Mission Possible Podcast

Chad Kim
  • 5.0 (6)
  • TECHNOLOGY

Welcome to the Mission Possible Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of extraordinary individuals who push the boundaries of what’s achievable. Each episode features leaders, visionaries, and changemakers who share their personal journeys, pivotal moments, and practical wisdom on overcoming challenges, driving innovation, and creating meaningful impact. Join us as we explore resilience, purpose, and the power of embracing uncertainty to transform obstacles into opportunities. 

Episodes

  1. 10/20/2025

    Lee Garber: Calculated Risks

    Episode Description In this season one finale, I sit down with Lee Garber, our General Partner at NewSpring Capital, to get under the hood of calculated bets and strategic decision-making. Lee takes us through his fascinating journey from being "the guy behind the guy" - starting as a newspaper-selling kid who became his fraternity treasurer - to becoming a seasoned private equity professional making million-dollar decisions. We dive deep into the evolution of a PE career, from analyst to partner, and how the role transforms from connecting dots to making complex risk assessments. Lee shares raw insights about their biggest mistakes, including a telecom deal that went sideways, and how they turned it around through sheer perseverance. He breaks down the difference between perceived and real risk, the art of knowing when to pull the plug on deals, and why their Monday investment committee meetings can get pretty heated - but in the best way possible. What struck me most was Lee's philosophy: "Act like it's yours, and maybe one day it will be." This episode reveals the human side of high-stakes investing, the importance of running toward problems rather than away from them and why being present - both professionally and personally - might be the most valuable skill of all. Thank you for spending time with us today! If you're energized by the conversation and eager to see how bold ideas translate into real‑world mission advantage, explore the Bcore ecosystem. At Bcore, we're uniting exceptional people and cutting‑edge technology to accelerate mission impact and advance national security. Learn more, connect with our team, and discover opportunities to collaborate at bcore.com. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

    31 min

  2. 10/06/2025

    Rebekah Lovorn: Passion for Purpose-Driven Leadership

    In this powerful episode, I sit down with Rebekah Lovorn, Executive Director of No Greater Sacrifice, to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose beyond self. Rebekah's journey is remarkable—from serving in the White House during 9/11 to volunteering for a dangerous deployment to Iraq in 2006, where she discovered her calling to serve Gold Star and wounded warrior families. For 15 years, Rebekah has built No Greater Sacrifice into a unique organization that breaks the cycle of generational trauma through education. Their wraparound model goes far beyond traditional scholarships—they provide comprehensive financial aid management, mentorship, and coaching to ensure these children can dream again and attend their dream schools debt-free. What sets this conversation apart is Rebekah's candid discussion of mission-driven leadership in practice. She shares how they've avoided mission creep, built authentic partnerships, and created a bespoke service model that prioritizes quality over quantity. We dive deep into the operational realities of scaling high-touch programs, the emotional toll of servant leadership, and how she balances family life while fighting an uphill battle for America's most deserving families. This isn't just about charity work—it's about building resilient leaders and understanding what it takes to turn a moment of clarity into 15 years of life-changing impact. Thank you for spending time with us today! If you're energized by the conversation and eager to see how bold ideas translate into real‑world mission advantage, explore the Bcore ecosystem. At Bcore, we're uniting exceptional people and cutting‑edge technology to accelerate mission impact and advance national security. Learn more, connect with our team, and discover opportunities to collaborate at bcore.com. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

    33 min

  3. 09/22/2025

    Joseph Stefano: Discipline, Curiosity, and Continuous Learning

    Episode Description What happens when someone decides to pursue medicine, engineering, and business simultaneously while raising three kids? Joseph Stefano is living proof that with the right mindset and systems, you can excel across multiple demanding fields without burning out. In this episode of Mission Possible, Joseph breaks down his approach to managing 16-18 hour workdays while maintaining his roles as software engineer, medical student, recent MBA graduate, and father of three. But this isn't about grinding harder—it's about being smarter with your choices and understanding what you can actually control. Joseph shares his philosophy on humility as a superpower, explaining how being "super in touch with the reality of who you are" transforms everything from project estimation to surgical preparation. We dive deep into his 360-degree mentorship approach, where he learns from both exemplars and cautionary tales in his field. We also explore how he's leveraging AI as an efficiency multiplier—not as a replacement for expertise, but as a tool that amplifies his capabilities in both coding and medical practice. Joseph's insights on making everything a conscious choice, building systems for high-stakes environments, and the compound effect of 1% daily improvements will reshape how you think about professional growth and life balance. Thank you for spending time with us today! If you're energized by the conversation and eager to see how bold ideas translate into real‑world mission advantage, explore the Bcore ecosystem. At Bcore, we're uniting exceptional people and cutting‑edge technology to accelerate mission impact and advance national security. Learn more, connect with our team, and discover opportunities to collaborate at bcore.com. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

    38 min

  4. 09/08/2025

    Vice Adm. Bob Sharp, USN (Ret.): Leading Through Complexity

    Episode Description In this episode of the Mission Possible Podcast, I sit down with Bob Sharp, former Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, to explore his unconventional path from aspiring lawyer to admiral. Bob's candid storytelling reveals how he navigated massive organizational complexity—from leading 15,000+ person organizations through crisis to building coalition strategies that actually stick. What struck me most was Bob's refreshingly honest approach to leadership. He shares why he tells his teams "I'm wrong every day" and how admitting mistakes early creates environments where people contribute their best thinking. We dive deep into his "network defeats network" philosophy and why he believes your job as a leader isn't to have all the answers—it's to unleash the potential around you. Bob walks us through formative moments from Desert Storm operations to post-9/11 intelligence work, explaining how crisis taught him that prescriptive leadership kills innovation. His insights on strategy development—making it "ours" not "mine"—and the critical balance between giving broad direction while avoiding over-prescription offer actionable frameworks for any leader facing complexity. Whether you're stepping into your first leadership role or running a major organization, Bob's perspective on being authentically vulnerable while maintaining forward momentum provides a masterclass in leading through uncertainty. Thank you for spending time with us today! If you're energized by the conversation and eager to see how bold ideas translate into real‑world mission advantage, explore the Bcore ecosystem. At Bcore, we're uniting exceptional people and cutting‑edge technology to accelerate mission impact and advance national security. Learn more, connect with our team, and discover opportunities to collaborate at bcore.com. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

    36 min

  5. 08/25/2025

    John Quick: Facing Cancer with Courage

    Episode Description In this deeply personal episode of Mission Possible, I sit down with John Quick, a team member who demonstrates that true leadership emerges in life's most challenging moments. John courageously shares his cancer journey—from an unexpected diagnosis during COVID lockdown to navigating complex treatment decisions and ultimately discovering what matters most. This isn't just a story about surviving cancer; it's about transforming adversity into clarity. John reveals how facing mortality stripped away everything non-essential, forcing him to prioritize relationships over responsibilities and authentic living over endless preparation. His insights on decision-making under uncertainty, building trust with medical teams, and maintaining forward momentum during treatment offer profound lessons for any leader facing difficult choices. John's post-treatment renaissance—learning new languages, diving deep into AI and machine learning, and actively pursuing his bucket list—exemplifies the growth mindset that drives exceptional people. His honest discussion about adapting to new cognitive realities shows how resilient leaders evolve rather than simply endure. This conversation will challenge you to examine your own priorities and inspire you to live more intentionally, because as John learned: we're not waiting for our real life to begin—this is it. Thank you for spending time with us today! If you're energized by the conversation and eager to see how bold ideas translate into real‑world mission advantage, explore the Bcore ecosystem. At Bcore, we're uniting exceptional people and cutting‑edge technology to accelerate mission impact and advance national security. Learn more, connect with our team, and discover opportunities to collaborate at bcore.com. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

    27 min

  6. 08/11/2025

    Tyler Laverick: Navigating Entrepreneurship: Trust and Culture

    Episode Description I sit down with Tyler Laverick to explore the entrepreneurial mindset that drives real business success. Tyler takes us back to his childhood - from selling trading cards and homemade necklaces door-to-door to watching his grandfather run a Ford dealership in small-town America. These early experiences shaped his understanding that business is fundamentally about trust, loyalty, and serving your community. The conversation gets real about the challenges of starting Bcore with his partner Andy. Tyler shares the pivotal moment when a client called asking him to run a program - the catalyst that transformed years of planning into action. He opens up about facing down imposter syndrome during a crucial partnership negotiation in Michigan, where a four-person company had to convince a major tech firm they could scale across the entire defense and intelligence community. What makes this episode compelling is Tyler's honesty about the practical realities of entrepreneurship. He discusses the work-life balance struggles, the importance of having champions at home, and how building the right team culture isn't just feel-good philosophy - it's what allows a business to survive and thrive through crises like COVID-19. For anyone considering the entrepreneurial leap or looking to understand what separates successful ventures from the rest, Tyler's insights on preparation, partnership, and persistence offer invaluable guidance. Thank you for spending time with us today! If you're energized by the conversation and eager to see how bold ideas translate into real‑world mission advantage, explore the Bcore ecosystem. At Bcore, we're uniting exceptional people and cutting‑edge technology to accelerate mission impact and advance national security. Learn more, connect with our team, and discover opportunities to collaborate at bcore.com. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

    33 min

  7. 07/28/2025

    Vinita Fordham: Technology, Trust, and Transformation

    Episode Description In this episode of the Mission Possible Podcast, I sit down with Vinita Fordham, a technology leader who's mastered the art of driving transformational change from within some of the most complex organizations in the intelligence community. Vinita takes us through her fascinating journey from a childhood fascination with silicon chips and radio building to becoming a staff officer championing cutting-edge technology deployments. What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Vinita's hard-won insights on navigating the delicate balance between innovation and security, between the "shiny objects" and what actually works in mission-critical environments. She reveals how she got mobile applications approved and deployed to the high side in just three months – a process that typically takes years – by embedding security considerations from day one and building coalition support across directorates. Throughout our discussion, Vinita emphasizes that technology is often the easy part; the real challenge lies in understanding whose problem you're solving and building the relationships necessary to create lasting change. She shares practical frameworks for staying grounded amid endless technological possibilities, the importance of bringing skeptics into the room, and how her government experience now informs her approach to commercial innovation. This is essential listening for anyone tasked with driving meaningful change in complex, risk-averse environments. Thank you for spending time with us today! If you're energized by the conversation and eager to see how bold ideas translate into real‑world mission advantage, explore the Bcore ecosystem. At Bcore, we're uniting exceptional people and cutting‑edge technology to accelerate mission impact and advance national security. Learn more, connect with our team, and discover opportunities to collaborate at bcore.com. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

    23 min

  8. 07/14/2025

    Zil Vyas & Jason Hershcopf: Collaboration and Code

    Episode Description: What separates software engineers who merely code from those who drive transformational mission outcomes? Chad sits down with veteran engineers Zil Vyas and Jason Herschcopf to explore the leadership principles that elevate technical teams from functional to exceptional. This conversation goes beyond typical tech talk to examine the human side of software engineering. Zil and Jason share their unconventional paths into technology—from pharmacy technician to application developer, and childhood programming prodigy to rapid prototyping savant. They dissect career-shaping moments: early mistakes, mentors who reframed failure as learning, and communication strategies that transform defensive code reviews into collaborative growth. The discussion reveals a fascinating contrast—Zil's structured, edge-case methodology versus Jason's rapid prototyping approach—yet both consistently deliver exceptional results. They tackle cross-functional team dynamics, breaking down organizational silos, and recognizing when to move on from stagnant environments. As the conversation shifts toward AI and automation, both offer grounded perspectives on how intelligent tooling will amplify rather than replace strategic thinking. Their advice for new graduates cuts through industry noise: prioritize adaptability, communication, and finding work that genuinely energizes you. Whether you're leading technical teams in mission-critical environments or navigating your own engineering career, this episode delivers battle-tested wisdom on thriving through continuous learning and authentic collaboration. Thank you for spending time with us today! If you're energized by the conversation and eager to see how bold ideas translate into real‑world mission advantage, explore the Bcore ecosystem. At Bcore, we're uniting exceptional people and cutting‑edge technology to accelerate mission impact and advance national security. Learn more, connect with our team, and discover opportunities to collaborate at bcore.com. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

    34 min
  • 8 Episodes

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Mission Possible Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of extraordinary individuals who push the boundaries of what’s achievable. Each episode features leaders, visionaries, and changemakers who share their personal journeys, pivotal moments, and practical wisdom on overcoming challenges, driving innovation, and creating meaningful impact. Join us as we explore resilience, purpose, and the power of embracing uncertainty to transform obstacles into opportunities. 

Information

  • Creator
    Chad Kim
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Mission Possible Podcast
  • Show Website
    Mission Possible Podcast