Cesar Grajales: From $80 and a Dream to National Impact — Going Big With Vision and Grit
What does it mean to go big with your whole life? For Cesar Grajales, it meant immigrating from Colombia with just $80 in his pocket, working in a Miami bakery, and rising to become one of the most recognized Hispanic voices in American public policy and media.
In this inspiring episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Cesar to explore his remarkable journey—from playing guitar on Univision, to helping build The LIBRE Initiative into a national force for Hispanic outreach, to launching a thriving handmade luxury shoe company called Indie Genius (IG: @buyindiegenius), and now hosting South Florida’s #1 Spanish-language radio show El Escándalo del Día and his own podcast, Sabor a Freedom.
Together, they dive into what it takes to start with nothing and build a life rooted in resilience, joy, and community. Cesar shares how embracing hard work, authenticity, and creativity helped him rise above every challenge—and why enjoying the process is just as important as reaching the destination.
If you’re looking to rediscover what’s possible, this episode is your reminder: Going Big isn’t about titles or trophies—it’s about courage, conviction, and never losing sight of the people you’re inspiring along the way.
Check Cesar Grajales out here https://cesargrajales.news/
Check Libre out here: https://thelibreinitiative.com/
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Going Big with Jeff Rosenthal: No Small Plans, No Limits, and the Power of Bold Vision
What does it really take to go big? For Jeff Rosenthal, it meant launching a global community from scratch, building a cultural movement atop the largest ski resort in the U.S., and investing in the boldest ideas reshaping our future.
In this high-energy episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Jeff Rosenthal—co-founder of Summit, co-author of Make No Small Plans, co-owner and co-developer of Powder Mountain, and founder of the new venture firm CIV. Together, they explore the early days of turning cold calls into iconic events, the behind-the-scenes story of acquiring Powder Mountain, and the mindset that powers generational leadership.
Jeff opens up about risk, trust, partnership, and why culture always beats strategy. From building authentic communities to backing founders in energy, AI, and advanced manufacturing, his journey is a masterclass in what it means to dream boldly, lead authentically, and execute with purpose.
If you’re ready to challenge your limits, rethink what’s possible, and start living your biggest vision—this episode will show you how.
Going big isn’t a moment—it’s a mindset. And Jeff Rosenthal lives it every day.
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Going Big in France: How Alexandre Pesey Sparked a National Movement
On this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry welcomes Alexandre Pesey, the visionary founder of the Institut de Formation Politique in Paris. Twenty-five years ago, Alexandre returned from the United States with a bold idea—what if the conservative movement in France could be rebuilt from scratch?
At the time, there was no infrastructure, no training programs, no donor base, and no serious conservative presence in the media, civil society, or education. But Alexandre refused to let that stop him. He began with a single borrowed castle, a handful of students, and a deep conviction that France needed a new generation of leaders.
Alexandre shares how he modeled his efforts on the American conservative movement post-Goldwater, drawing lessons from mentors like Morton Blackwell and Kevin Gentry himself. He discusses how he built not just one institution—but an entire ecosystem of training, journalism, advocacy, and civic engagement. Today, his movement includes over 500,000 donors, a growing national media presence, and a new generation of French leaders with backbone and boldness.
This episode dives deep into the long game—what it takes to inspire people when the odds are stacked against you, how to rally support when you're starting from zero, and why family, faith, and mentorship are the foundation of sustainable impact. Alexandre’s story is proof that one person, with clarity of purpose and relentless determination, can shift the course of a country.
If you’re looking for real-world proof that Going Big! isn’t just possible—it’s necessary—this episode is for you.
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Leading a Legacy into the Future: Katherine Rowe on Tradition, Innovation, and Going Big
How do you go big at a university that’s over 300 years old? For Katherine Rowe, the 28th—and first woman—President of William & Mary, the answer lies in honoring tradition while boldly embracing change.
In this episode of Going Big!, host Kevin Gentry sits down with President Rowe to explore how one of America’s most historic universities is preparing students not for the world as it is—but for the world that’s coming. From reopening during the pandemic to launching a school of computing and coastal sciences, President Rowe shares how bold leadership, deep listening, and strategic vision are guiding William & Mary into the future.
She explains how liberal arts education can thrive in a tech-driven world, why listening is a foundational leadership tool, and how embracing instability often reveals the biggest opportunities to lead.
Whether you're a student, leader, educator, or simply someone navigating change, this conversation is a masterclass in going big—with purpose, with values, and with clarity about the kind of future we want to build.
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Brendan McCord on Going Big with AI: Autonomy, Truth, and the Future of Humanity
On this episode of the Going Big! Podcast, host Kevin Gentry welcomes Brendan McCord—submariner, AI entrepreneur, and deep thinker—for a bold conversation on the biggest force shaping our future: artificial intelligence.
Brendan helped write the Pentagon’s first AI strategy, built and sold two tech companies for over $400 million, and now leads the Cosmos Institute—a nonprofit reimagining AI’s role in advancing human flourishing. In this episode, he unpacks how we can go big with AI without losing what makes us human.
You’ll hear Brendan’s journey from 610 days beneath the ocean to the front lines of defense innovation and finally to the frontiers of philosophy and public purpose. From decentralization and truth-seeking to why specialization is for ants, Brendan offers a radical vision for how builders and leaders can shape a future worth believing in.
If you're serious about doing meaningful work at scale, this conversation will challenge you to aim higher—and go bigger.
Welcome to Going Big!—the podcast that’s all about transforming your marketing and fundraising. Hosted by Kevin Gentry, Going Big! has consistently ranked as a top podcast on iTunes in its category and is the proud recipient of the 2024 MarCom Gold Award for Non-Profit Podcast and the 2024 Viddy Gold Award for Non-Profit and Marketing Podcast.
Each episode features conversations with some of the most influential business leaders, CEOs, and nonprofit visionaries. Together, we uncover the strategies that drive extraordinary results—pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and making a significant impact in organizations and communities.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader, an aspiring changemaker, or simply passionate about creating positive change, Going Big! delivers valuable insights and inspiration to elevate your leadership, your giving, and your organization’s success.
Tune in to discover how to go big with your leadership and make a lasting difference. Listen to Going Big! on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and YouTube. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and visit TenXStrategies.com for more great content and resources.
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