The Edge Of Excellence Podcast

Matthew Stewart
  • 4.8 (59)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Edge Of Excellence Podcast is about exploring how young aspiring leaders can create a personal impact today, tomorrow, and create their dream future now. The goal is to deconstruct and synthesize successful archetypes and proven principles from high-profile entrepreneurs, systems, and resources that work, successful peers, mentors, and creators. Learn more: https://www.collegeworks.com/

  1. 4D AGO

    189: Andre Julian - Why Successful People Use Hardship to Win

    What if your messy, challenging upbringing could become your greatest competitive advantage? If you’re feeling stuck, alone, or unsure how to turn adversity into growth, you’re exactly who this episode is for. On this electric episode of Edge of Excellence, Matt Stewart welcomes Andre Julian, world champion martial artist, wealth management leader, and TEDx speaker, to share the raw real-life story behind his rise from hardship to industry giant. You’ll get an inside look at how resilience, relentless curiosity, and building the right relationships transform impossible odds into extraordinary opportunity. This episode is your backstage pass to proven, practical mindset shifts and micro habits you won’t find anywhere else. Listen now to leap past self-doubt, learn the secrets that separate winners from worriers, and start building the life and legacy you deserve today. Timestamped Highlights00:59 – The brutal reality of finding strength in broken places 03:08 – The unnoticed superpower hidden in childhood adversity 10:00 – Why connecting the dots works only in reverse 13:01 – The secret role of substitute mentors (and how to find them) 20:04 – The lesson every ambitious student must learn about sports and approval 27:06 – What sales rejection really teaches about grit and career clarity 34:58 – Why empathy is the number one financial skill (and how to build it) 43:43 – How to stay rational when the world (and markets) lose their mind About The Guest Andre Julian is a world champion martial artist, international wealth management leader, and acclaimed TEDx speaker. Rising from a challenging, chaotic childhood to helm a respected financial firm, Andre’s journey includes degrees from UC Irvine and Yale, TV appearances, and the bestselling book “Streaking to Win.” He’s known for blending sharp financial acumen with uncommon empathy and a relentless drive to help others build lasting excellence. 🔗 Book | Website Mentioned ResourcesTEDx TalksYale School of ManagementUC IrvineSteve Jobs Stanford Commencement AddressDr. Dorothy (College Works resource)Financial TimesWall Street Journal Important LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTube The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    51 min

  2. MAY 5

    188: Dao Ho - How to Build an Inspiring, Balanced Life in Medicine

    What if everything you believe about “success” in medicine, ambition, or life is only half the story? Join host Sean Phelps for a riveting, emotionally charged conversation with Dao Ho, a Yale-trained, New York-based PA who's redefining what it means to pursue excellence at the highest level and to come out stronger on the other side. In this candid episode, Dao Ho reveals how she battled failure, faced down imposter syndrome, and fell in love with medicine in the most unexpected places. She opens up about her journey from volunteer gigs to saving lives at one of the world’s premier cancer centers, with detours through business, heartbreak, and joy. If you want to learn the proven systems, unique mindsets, and day-to-day realities that power world-class leaders, don’t skip this listen. Avoid years of wasted effort, uncover the resilient real-life blueprint that never gets shared, and claim the insights that can change your path today, not someday. This is your ticket to the inside story. Timestamped Highlights00:58 – The unexpected detours that shaped her medical path 02:58 – The class project that changed her life’s mission 05:29 – Why resilience and painful rejection fuel real growth 08:29 – The time management system that let her work, volunteer, and live at full speed 11:47 – The brutal realities and breakthrough of Ivy League admissions 14:28 – How “failing often” secretly led to big wins 21:18 – The accidental lesson that taught her how to really save lives 33:33 – Why gratitude and perspective can change your entire trajectory About The Guest Dao Ho is a Physician Assistant specializing in bone marrow transplant and cell therapy at one of New York City’s world-leading cancer centers. A Yale School of Medicine graduate and first-generation Vietnamese American, she blends advanced medical knowledge with heartfelt patient care, earning her reputation through resilience, empathy, and life-saving results. 🔗 LinkedIn Mentioned ResourcesYale School of Medicine (Physician Assistant Program)Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterHope LodgeRonald McDonald HouseGoogle CalendarCrossFitEMT Certification Important LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTube The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    46 min

  3. APR 28

    187: Nicole McMackin and Michael Caito - What Really Happens When You Gamble on Yourself

    What if the decision you are avoiding right now is the exact one that changes everything? In this special crossover episode between the Edge of Excellence and The Entrepreneurial CEO, Matt Stewart sits down with Nicole McMackin and Michael Caito for a candid, funny, and surprisingly deep conversation about the handful of choices that shaped their careers, relationships, and lives. From walking away from law school to moving across the country with no guarantees, they unpack what bold decisions really feel like in the moment, and why waiting for certainty is usually the fastest way to stay stuck. This episode dives into confidence, readiness, self-advocacy, risk, and the hidden power of choosing movement over perfection. Listen now if you are stuck in indecision, second-guessing your next move, or waiting to feel “ready.” This episode gives you rare, honest perspective from three leaders who know exactly what happens when you bet on yourself, and what it costs when you do not. Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Total honesty: what happens when you risk it all (and how Nicole frames life-changing decisions)[00:04] Nicole reveals the unexpected fork in the road that pulled her away from law school and into entrepreneurship.[00:08] Michael shares the cross-country move that changed his future, and why sometimes a physical move becomes a personal breakthrough.[00:13] The group tackles the decision that can elevate your life or quietly destroy it, choosing the right partner.[00:21] Nicole breaks down why so many talented professionals stay stuck, not because they lack skill, but because they never advocate for themselves.[00:27] Confidence versus competence, the honest truth about taking roles before you feel ready.[00:31] What big decisions actually feel like in real time, relief, fear, excitement, and the pressure to move before certainty arrives.[00:36] Each guest shares their personal framework for making tough calls when the stakes are high. About The Guest Nicole McMackin is President of Irvine Technology Corporation and the host of Elevate Your Career. She is known for combining executive leadership, career advocacy, and practical coaching, especially for women navigating growth in technology and leadership. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website Michael Caito is CEO of Management Action Programs, Inc. (MAP) and former co-founder of Restaurants on the Run, one of the early restaurant delivery businesses later sold to Grubhub. He is known for his no-nonsense approach to accountability, leadership, and scaling businesses with discipline. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website Mentioned ResourcesChoose Your Own Adventure booksYPO (Young Presidents’ Organization)EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization)Fortaleza (Las Abuelos) TequilaBig Canyon Country ClubUCLA Women In Leadership ProgramLaura SchwabGreg HughesCollegeWorks PaintingState StreetEmerging Leaders program Important LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTube The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    42 min

  4. APR 21

    186: David Streitfeld - The Ultimate Framework for Passion, Growth, and Impact

    Ever wonder why your career path still feels foggy, no matter how hard you grind? What if clarity, not hustle, is the game-changer you’re missing? On this electrifying episode of Edge of Excellence, Matt Stewart sits down with David Streitfeld, seasoned CMO, startup veteran, and master of launching companies into new markets. Together, they dive into the surprising ways clarity, earned through action rather than waiting, unlocks authentic passion, enduring momentum, and outrageous results. From weathering massive recessions to reinventing business models, you’ll learn why excellence is less about burning out and more about lining up your “why.” Expect unfiltered stories about dropping majors that don’t fit, launching environmental ventures, and the ultimate risk of leaping from comfort into growth. Tune in now to sidestep the slow, painful grind of indecision, get actionable tools to define your vision, and uncover insider wisdom you won’t hear anywhere else. The next chapter of your leadership journey demands it. Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – The weird yellow card: When your guest is “too good-looking” and what that has to do with excellence [01:25] – Shocking truth: Clarity trumps grinding—here’s why your 20s are the proving ground [03:30] – The recession echo… then and now—what never changes (and what you must do differently) [07:16] – Violin prodigy to “middle of the road”: The surprising lessons of not being the best [11:56] – The academic bait-and-switch: Why business and music majors don’t always spark passion [19:15] – The real reason College Works changes lives (hint: It isn’t the paycheck—or isn’t just the paycheck) [31:15] – Facing fear, leaving comfort: The counterintuitive risks that pay off in clarity and career leaps [36:40] – What a modern CMO really does—and why storytelling still wins in the age of AI About The Guest David Streitfeld is a trailblazer fractional Chief Marketing Officer and co-founder of FullScope Agency, renowned for guiding startups and social impact brands through strategic transformation and authentic storytelling. With a track record spanning Solar City, Renew Financial, and multiple venture-backed firms, he’s spent 15+ years helping businesses define their voice, orchestrate explosive growth, and align mission with market impact. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website Mentioned ResourcesSolar CityRenew FinancialUniversity High School (Tucson, AZ)University of ArizonaGreenbelt Conference (sustainability industry event)SalesforceDynatraceMicrosoft Important LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTube The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    54 min

  5. APR 7

    184: Christine Blosdale - Claiming Your Unique Value and Stepping Into Authority

    Ever feel invisible, overwhelmed, or stuck wondering how real leaders go from chaos to clarity, and actually get paid for what they know? Matt Stewart welcomes Christine Blosdale, five-time bestselling author, media personality, and expert authority coach, for a radically open conversation about finding your voice, building brands that matter, and turning messy failures into career victories. From teaching to radio, consulting, and reinvention after disaster, Christine drops surprising, actionable secrets for winning trust and creating impact whether you’re shy or bold, just starting out, or ready for your next pivot. Skip the struggle, step boldly into your authority, and unlock proven strategies you won’t find anywhere else. These insights will help you avoid years of missed opportunities, and this episode is your exclusive window into the mindsets, lessons, and tools that create visible, lasting success. Listen now and claim your next level. Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – The signature statement hack: How a mantra can make any meeting unforgettable[00:43] – If you’re not seen and heard, you’re not hired: why staying hidden kills opportunity[02:30] – How disasters, failures, and generosity lead to the real reinvention edge[05:24] – The uncomfortable truth: Find out what you hate, and how that triggers your passion to emerge[09:23] – Fifth-grade copywriting: Why making your audience the hero is the new marketing superpower[14:45] – When imposter syndrome tries to steal the mic—what happened when Hollywood called Christine’s number[25:56] – The only three pillars for business success (health, wealth, love) and how to leverage your own[36:07] – Brutal honesty vs. compassionate teaching: The therapist’s bridge website disaster and the one fix that changed everything[40:52] – The uncoachable client dilemma: Why intuition matters and what to do with negative thinking About The Guest Christine Blosdale is the founder of Expert Authority Coach and a five-time bestselling author recognized for her electrifying mastery of brand building, media communication, and helping entrepreneurs step boldly into their authentic authority. Former entertainment reporter and radio host, Christine now consults diverse leaders globally, helping them get seen, trusted, and paid for their expertise. 🔗 LinkedIn | Facebook | Amazon | Website | Podcast Mentioned ResourcesAmerica Online (AOL)Microsoft MSNTime WarnerKPFK RadioÆon Flux (MTV)Human Design frameworkJane Fonda aerobicsStrengthsFinder Important LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTube The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    47 min

  6. MAR 31

    183: Tyler McCullough - The Courage to Fail Gracefully and Really Win

    Ever wondered why some leaders bounce back so much faster, stronger, and more confident after setbacks? Are you tired of second-guessing yourself, avoiding mistakes, or feeling stuck trying to live someone else’s version of success? In this high-voltage collage, Matt Stewart curates the most electric moments from Tyler McCullough’s wild journey from Clarkston basketball to buying a company at 23 to leading in uncharted territory. You’ll hear about redefining failure, going against expectations, sacrificing “fun” for true growth, and the mindset shift that turns pain into power. Tune in now to break the defeat cycle, embrace the real learning curve, and unlock the courage to pursue excellence on your terms. Miss this episode, and you risk spinning your wheels in self-doubt while others turn failure into fuel. This rapid-fire masterclass delivers raw, lived wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. Timestamped Highlights00:00 – The thrilling truth behind embracing failure and why Tyler McCullough started to get excited about making mistakes02:07 – How redefining excellence as a journey—not a flawless performance—will blow up self-doubt04:13 – Shocking lessons from grinding through school, varsity basketball, and work, all before college08:04 – The high-stakes, uncomfortable moment Tyler McCullough chose passion over family expectations13:24 – The raw “crash out” moment every parent and student dreads, and how to script your own destiny26:01 – Failing gracefully: the game-changing reframing that turns setbacks into a superpower34:58 – The myth of “being the boss is easier” exposed—leadership by example has a price41:11 – “Best sacrifice ever?” The college cliché that’s dangerous, and what to do instead if you want a thriving future About The Guest Tyler McCullough is a high-performance leader, award-winning entrepreneur, and current VP of the Great Lakes Division at College Works. Known for buying a company just a year after graduation, scaling teams across multiple states, and redefining what young leadership can look like, Tyler brings relentless heart, radical ownership, and a fresh take on what it means to pursue excellence, even when it means going against the norm. 🔗 LinkedIn Mentioned ResourcesGrand Valley State University“Crash out” moments (mindset concept)DISC assessment tools Important LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTube The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    45 min

  7. MAR 24

    182: Will Taylor - What Happens When You Ignore the "Safe Path"?

    Have you ever felt stuck, caught between what’s expected and what you truly want? What does it take to escape the trap of “safe careers” and actually create a path that feels uniquely yours? In this energizing collage episode of The Edge of Excellence, you’ll hear from Will Taylor and Sean Phelps as they revisit pivotal moments of transformation, choices, and breakthrough habits drawn from several past episodes. From growing up with the shadow of a corporate legacy and wrestling with painful growth, to launching a bold clothing brand and mastering digital marketing for real impact, this episode dives into the lessons, struggles, and surprising victories that shape a purpose-driven career. Listen now! Here you’ll learn systems thinking, the truth about authentic alignment, and practical strategies for turning curiosity into a life you really love. Skip this episode and you risk missing proven career moves and mindset shifts shared nowhere else on the show… so tune in and claim your edge! Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Will Taylor recalls the first time painful accountability became rocket fuel for transformation and how the “bootcamp to manhood” catalyzed his future. [05:00] – Why assuming you’ll follow in your parents’ footsteps is both comforting and limiting—and the exact moment Will realized the world was bigger than Detroit’s Big Three. [07:00] – The step-by-step breakdown of Will’s journey from eBay flips to his first real taste of entrepreneurship and how College Works Painting became the game changer. [13:09] – Will Taylor’s revelation: your skills and relationships matter more than courses and grades, plus the risky move that made everything click. [15:00] – Launching a clothing brand not just for profit but to master digital marketing—Will’s “internship you build yourself” (and the book he never finished). [20:00] – Plunged into agency life, managing million-dollar budgets: What Will wishes he’d known about corporate politics and how curiosity created opportunity. [27:09] – Consulting NFL franchises and iconic global brands—the unexpected thrill (and humility) of being the architect behind their marketing strategies. [33:08] – The heartbreak and lesson from quitting YouTube as a teenager and how Will turned that regret into a lifelong habit of courageously following his gut. About The Guest Will Taylor is Vice President of Consulting at VaynerX, driving innovative marketing strategy and creative media solutions for global brands. Previously the founder of Softgoods and York Project apparel companies, Will is known for his systems thinking, digital advertising mastery, and authentic leadership that transforms organizations. His story offers young leaders a blueprint for compounding success by embracing curiosity, risk, and real alignment. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website Mentioned ResourcesCollege Works PaintingSoftgoodsYork Project (apparel)VaynerXGary Vaynerchuk (GaryVee)The Intelligent Investor (book)ShopifyNotre Dame IDEA CenterGood, Good Golf (influence example)DISC assessment toolsSeabreeze ManagementAdidasNike Important LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTube The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    43 min

  8. MAR 17

    181: Greg Hughes - Find Your Niche, Love Your Work, and Never Look Back

    Are you feeling lost choosing your first career, secretly worried you’ll miss out on your true calling, or get stuck in something “safe” that leaves you bored? You’re not alone. On this episode of The Edge of Excellence, host Matt Stewart sits down with the legendary Greg Hughes, acclaimed insurance executive and founder, for an eye-opening deep dive into building a career (and a life) that’s both secure and electrifying. From explosive stories about betting on yourself to the proven ABZ action formula and the underrated magic of side hustles, you’ll discover how to get ahead even if you don’t know your true passion yet. Don’t let indecision stall your future. Listen now to dodge the dead-end jobs, master career pivots, and unlock exclusive, real-world insights only Greg can give. This episode is your backstage pass to proven moves most professionals never learn until it’s too late. Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – How Greg’s wild ride from music to insurance revealed the “secret menu” of dream job options [00:43] – Why acknowledging reality + crazy self-belief is the foundation for unstoppable excellence [02:34] – The Stockdale Paradox: Why embracing brutal facts might save your career (and sanity) [04:13] – The ABZ Formula that top performers (and rock stars) use to create luck and opportunity [08:11] – The myth of “follow your passion” vs. the magic of smart side hustles and practical paychecks [18:07] – The accidental moment Greg got hired—proof that timing and location matter more than you think [26:06] – What nobody tells you about sales, mentorship, and finding your lane in a massive industry [31:55] – The three hacks Greg wishes every 20-something would use to crush self-doubt and stand out About The Guest Greg Hughes is a high-net-worth insurance executive, founder, and business builder with over two decades of industry innovation. Known for his mastery of private client risk management and his elite consulting for multi-millionaire families and enterprises, Greg brings a rare mix of process-driven wisdom, creativity, and actionable mentorship to rising leaders. Currently, he is a key executive at Poms Insurance and a sought-after advisor for those chasing both security and fulfillment in life and business. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website Mentioned ResourcesMarsh McLennanNorthwestern MutualUCLALoyola High SchoolLa Cañada High SchoolStockdale Paradox Important LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTube The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    42 min
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4.8
out of 5
59 Ratings

About

The Edge Of Excellence Podcast is about exploring how young aspiring leaders can create a personal impact today, tomorrow, and create their dream future now. The goal is to deconstruct and synthesize successful archetypes and proven principles from high-profile entrepreneurs, systems, and resources that work, successful peers, mentors, and creators. Learn more: https://www.collegeworks.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Stewart
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    188
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021-2024+ CollegeWorks
  • Show Website
    The Edge Of Excellence Podcast