeated efforts over time. Education empowers recovery. Understanding your body leads to better decisions and outcomes. Ownership is key. Long-term results require active participation, not passive treatment.  Memorable Quotes “Fix the root, not the symptom.” “Pain is information.” “Quick fixes keep you stuck.” “Strength is the best insurance policy.” “Your body adapts to what you consistently do.” “Recovery requires ownership.”  Why It Matters / How to Use It This episode is a must-listen for anyone dealing with pain, injury, or performance limitations. Dr. Grant Elliott’s approach challenges the common reliance on temporary relief and instead focuses on building long-term resilience. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone trying to stay healthy and active, the lesson is clear: sustainable results come from addressing root causes, staying consistent, and taking ownership of your body. When you shift from reactive fixes to proactive strength and movement, you don’t just recover—you improve.

    38 min
  6. #222: You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup with Alli Covington, Co-Founder and CEO of BOD Care

    9 APR

    #222: You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup with Alli Covington, Co-Founder and CEO of BOD Care

    In this honest and insightful conversation, Bart sits down with Alli Covington, Co-Founder and CEO of BOD Care, to explore the intersection of wellness, performance, and entrepreneurship. Alli shares her journey from recognizing gaps in traditional self-care to building a company designed to support high-performing individuals in sustainable ways. She speaks openly about burnout, the pressure to constantly produce, and the importance of listening to your body before it forces you to stop. This episode reframes wellness not as a luxury but as a necessity, highlighting why taking care of yourself is one of the most important investments you can make. Major Takeaways / Learnings Wellness is foundational, not optional. High performance cannot be sustained without taking care of your physical and mental health. Burnout does not happen overnight. It builds gradually when signals from your body are ignored. Self-care is often misunderstood. It is not indulgence, it is maintenance and longevity. Listening to your body is a skill. Awareness helps prevent breakdowns before they happen. Entrepreneurship requires energy management. Success depends on how well you sustain yourself, not just how hard you push. Preventative care is more effective than reactive care. Addressing issues early leads to better long-term outcomes. Consistency in small habits matters. Daily practices compound into long-term well-being. Helping others starts with helping yourself. You cannot support others effectively if you are depleted. Memorable Quotes “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” “Your body will tell you what it needs, if you are willing to listen.” “Self-care is not selfish, it is necessary.” “Burnout is built, not sudden.” “You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else.” “Wellness is the foundation of performance.” Why It Matters / How to Use It This episode serves as a wake-up call for anyone pushing hard without paying attention to their well-being. Alli Covington’s perspective challenges the idea that success requires constant sacrifice and instead reframes it as something that must be supported by intentional care. Whether you are an entrepreneur, leader, or high performer, the message is clear. Your energy, health, and awareness are your greatest assets. By prioritizing wellness, listening to your body, and building sustainable habits, you create a foundation for long-term success rather than short-term output. For more information, you can explore Alli Covington’s work here: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bodcare/] For professional inquiries or contact: [linkedin.com/in/alli-covington-bod]

    31 min
  7. #221: Stop Selling Your Service — Start Selling Yourself with Shawn Dill, CEO of The Adapatable Enterpreneur

    7 APR

    #221: Stop Selling Your Service — Start Selling Yourself with Shawn Dill, CEO of The Adapatable Enterpreneur

    In this powerful and perspective-shifting conversation, Bart sits down with Dr. Shawn Dill, entrepreneur, speaker, and expert in business growth and personal branding, to explore why most people struggle to stand out and what truly drives success. Dr. Dill explains the critical difference between selling a service and selling yourself, emphasizing that trust, connection, and personal positioning are what influence decisions. Drawing from his experience building businesses and helping others grow, he highlights that people do not buy based on features. They buy based on belief. This episode challenges conventional sales thinking and offers a clear roadmap for building authority, trust, and long-term success. Major Takeaways/ Learning People buy people, not products. Your personal brand and presence matter more than what you sell. Selling services creates competition. Selling yourself creates differentiation. When you lead with who you are, you become irreplaceable. Trust is the real currency. Without trust, even the best offer struggles to convert. Positioning matters more than pitching. How people perceive you determines whether they listen. Connection drives conversion. Relationships close deals more consistently than tactics. Authenticity builds authority. Being real creates stronger and longer-lasting influence. Consistency builds visibility and credibility. Showing up repeatedly compounds trust over time. Your story is your advantage. Personal experiences and perspective set you apart in crowded markets. Memorable Quotes “Stop selling your service. Start selling yourself.”“People don’t buy what you do. They buy who you are.”“Trust is built before the transaction.”“If you are replaceable, you are competing.”“Connection will always outperform strategy.” Why It Matters / How to Use It This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to grow a business, build influence, or stand out in a crowded space. Dr. Shawn Dill’s message is simple but powerful. Success does not come from better tactics. It comes from stronger positioning and deeper relationships. Whether you are an entrepreneur, salesperson, or leader, the takeaway is clear. Stop hiding behind what you offer and start showing people who you are. When you build trust, lead with authenticity, and invest in relationships, opportunities follow naturally and sustainably. For more insights, you can explore Dr. Shawn Dill’s work on his official website:[https://shawndill.com/] For direct inquiries or professional contact:[shawn@shawndill.com] Major Takeaways / LearningsMemorable QuotesWhy It Matters / How to Use It

    36 min
  8. 1 APR

    #220: Treat the whole person, not just part of a problem with Robert Piccinini, AOA President

    In this powerful and human-centered conversation, Bart sits down with Dr. Robert Piccinini, President of the American Osteopathic Association and practicing osteopathic psychiatrist, to explore what healthcare looks like when you truly treat the whole person. From a childhood moment caring for his father at age four to leading one of the largest medical associations in the country, Dr. Piccinini shares the values that shaped his journey: empathy, service, and responsibility. He explains how osteopathic medicine goes beyond symptoms to understand lifestyle, environment, and emotional well-being—and why helping patients help themselves is at the core of true healing. This episode blends leadership, medicine, and humanity into a conversation about what it really means to care. Major Takeaways / Learnings • Whole-person care changes outcomes. Treating lifestyle, environment, and mindset—not just symptoms—leads to better health. • Healing isn’t always about medication. Sometimes the biggest impact comes from helping people change habits and perspectives. • Purpose can start early. A simple childhood moment can shape a lifetime of service. • Leadership is about responsibility. Dr. Piccinini views his role as leaving the profession better for the next generation. • Service over self wins long-term. The osteopathic model prioritizes patients over profit. • Mental health requires balance. Even physicians must “charge their batteries” to care for others effectively. • Worry is natural — paralysis is not. Managing uncertainty starts with small, intentional actions. • Awareness is a leadership skill. “Reading the room” is essential for effective leadership and human connection. Memorable Quotes “Most people don’t read the room.” “It’s not always about adding a medication — it’s about helping the person help themselves.” “Treat the whole person, not just the symptom.” “Start each day with a grateful heart.” “If not me, then who?” “Worry isn’t unhealthy — paralysis is.”  Why It Matters / How to Use It This episode is a reminder that the best leadership—whether in healthcare, business, or life—starts with understanding people deeply. Dr. Piccinini’s approach challenges the transactional mindset that dominates many industries and replaces it with something more powerful: care, awareness, and responsibility. Whether you’re leading a team, supporting others, or navigating your own challenges, the lesson is clear: real impact comes from seeing the full picture, not just the surface. When you treat people as whole individuals—and stay aware of the “room” you’re in—you create better outcomes for everyone.

    26 min

About

A journey into the extraordinary. Stories of individuals who have gone above and beyond in their lives and careers. Those who defined excellence & achieved remarkable success. Join Bart Berkey, former Global Executive for the Ritz-Carlton as he sits down with influential leaders, innovators, and visionaries to uncover the key decisions, early influences, and acts of kindness that have shaped their paths. From hospitality legends like Horst Schulze, Founder of the Ritz-Carlton to entrepreneurial trailblazers like Kara Goldin, these conversations reveal the insights and lessons that inspire.