Elevate the Game

Jorge Abreau

In the heart of the booming Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, a new playbook for success is being written. Welcome to Elevate the Game, where we sit down with the top CEOs, innovators, and visionaries who are shaping our community. Each episode is a masterclass, as our guests drop priceless gems on everything from their biggest strategic wins and painful lessons to their ultimate vision for a powerful legacy. This is more than just a podcast—it's your front-row seat to the conversations that are moving the needle in DFW. We're grateful you're here. If you are a proven leader and mover & shaker in DFW with valuable game to share, we want to hear from you. Apply for a guest spot at ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest.

  1. Don't Be Afraid To Take a Risk When It Come to Oppurtunities

    4D AGO

    Don't Be Afraid To Take a Risk When It Come to Oppurtunities

    Tom LeBeau shares how taking risks, staying true to your values, and embracing opportunity can shape a powerful career in construction and leadership. Tom brings nearly 30 years of experience across military service, contracting, consulting, and public sector leadership. From leading massive transit projects like the Honolulu Skyline and DART Silver Line to now helping drive a $4 billion light rail system in Austin, Tom shares what it really takes to succeed in high-stakes environments. Throughout the conversation, Tom emphasizes the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone. Early in his career, he and his family moved across the country multiple times to pursue growth opportunities. That willingness to take risks gave him a rare 360-degree perspective—understanding the mindset of owners, engineers, and builders alike. He also highlights the power of integrity and servant leadership. In complex projects filled with competing priorities, Tom believes success comes down to doing the right thing, building trust, and leading with honesty—even when it’s difficult. The episode also dives into practical advice for professionals looking to grow. Tom encourages listeners to take calculated risks, pursue big opportunities like megaprojects, and never stop learning. On the financial side, he stresses the importance of staying out of debt and investing early to create long-term stability. Tom’s story is a reminder that career growth doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from bold decisions, strong values, and a willingness to go where the opportunity is.     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest

    21 min
  2. Finding Your Passing & Pivoting Careers after 15 years

    MAR 31

    Finding Your Passing & Pivoting Careers after 15 years

    What happens when a long career no longer feels like the final destination? In this episode, Makalea Bryant shares how she built a 15-year career in IT and then made the bold decision to pivot into artificial intelligence and machine learning. She opens up about what sparked that shift, why AI became a new passion, and what professionals should think through before starting over in a new field. Makalea works in IT with Integrated DNA Technologies, a biotechnology company doing important work in medicine and innovation. While continuing her work in tech, she is also earning her master’s degree in artificial intelligence and machine learning so she can better help companies understand how to use AI the right way. During the conversation, Makalea explains the difference between excitement and long-term passion. She talks about the grind of working full-time while going back to school, and why real growth often requires sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to learn again from the ground up. She also shares practical insights into AI ethics, data privacy, regulation, and why companies should be careful before rushing into “plug-and-play” AI tools. This episode is a great listen for anyone thinking about a career pivot, exploring AI, or trying to stay relevant in a fast-changing business world.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest

    24 min
  3. From Building Business for Others to Building Her Own

    MAR 25

    From Building Business for Others to Building Her Own

    In this inspiring conversation, Jacobia Solomon takes us through her 20-year journey leading organizations across industries like healthcare, SaaS, manufacturing, and logistics—before stepping into entrepreneurship with her mocktail brand, Sipside. With a background in engineering and executive leadership, Jacobia explains how systems thinking, discipline, and resilience shaped her career. She opens up about what it really takes to leave corporate stability behind and build something from scratch. Jacobia shares the personal story behind Sipside—a brand born from her desire to feel included in social settings without compromising her choice not to drink alcohol. She saw a growing gap in the market and used her problem-solving mindset to create a bold, flavor-forward alternative for those seeking clarity without compromise. The conversation dives deep into the realities of entrepreneurship—from wearing every hat as a solo founder to learning when to outsource and lean on community. Jacobia offers powerful advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including her standout message: stop waiting for permission and build your own door. She also discusses the importance of networking, staying connected, and continuing to sharpen your skills—even while building something new.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest

    19 min
  4. Data is King when it comes to AI

    MAR 19

    Data is King when it comes to AI

    Artificial intelligence is moving faster than ever—but according to AI leader Joyjit Roy, the real key to success isn’t just the tools. It’s the data behind them. In this episode of the Elevate the Game Podcast, host Jorge Abreu sits down with Joyjit Roy, a program management leader specializing in AI, machine learning, and enterprise transformation. With more than two decades in the technology industry, Joyjit shares his journey from software developer to leading large-scale AI and modernization initiatives at major organizations including Dell Technologies and USAA. Joyjit explains why the pace of technological change has accelerated dramatically in the post-COVID era and why professionals in the tech industry must move from being followers to becoming early adopters of emerging technologies like AI and machine learning. One of the biggest misconceptions Joyjit sees today is that AI is simply a tool. While tools like ChatGPT have made AI accessible to everyone, he explains that real impact comes from understanding the underlying concepts behind machine learning and artificial intelligence. For professionals in the technology field, learning the fundamentals—not just the tools—is essential for long-term success.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest

    25 min
  5. Grow Your Business By Treating Your Clients Like Long Term Partners

    MAR 18

    Grow Your Business By Treating Your Clients Like Long Term Partners

    Building a successful construction or real estate business isn’t just about winning projects—it’s about having the right financial strategy and partnerships in place to support growth. In this episode of the Elevate the Game Podcast, Jorge Abreu sits down with Matthew Snowden to talk about how surety bonds work and why treating your clients like long-term partners can transform the way businesses scale. Matthew explains the often misunderstood world of surety bonding. While many people think of bonds as insurance, Matthew shares that they’re actually financial guarantees that ensure a contractor fulfills their obligations. These bonds protect project owners, subcontractors, and suppliers by guaranteeing projects will be completed on time, on budget, and according to the agreed plans. Throughout the conversation, Matthew shares insights from over a decade in the financial services and surety industry, including his experience building and selling his own firm before joining the Mahoney Group. He explains how contractors and developers can strategically grow their bonding capacity over time instead of waiting until they hit a limitation. One of the biggest takeaways from the episode is the importance of thinking ahead. Rather than reacting when bonding limits become a problem, Matthew focuses on proactively helping clients prepare years in advance so their financials, experience, and business strategy align with their future goals.     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest

    17 min
  6. People, process, and technology

    MAR 17

    People, process, and technology

    What really helps a business grow: better technology, smarter process, or stronger people? In this episode of the Elevate the Game Podcast with Jorge Abreu & Eric Bodiwala, James Clent shares why the answer is all three working together. James has spent more than 20 years helping companies improve the way they operate. In this conversation, he explains how business leaders can use technology to solve real problems, create better customer experiences, and free up time for the work that matters most. James talks about his journey from early computer interest to leadership roles in healthcare, hospitality, distribution, and consulting. He shares how he helps small and mid-sized businesses that may have a “computer person” on staff, but not a true strategic technology leader. His focus is not just on tools. It is on understanding the business, finding pain points, improving process, and building trust. The episode also dives into how AI is changing business today. James explains practical ways companies can use AI, machine learning, mobile tools, and automation to improve both the top line and the bottom line. He gives examples from healthcare, loyalty programs, hospitality, and contract management, showing how the right systems can reduce admin work, improve service, and create better decisions.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest

    32 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

In the heart of the booming Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, a new playbook for success is being written. Welcome to Elevate the Game, where we sit down with the top CEOs, innovators, and visionaries who are shaping our community. Each episode is a masterclass, as our guests drop priceless gems on everything from their biggest strategic wins and painful lessons to their ultimate vision for a powerful legacy. This is more than just a podcast—it's your front-row seat to the conversations that are moving the needle in DFW. We're grateful you're here. If you are a proven leader and mover & shaker in DFW with valuable game to share, we want to hear from you. Apply for a guest spot at ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest.