Cleared For Takeoff

We live in the age of instant discoverability — and that means your story is already out there. The question is: are you shaping it, or letting it shape you? In this conversation, Neal Foard (master storyteller and creator of Storyfire) joins Charles Eide to unpack what storytelling really does in business: it humanizes you, builds trust, creates belief, and sets the tone for culture — whether you’re a CEO, a new manager, or a frontline team member. Neal shares unforgettable examples (from Nike’s Michael Jordan ads to Dan Campbell’s “kneecap” speech), plus a simple framework: start with the moral, then build the story backwards. They also dig into why bullet points don’t create emotional connection, how to rehearse stories without sounding scripted, and how leaders can use storytelling to recognize their people in a way that actually changes behavior. If you’ve ever struggled with being visible online, speaking to a team, or making your message land — this episode is a playbook. About Neal: Neal Foard is a world-renowned master storyteller, brand strategist, and communications coach who helps leaders and organizations craft stories that build trust, culture, and momentum. With decades of experience in advertising and marketing, Neal has distilled the principles of powerful storytelling into practical frameworks anyone can use — from executives to emerging leaders. He’s the creator of Storyfire, a bite-sized storytelling course built from 30 years of real-world pitching, performance, and persuasion. Find Neal online at nealfoard.com and explore his storytelling course at storyfire.net.   Episode Key Takeaways: Your story exists whether you tell it or not. In a world of LinkedIn, Google, and YouTube, people will discover something — so curate what they find. Stories create trust faster than credentials. A great story signals you’re human, relatable, and worth following — even if you’re “the best.” Leaders cast a shadow. The stories you tell become culture: what you celebrate, what you notice, and what you reinforce. Start with the moral. Work backwards from the lesson you want people to remember, then build the narrative to deliver it. Rehearsal is the cheat code. The best “spontaneous” storytellers are rehearsed — practice shakes the bubbles out and builds confidence. Flavor beats fluff. Add color and personality without slowing the pace (the right details make a story stick). Recognition is a leadership superpower. Tell stories about your team’s wins — especially moments they didn’t think anyone noticed. You don’t need to be the hero. Make the story “we,” not “me” — servant leadership shows up in what you choose to spotlight.

Amberly Lago’s story will stop you in your tracks — and then it’ll light a fire in you. After a devastating motorcycle accident left her leg “crumbled into pieces,” doctors told Amberly an amputation was likely and her life would never be the same. What followed was 34 surgeries, years of recovery, and a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), one of the most painful chronic conditions in existence. But this isn’t just a story about surviving trauma — it’s about transforming it. In this conversation, Amberly and Charles unpack what resilience really looks like when life doesn’t “bounce back,” but instead demands you move forward. They talk about perspective shifts, living with chronic pain, surrendering pride and learning to ask for help, overcoming addiction, navigating imposter syndrome, and why progress often comes down to one small step taken consistently. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, burned out, or on the edge of giving up — this episode is your reminder: your breakthrough might be hiding in your breaking point What we cover in this episode:  Resilience isn’t bouncing back — it’s bouncing forward. Sometimes the goal isn’t returning to your old life, it’s building a new one. Perspective is a daily practice. Gratitude can be the fastest way to shift from what’s missing to what’s possible. Pain demands to be heard — and healing starts with honesty. “We heal what we reveal” and growth often requires radical self-awareness. Small steps beat big intimidation. Whether it’s healing, business, or launching something new — focus on one action in the right direction. You don’t have to do hard things alone. Community, coaching, and asking for help aren’t weaknesses — they’re strengths. Imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear at higher levels. The key is learning to talk to yourself instead of listening to the inner critic. Joy is intentional. “Joy spotting,” movement, environment shifts, and connection can help you reclaim joy even in grief and pain. About Amberly Lago: Amberly Lago is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and resilience coach known for helping people overcome adversity and unlock what’s possible — even when life doesn’t go as planned. After a life-threatening motorcycle accident and 34 surgeries, Amberly was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and had to reinvent everything she thought she knew about strength, healing, and purpose. She’s the author of True Grit and Grace and Joy Through the Journey, and she speaks to audiences around the world on resilience, mindset, leadership, and choosing joy through life’s hardest seasons.

Most interviews with Craig Leipold center on hockey. This one goes deeper — into the decisions, risks, and leadership lessons that shaped him long before the spotlight. Craig sits down with Charles Eide to walk through the entrepreneurial path that started with a leap from Kimberly-Clark into a “new-at-the-time” telemarketing business, scaling to 125 salespeople and selling the company to American Express in just three years. He shares why he intentionally stepped away afterward to travel, reflect, and get clarity — and how that headspace led him to his next chapter: acquiring a legacy manufacturing company (Rainfair) and learning how to operate a complex business with unions, overhead, supply chain shifts, and real financial discipline. From hiring the right finance leader, to building culture, to making fast, tough people decisions — Craig breaks down what leadership looks like when it’s both a private business and the most public business you can run. And yes, he still wants to win the Stanley Cup — because in his words, there’s nothing harder.   What to expect from this episode: Betting on yourself isn’t about being “skilled” — it’s about being committed. Time away can be a competitive advantage. Cash-flow businesses can scale fast — if you execute and hire well. If finance isn’t your strength, don’t pretend it is. Culture is built on dignity and energy. When a leader is wrong for the role, act fast.. The best leaders create opportunities for others. Customer service still wins — even at the highest level. Legacy > titles. Learn more about Craig Leipold: Craig Leipold is a lifelong entrepreneur, investor, and sports executive known for building businesses, acquiring legacy companies, and leading high-pressure organizations in the public eye. He is the owner of the Minnesota Wild and has played a key role in shaping the growth of professional hockey in the U.S., including previously owning the Nashville Predators. Beyond sports, Craig’s entrepreneurial career spans company building, acquisitions, and long-term investments — with a leadership philosophy rooted in culture, accountability, and treating people the right way. Above all, he’s proudest of the family legacy he’s building with his wife and five sons.

Traditional leadership focused on managing results. Ryan Estis argues the future belongs to leaders who inspire contribution. In this episode of Cleared for Takeoff, Ryan joins host Charles Eide to unpack what human-centered leadership really means, why work dissatisfaction and burnout are rising, and how leaders can create clarity, trust, and sustainable performance. They dig into Satya Nadella’s Model-Coach-Care framework, the power of a 15-minute weekly coaching conversation, and why leadership has to start “inside out” with self-awareness, humility, and emotional regulation. They also explore the role AI can play as a coaching tool (and where leaders can get trapped by over-reliance), why in-person connection is becoming even more valuable, and Ryan’s new book Prepare for Impact, built around driving growth and serving others through human-centered leadership. If you lead people, manage a team, or want to become the kind of leader others choose to follow, this one will shift your approach. In this episode, you'll explore: Leadership is not a job, it’s a responsibility: earning followership through vision, service, and humility. Human-centered leadership = inspiring contribution, not just managing outcomes. Model-Coach-Care (Satya Nadella): model the behavior, coach through feedback, and care by investing in people. Clarity drives alignment: many employees still don’t have clearly defined expectations, and leaders must communicate priorities consistently. One “weekly vitamin” coaching conversation (15 minutes) can be a major lever for performance and engagement. Self-awareness is the foundation: reflection, coaching, and feedback loops help leaders see how they impact others. Trust and psychological safety enable honest 360 feedback and stronger teams. Lasting change requires a plan: pause, regulate, and respond intentionally instead of reacting emotionally. AI can accelerate coaching and development, but the competitive advantage remains human connection and EQ. Companies don’t grow unless people do—leadership development is an investment, not an optional perk.

This episode is about far more than football. In this powerful conversation, host Charles Eide sits down with Ben Utecht — Super Bowl champion, former NFL tight end, keynote speaker, and author of The Champion’s Creed — to explore identity, leadership, and what it truly means to build culture by design. Ben opens up about the devastating injury that caused him to fall out of the NFL Draft after being projected as early round pick, the embarrassment of watching every name called but his own, and the miracle phone call from Tony Dungy that led him to the Indianapolis Colts. From winning Super Bowl XLI alongside legends like Peyton Manning, to navigating career-ending concussions, Ben shares what happens when your identity is stripped away — and how servant leadership, faith, and intentional culture shaped his next chapter. This episode dives deep into: Why culture is always formed by design or by default How servant leadership creates elite performance The dangers of tying identity solely to success or status Why “soft skills” are actually hard business drivers How leaders can build scalable, belief-driven cultures What legacy really means beyond wins and titles Whether you’re a CEO, founder, athlete, or leader navigating transition, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, purpose, and the impact you leave behind.

Self-doubt doesn’t go away as you grow — it shows up because you’re growing. In this episode of Cleared for Takeoff, host Charles Eide sits down with executive coach, speaker, and personal brand strategist Giselle Ugarte for a deep conversation on leadership confidence, CEO mindset, and what it really takes to scale influence in today’s business landscape. Giselle works with CEOs, founders, professional athletes, and high-performing leaders — and she reveals the surprising truth they all share: self-doubt is universal at the top. Together, Charles and Giselle explore why many leaders stall after reaching success, how comfort can quietly cap growth, and why being willing to be seen is now a competitive advantage. They discuss how video has become one of the most effective tools for leadership development, trust-building, and leverage — not as marketing fluff, but as an accountability mirror. From personal brand and visibility to team trust and long-term business growth, this conversation reframes confidence as something built through action, alignment, and consistency. If you’re a CEO, founder, or business owner who feels the pull toward “what’s next” — but also feels the weight of responsibility, isolation, or hesitation — this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, growth, and impact. Key Takeaways: * Why self-doubt is common among CEOs and high performers * How confidence is built through action, not certainty * Why leaders who hide behind the brand eventually hit a ceiling * How video becomes a tool for leadership growth and accountability, not just marketing * The difference between confidence and arrogance in executive leadership * How visibility creates trust with customers, teams, and partners * Why people follow people — not logos * How small, consistent commitments rebuild trust with yourself * Turning comparison into inspiration instead of paralysis  

Wayne Hoffman isn’t just a mentalist — he’s a master of human behavior. For 30 years, he’s studied how people think, how they lie, how they make decisions, and how fear quietly shapes their entire life. In this episode, Wayne pulls back the curtain on the psychology he uses on stage, in negotiations, and in billion-dollar boardrooms — and teaches the exact principles that helped him build a global career doing what he loves. You’ll learn: How to read people more accurately Why the fear of “no” destroys opportunities How to rewire your subconscious beliefs The 4-step system Wayne uses to build success from nothing Why storytelling is the most powerful tool in business And yes… he performs mind-reading demonstrations that leave Charles absolutely speechless This episode isn’t just entertaining — it’s transformational. If you’ve ever wanted to negotiate better, communicate more effectively, overcome fear, or understand the psychology that drives human behavior… This conversation is your blueprint.

In this electrifying episode of Cleared for Takeoff, Charles sits down with Casey Brown — founder of Boost Pricing, author of Fearless Pricing, and one of the world’s leading authorities on value-based pricing. Casey breaks down the uncomfortable truth: Most businesses are leaving massive profits on the table, not because of their product… but because of fear. From decoding customer psychology to dismantling the myth of “the market sets the price,” Casey shares practical, immediately usable frameworks that can transform any business — without increasing volume, headcount, or operational complexity. If you’ve ever battled discount pressure, struggled to justify your prices, or wondered how to confidently charge what you’re worth, this conversation is a game-changer. This is one of the most powerful episodes we’ve ever recorded on sales, pricing, and building a business that thrives. Key Takeaways: Why pricing is the #1 profitability lever (and why most leaders ignore it). The psychology behind discounting — and why buyers push harder than sellers. How to avoid being “separated from your value” during negotiations. Why a price objection is actually a buying signal. How “hot sauce vs gasoline” helps you identify where your company has pricing power. The devastating impact of a small discount — and the transformative impact of a 1–5% increase. Why your worst, most price-sensitive customers warp your entire business strategy. How to hold your value, stand in your expertise, and price like a trusted advisor — not a peddler.

Why do the ultra-wealthy consistently pay less tax — and what do they know that most entrepreneurs don’t? In this powerful episode, Jeff Socha, founder of Socha Capital and one of the country’s leading tax strategists, sits down with host Charles Eide to break down the exact strategies he uses for high-net-worth clients, business owners, and founders earning $1M–$30M+ per year. Jeff exposes the hidden tools, overlooked structures, and mindset shifts that allow wealthy entrepreneurs to legally defer tax, protect their assets, and design a financial life that supports true freedom — not stress. Together, Charles and Jeff explore: Why most entrepreneurs are overpaying by 10% or more every single year The “consumption vs. surplus” mindset that changes everything How private placement life insurance and charitable trusts create zero-tax growth Why liquidity, not net worth, determines whether you stay safe or get wiped out The surprising truth Jeff has learned from decades advising ultra-wealthy families The Freedom Threshold: how to know when your assets can fully support your life The biggest misconceptions about CPAs and why they’re not doing tax strategy How to plan an exit years in advance to save millions in unnecessary tax What the IRS really is — and why it’s not the villain most entrepreneurs imagine If you’re building a business, preparing for a sale, or simply tired of feeling confused by taxes, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a whole new understanding of how wealth is truly created. 👉 To learn more about Socha Capital: SochaCapital.com

How do you transform a “boring” industry into a hub of world-changing innovation? In this episode, Brandon Sawalich, CEO of Starkey Hearing Technologies, joins host Charles Eide to share how he’s redefining hearing through purpose-driven leadership and cutting-edge technology. Brandon pulls back the curtain on Omega AI, Starkey’s latest breakthrough that turns hearing aids into intelligent assistants — empowering millions with what he calls everyday superpowers. From building fearless culture to betting big on innovation, this conversation is a masterclass in how CEOs can lead with vision, courage, and care. Key Topics: Innovation starts when you challenge “the way it’s always been done.” Why hiring for attitude creates stronger teams. Turning technology into human connection. How to take bold risks without losing your purpose.

In this raw and revealing conversation, communications powerhouse Maha Abouelenein joins host Charles Eide to share the uncomfortable truths about personal branding, influence, and the new “trust economy.” Maha breaks down why followers mean nothing without credibility, how CEOs can’t afford to stay invisible, and the real secret behind lasting influence. From her decade advising Gary Vaynerchuk to her global career helping leaders earn trust online, Maha’s message is simple: stop chasing attention—start earning belief.

In this episode, Rene Rodriguez—bestselling author and leadership strategist—reveals the science and soul behind authentic influence, personal branding, and powerful communication. Explore the frameworks and mindset shifts that help leaders connect, inspire, and drive real impact. Whether you’re building your brand or leading a team, Rene’s insights will help you amplify your influence and lead with intention.   Tune in for practical wisdom, actionable tools, and the habits that set influential leaders apart. Key Takeaways:  The difference between true influence and being an “influencer” How to build an authentic personal brand that resonates The power of self-reflection and intuition in leadership Frameworks for storytelling, framing, and capturing attention Strategies for handling criticism and thriving under pressure Breathing, biology, and the habits of high-performing leaders Actionable steps to communicate with clarity and lead with purpose Guest Bio: Rene Rodriguez is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and trusted leadership advisor, best known for his book Amplify Your Influence. With over 25 years of experience in applying behavioral neuroscience to business and leadership, Rene has trained and inspired hundreds of thousands of leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to communicate with impact, lead with authenticity, and influence with purpose. His dynamic approach blends science, storytelling, and strategy, making him one of the most sought-after voices on personal growth and organizational transformation.

In this episode, Mike Paton—former CEO of EOS Worldwide—pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to lead high-performing teams and build enduring companies. Discover the principles of clarity, culture, and accountability that drive organizational excellence, and learn how to apply them in your own leadership journey. Tune in for candid insights, actionable strategies, and the habits that separate good leaders from great ones. Key Takeaways: The role of clarity in effective leadership and team performance How to build and sustain a strong company culture The difference between visionaries and integrators—and why both matter Why accountability is the backbone of high-performing organizations Practical tools for giving feedback and handling tough conversations Lessons from the frontlines of leadership, growth, and transformation Guest Bio: Mike Paton has spent every working day of the last 17 years helping thousands of leaders around the globe run better businesses and live better lives. An EOS Implementer® and sought-after keynote speaker, Paton succeeded Gino Wickman and spent five years as EOS Worldwide’s Visionary, is the host of the top-rated podcast The EOS Leader, and co-authored two books in the Traction Library – Get A Grip and Process! He’s grateful to be living his ideal life – helping others run better businesses and live better lives by mastering the timeless disciplines and practical tools of the Entrepreneurial Operating System®.

In this debut episode of Cleared For Takeoff, Kris Lindahl shares his journey from adversity to building a real estate empire. Go beyond the billboards to discover the mindset, strategy, and resilience that drive high-stakes success. Tune in for an unfiltered look at what it takes to lead, adapt, and win in a competitive world. Key Takeaways: The real story behind Kris Lindahl’s iconic billboards and brand How personal adversity shaped his leadership and intuition The power of obsessiveness and hands-on experience in business Why messaging and strategy matter more than marketing tactics How to build a winning team and culture from the ground up Lessons in innovation, risk-taking, and handling public criticism