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. 5d ago

    192: Jerome Stewart & Darius Mirshahzadeh - How To Navigate AI

    Are you ready for a world where your knowledge job could disappear overnight? In this explosive conversation, Matt Stewart and Sean Phelps dive in with Jerome Stewart and Darius Mirshahzadeh to uncover the pace, risks, and surprising opportunities behind the AI upheaval transforming every industry. These world-recognized AI experts cut through the hype to reveal who wins, who gets left behind, and the essential skillsets you need right now. This episode delivers the raw, practical playbook for adapting and thriving in the new AI-first era. Miss this, and you risk getting locked out of tomorrow’s job market or watching your business fade away. Catch it now for exclusive strategies you won’t hear anywhere else, and get the jump on everyone still waiting for things to settle. Timestamped Highlights00:48 – Why 2026 is a shock year for AI advances and productivity 04:04 – The jaw-dropping moment AI replaced work in seconds 06:08 – Brutal reality: Should most knowledge work even be done by humans? 09:45 – Handshake skills and the surprising future of sales in an AI world 12:19 – The new knowledge work that 20-somethings must master to stand out 14:06 – How hiring has flipped: Entry-level jobs and unemployment decoded 18:13 – Why anyone can become an AI builder in just months 27:12 – Physical jobs, digital robots, and training tomorrow’s workforce 45:25 – The Internet moment: Why even a small AI adoption triggers wipeout About The Guest Jerome Stewart is a recognized expert in artificial intelligence and business process optimization, known for his hands-on approach to leveraging AI for 2x and even 3x productivity gains. As a leader with the White Feathers Group, Jerome Stewart dives deep into marketing, workflow automation, and the transformative power of large language models like Claude. He has a knack for demystifying emerging technology, training teams, and encouraging young professionals to lean into AI-driven change. Jerome Stewart also champions the importance of human connection, emphasizing skills like discernment and relationship-building that AI can’t replace. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website Darius Mirshahzadeh is a forward-thinking entrepreneur and business leader. He is the chairman of AI It and the host of The Greatness Machine podcast. Featured by Fortune magazine as an AI expert, he specializes in helping organizations automate knowledge work and redefine their tech stacks using AI-first strategies. He is known for his candid assessments of the job market, his ability to break down complex trends, and his passion for building teams skilled in automation platforms and agent-building. With a focus on practical implementation, Darius Mirshahzadeh is a leading voice at the intersection of leadership, automation, and future-of-work innovation. 🔗 LinkedIn | Podcast Mentioned ResourcesClaude (AI platform)ChatGPTGeminiPerplexityN8NMakeOpenClawCore Value Equation BookYouTube (for AI tutorials and deep dives) 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 26

    191: Stephen Bauer - Secrets of Excellence Most Never Share

    Have you ever wondered what truly separates elite performers from everyone else, not just in business, but in life? In this emotionally charged episode, guest host Sean Phelps sits down with Stephen Bauer, a nationally recognized wealth advisor who climbed from uncertain college beginnings to managing director and Forbes Next Gen honoree. Together, they explore the real drivers of sustained excellence from finding your “why” to leading through adversity and building teams that win long after you’ve left the spotlight. If you settle for surface-level career advice, you’ll miss what makes top financial leaders tick, especially the strategies most never teach. Listen now for an insider’s look at the habits, choices, and mindset shifts that could change your approach to success, before someone else takes your edge. Timestamped Highlights02:06 – The brutally honest reason “effort” beats talent every time 07:49 – Why your success will mirror your inner circle 13:06 – The true story behind Stephen’s pivot from engineering to finance 17:14 – How one relationship shortcut Stephen’s entire career trajectory 23:27 – The painful loss that fueled a new level of ambition 27:32 – Breaking down the “niche advantage” to dominate any market 32:27 – The bold career risk that turned into an unfair advantage 44:35 – The overlooked lesson top leaders wish they learned sooner About The Guest Stephen Bauer is Managing Director at United Capital Financial Advisors, multiple-year Forbes Next Gen Wealth Advisor, and widely recognized as one of America’s leading millennial financial advisors. He brings decades of proven results, including 11 Five Star Professional awards and national acclaim for his expertise in helping clients achieve real-world peace of mind through values-driven financial planning. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website Mentioned ResourcesForbes Next Gen Wealth AdvisorsSimon SinekMichael KitcesZig ZiglarCollege Works Painting 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.

    50 min

  3. May 19

    190: Carter Zirbes - Break Through Average: Unleash Your Inner Excellence Now

    Are you stuck at the edge of your potential, wondering how to leap ahead of the crowd? In this raw conversation, Matt Stewart pulls back the curtain with Carter Zirbes, an industrial engineering standout and relentless reinventer who has raised $40,000 for cancer research, run million-dollar teams, and mastered the art of pivoting through setbacks. Today’s episode is about more than career trajectories. It’s about the inner battles, owning brutal mistakes, finding mentors when none exist, and refusing to coast when you could climb. Discover the “embrace the suck” mindset, the power of extreme ownership, and the real reason successful people never truly feel satisfied. If you want to avoid mediocrity and play at the highest level, you cannot afford to miss this exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at what separates the excellent from everyone else. Listen now, before the next opportunity passes you by, or you convince yourself that good enough is really enough. Timestamped Highlights00:25 – The shocking truth about engineering internships most students ignore 02:30 – Why excellence is a moving target and why that actually matters 08:11 – Raising $40,000 for cancer as a teen: The hustle behind the headlines 15:28 – What to do when you have no mentors or support system 19:07 – How a personality test rewrote Carter’s entire career trajectory 26:23 – The “embrace the suck” principle that catapults personal growth 31:06 – The moment extreme ownership flipped customer disaster into loyalty 36:43 – Tradeoffs, FOMO, and the real story on sacrifice versus balance About The Guest Carter Zirbes is a senior industrial engineering student at Iowa State University and a standout leader with CollegeWorks, where he’s managed million-dollar teams and raised tens of thousands for cancer research. Known for his rare blend of technical ability and people skills, Carter brings proven success in both sales and engineering leadership roles. 🔗 LinkedIn Mentioned ResourcesMiracles of Mitch FoundationDISC AssessmentIowa State UniversityUniversity of MinnesotaJets Pizza 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. May 12

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    191
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021-2024+ CollegeWorks
  • Show Website
    The Edge Of Excellence Podcast