Black Belts and Boardrooms

Episodes

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  S2.EP69 - Running a Lemonade Stand at Scale w/ Patrick Bentley, Global Lead at Google 26.10.2026 1h 35m

  AI can speed up work—but it can also remove the “reps” that build great leaders, engineers, and judgment. In this episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, hosts Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry talk with Patrick Bentley about how to use AI without losing the human expertise behind the work.Patrick shares why learning to sew became an unexpected lesson in design, STEM, patience, and problem-solving. He connects that hands-on experience to AI and argues that the process of working through difficult tasks helps people develop the skills they’ll need to create and evaluate what AI produces.The conversation explores the “doorman fallacy”—the danger of cutting visible costs while overlooking the less obvious value people provide. Patrick also discusses vibe coding, the changing role of engineers, and why companies need to preserve the experience and institutional knowledge that help teams solve problems when things go wrong.Drawing on his work at AWS and Google, Patrick reflects on the challenges of teaching rapidly changing AI technologies, the importance of validating AI-generated work with human expertise, and why leaders should focus on customer value—not efficiency metrics alone. The discussion also asks bigger questions about organizational design, incentives, and the future of work.In this episode:How sewing can build creative and technical problem-solving skillsWhen AI is a helpful learning tool—and when it becomes a crutchWhy leaders should protect opportunities for people to build expertiseHow AI is changing engineering work from writing code to designing systemsWhy human judgment and validation still matterWhat organizations might need to rethink as AI transforms workPatrick Bentley is the Global Lead of Specialized Training at Google and writes Worth Automating, a newsletter about AI use cases, signal versus noise, and the behavioral side of technology.
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  S2.EP68 - Understanding Urgent vs Important w/ Jeff Stovall, CIO at the City of Dallas 12.10.2026 1h 14m

  What does it take to lead technology for a major city when every decision is public, essential services must stay online, and AI is changing the rules? Jeff Stovall, CIO of the City of Dallas, shares what happens behind the scenes to keep a city running—and why leading in public service means balancing innovation, transparency, and risk.Hosts Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry talk with Jeff about moving from Charlotte to Dallas, adapting his leadership to a new organization, and why the same playbook doesn’t work everywhere. Jeff explains how a municipal CIO supports dozens of departments, from public safety to city services, and how technology helps deliver outcomes for residents.In this episode, you’ll hear about:How leadership changes across organizations and sectorsWhy public-sector success is measured by civic outcomes, not profitThe technology and cybersecurity work that supports 911, first responders, and city servicesHow Dallas approaches AI’s potential—and the risks of autonomous attacksWhy transparency, public trust, and technology choices are increasingly connectedJeff’s advice for leaders: understand the organization’s biggest problems and focus on where you can have the greatest impactThe difference between what’s urgent and what’s importantJeff also shares how he thinks about technology budgets, aging systems, accessibility, and responsible AI—including why he wouldn’t let AI decide how to respond to a life-threatening emergency.If you’re interested in leadership, cybersecurity, AI, or how technology supports local government, this conversation offers a revealing look at the people and decisions working behind the scenes to serve a city.About Jeff Stovall: Jeff is the CIO of the City of Dallas and the first CIO of the City of Charlotte. His career spans engineering, private-sector IT, and public service.
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  S2.EP67 - Let's Help People Be Better With Data w/Pedro Arellano, CEO at Wallabi 05.10.2026 1h 16m

  In this episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, hosts Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry talk with Pedro Arellano, CEO of Wallaby, about what it really takes to make AI useful, trustworthy, and valuable.Drawing on nearly 30 years in data, analytics, and enterprise technology—including leadership roles at MicroStrategy, Tableau, Salesforce, and Google—Pedro explains why AI initiatives should start with a strong data foundation, not just a new model. He shares practical examples, including how AI-supported work could help reduce a complex quoting process from four or five days to under a minute, and why a traditional SQL solution can sometimes be a better fit than machine learning.In this conversation, you’ll hear about:Why data readiness is the foundation of successful AI adoptionHow to think about AI’s return on investmentThe difference between using AI to improve efficiency and using it to create new growthHow to build sensible governance without stopping experimentationWhy AI should augment people rather than replace human judgmentThe importance of critical thinking and a human review stepPedro also discusses how organizations can help employees experiment safely, where AI should—and shouldn’t—interact with customers, and why people and culture are often the hardest parts of adopting new technology.If you’re a leader figuring out how to bring AI into your organization responsibly and effectively, this episode offers a grounded perspective on where to begin.
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  S2.EP66 - Think Like Operator, Not A Technologists w/ Tim Youngblood, CSO at Onyx Security 28.09.2026 1h 18m

  Timothy Youngblood shares how he became the first CISO at Dell and Kimberly-Clark, helped transform security programs at major global companies, and later moved into AI strategy and angel investing. He explains how to lead through compliance failures, align executives, manage risk, and build functions that do not yet exist.The conversation also explores how HBCU experiences shaped Tim’s persistence, how working in McDonald’s restaurants changed his approach to cybersecurity, and how leaders can transition from operational roles to strategic decision-making. Tim also reveals his framework for evaluating startups: people, problem, progress, and price.What does it take to walk into a compliance failure, build a security function from the ground up, and become the first CISO at multiple Fortune 100 companies?In this episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry sit down with Timothy Youngblood for a candid conversation about leadership, cybersecurity, risk management, AI, and investing.Tim shares how he helped Dell respond to a major IT controls crisis during the early days of Sarbanes-Oxley, built risk management functions, and created security programs at companies including Dell, Kimberly-Clark, McDonald’s, and T-Mobile.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to lead when the function, role, or organizational structure does not yet existHow Tim helped turn Dell’s failed IT controls into a global operating modelWhy the “meeting before the meeting” is essential for managing executive risk discussionsHow The Six Thinking Hats can help leaders separate facts, emotions, risks, and opportunitiesWhat Tim learned by working directly in McDonald’s restaurantsHow to secure complex global environments with millions of users and constantly changing systemsWhy cybersecurity leaders need to understand how the business actually makes moneyHow to transition from operational leadership into strategy and product thinkingHow AI agents create new security and cost-management challengesTim’s four-part framework for evaluating startups: people, problem, progress, and priceWhy aspiring angel investors need to build relationships and enter the right communitiesTim also discusses the importance of representation, persistence, HBCU experiences, mentorship, and learning directly from the people who use the systems leaders are responsible for protecting.Whether you work in cybersecurity, technology, risk, operations, entrepreneurship, or investing, this episode offers a practical look at how to build influence, solve complex problems, and create meaningful change.Watch the full conversation and subscribe to Black Belts and Boardrooms for more leadership stories from people who have earned their stripes through discipline, hard work, and commitment to never quitting.
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  S2.EP65 - The 12,000-Horsepower Truth About Top Fuel Racing w/ Nancy Matter, NHRA Funny Car Driver 21.09.2026 1h 14m

  Nancy Matter is building a 12,000-horsepower Top Fuel funny car, running a business, and turning every setback into fuel. If you want to understand what real grit looks like under pressure, this conversation is it.Amir Khwaja and Renard Henry catch up with the returning friend of the podcast to hear how far her racing program has come since April. Nancy shares what it takes to prepare a brand-new Top Fuel machine from the ground up, why every millimeter matters in a car that can run over 300 miles per hour, and how she is balancing sponsorships, parts, safety systems, and race-day logistics while still leading with purpose.You’ll hear Nancy break down:The jump from her nostalgia funny car program to the far more extreme Top Fuel setupWhy a good crew is everything, from clutch work to fire suppression to extraction planningHow she is using branded shirts, sponsor relationships, and community partnerships to keep the car moving forwardWhy she created Racers Igniting Hope, repurposing used spark plugs into fundraising items that have helped veterans and families in crisisWhat makes drag racing uniquely accessible, and why in-person racing changes everythingRenard and Amir also dig into leadership, loyalty, women in motorsports, and the mindset required to keep pushing when the money, the parts, and the pressure all stack up at once. Nancy’s perspective is equal parts practical, inspiring, and relentlessly forward-moving.This episode is packed with motorsports insight, entrepreneurial hustle, and a reminder that the people who say “I can’t” are usually the ones who have not met Nancy Matter yet. Perfect for racing fans, builders, founders, and anyone who needs a shot of fearless momentum.
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  S2.EP64 - Building a Business on the Back of a Napkin w/ Chris Berry, CEO at Echelle Resources 14.09.2026 1h 20m

  Most companies treat quality like a checkbox. Chris Berry treats it like the business model—and that mindset has powered everything from automotive validation software to a wearable that can alert loved ones before a health issue turns serious.Amir Khawaja and co-host Renard Henry sit down with Chris Berry, founder and CEO of Echelle Resources, for a conversation that moves from Air Force boot camp to Android development, from a napkin sketch in an Alabama microbrewery to building products for regulated industries that cannot afford to get it wrong.If you care about leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship, AI governance, or what it really takes to solve hard problems in the real world, this episode belongs on your list.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why Echelle means “climbing the ladder” in French, and how Chris used that idea to build his own path to the C-suiteHow a military mindset shaped his approach to documentation, repeatable processes, and hiring people who are coachableWhy his teams start young developers on unit tests before feature work—and how that builds stronger engineersThe back-of-the-napkin origin story behind eShell, and how one late-night idea became a real businessHow CareWatch was born from a deeply personal healthcare experience and evolved into a wearable that tracks vital signs and flags anomaliesWhy Chris believes AI is a tool, not a replacementWhy AI governance will matter even more in healthcare, automotive, finance, and other regulated industriesWhat the future may hold for autonomous vehicles, drone delivery, data ownership, and FinOpsWhy organizations must balance innovation and speed with discipline, quality, and human judgmentChris also shares candid insights about failure, resilience, entrepreneurship, the transition from military service to civilian life, and why the best opportunities often come when preparation meets opportunity.Chris Berry is the founder and CEO of Echelle Resources, a Dublin, Ohio-based
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  S2.EP63 - You're Always Being Interviewed w/ Amy Sulgrove, Founder & CEO at Talent Executives 07.09.2026 1h 14m

  Most candidates are judged on the wrong things, and most hiring managers are missing the signals that actually predict success. Talent recruiter Amy Sulgrove pulls back the curtain on executive search and shows how to spot real leadership, not just polished resumes.Joined by co-hosts Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry, Amy breaks down how top recruiters think behind the scenes - from the intake brief that reveals what a company really needs, to the metrics that make a resume stand out, to the networking habits that create warm introductions long before you need them.You'll discover why titles can be misleading, why cover letters are losing their power, and why a candidate's LinkedIn profile should be built for search, not just appearance. Amy also explains how her team uses the Hogan assessment, why they sometimes challenge a client’s assumptions, and how 90 days of post-placement executive coaching helps new hires actually succeed after the offer is signed.She also shares the hard-earned lessons that shaped Talent Executives Group, including why cheap searches often cost more in the long run, why ghosting candidates damages reputation on both sides, and why recruiting is still, at its core, a people business. If you’re job hunting, hiring, or trying to understand what makes leaders truly stand out, this conversation is packed with practical, immediately useful advice.Perfect for executives, job seekers, HR leaders, and anyone who wants a smarter view of how great hires are really made.
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  S2.EP62 - Build Without Burnout w/ Adnan Khawaja, Founder & CEO of Sky Vista Consulting 31.08.2026 1h 19m

  Most entrepreneurs fail because they try to do everything alone, too early, and without a system. Adnan Khawaja built multiple businesses by doing the opposite - leading teams, creating processes, and staying in his lane long enough to turn side hustles into real companies.On this episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, Amir Khawaja and co-host Renard Henry sit down with Amir’s brother, Adnan Khawaja, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to survive entrepreneurship over decades. Adnan shares how cricket shaped the way he leads, why open-door culture beats ego-driven management, and how he went from learning code on Craigslist to running a portfolio of businesses that includes Sky Vista 360, Altivist Group, and more.You’ll discover:Why “working on the business” matters more than doing everything yourselfThe exact process mistake that cost him team members and slowed growthHow he used side work, late nights, and a nest egg to leave his day job safelyWhy income-producing activities, not busywork, drive real momentumHow travel, sports, and even video games help him avoid burnout and stay sharpAdnan also breaks down the role of leadership culture in retention, why remote work works best for many of his teams, and how he evaluates whether a new business idea is worth the risk. He gets practical about scaling, hiring, delegation, and the difference between a clever idea and a business that can actually last.If you’re building a company, thinking about leaving your corporate job, or trying to turn ambition into something sustainable, this conversation gives you the mindset and the systems to do it without burning out. Essential listening for founders, operators, and anyone ready to build something bigger than themselves.Find Adnan Khawaja at: ak@skyvistaconsulting.com
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  S2.EP61 - Leave Your Ego At The Door, w/ Kevyn Rustici, Podcast Host & COO at Boulter Industrial Contractors 24.08.2026 1h 19m

  What if the biggest barrier to better leadership is the ego you think is helping you?Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry sit down with Kevin Rustici, VP and Chief Operating Officer of Boulter Industrial Contractors, for a raw conversation about self-awareness, emotional discipline, and why the best leaders don’t manage people - they learn how to truly see them.Kevin shares how he went from giving advice to confronting his own blind spots, why “awareness” changed the way he leads, and how he rebuilt his mindset around intention, presence, and self-forgiveness. The discussion goes deep on the inner work behind leadership, from naming his inner critic to breaking free from old patterns, external validation, and the need to always be “the fixer.”You’ll discover:Why ego is less about arrogance and more about unconscious habits that steer your decisionsHow self-awareness helps leaders catch destructive thought loops before they become behaviorWhy “love over fear” creates stronger teams than punishment, pressure, or KPI obsessionHow Kevin leads a fifth-generation, 135-year-old industrial contracting company without losing the human side of businessWhy financial literacy, life skills, and listening to frontline employees can improve both culture and performanceKevin also explains why he believes leadership is an action, not a title, and why true growth starts when you stop performing for approval and start asking better questions. Amir and Renard push the conversation into what it means to lead with presence, build trust, and create a workplace where people can actually thrive.We also get the origin story behind Time Out with Leaders, the podcast Kevin co-hosts with Tyler, including how a pandemic-era networking connection turned into a long-term creative partnership built on curiosity, honesty, and fun. Along the way, the conversation touches on AI, the future of skilled trades, why blue-collar work still powers the world, and how curiosity may be one of the most important traits leaders need to protect.Essential listening if you’re a leader, operator, manager, founder, or anyone trying to grow without losing yourself in the process.
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  S2.EP60 - Financial Freedom with Roger Silvera, Financial Advisor at New York Life Securities 17.08.2026 1h 6m

  The smartest leaders are not just building careers - they are building financial freedom, personal brands, and a future they can actually control. Roger Silvera breaks down why the best executives think like entrepreneurs, how to keep more of what you earn, and why "retirement" is the wrong word for the life transition most high performers are planning toward.Host Amir Khawaja and co-host Renard Henry sit down with Roger Silvera, who helps executives navigate executive compensation, tax strategy, and long-term legacy planning without getting lost in the weeds. If you are a director, VP, C-suite leader, or a high performer preparing for your next chapter, this conversation gives you a sharper way to think about money, mentorship, and momentum.You'll discover:Why Roger says every professional is the CEO of their own personal services corporationHow transferable skills like communication, negotiation, and relationship-building become your real insurance in an AI-driven economyThe difference between a tax preparer and a tax strategist, and why that matters when your compensation growsHow proactive planning teams can help you protect wealth, reduce blind spots, and prepare for a smarter transitionWhy mentorship works best when you show up as a co-equal partner, not just someone with your hand outRoger also shares how LinkedIn became a genuine business gateway, why high-touch relationships still matter more than automation, and what he looks for in clients who are serious about growing. Renard adds perspective on the money conversations many families never had, while Amir pushes the discussion into brand, leadership, and what it really means to prepare for the future.This episode is for anyone who has outgrown simple career advice and wants a better framework for building wealth, influence, and options. If you have ever wondered how to think beyond the paycheck and toward the life you want next, this one belongs in your queue.
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  S2.EP59 - Build The Boat You Sail w/ Zack Tembi, CEO at Single Fin 10.08.2026 1h 29m

  Most AI conversations are missing the only question that matters - is any of this actually working? Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry sit down with Zack Tembi, CEO of Single Fin and creator of CIO Surge, to unpack how leaders separate real signal from hype in sales, startups, and AI.Zach’s career spans enterprise sales, entrepreneurship, angel investing, and advising Fortune 500 companies, which gives him a rare vantage point on what actually scales and what quietly falls apart. From reading rooms in high-stakes sales to evaluating founders in 30-minute meetings, he shares the instincts and frameworks that help him spot strong ideas before the market catches up.You'll discover how Zack thinks about elite selling as listening, not pitching, why curiosity is one of the most underrated leadership traits, and how surfing shaped his approach to discipline, repetition, and resilience. He also breaks down the founder qualities that matter most to investors, why long-term vision beats quarter-by-quarter thinking, and how one humble software engineer turned into a unicorn CEO.We also dig into the future of AI inside enterprise teams - from ghost tasks and agent builders to the changing role of executives, the rise of line-of-business builders, and why companies now need more generalists who can move fast without losing control. Zack shares how he uses AI agents for due diligence, how he filters venture opportunities, and what Fortune 500 leaders need to do now if they want to stay ahead.If you’re a leader, founder, operator, or investor trying to make smarter decisions in a world where AI makes everything feel faster and noisier, this conversation gives you a practical lens for what matters, what doesn’t, and where the real opportunity is. Essential listening if you want to be a better builder in the age of AI.
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  S2.EP58 - The Human Protocol w/ Mykel Salomon, Podcast Host & Global Support Director 03.08.2026 1h 10m

  In this episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry sit down with Mykel Solomon, host of The Human Protocol, for a thoughtful conversation about the real impact of AI on people, teams, and culture.Mykel shares why he created his podcast, how a human-first lens shapes his view of AI adoption, and why strategy, trust, and intentional leadership matter more than chasing quick ROI. The discussion explores how leaders can prepare teams for change, avoid reactionary decisions, and keep human connection at the center of innovation.They also dig into podcasting, culture, leadership, and the future of work, with honest reflections on fear, growth, and what it means to stay grounded in an increasingly automated world.If you’re thinking about AI, leadership, or the future of work, this conversation offers a clear reminder: technology may change fast, but human values still lead the way.
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  S2.EP57 - AI’s Rapid Rise Is Changing Boardrooms w/ Dr. KJ Haywood, Founder of Nomad Cyber Concepts 27.07.2026 1h 17m

  Unlock the secrets to mastering AI governance before it’s too late. In a rapidly evolving landscape where AI impact extends across every business function, are you prepared to lead confidently—and safely? If you're a leader, board member, or cybersecurity professional feeling behind the curve, this episode is your essential wake-up call.Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry sit down with Dr. Kimberly KJ Haywood, a trailblazing AI and cybersecurity governance expert, to dissect the critical steps you need to take today to safeguard your organization’s future. She reveals why literacy around AI isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have for every decision-maker. Her insights expose the myth that governance frameworks alone can solve everything; instead, she emphasizes layered strategies, practical playbooks, and the importance of building trust from the ground up.You'll discover:The true scope and risks of AI in business and what happens if you ignore governance, including real-world examples from Fortune 500s.How to approach AI oversight with a layered, cake-like framework blending controls, controls, and more controls—without over-complicating it.The key questions every leader should ask vendors and internal teams about AI solutions, security, and legal risks, especially for small and mid-market companies.Why AI literacy is accessible to everyone—no PhD required—and how to start retooling your skills today.The emerging role of dedicated AI governance officers and how building an enterprise-wide culture of transparency and integrity can future-proof your organization.This episode isn’t just about avoiding disaster—it's about seizing the massive opportunity AI offers to those who lead with knowledge and discipline. Whether you’re building an AI roadmap, re-evaluating your risk controls, or trying to understand where AI fits into your business, Dr. Kimberly's expertise illuminates the path forward. Don’t get left behind in the AI race—get ahead.Perfect for CIOs, CISOs, board members, startup founders, and strategic leaders committed to responsible innovation. Prepare to challenge your assumptions and elevate your AI governance game—because the organizations that dominate tomorrow are those who understand and lead today.Connect with Dr. Kimberly KJ Haywood and learn more about her game-changing work at NomadCyberConcepts.com, and grab her acclaimed book, “Here We Go Again, Except It's AI,” now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.Get ready to think differently about AI—from layered frameworks to the importance of people and culture. Hit play now, and start transforming your AI risks into competitive advantages.
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  S2.EP56 - Authenticity & Grace Define Great Leaders w/ Dani Chou, Podcast Host of With Hat & Cattle 20.07.2026 1h 6m

  In this episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, Amir Khawaja and Renard Henry sit down with Dani Chou to explore what leadership looks like from the perspective of an executive assistant and former city planner. Dani shares how working closely with senior leaders taught her about confidence, grace, decision-making, trust, and the importance of being authentic in leadership. The conversation also dives into the loneliness of leadership, the power of listening, and how strong leaders empower the people around them.Dani opens up about her career pivot from city planning to executive support, the lessons she learned navigating politics, conflict, and high-pressure decisions, and how those experiences shaped her voice and self-confidence. The episode also touches on her podcasting journey, her nonprofit Orca Bun Runners, and how her personal growth has influenced both her professional and personal life.If you’re a leader, aspiring leader, or someone who wants to better understand how great leadership really works behind the scenes, this episode is packed with practical insight and heartfelt stories.
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  S2.EP55 - The Clarity Code w/ Jeremy Scott, Author & Director of Strategy at Baxter International 13.07.2026 1h 22m

  Most leaders stumble in the dark because they lack clarity — but what if gaining clarity is simpler than you think? Jeremy Scott’s transformative framework, The Clarity Code, reveals how to navigate setbacks, clear mental fog, and stay unstuck long enough to reach your goals. This isn’t just theory; it’s a practical map for transforming confusion into confidence in any space—whether in health tech, corporate corridors, or life’s toughest moments.Jeremy’s journey from healthcare innovator to award-winning inventor and strategic clarity coach exemplifies the power of resilient focus. He shares how his experiences—from building medical devices that earned NASA’s Innovation of the Year, to navigating corporate politics and setbacks—led him to craft a seven-move system that shrinks the gap between where you are and where you want to be. You’ll discover actionable steps like confronting your reality, reframing limiting beliefs, and leveraging unseen resources—all built to keep your momentum sustainable.We break down: the counterintuitive truth that clarity isn’t a feeling, but a discipline; the importance of vulnerability in embracing your current state; and how continuous learning fuels innovation—both in technology and in your leadership. Jeremy emphasizes that mastering clarity is the key to not just achieving goals, but transforming how you lead and live—especially when faced with setbacks or uncertain futures.In a world full of noise, the opportunity lies in seeing clearly. With Jeremy’s proven methods, you’ll learn to navigate life’s complexities with confidence—powered by clarity, resilience, and a growth mindset. Perfect for leaders, innovators, or anyone tired of feeling stuck, this episode guides you to unlock your potential and keep moving forward, no matter the challenge.Jeremy Scott is an award-winning healthcare innovator, author, and strategic clarity coach, known for helping high achievers turn complexity into action. His work flips the script on traditional thinking, revealing how clarity is the foundation of true leadership and sustainable success.Whether you’re an executive facing a tough decision, a founder building your next breakthrough, or a lifelong learner seeking clarity, this episode delivers practical insight you can apply today. Prepare to see your obstacles in a new light and emerge equipped to keep moving—unstuck.#BlackBeltsandBoardrooms #ExecutiveLeadership #Clarity
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  S2.EP54 - The Secret to Staying Hungry w/ Lance Moore, Super Bowl XLIV Champion 06.07.2026 1h 5m

  In this episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, we sit down with former New Orleans Saints wide receiver and Super Bowl 44 champion Lance Moore for a powerful conversation about perseverance, discipline, and rebuilding success after setbacks.Lance shares the reality of going undrafted, fighting through injuries, earning his place in the NFL, and making one of the most iconic catches in Saints history during the Super Bowl run. We also talk about the mindset it takes to stay in the league, the importance of mentorship, the challenges athletes face after retirement, and why legacy is about much more than football.From martial arts to football, from the practice squad to the Super Bowl, Lance’s story is a reminder that success is rarely a straight line — and that staying ready, staying hungry, and controlling what you can control can change everything.Key topics covered:• Going undrafted and proving yourself anyway• The mentality behind lasting in the NFL• The famous Super Bowl 44 two-point conversion• Life after football and identity beyond the game• Leadership, mentorship, and legacy• Why giving back matters in sports and businessSubscribe for more conversations at the intersection of sports, leadership, discipline, and business.#LanceMoore #NewOrleansSaints #SuperBowl44 #BlackBeltsandBoardrooms #NFL #Leadership #Perseverance #Mentorship #SportsPodcast
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  S2.EP53 - Discipline & Success w/ Dave Crull, CFO at Jackson Square Aviation & BJJ Black Belt 29.06.2026 1h 9m

  In this episode of Black Belts and Boardrooms, host Amir Khawaja and co-host Renard Henry sit down with Dave Crull, CFO of a major aviation company, black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Marine Corps veteran, and nonprofit leader behind Mat Mission.Dave shares how the discipline of jiu-jitsu translates into leadership, why having a coach matters in every season of your career, and how his path from aircraft mechanic to finance executive was shaped by major change, hard lessons, and a commitment to growth. The conversation also explores mentorship, longevity, humility, adaptability, and how AI is reshaping the future of finance and business.If you’re interested in leadership, personal development, martial arts, executive coaching, and the mindset required to stay resilient in high-pressure environments, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom.
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  S2.EP52 - The Boardroom Journey w/ Dr. Keith Dorsey, Seasoned Board Member & Author 22.06.2026 1h 17m

  Unlock the secret to advancing your leadership journey—it's not just what you know, but who knows you. Keith Dorsey, a seasoned board member and organizational change expert, reveals how to strategically position yourself for boardroom success, even if you think it’s out of reach. His journey from military service to corporate turnaround specialist, and now a trusted advisor on governance, is a masterclass in how intentionality and relationship-building open doors most overlook.In this episode, Keith shares actionable insights on cultivating the network that matters—by showing up authentically and adding value where it counts. You'll discover how to craft your personal brand in every conversation, leveraging every interaction as an interview for your next board role. He breaks down how to identify and fill the skill gaps that make you "board ready"—without relying solely on qualifications, but through strategic self-investment.Keith also dives into the importance of understanding diversity from a deeper, more impactful perspective—one rooted in community, differing perspectives, and authentic inclusion. He challenges the myths around meritocracy and explains how to shift from just doing good to being seen as a must-have in any boardroom. Plus, he offers practical advice for high-level executives seeking to break into boards, emphasizing the power of nonprofit service and intentional career planning over time.
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  S2.EP51 - Fall In Love With The Problem with Aftab Banth, Podcast Host & Former CISO of Tik Tok 15.06.2026 1h 15m

  Most cybersecurity leaders focus on technology, but the true secret to leadership lies in something much deeper—people, trust, and vulnerability. Aftab Banth shares how embracing failures publicly, fostering authentic relationships, and building trust can transform your influence in any organization—especially at the hyperscale level.In this episode, Aftab reveals the mindset shifts that helped him lead at global giants like TikTok and how trust fundamentally changes the way security functions within a business. You’ll discover why doing the simple things well can prevent the biggest failures, how vulnerability accelerates team cohesion, and why authenticity is the most effective form of leadership. His approach challenges the conventional tech mindset, emphasizing that technical expertise alone isn't enough—it's about human connection, integrity, and the courage to show imperfections.We break down actionable insights on how to influence across cultures, manage rapid technological change (like AI), and build a security strategy rooted in trust rather than fear. Aftab emphasizes that success is not about being perfect but about continuous growth—something every leader and aspiring professional needs to hear in today’s fast-moving world. If you're navigating complexity or trying to influence at scale, this episode offers clarity and courage to lead with authenticity.Whether you're a seasoned security executive, a startup founder, or climbing the corporate ladder, you'll leave with a new perspective: true leadership starts with vulnerability and trust. Get ready to rethink what it means to lead effectively in a complex, interconnected world.
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  S2.EP50 - 50th Episode Special: Black Belts vs The Boardroom 08.06.2026 56m

  Most leaders are missing a secret sauce that martial arts masterfully teaches: resilience, humility, and unshakable mental toughness—lessons that don't just stay on the mat. In this episode, Renard Henry and Amir Khawaja reveal how their martial arts journeys shape their approach to leadership, vulnerability, and growth—both in the boardroom and in life.We explore the transformative power of humility, patience, and continuous learning—values reinforced through decades of martial arts discipline. You'll discover how earning every belt, especially the elusive black belt, mirrors leadership development: it's not about titles but about mastering oneself and giving back to others. Renard and Amir share candid stories of their own progression, the humility of coming close to giving up, and why humility is the real strength in leadership.Key insights include: the importance of patience in growth, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and the mindset shift from chasing titles to serving others. You'll learn how martial arts foster resilience, teach you to embrace failure as an opportunity, and develop mental toughness that withstands life's crises. Whether you're in corporate America or just starting your leadership journey, these lessons help you develop grit, adaptability, and empathy—traits that make you truly formidable.This episode is essential for anyone seeking practical, timeless principles to elevate their leadership through the lens of martial arts wisdom. It's about more than fighting; it's about fighting for your best self and lifting others along the way. If you’re ready to unlock your true potential, sharpen your focus, and lead with humility and confidence, this conversation is your blueprint.Whether you're a martial artist, a corporate leader, or simply someone eager to become better—this episode will inspire you to see leadership differently: as a continuous journey of humility, growth, and service. Hit play and redefine what it means to be a leader.