Proven Podcast

Charles Schwartz

Welcome to the Proven Podcast, where it does not matter what you think, only what you can prove.

  1. Financial Freedom is Emotional not Financial - Jade Warshaw

    3D AGO

    Financial Freedom is Emotional not Financial - Jade Warshaw

    In this candid and empowering episode, Charles sits down with Jade Warshaw, co-host of The Ramsey Show and personal finance expert, to explore how mindset, communication, and values shape our financial lives and relationships. Jade unpacks why money problems are rarely about math and almost always about behavior, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves. From navigating debt and budgeting to aligning financial decisions with life goals, Jade shares how intentional habits and honest conversations can transform both personal finances and partnerships. She reveals how emotional awareness, discipline, and clarity create financial stability, and why true freedom comes from control, not consumption. Together, they dive into the psychology of money, how fear, shame, and comparison influence decisions, and why alignment between values and actions matters more than income level. The conversation reframes personal finance as a tool for building confidence, trust, and long term peace of mind, not just wealth. This isn't just a conversation about budgets or debt. It's a blueprint for building a healthy relationship with money one rooted in clarity, discipline, and purpose that supports the life you actually want to live. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -Why money problems are rarely about numbers and almost always about behavior and mindset -How Jade Warshaw helps people align financial decisions with personal values -The role of communication and trust in financial health,especially in relationships -Why budgeting is a tool for freedom, not restriction Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:08 – Why money is emotional: Jade explains how feelings and beliefs drive financial decisions, while Charles reframes money as a mirror of behavior and identity. 05:12 – Aligning money with values: Jade shares how clarity around priorities transforms spending, while Charles highlights why values-based choices create peace. 09:46 – Communication and finances: Jade discusses the importance of honest money conversations, while Charles explores how trust impacts financial outcomes. 14:29 – Budgeting as freedom: Jade breaks down why a budget empowers rather than restricts, while Charles reframes structure as a path to control. 19:37 – Breaking the debt cycle: Jade explains the habits that keep people stuck, while Charles emphasizes discipline and consistency. 24:55 – Emotional triggers and spending: Jade identifies how stress and comparison fuel poor decisions, while Charles reflects on awareness as the first step to change. 30:14 – Building financial confidence: Jade shares how small wins create momentum, while Charles ties progress to belief and clarity. 35:42 – Long-term financial peace: Jade closes with principles for stability and growth, while Charles reinforces that peace comes from alignment, not excess.

    56 min
  2. Your Values are Either Destroying Profits or Building an Empire - Robert Glazer

    JAN 21

    Your Values are Either Destroying Profits or Building an Empire - Robert Glazer

    In this high impact episode, Charles sits down with Robert Glazer, entrepreneur, Inc. and Forbes columnist, sought, after speaker, and founder and CEO of Acceleration Partners, to explore how leadership, culture, and values, driven growth create sustainable, high performing organizations. Robert unpacks the principles behind scaling a global performance marketing firm while staying anchored in purpose, transparency, and long-term thinking. From building teams that thrive in a remote, first world to redefining what accountability and trust look like at scale, Robert shares how culture isn't a "nice to have", it's the operating system that drives results. He dives into the mindset of modern leadership, explaining why clarity, alignment, and personal growth are essential for both individual and organizational performance. Together, they examine the evolving nature of work, the role of values in decision, making, and why sustainable success is built through consistency, integrity, and intentional leadership, not shortcuts or hype. The conversation bridges business strategy with personal development, offering lessons that apply just as much to life as they do to leadership. This isn't just a conversation about performance marketing or management. It's a blueprint for building values, driven companies, leading with credibility, and creating cultures that scale without losing what matters most. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Robert Glazer built Acceleration Partners into a global, values, driven performance marketing firm -Why culture is the operating system that determines long term business success -How transparency and accountability create trust at scale -The leadership habits required to build high, performing, remote, first teams Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:05 – Building a values, driven company: Robert shares the early vision behind Acceleration Partners, while Charles reflects on why culture must be intentional from day one. 04:47 – Culture as an operating system: Robert explains why culture drives behavior and results, while Charles reframes culture as the foundation of scalable leadership. 09:32 – Transparency and accountability at scale: Robert breaks down how openness builds trust, while Charles highlights why accountability strengthens teams. 14:21 – Leading in a remote, first world: Robert discusses the challenges of distributed teams, while Charles explores how leadership must evolve with work. 19:38 – Values, based decision making: Robert explains how values guide tough calls, while Charles reinforces the importance of alignment under pressure. 24:55 – Personal growth equals leadership growth: Robert shares how leaders must grow with their companies, while Charles connects growth to self-awareness and discipline. 30:10 – Avoiding short term thinking: Robert challenges the pursuit of quick wins, while Charles reframes success as sustainable progress.

    59 min
  3. From Single Mom to 2 Billion how Class and Courage Win - Dr. Ann Kaplan Mulholland

    JAN 14

    From Single Mom to 2 Billion how Class and Courage Win - Dr. Ann Kaplan Mulholland

    In this dynamic episode, Charles sits down with Ann Kaplan Mulholland. Canadian entrepreneur, business executive, author, and television personality, to explore how bold vision, adaptability, and unapologetic ambition drive success across business, media, and life. Ann shares her unconventional path to building influence and impact, revealing how resilience, reinvention, and strategic risk taking became the foundation of her career. From navigating high stakes industries to building personal brand credibility in the public eye, Ann unpacks what it takes to lead with confidence while staying grounded in purpose. She discusses the realities of modern entrepreneurship, the pressure of visibility, and why owning your narrative is just as important as executing your strategy. Together, they dive into leadership in a fast moving world, how identity shapes decision making, why clarity and conviction matter more than perfection, and how adaptability becomes a competitive advantage. The conversation blends business insight with personal reflection, offering lessons on growth, reinvention, and showing up fully in every arena you choose to play in. This isn't just a conversation about success or visibility. It's a blueprint for building influence with intention, leading boldly through change, and creating a career that reflects who you are, not just what you do. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Ann Kaplan Mulholland built a multifaceted career as an entrepreneur, executive, author, and television personality -Why owning your identity and narrative is essential in business and public life -How resilience and reinvention create long-term relevance -The realities of leadership under visibility and public scrutiny Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:06 – Building a career across industries: Ann opens up about her unconventional journey, while Charles reflects on how adaptability creates opportunity across different arenas. 04:48 – Reinvention as a leadership skill: Ann explains why growth often demands change, while Charles highlights how identity evolves alongside ambition. 09:35 – Owning your narrative: Ann discusses the importance of controlling your story, while Charles explores why clarity of self builds confidence and trust. 14:22 – Leadership in the public eye: Ann shares the pressure of visibility and criticism, while Charles examines how leaders stay grounded under scrutiny. 19:14 – Confidence without perfection: Ann breaks down why waiting to be "ready" holds people back, while Charles reinforces the power of decisive action. 24:37 – Adaptability in fast-moving markets: Ann reveals how staying flexible fuels longevity, while Charles ties adaptability to competitive advantage. 30:02 – Balancing brand and execution: Ann explains how credibility is built through results, while Charles emphasizes alignment between message and action.

    1h 13m
  4. The $50M Exit Playbook Most Founders Don't Know - Chris Van Dusen

    JAN 2

    The $50M Exit Playbook Most Founders Don't Know - Chris Van Dusen

    In this thought-provoking episode, Charles sits down with Chris Van Dusen—investor and managing partner at Solyco Capital—to explore how disciplined thinking, long-term vision, and operational focus drive enduring business value. Chris unpacks his journey into private investing, sharing how Solyco Capital partners with founders and management teams to scale companies with intention, not hype. From evaluating opportunities beyond surface-level metrics to building businesses that can withstand market cycles, Chris explains what truly separates sustainable growth from short-term wins. He dives into the mindset of patient capital—why alignment, leadership, and execution matter just as much as financial engineering—and how the right partnerships unlock exponential outcomes over time. Together, they examine the realities of modern investing, the importance of capital stewardship, and how operators and investors can work in harmony to build companies that last. The conversation reframes success as more than just exits or returns—it's about creating resilient organizations with strong fundamentals, clear strategy, and values that scale. This isn't just a conversation about capital allocation. It's a blueprint for building durable businesses, making smarter investment decisions, and creating long-term value that outlives market cycles. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Chris Van Dusen built his investing philosophy around discipline, patience, and long-term value creation -Why sustainable growth matters more than short-term returns or hype-driven wins -How Solyco Capital partners with operators to scale businesses through alignment and execution -The difference between financial engineering and real operational value Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:08 – Inside the mindset of patient capital: Chris explains how his early experiences shaped his long-term approach to investing—while Charles reframes investing as partnership, not prediction. 05:12 – Beyond the numbers: Chris breaks down why metrics alone don't tell the full story—while Charles highlights the importance of leadership, culture, and execution. 09:47 – What makes a great operator-investor partnership: Chris shares how alignment creates scale—while Charles explores why trust and shared vision unlock value. 14:33 – Financial engineering vs. real growth: Chris explains the danger of chasing leverage—while Charles emphasizes building businesses that last. 19:26 – Capital stewardship and responsibility: Chris discusses the role investors play beyond capital—while Charles reflects on accountability and long-term thinking. 24:58 – Scaling through fundamentals: Chris unpacks how strong systems and processes protect companies during downturns—while Charles connects fundamentals to resilience. 30:41 – Navigating market cycles: Chris explains how patient investors prepare for volatility—while Charles reinforces why timing matters less than durability.

    56 min
  5. The Culture Delusion Everyone Regrets - Jessica Kriegel

    12/18/2025

    The Culture Delusion Everyone Regrets - Jessica Kriegel

    In this insightful episode, Charles sits down with Jessica Kriegel, culture strategist, author, and former Chief Scientist of Workplace Culture at Culture Amp, to explore how values, leadership, and intentional culture drive sustainable performance in modern organizations. Jessica unpacks what workplace culture really is, challenging the idea that it's about perks or slogans, and revealing how shared behaviors and belief systems shape everything from engagement to execution. From helping companies navigate rapid growth and change to decoding why culture breaks down during moments of pressure, Jessica shares what it takes to build environments where people actually thrive. She explains how leaders can translate values into daily actions, create trust at scale, and align teams around a clear sense of purpose, without sacrificing accountability or results. Together, they dive into the future of work, why culture must evolve alongside technology, how transparency and feedback fuel high-performing teams, and why leadership today is less about control and more about connection. This conversation reframes culture as a strategic advantage, not a "soft" concept, and shows how the strongest organizations are built from the inside out. This isn't just a conversation about company culture. It's a blueprint for building workplaces people believe in, contribute to, and choose to stay part of. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Jessica Kriegel became a leading culture strategist by turning data, behavior, and psychology into actionable workplace insights -Why company culture isn't about perks or slogans—but about consistent behaviors and shared beliefs -How leaders unintentionally break culture during periods of growth, pressure, or change -Why values only matter when they show up in daily decisions and actions Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:10 – What culture really means: Jessica challenges the idea that culture is about perks and slogans, while Charles reframes culture as the invisible system driving behavior, trust, and results. 04:55 – How leaders unintentionally break culture: Jessica explains how growth, pressure, and misaligned incentives erode culture, while Charles reflects on why leadership behavior sets the tone more than any mission statement. 09:42 – Values vs. behaviors: Jessica breaks down why values only matter when they show up in daily actions, while Charles emphasizes the gap between what companies say and what they actually reward. 14:28 – Culture as a strategic advantage: Jessica reveals how strong culture directly impacts performance and retention, while Charles explores why culture should be treated like any other core business system. 19:36 – Trust, transparency, and feedback: Jessica explains how open communication fuels engagement, while Charles highlights why feedback loops are essential for high-performing teams. 24:51 – Leadership in the modern workplace: Jessica discusses the shift from control to connection, while Charles ties this evolution to empathy, accountability, and clarity. 30:14 – Navigating change without losing alignment: Jessica shares how organizations can scale without cultural breakdown, while Charles reflects on the importance of consistency during uncertainty.

    1 hr
  6. ALL IN: Navy SEAL Secret to Proven Results - Brent Gleeson

    12/04/2025

    ALL IN: Navy SEAL Secret to Proven Results - Brent Gleeson

    In this powerful and deeply human episode, Charles sits down with Brent Gleeson—Navy SEAL combat veteran, bestselling author, and leadership expert—to explore how discipline, resilience, and radical accountability shape high-performance cultures both on the battlefield and in business. Brent pulls back the curtain on his journey from SEAL Team missions in Iraq and Africa to becoming a sought-after advisor for organizations navigating transformation, trust breakdowns, and change fatigue. He unpacks the core principles that drive elite teams—clarity of mission, extreme ownership, emotional regulation under pressure, and the relentless pursuit of improvement—and reveals how those same habits can rebuild companies, strengthen families, and rewire your personal identity. From confronting loss and hardship to leading with compassion and courage, Brent shares the stories and systems that forged his mindset long before he ever stepped on a stage. KEY POINTS: 01:22 – From SEAL Team missions to the boardroom: Brent opens up about his deployments in Iraq and Africa—while Charles explores how combat forged the leadership philosophy Brent now teaches worldwide. 05:44 – The emotional weight of reintegration: Brent discusses the silent battles veterans face after returning home—while Charles highlights the importance of identity, purpose, and psychological transition. 10:18 – What elite teams get right about culture: Brent breaks down how SEALs create clarity, unity, and accountability—while Charles connects these principles to companies struggling with communication and trust. 15:33 – Why most organizational change fails: Brent explains how behaviors—not slogans—determine success—while Charles reflects on why leaders often underestimate the human side of transformation. 22:07 – Extreme ownership in real life: Brent shares stories of mission planning, failure, and course correction—while Charles emphasizes why great leaders take responsibility before assigning blame. 28:49 – The psychology of resilience: Brent details the coping strategies used in high-stress environments—while Charles ties them to emotional health, burnout, and modern workplace pressure. 33:55 – Leading through fear and uncertainty: Brent reveals how SEALs stay calm under fire—while Charles explores how those same principles apply to crisis leadership in business. RELATED LINKS/PRODUCTS MENTIONED: Gain valuable insights with our Companion Guide  https://provenpodcast.com/all-in-navy-seal-secret-to-proven-results-brent-gleeson/#guide KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Brent Gleeson transitioned from Navy SEAL combat missions to becoming a leading authority on culture and organizational change -Why accountability, clarity of mission, and emotional discipline are the backbone of elite performance -The psychological cost of combat and the challenge of reintegrating into civilian life -Why organizational change fails without trust, aligned behavior, and consistent communication Visit our site: https://provenpodcast.com/ The Proven Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theprovenpodcast/ THE PROVEN PODCAST FREE RESOURCES: Get all the reports from our guests, and their secrets-their success is exposed and ready to be repeated by you through our reports: https://provenpodcast.com/ FEATURED GUEST/PEOPLE MENTIONED: Brent Gleeson: https://www.exlr8.ai/ Charles Schwartz: https://www.instagram.com/iamcharlesschwartz/ CONNECT WITH US:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcharlesschwartz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcharlesschwartz/ PODCAST:  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-charles-schwartz-show/id1744386875 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5dc9KqFWEz5b4RfGqbx4eC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theprovenpodcast --------------------------------- Brent Gleeson is a Navy SEAL combat veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, author, and acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and building high performance teams to culture, resilience, and organizational transformation. Upon leaving SEAL Team 5, Brent turned his discipline and battlefield lessons to the world of business and has become an accomplished entrepreneur, best-selling author and acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and building high performance teams to culture and organizational transformation.  He is the author of All In: The Pathway to Personal Growth and Professional Excellence (on-sale December 2, 2025). Pre-order All In by Brent Gleeson link: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/brent-gleeson/all-in/9781668652077/?lens=balance

    1h 2m
  7. Unlocking the Infinite Money Banking System - Chris Naugle

    11/12/2025

    Unlocking the Infinite Money Banking System - Chris Naugle

    In this eye-opening episode, Charles sits down with Chris Naugle—former pro snowboarder turned wealth strategist and founder of The Money Multiplier—to unpack the unconventional mindset behind true financial freedom. From humble beginnings in Buffalo to building a career on Wall Street and beyond, Chris shares how a series of hard-won lessons led him to one radical idea: become your own bank. Together, they break down how infinite banking works in plain English—why it's not about chasing crypto or timing the market, but about understanding how money actually moves. Chris reveals how he helps entrepreneurs, investors, and everyday people recapture control of their finances, earn uninterrupted compounding returns, and build wealth that's protected from market chaos. They go deep into real estate investing, tax strategy, and the future of money—from cost segregation and private banking to how digital currency and policy shifts could reshape financial systems forever. Through it all, Charles and Chris challenge traditional beliefs about debt, risk, and what "security" really means. This isn't just a conversation about money—it's a blueprint for reclaiming control, mastering cash flow, and building generational wealth that works for you, not against you. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Chris Naugle went from pro snowboarder to multimillionaire wealth strategist -Why the "infinite banking concept" can help you become your own source of financing -The difference between saving money and making money work for you -How to recapture interest you're giving away to banks and lenders Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:12 – From snowboarder to wealth strategist: Chris opens up about his early days chasing adrenaline on the slopes—and how a career-ending fall pushed him into the world of finance. Charles draws parallels between risk on the mountain and risk in money. 05:40 – Losing it all—and learning the rules of money: Chris shares how the 2008 crash wiped out everything he'd built—and how it became the turning point that led him to rethink everything he knew about wealth. 09:25 – The money multiplier mindset: Chris explains how he discovered the principles behind infinite banking—while Charles explores why most people never learn how money actually works. 14:18 – Becoming your own bank: Chris breaks down the strategy of using properly structured whole life insurance to create liquidity, control, and uninterrupted compounding—while Charles connects it to entrepreneurial freedom. 20:46 – Breaking the myth of debt: Chris challenges the belief that all debt is bad—while Charles highlights how strategic leverage can accelerate financial independence. 26:10 – The power of cash flow over net worth: Chris shows why it's not about how much you have, but how efficiently your money moves—while Charles dives into how mindset determines financial destiny. 31:33 – Creating generational wealth: Chris unpacks how families can pass down knowledge, not just money—while Charles emphasizes the role of discipline, education, and purpose.

    53 min
  8. The Surprising Future of AI with Fathom's Founder - Richard White

    10/15/2025

    The Surprising Future of AI with Fathom's Founder - Richard White

    In this candid and fast-moving episode, Charles sits down with Richard White—founder and CEO of Fathom AI, the top-rated AI note-taking platform on G2 and HubSpot—to unpack the truth behind the AI gold rush. Richard shares why only 5% of internal AI initiatives actually succeed, and what separates innovation from illusion in today's hype-driven market. Together, they dig deep into the harsh realities of building and buying AI software—from skyrocketing failure rates and short model lifecycles to the "LLM treadmill" that forces companies to constantly rebuild just to keep up. Richard breaks down why most big corporations are struggling to adapt, how startups can outmaneuver them with speed and focus, and why the future of work will favor the few who learn to "think with AI." The conversation stretches beyond business—exploring the coming social upheaval, the rise of one-person billion-dollar companies, and the ethical crossroads of automation, employment, and human creativity. Both Charles and Richard keep it honest, funny, and forward-looking as they challenge listeners to rethink what it means to lead, learn, and stay relevant in the AI age. This isn't just another talk about artificial intelligence—it's a survival guide for entrepreneurs, employees, and visionaries navigating the most disruptive technological shift since fire itself. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -Why the future belongs to those who learn to think with AI, not compete against it -How automation is paving the way for one-person billion-dollar companies -The ethical and human implications of an AI-driven economy—and how to stay grounded amid disruption -The mindset shifts needed to stay relevant, creative, and adaptable in the AI age Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:18 – The 5% reality check: Richard opens up about why 95% of internal AI initiatives fail—while Charles unpacks what separates companies that truly innovate from those just chasing the hype. 04:42 – From bootstrapping to breakthrough: Richard shares the journey of building Fathom AI into a top-rated platform—while Charles highlights the timeless lessons in execution, focus, and product-market fit. 08:15 – The LLM treadmill explained: Richard reveals how rapid model updates force companies to constantly rebuild—while Charles reflects on why adaptability is now the ultimate competitive edge. 13:28 – The illusion of enterprise AI: Richard breaks down why corporate AI projects struggle to deliver results—while Charles explores how small, agile teams can move faster and smarter. 20:04 – Thinking with AI, not competing against it: Richard discusses how humans and AI can complement each other—while Charles reframes the idea of "AI replacement" into one of "AI augmentation." 26:51 – The one-person billion-dollar company: Richard predicts a future where automation and leverage allow individuals to achieve massive scale—while Charles examines what this means for the workforce and leadership. 34:22 – Ethics, disruption, and the human future: Richard warns about the social impact of AI's rapid acceleration—while Charles challenges listeners to shape technology with purpose, empathy, and accountability. 41:10 – Staying relevant in the age of acceleration: Richard closes by sharing how curiosity and lifelong learning keep innovators ahead—while Charles reminds us that the real advantage isn't AI itself—it's how you use it.

    51 min
4.5
out of 5
281 Ratings

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Welcome to the Proven Podcast, where it does not matter what you think, only what you can prove.

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