EP 037: Overcoming Life’s Greatest Challenges to Inspire, Mentor, and Lead the Next Generation of Executives
Description
In this episode of Dream Plan Execute, host Ramon Parchment sits down with Tom Cox, an extraordinary leader who has achieved incredible milestones both in his professional career and personal life. From closing over $1.5 billion in new business to holding multiple patents in satellite technology innovation, Tom’s journey is one of grit, resilience, and inspiration.
Tom shares his experiences, from serving in the U.S. Army as a combat medic and satellite controller to co-founding startups and holding executive roles in high-growth environments. He provides invaluable insights into finding your Ikigai—your life’s purpose—by discovering what energizes you, and how mentorship can be one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership.
After being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2022 and overcoming near-death experiences, Tom’s second chance at life inspired him to start Vertical Motion, a company dedicated to mentoring aspiring executives. He discusses the importance of building executive presence, transitioning from middle management to executive roles, and cultivating leadership skills to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.
Key Highlights:
- Lessons from Tom’s military and corporate experiences, and how they shaped his leadership philosophy.
- How to develop executive presence and the critical skills needed to move into executive roles.
- Overcoming life’s adversities, including Tom’s battle with leukemia and the clarity it brought to his mission.
- The importance of finding balance between career aspirations, family, and personal well-being.
- Practical tips on productivity, goal setting, mentorship, and staying motivated.
Tom also shares personal anecdotes, from growing up to navigating life’s challenges, offering advice for aspiring leaders on how to break through self-doubt, anxiety, and fear.
Tune in for a deeply inspiring conversation filled with actionable insights to help you dream big, plan with intention, and execute with purpose.
Connect with Tom Cox:
- LinkedIn: Tom Cox
- Website: Vertical Motion
- Instagram: @VerticalMotion
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Chapters
00:00 Dream Plan Execute Introduction
01:12 Introduction to Tom Cox
07:47 The Concept of Ikigai and Its Impact
09:15 Overcoming Challenges and Life Reflections
12:02 Birth of Vertical Motion Executive Training
14:10 First Step With Executive Leadership
17:08 The Importance of Executive Presence
20:18 Most Important ingredients to executive Presence
22:40 Shifting mindsetLeadership Philosophy and Style
29:10 Empowering Teams Through Leadership
33:03 Redefining Executive Leadership
36:10 Leaders vs Executive
38:20 Teaching the middle road between leadership and executive
39:20 B Corp
39:51 The Shift from Shareholder Value to Stakeholder Value
44:01 Long-Term Vision vs. Short-Term Gains
50:18 The Impact of Greed on Corporate Culture
United States
