Insights To Live By

Matt Zinman
  • 4.9 (43)
  • Self-Improvement

This perfect blend of substance, fun and inspiration uncovers new pearls of wisdom to put into action. We all have our Insights to Live By. Be they life lessons, credos, mantras, guiding principles or by any other name, these are those core values most often shared to positively impact others. Hosted by Matt Zinman, author of Z-isms, the show features both solo and guest episodes. Matt’s book, podcast, courses and speaking engagements represent his devotion as a difference-maker to personally enrich the lives of at least 25 million people by 2030. Show guests come from all walks of life. These may be celebrities, athletes, musicians, authors, coaches, social media personalities, thought leaders and/or entrepreneurs. Solo shows delve into Matt’s core focus on self-discovery and mindset, wellbeing (including Mood Health), relationships and interactions, purpose and enrichment and finding "Happierness" – the shortest path to an enriched life. Listen in.

  1. Oct 22

    EPISODE 128 [guest]: Your Internal Masterpiece with Hilary Porta

    How do you become the architect of your own life? Guiding the way is Hilary Porta global speaker, identity architect and the executive advisor clients come to know as the Velvet Hammer. Her thesis lands early and hard: strategy scales a business, but identity scales the founder. And founders don't plateau on strategy; they plateau on identity. Along the way Hilary explains why external success never equals the inner masterpiece and what that "shadow work" actually requires. She takes us inside that world with discretion intact. TOPIC TIME CODES00:34 – Introduction01:00 – Fangirling Over the Book01:54 – MindRev's First Advisory Board Member02:48 – Strategy Scales the Business, Identity Scales the Founder04:13 – When the Founder Becomes the Bottleneck05:11 – External Success Isn't an Inner Masterpiece07:00 – The $400 Million Exit Who Wept07:54 – What They're Actually Miserable About08:47 – Who Are You Without It?10:34 – Case Study: Brilliant and No Emotional Intelligence11:00 – No Peer Space at the Top12:44 – The Mass Exodus14:32 – Disengagement as the Ultimate Disrespect15:24 – Culture Comes from the Top Down16:49 – Slaying Dragons While the Family Falls Apart18:34 – Getting to the Root20:25 – "I Got My Husband Back"23:55 – Identity Architecture25:16 – Why She Went So Deep27:01 – Where Anyone Starts: Know Yourself28:22 – The Band-Aid and the Shadow Work31:31 – Insights about Hilary35:17 – Dying is a rebirth36:39 – Hilary’s Insights to Live By43:03 – Subtract to Add45:22 – Closing Thoughts SOURCE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilaryporta/hporta.com

  2. Oct 8

    EPISODE 127 [guest]: Lead in Ways No Machine Can with Joe Topinka

    What is the essence of humanity that no machine can replace? Tackling it is Joe Topinka, three-time CIO of the Year, founder of CIO Mentor, and author of the new book Beyond the Algorithm: Lead What Machines Can't. Joe makes the case for intentional relationships as the trust multiplier most leaders neglect until the moment they need it. He shares his own lessons learned, including a relationship he never built that ultimately cost him his job. Joe also reveals what he calls emotionally expensive behaviors that can drag down an entire team and the rules of engagement he teaches as a highly sought CIO mentor. TOPIC TIME CODES00:32 – Introduction01:55 – Three-Time CIO of the Year (and the Off Years)02:54 – Beyond the Algorithm03:21 – Watching 80-Year-Olds Use AI04:43 – We've Attached Human Emotion to AI05:40 – A Book Still Selling a Decade Later07:54 – Why Humanity, and Why Now10:07 – Intentional Relationships: the Trust Multiplier11:26 – Why the C-Suite Doesn't Have Your Back12:22 – Don't Start Networking the Day You Need It14:34 – Finding the Gaps, Making the Deposits15:03 – The Relationship That Cost Him His Job16:31 – Personal Accountability: the Four Pillars17:30 – Resilience Is a Mental Game18:53 – Emotionally Expensive Behaviors20:11 – Waiting in the Car to Avoid Him20:38 – The Nine Box, and What It Misses21:59 – When Leaders Let It Persist23:54 – Rules of Engagement24:21 – Stop Judging, Start Helping24:49 – No BMW Driving26:12 – What Second City Taught Him26:41 – "Yes, And"27:13 – Assume Positive Intent: the Human API27:46 – Facts Before Stories28:39 – Making the Rules Stick30:26 – How It Changed His Career33:45 – Influential Relative (Wheel of Insights)36:02 – Teenage Job (Wheel of Insights)37:00 – Insight #1: Hold the Mirror Up38:23 – How Many Leaders Actually Do It?40:11 – "I Could Have Been More Successful Had I Not Been That Way"41:34 – Insight #2: Build the Network Before You Need It42:05 – Friday Afternoon Coffees43:25 – Insight #3: Enjoy the Journey45:14 – Get a Mentor46:08 – The Third Book: The System Nobody SeesSOURCE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joetopinka/CIOmentor.com

  3. 12/18/2025

    EPISODE 126 [guest]: What Gets Founders Funded with Chris Halligan

    Closing out this four-part series on entrepreneurship is an inside look at the investment side of startup funding. Guiding the way is serial entrepreneur Chris Halligan, co-founder of Good Human Investment Partners. He breaks down what angel investors look for in early-stage companies and why founder character can matter as much as metrics. Then he turns the tables on Matt and puts him and MindRev to the test. Chris also shares stories from his early days of Dell, along with practical guidelines for making meetings matter and several sage Insights to Live By. Here you'll find a sharp, human conversation packed with practical gems. TOPIC TIME CODES 00:29 – Introduction 01:20 – The Mindset Man 03:03 – An OG of the Ecosystem 04:04 – Origin of Good Human 08:35 – Investment Criteria: product, market, distribution, team 10:25 – What Constitutes an “Unfair Advantage” 18:05 – A Future Self (Wheel of Insights) 19:10 – Family Matters 22:15 – Making Meetings Matter (Dell Roots) 25:00 – Identities in the C-Suite 28:50 – Vibe Coding 32:10 – Favorite Queen City Spot (Wheel of Insights) 34:20 – Big Break (Wheel of Insights) 35:10 – Inside Dell 38:00 – Insight #1: Time and the River Flowing 40:10 – Insight #2: …Hoops of Steal 43:40 – Relationship Matters 44:35 – Insight #3: The Real Cycle You’re Working On 48:15 – Challenging Oneself 50:40 – Advice to Your Younger Self (Wheel of Insights) 52:30 – Self-Kindness 55:10 – Closing Thoughts SOURCE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishalligan/

  4. 12/11/2025

    EPISODE 125 [guest]: Driving Innovation in a Startup Community with Juan Garzón

    Launching a new company is among life’s greatest challenges. It demands resilience, decisiveness, adaptability, vision and resourcefulness. The founders who succeed know they cannot do it alone. This is where a strong startup ecosystem can make all the difference. Here to unpack those forces and share a ground-level view of Charlotte’s entrepreneurial landscape is Juan Garzón. He is the Managing Director of Innovate Charlotte, Head of Innovation-Led Entrepreneurship for the City of Charlotte and Executive Director of PitchBreakfast, the Queen City’s premier startup pitching event. Join the conversation for a fascinating inside look at everything from ecosystem building and raising capital and to the art of the pitch and the mindset that separates founders who survive from those who thrive. TOPIC TIME CODES 00:00 – Intro 00:55 – Charlotte’s entrepreneurial ecosystem maturity and resource gaps 01:37 – Innovate Charlotte’s role and Global Entrepreneurship Week overview 06:07 – Pitch Breakfast history and structure 07:48 – How founders benefit from real investor feedback 09:40 – Quality of pitches increasing and YouTube library of 500–600 past pitches 17:48 – Founder programs: Product Jam, Growth Jam, mentoring initiatives 21:40 – Capacity limits and demand for deeper founder support 22:15 – Evolution of Innovate Charlotte from media to nonprofit ecosystem engine 22:48 – Angel investing realities in the Southeast 24:36 – Funding gaps for early-stage founders who lack traction 26:07 – Need for local innovation funds and current microloan-driven landscape 28:57 – Founder mindset: fall in love with the problem not the solution 31:44 – Storytelling as a competitive advantage in pitching 34:00 – Founder true north: aligning work with deeper purpose 36:47 – Community building as a core strategy not a sideshow 38:48 – The importance of “intentional serendipity” for founders 40:29 – Involving family in ecosystem building and the next generation 41:37 – Upcoming events: monthly Pitch Breakfast and Seed the South 2026 SOURCES: InnovateCharlotte.org PitchBreakfast.com SeedTheSouth.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcgarzon/

  5. 12/04/2025

    EPISODE 124 [guest]: Navigating the Tech-Talent Shift with Brooks Raiford

    North Carolina is becoming one of the fastest rising tech hubs in the country. Matt sits down with Brooks Raiford, CEO of NC Tech, to unpack the forces shaping the region’s innovation economy. They get into hiring trends, the truth about the AI skills gap, why non-tech companies now dominate tech hiring, and the surprising drop in computer science majors. Brooks explains how employers are navigating rapid AI transformation and why soft skills still matter. They also talk leadership, communication habits that elevate influence and the challenges start-ups face. It’s a grounded, wide-angle look at tech, talent and the future of work. TOPIC TIME CODES 00:00 – 06:06: NC Tech overview and annual programming 06:06: Membership composition and geographic breakdown 10:16: Small business presence, local HQ footprint, and non-traditional members 14:36: Hiring data and the monthly IT job trends dashboard 16:40: Top hiring companies and non-tech sectors driving demand 19:20: Talent supply concerns and the dip in CS degree applications 21:49: Why young people are confused about tech careers in the AI era 24:40: AI skills, stackable credentials, and the new baseline of competency 26:52: How employers are adapting hiring and upskilling strategies 29:30: AI risks, data privacy concerns, and community college upskilling 32:04: Soft skills, communication, and what really drives leadership success 34:12: Brooks’ three life insights and the “walking stick” communication metaphor 38:03: How better communication creates influence and opportunity 41:45: The 2026 Young Tech Professionals Network 42:03: NC Tech’s advocacy role and statewide collaboration 45:03: Early-stage funding challenges in the Southeast and startup relocation 46:39: Closing thoughts. SOURCES: NCTECH.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooksraiford/

  6. 11/27/2025

    EPISODE 123 [guest]: “Unmasking Your Imposter” with Gary Frey

    From perfectionism at age ten to coaching CEOs who quietly wonder if they belong, Gary exposes how comparison, credentials and hidden shame steal confidence. Join this lively conversation as Gary gets brutally honest about the sneaky scripts that fuel imposter syndrome. He also shares personal stories of betrayal, resilience and finding freedom through vulnerability, purpose and service. If self-doubt ever whispers you’re not enough, this episode gives you the means to silence it and step into who you’ve earned to be. TIME-CODED TOPIC GUIDE 0:00 — Matt intro and North Carolina series setup 02:30 — Who is Gary Frey, background, business history 06:10 — Defining imposter syndrome and where it came from 09:45 — Perfectionism, early childhood patterns, high achiever psychology 14:20 — CEO coaching, the silent epidemic among leaders 19:30— The Tana Green story and the power of admitting “I don’t know what I’m doing” 24:40 — Education, credentials, comparison, hiding flaws, internal shame 28:55 — Why sharing your story sets others free REMAINING TRANSCRIPT: Wheel of Insights – random fun questions for GaryGary’s Insights to Live ByFinal ThoughtsSOURCES: • GaryDFrey.com • LINKEDIN.COM/IN/GARYDFREY NOTABLE QUOTES: “I didn’t even know the term imposter syndrome until five years ago, but I’d been living it since I was ten.” “High achievers often think they’re the only ones who don’t know what they’re doing. That’s the great lie.” “The imposter wants you focused on how others perceive you. Freedom comes from focusing on serving others.” “Some of the most successful leaders I’ve coached whispered the same words: I don’t know what I’m doing.” “Realizing you’re not alone is a weapon. Shame loses power when it’s shared.” “Purpose always silences fear. When I’m focused on serving you, I don’t have time to worry about me.”

  7. 07/03/2025

    EPISODE 122 [GUEST] – How Underdogs Win: Leading with a Healthy Mindset (Mike Hartman)

    What does it take for an underdog to win their face-off against adversity? Former NHL enforcer and Stanley Cup winner Mike Hartman joins the show to share his journey from house league long shot to professional athlete and how mindset made all the difference. Now as founder of the Healthy Mindset App, Mike is guiding both corporate and professional athletes to lead with purpose and mental toughness. He’s also trained an AI version of himself to deliver real-time coaching anytime, anywhere. With Matt also a lifelong player, the episode includes behind-the-scenes moments with Gretzky, leadership insights from Messier, and actionable habits for building resilience both on and off the ice. TOPIC TIME CODES 00:00 - Episode Intro and Underdog Setup 02:00 - Mike Hartman's NHL Journey and Mindset Roots 06:58 - Healthy Mindset App Origin and AI Coaching 13:40 - Leadership Lessons from Mark Messier 16:31 - How the Healthy Mindset App Works 20:37 - Content Development and Personal Investment 23:41 - How to Access the Healthy Mindset App 25:29 - Mindset and Simplicity in Speaking 26:14 - Charlotte Favorites and Coyote Story 28:19 - Best Hockey Skills and Habit Formation 30:35 - Insights to Live By: No Shortcuts 31:39 - Insights to Live By: Practice Your Habits 34:10 - Insights to Live By: Set Measurable Goals 36:40 - Insights to Live By: Be Where Your Skates Are 40:13 - Matt on His Mission and Favorite Thing to Do 43:09 - Closing Reflections and Attention to Detail 45:34 - Show Close SOURCES Website: HealthyMindsetApp.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/healthymindset

  8. 06/19/2025

    EPISODE 121 [guests]: Thrive or Survive: HR’s New AI Reality with Jason Walker and Rey Ramirez

    As the mind-boggling pace of AI continues, how can a self-respecting HR professional keep pace? More to the point, how can one find ways to thrive rather than just survive or, worse yet, become irrelevant? Joining the show for this powerful conversation, Jason Walker and Rey Ramirez, co-founders of Thrive HR Consulting, unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping everything from recruitment and workforce planning to learning and development along with the increasing role of AI for mental health support. We take on the rise of agentic AI and HR chatbots, job displacement and how professionals can stay ahead by leading, not lagging. This essential episode offers practical direction and a human-centered lens on what’s next and how to be there. TOPIC TIME CODES: 00:00 – Intro & HR Tech Throwbacks (White-Out & Typewriters) 03:45 – What Is Thrive HR AI 2.0? 05:15 – Managing AI as a Workforce Entity (Agentic AI) 09:50 – Staying Relevant: How HR Pros Can Adapt 11:40 – If HR Doesn’t Lead AI, Who Will? (The Cloud Analogy) 14:10 – Reskilling, Prompt Engineering & Certification Trends 15:40 – Can AI Be HR’s Ticket to the C-Suite? 18:20 – Jobs AI Is Replacing vs Jobs It’s Reshaping 20:45 – How to Keep Pace with the Flood of AI Tools 23:50 – AI in L&D: Adaptive Learning and AI Career Coaches 26:50 – AI in Shared Services: Ticketing, Escalation & Autonomy 28:30 – The Human's Role in an AI-Driven Workflow 30:50 – Making Room for HR to Evolve 31:30 – Final Thoughts: Overcoming Fear and AI Anxiety 32:20 – Wheel of Insights: Local Haunts, Self-Advice & Grace 35:00 – Insights to Live By: Giving Back and Life Isn’t Fair 39:30 – Mental Health Chatbots and the Future of Well-Being 42:50 – Try It Yourself: Using Thrive’s Chatbot to Explore MH Tools 44:00 – Closing Advice: Be Curious or Fall Behind SOURCE: https://thrivehrconsulting.com/

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4.9
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

This perfect blend of substance, fun and inspiration uncovers new pearls of wisdom to put into action. We all have our Insights to Live By. Be they life lessons, credos, mantras, guiding principles or by any other name, these are those core values most often shared to positively impact others. Hosted by Matt Zinman, author of Z-isms, the show features both solo and guest episodes. Matt’s book, podcast, courses and speaking engagements represent his devotion as a difference-maker to personally enrich the lives of at least 25 million people by 2030. Show guests come from all walks of life. These may be celebrities, athletes, musicians, authors, coaches, social media personalities, thought leaders and/or entrepreneurs. Solo shows delve into Matt’s core focus on self-discovery and mindset, wellbeing (including Mood Health), relationships and interactions, purpose and enrichment and finding "Happierness" – the shortest path to an enriched life. Listen in.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Zinman
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    129
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2020 Insights to Live By
  • Show Website
    Insights To Live By