Grit Mindset with Matt Rosen

Matt Rosen

This podcast is dedicated to exploring the untold stories of resilience, determination, and mental toughness from leaders in business and technology. Our mission is to inspire and empower listeners by delving deep into the journeys of those who have faced significant challenges and emerged stronger. Through authentic conversations, we uncover the mindsets, strategies, and lessons that have propelled these individuals to overcome adversity and achieve success. We aim to provide actionable insights and real-world advice to help our audience cultivate their own grit and navigate their personal and professional lives with confidence and resilience.

  1. -4 J

    No Roadmap. No Problem. How Grit Builds the Future.

    In this episode of The Grit Mindset, Host Matt Rosen sits down with longtime friend and Cloud Communications Group partner, Chris Moffett, for a candid conversation on entrepreneurship, innovation, resilience, and navigating the ever-changing world of technology. Chris shares his unconventional entry into the tech world — from carrying luggage at a Houston hotel to installing one of the building’s first voicemail systems, sparking a career in telecommunications and network infrastructure. With no formal engineering background, Chris built his expertise through curiosity, problem-solving, and a relentless willingness to learn on the fly — a defining theme of grit. Together, Matt and Chris unpack Cloud Communications Group’s origin story, born out of a grad school business plan in 2009 and built through persistence, networking, and countless uncomfortable first conversations. Chris reflects on the early days of blank office walls, unanswered phones, and refining the company pitch after 30 minutes in a meeting before realizing the prospect thought he worked for AT&T. Chris also opens up about the moments that tested his resolve the most — including losing an entire executive client team overnight and fearing the loss of his company’s largest account. Instead of collapsing, the challenge expanded his network, strengthened relationships, and ultimately grew the business. As leaders in enterprise network strategy and cloud infrastructure for companies $500M+, the conversation naturally shifts to the future — including: The rapid pace of AI advancement and why adaptation is non-negotiable The risks of “shadow AI” and unmonitored corporate data exposure Why data hygiene and governance are the real competitive advantages The importance of solving problems without always knowing the answer upfront How technical leaders must carry grit in the face of constant pressure and change Chris also shares personal lessons in parenting with an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging his kids to earn opportunities, embrace work ethic, and reject entitlement — even when it means manual labor to fund a weekend trip. When asked what grit means to him, Chris puts it simply: “We’re going to solve this — even if we don’t know how yet.” Matt and Chris close the discussion with insight on leadership, decision-making, and the mindset required to thrive when the finish line isn’t visible. Key Takeaways: Don’t wait for perfect information — make the decision and adjust Entrepreneurship means solving problems before knowing the solution AI is a tool, not a threat — adaptation beats resistance True grit is choosing motion over hesitation This episode is a masterclass in patience, perseverance, and staying gritty through uncertainty. Stay gritty.

    26 min
  2. 5 NOV.

    Grit in Action: Overcoming Challenges and Leading with Heart with Mandy Austin

    In this inspiring episode of The Grit Mindset, host Matt Rosen sits down with Mandy Austin, President of Corporate Banking at Vista Bank, to explore how purpose, perseverance, and service define true grit. Mandy shares her journey from growing up in North Texas to building a 20-year career in banking, culminating in her leadership role. She reflects on the influence of her father’s small business ventures and her mother’s dedication to education—two forces that shaped her entrepreneurial spirit and lifelong curiosity. Throughout the conversation, Mandy opens up about the power of resilience—both in business and in life. She recounts overcoming early career challenges and a life-changing multiple sclerosis diagnosis at just 28 years old, which she managed to reverse through research, discipline, and lifestyle change. Her story is one of courage, optimism, and taking ownership of your path. Takeaways include:-How grit is both a choice and a mindset, defined by passion and perseverance.-The importance of finding purpose in your career and aligning your “why” with your work.-Teaching resilience to her children through sports and commitment.-Leading teams through clear communication, vision, and empowerment. Her commitment to community service through United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and Children’s Health, inspired by her nephew’s cancer survival story.Mandy’s story reminds us that grit isn’t just about toughness—it’s about growth, purpose, and using adversity to serve others.  Listen to this episode to learn how to stay driven, serve with purpose, and keep pushing forward—no matter what challenges come your way.

    28 min
  3. 29 OCT.

    Grit in Action: How Kyle Wick Built a Purpose-Driven Wealth Firm

    Host Matt Rosen sits down with longtime neighbor and friend Kyle Wick, co-founder of 22 One Advisors, to unpack the grit behind building a purpose-driven wealth advisory from the ground up. Kyle traces his path from small-town Iowa to Dallas—hauling boxes at UPS, managing third-shift sanitation crews in meat-packing plants, repo’ing cars for a farm bank—before betting on himself in a commission-only advisory role. With no network and no safety net, he leveraged discipline, continuous learning, and “champagne moments” (visualizing future wins) to push through rejection and build a practice. Kyle shares why his firm’s name comes from Proverbs 22:1 (“A good name is more desirable than great riches”) and how that anchors their philosophy: connect what’s on the balance sheet to what’s in the heart. Today, 22 One Advisors manages ~$500M, prioritizing impact over products—helping clients retire with confidence, steward wealth intentionally, and “die with zero regrets.” He also dives into team dynamics with his partners, community commitments (DFW Hawkeyes, Oak Cliff, faith), and a powerful story of guiding a young widow—proof that real impact goes far beyond returns. Episode Takeaways:Grit = perseverance with passion over time; survive long enough for progress to compound.Start from values: character and legacy before tactics and returns (Proverbs 22:1).Build without a network: tap shared identities (e.g., alumni), tell your “why,” and keep showing up.Introvert edge: Mastery and preparation create confidence Impact over products: retire earlier than you think, spend on purpose (“Die With Zero” mindset), and align money with meaning.Community matters: design clear guardrails for family time and invest in the places you live and serve.Website: https://www.22oneadvisors.com/team.htm

    26 min
  4. 8 OCT.

    Women in Tech: From Programmer to CIO: Lessons in Leadership and Grit

    In this inspiring episode of The Grit Mindset, host Matt Rosen sits down with Joan Kuehl, a trailblazing former CIO whose career has spanned technology, leadership, and mentorship. From growing up in a working-class family to leading global IT projects for major corporations like Sabre, Bank of America, and Travelers Insurance, Joan’s story is a powerful lesson in perseverance, adaptability, and courage. 🌟 Highlights:From humble beginnings to the C-suite: Joan shares how her father’s example of hard work and integrity instilled the values that guided her career. Breaking barriers in tech: As one of the few women in computer science in the 1980s, Joan navigated a male-dominated field with grit and determination—eventually leading teams of thousands. Defining moments of leadership: She recounts overseeing the massive US Airways systems conversion project, which required coordination across 8,000 people and critical decision-making under pressure. Building resilience and community: Joan opens up about creating Women in Technology programs and leading Empowering Women Leaders (EWL)—a nonprofit providing mentorship and scholarships to women returning to college later in life. Real stories of grit: From a mother of 11 escaping abuse to women overcoming homelessness and addiction, Joan highlights the life-changing impact of EWL’s mentorship model. Lessons in courage and balance: Reflecting on her own journey, Joan shares the importance of saying yes to opportunities even when you feel unprepared—and the need to balance ambition with family and self-care. 💡 Key Takeaway:Grit isn’t just about working harder—it’s about staying persistent, adapting when plans change, and helping others rise with you. Joan’s journey reminds us that courage and compassion can coexist at every stage of success. 🎧 Tune in to hear how grit, mentorship, and purpose have shaped Joan's extraordinary path—and how you can apply those lessons to your own life.

    24 min
  5. 24 SEPT.

    Daniel Elkins | Founder Special Operations Association of America on The Grit Mindset

    From boy scout to Green Beret, Daniel Elkins has dedicated his life to service. As the Founder and President of the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), Daniel created the organization to fill a critical gap—advocating for Special Operations Forces (SOF) and their families in the halls of power on Capitol Hill.In this conversation with host Matt Rosen, Daniel opens up about:-The unique challenges he faced as a Green Beret and why SOAA was born to give SOF veterans a voice in policy and legislation.-His early dream of military service and path through the National Guard.-The fall of Afghanistan, his first combat experiences, and the life-changing moment when he thought his career might be over.-The impact of watching a fellow soldier survive being shot, and the mindset shift that led him to adopt his “be a shark, keep moving forward” mantra.-What grit truly means to him—from combat zones to tough advocacy decisions, including the harrowing moment of helping choose who would live and who would die during interpreter evacuations.-The challenges of transitioning from military life and why building SOAA was essential for the future of the SOF community. 👉 Watch as Daniel shares his story of resilience, leadership, and grit—on and off the battlefield. 🔗 Learn more about Daniel and SOAA: soaa.orgTimecodes: 00:10- 4:30: Special Operations Association started by Daniel Elkins, Daniel Elkins is the Founder and President of SOAA, He is a Green Beret and has served in Special Operations rolesWhen he became a green beret he shares unique challenges he had on advocacy for veteransThere was a huge gap under represented, SOAA was created to give a voice to Special Operations Forces (SOF) in the domain of policy and legislative affairs4:30 Daniel shares as a young boy he wanted to be in the military and why he chose the national guard. He was in boy scouts and loved being in the woods and ultimately he wanted to serve his country.8:30 Host Matt Rosen asks Daniel about challenging times he has endured in his life as a green beret. Daniel shares about the fall of Afghanistan and his first real experience in combat12:14 Daniel shares when he thought his career was over and had a difficult decision to make to talk to his Sergeant. 14:09 Daniel shares the rest of his deployment and the repercussions he faced15:00 Daniel shares when his friend was shot in the face and survived and how it effected Daniel with how to have a mantra and mindset of being a shark and not being a failure and moving forward16:30 Matt asks what does grit mean to Daniel20:00 Daniel shares remembering getting a call from a prominent member from Capitol Hill crying with the interpreters and making decisions for who would live and who would die 23:00 Host Matt Rosen asks what the challenges have been for Daniel starting Special Operations Association, he shares the day you take your uniform off what happens after a military career https://soaa.org/team/daniel-elkins/Daniel is the Founder and President of the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), a Green Beret, a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a member of the Atlantic Council’s Counterterrorism Project.

    33 min

À propos

This podcast is dedicated to exploring the untold stories of resilience, determination, and mental toughness from leaders in business and technology. Our mission is to inspire and empower listeners by delving deep into the journeys of those who have faced significant challenges and emerged stronger. Through authentic conversations, we uncover the mindsets, strategies, and lessons that have propelled these individuals to overcome adversity and achieve success. We aim to provide actionable insights and real-world advice to help our audience cultivate their own grit and navigate their personal and professional lives with confidence and resilience.