Welcome to Season 3 of the Bonafide Leaders podcast, with this season's theme focusing on the intersection of sports, business, and leadership. Tim kicks off this season with his personal stories about how his upbringing and early experiences in sports shaped his understanding of leadership. He also discusses the concept that leadership has the power to transform entire organizations, with motivation being a key component. By working with leaders to identify their strengths and gaps, Tim aims to help them create more effective teams.

Even though the season's theme is sports-centered, Tim assures listeners that the lessons shared will be relevant to everyone, regardless of their interest or involvement in sports. By drawing parallels between the attributes developed through sports and their application in business leadership, the season promises to offer insights relevant to leaders across various fields.

You can connect with Tim at: https://www.bonafideleaders.com/

Key Topics Discussed:

• Importance of motivation in business success
• Tim's personal journey and influences
• The role of leadership in transforming organizations
• Tim's background and experiences in sports
• Season's theme: Intersection of sports, business, and leadership
• Continuing growth and learning leadership roles

In this episode, Tim welcomes Kevin Chadwick, Chief Campus Officer at Northwest Mutual in Northern Virginia, for a fascinating conversation. Kevin shares a vivid journey of his professional and personal evolution, detailing his aspiration to coach the San Francisco 49ers for a week, reflecting his love for football and the value of teamwork. They discuss how his early career experiences, familial influences, and essential leadership lessons shaped his path, emphasizing the significance of personal and professional growth, mainly through challenging life events.

Kevin also shares stories of navigating his career from an intern to a leadership role, constantly driven by a mission to make an impact rather than merely an impression. He reflects on the guidance from his late father and brother, discussing the importance of core values, adaptability, and a supportive team.

To connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com

Key Topics Discussed:

• Kevin Chadwick’s desire to coach the San Francisco 49ers for a week
• His football background and admiration for Jerry Rice.
• Kevin's career journey from an intern at Northwestern Mutual to chief campus officer
• Influences from his family, particularly his father, Adolphus, and his brother
• Leadership philosophy: "Make an impact, not an impression"
• Experiences and challenges in moving for career opportunities
• Importance of leadership in financial planning and community involvement.
• Personal anecdotes about Tim's and Kevin’s role as a mentor
• Ensuring growth as a leader and the impact of continuous learning

In this episode, Tim welcomes Dennis Cail, CEO and founder of Zirtue, a fintech company based in Dallas. Dennis discusses his entrepreneurial journey, from his decision to start the business in 2018 to its official launch in 2019. Highlighting the substantial lending and borrowing market among friends and family, Dennis explains how Zirtue formalizes these transactions with a platform that ensures funds are used as intended, emphasizing the importance of trust and compliance in fintech.

Dennis also shares his background, including military service and his transition to working at industry giants like IBM and PwC. He discusses the challenges of navigating regulatory landscapes, the significance of hiring experienced personnel, and the need for strong support systems. Alongside these professional insights, Dennis candidly discusses the balance between personal happiness and fulfilling financial responsibilities, managing stress, and the value of staying true to one's passions.

To connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com

Key Topics Discussed:

• The decision to start the business in 2018
• The $200 billion lending market among friends and family
• Formalizing informal loans through a fintech platform
• Start-up challenges and regulatory landscape
• Importance of user acquisition and compliance
• Evolving fintech regulations
• Role of advisors and support systems
• Learning from mistakes
• Stress management and current stress level
• Importance of personal passion versus secure job
• Balancing day-to-day responsibilities with personal ambitions
• Hiring experienced personnel
• Role of family and community support in Dennis’s upbringing
• Career path from Navy to IBM and entrepreneurial ventures
• Addressing predatory lending practices
• Values and servant mindset influencing career decisions