The Edge Of Excellence Podcast

Matthew Stewart
  • 4.9 (58)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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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. 3D AGO

    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

  2. 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, Matt Stewart, Sean Phelps, and Narrator 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

  3. 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

  4. MAR 10

    180: Austin Killian - How To Go From Zero To $350M+ in Revenue in Just Seven Years

    Are you secretly afraid your ambition will cost you your happiness, your relationships, or your shot at real success? What if you could excel without sacrificing what you love, and build a business that actually changes lives? In this electrifying Edge of Excellence episode, host Matt Stewart sits down with Home Genius Exteriors Co-Founder Austin Killian, a leader who went from wrestling mats to multi-million-dollar boardrooms. Dive into the raw moments that shaped Austin from family hardship and gritty sports discipline to launching a billion-dollar brand built on heart, hustle, and true leadership. Tune in now, because the pain of “what if” is bigger than any setback and Austin’s proven formulas, emotional truths, and unexpected stories will empower you to leap ahead. You won’t hear these battle-won insights anywhere else. Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – What happens when ambition, marriage, and a nationwide outage collide [00:01:46] – Austin’s resourceful definition of excellence and the real formula for mastery [00:05:56] – The family crisis that flipped everything, and how sports gave him “direction” [00:14:41] – The hidden moment when entrepreneurship finally “clicked” for Austin [00:17:44] – Changing the game: how Home Genius was built to be revolutionary, not just profitable [00:25:38] – The unstoppable daily habits, leadership legacy, and why caring is the secret ingredient [00:32:14] – $100M from door-knocking? Inside the jaw-dropping growth playbook [00:36:39] – Austin’s gritty advice for young leaders: Go for it all, survive the dark times, love the struggle [00:43:05] – Sacrifices and victories: The real cost (and reward) of chasing dreams, moving away, and building something legendary About The Guest Austin Killian is the Co-Founder and Executive Vice-President of Home Genius Exteriors, one of America’s fastest-growing home improvement companies. Known for his grit, bold decision-making, and commitment to building culture and legacy, Austin scaled Home Genius from zero to $350M+ in revenue in just seven years and is a recognized force in developing next-generation leaders. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website Mentioned ResourcesCollege Works PaintingRonald McDonald HouseStrengthsFinderEO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization)University of PittsburghWashington & Jefferson College 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

  5. MAR 3

    179: Michael Kleydman - Launching Brands at Walmart and How To Own Success

    Are you stuck wondering how to turn hustle into real impact or worried that you don’t know the path through today’s chaotic career maze? Ever dreamt of launching a business or landing a deal that changes lives... but aren't sure how integrity, ownership, and bold leaps really pay off? This episode assembles thrilling stories and actionable secrets from Michael Kleydman’s journey through the massive retail universe, as coached and explored by Sean Phelps. From immigrant roots and overcoming debt to becoming a sought-after consultant for Fortune #1 Walmart, this episode delivers proven lessons on relationship-building, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, and practicing excellence every step of the way. Listen now to avoid stagnation, discover the urgent steps that will outsmart your obstacles, and unlock exclusive, real-world wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. Timestamped Highlights[00:02] – How a pizza delivery gig sparked a revolutionary mindset and led to a life-changing career in retail [00:07] – The emotional story of immigrant grit, integrity, and entrepreneurial drive (and what it takes to start with “two suitcases”) [00:15] – Game-changing insights on how ownership transforms failure into power, and why “everything is your fault” becomes your greatest asset [00:22] – Why walking away from multi-million dollar deals is the ultimate victory for your reputation (and the true value of excellence isn’t the dollars) [00:35] – The high-stakes, behind-the-scenes world of Walmart buyers and brokers: Who succeeds, who fails, and the wild jobs you didn’t know exist [00:48] – How teaching college classes, mastering supply chain, and consulting for giants all connect—and what young leaders must do to break through [00:58] – Uncommon advice for overcoming student debt, seizing risky opportunities, and building a reputation in a small-but-global industry [01:11] – Surprising stories of small companies, “golden tickets,” and million-dollar wins plus the data secrets that determine which products survive (and thrive) About The Guest Michael Kleydman is a Principal & Senior Consultant at Shift Retail Group, specializing in helping emerging and established brands navigate the Walmart ecosystem. With over a decade of experience in retail supply chain and business development, he’s taught procurement at University of Arkansas and managed multi-million dollar teams. Michael’s journey from immigrant beginnings to entrepreneurial leadership offers proven, uncommon wisdom for young professionals and future business leaders. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website Mentioned ResourcesSpectrum BrandsCollegeWorks PaintingUniversity of ArkansasSt. Louis UniversityMizzouWalmartBarebells Protein BarsMars, Wrigley, Hershey’sAnheuser-Busch 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

  6. FEB 24

    178: Rabbi Alfredo Borodowski - How to Win Life by Rediscovering Your Strengths

    Ever feel like you’re stuck on a path that isn’t yours, or wonder if you’ve got what it takes to truly reinvent yourself? You’re not alone. In this episode of Edge of Excellence, host Matt Stewart curates raw, victorious, downright electrifying moments from the journey of Rabbi and Dr. Alfredo Borodowski, multi-hyphenate lawyer, professor, rabbi, social worker, and Fortune 500 coach. You’ll discover how to rewrite your inner story, master positive psychology, and ignite the strengths you didn’t know you had. Walk with Rabbi Alfredo Borodowski through dazzling highs and crushing lows, and learn the tested frameworks that turn adversity into purpose and fulfillment. Don’t wait for a second chance at clarity. Tune in now for exclusive tools, battle-won truths, and the blueprint to break out of autopilot. This episode reveals insights and actionable breakthroughs you literally won’t hear anywhere else. Turn the volume up. Your next chapter demands it. Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – The “awareness hack” that stops autopilot thinking in its tracks [00:49] – Why reinvention isn’t luck, it’s a muscle you build before you need it [02:23] – Redefining excellence: why your best is different (and enough) [06:19] – A true story: Disappearing friends, military regimes, and a call to justice [13:09] – What no one tells you about crashing and daring to start over [15:31] – The messy middle: mania, diagnosis, and coming back stronger [17:34] – Steal this formula: text trick for discovering your strengths in one day [22:04] – Turn purpose into impact: how to align what you do with who you are [35:15] – The secret happiness habit every future leader needs (and forgets) About The Guest Alfredo Borodowski, PhD, MSW is an executive coach, published author, and renowned positive psychology expert who has helped leaders, Fortune 500 firms, and nonprofits rewrite stories of adversity into scripts for high performance and fulfillment. With decades of experience as a lawyer, professor, rabbi, and social worker, Alfredo Borodowski brings an unrivaled blend of ancient wisdom and modern science to the art of personal reinvention. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website Mentioned ResourcesHebrew Union CollegeJohn Maxwell LeadershipPositive Psychology (24 strengths framework)Purpose Factor AssessmentSuicide and Crisis Lifeline (988)CollegeWorks PaintingNational Services Group (NSG)Northeastern Hillel 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.

    40 min

  7. FEB 17

    177: Tyler Schuster - Breakthrough Decisions: Exclusive Habits That Ignite Your Success

    Are you holding yourself back from your next level… just waiting for the “right moment?” What if the decisions that define your future are made when you’re most uncertain? In this unmissable collage episode, Matt Stewart weaves together electrifying moments from rapid risers like Tyler Schuster, leaders who made winning moves when the stakes (and their doubts) were highest. You’ll hear how hard choices, unstoppable work ethic, and a relentless positivity aren’t just buzzwords, but game changers. From shifting your environment to chasing what really excites you, to outworking and outlasting your doubts, this episode delivers raw insights and strategies you won’t find anywhere else. Miss this, and risk falling back with the crowd. Listen now to unlock the mindset moves, mastery habits, and leap-of-faith decisions that separate tomorrow’s leaders from everyone else. Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – A heart-pounding crossroads: Leave the security of a scholarship for risky greatness? [00:30] – Why “excellence” is less about talent… and all about daily obsession with improvement [04:02] – Making a bold shift—when the right environment means leaving comfort [09:24] – Letting go of the childhood dream and aiming higher: the art of the pivot [15:01] – The hidden power of fun at work, and how attitude is everything—even on your worst day [24:03] – Outworking, outlasting, and crushing average: What top performers do when nobody’s watching [29:08] – The rarest (and most coachable) skill: radical humility and how to really take feedback [33:33] – Massive leaps: Jumping before you’re “ready,” mastering discomfort, and building momentum About The Guest Tyler Schuster is an emerging business leader, former Division II football athlete, and the youngest manager of the year at CollegeWorks. At just 23, he’s known for transforming adversity into opportunity and building teams with an infectious positive culture. Tyler’s story is a playbook for any underdog ready to bet on bold action. 🔗 LinkedIn Mentioned ResourcesUniversity of Sioux FallsKarma YogaDISC assessment toolsDarius (The Greatness Machine podcast)Fortaleza Tequila 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.

    41 min

  8. FEB 10

    176: John Erik Metcalf - How to Really Build a Purpose-Driven Career (Even With Zero Clarity)

    Are you secretly afraid you’ll never find your “thing”? Wondering how to actually build a career and life that feels meaningful and bold, but unsure where to start? In this episode, Matt Stewart and guest host Sean Phelps welcome visionary entrepreneur John Erik Metcalf, CEO and Co-Founder of Upgraded, to share his battle-tested strategies for real-world success, fulfillment, and impact. From Texas roots and risk-taking in college, to pioneering coworking in Austin and launching global startups in Shanghai, John Erik reveals the real secrets to standing out, embracing uncertainty, and aligning ambition with authentic values. Don’t miss this exclusive episode if you want clarity, courage, and a proven roadmap to rise above the ordinary. Tune in now to avoid a career filled with regret and get the actionable insights to move forward with conviction, purpose, and lasting impact. Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Why rewriting your goals daily gives you a thrilling edge in opportunity-hunting [03:03] – The victory mindset: Paying it forward and why treating people right is the proven path to excellence [06:29] – Surprising lessons from bouncing between majors—how risk can accelerate your growth [10:11] – “Just do it”—The uncommon power of taking big swings, emailing visionaries, and building your destiny fast [13:24] – From autodidact to entrepreneur: How knocking on doors turned fear into opportunity [17:43] – The inside story: Launching Austin’s first coworking space and a lucrative tech consulting business [23:38] – How living abroad and keeping your values top-of-mind led to revolutionary career moves [27:43] – Proven secrets from the World Economic Forum and why top leaders aren’t as different as you think [29:04] – Building Upgraded: Apple partnerships, circular economy breakthroughs, and the next big thing in device management About The Guest John Erik Metcalf is the CEO and Co-Founder of Upgraded, a Y Combinator-backed startup revolutionizing the circular economy through trade-in and recycling programs for consumer tech. With a trailblazing history, John Erik launched Austin’s first coworking space, drove innovation in global startup ecosystems, and contributed to the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers. Known for marrying visionary leadership with hands-on execution, he has helped launch and scale ventures across the US, Mexico City, Stockholm, and Hong Kong. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website | Instagram | X Mentioned ResourcesY CombinatorCollegeWorks PaintingWorld Economic ForumGlobal Shapers ProgramApple SwedenKlarnaBest BuyAffirmMacBook Upgrade ProgramCitizen Space (coworking)South by Southwest (SXSW)Demand Analytics (startup)Arbor Ventures 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.

    1h 6m
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4.9
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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
    183
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021-2024+ CollegeWorks
  • Show Website
    The Edge Of Excellence Podcast