Proven Podcast

In this thought-provoking episode, Charles sits down with Chris Van Dusen—investor and managing partner at Solyco Capital—to explore how disciplined thinking, long-term vision, and operational focus drive enduring business value. Chris unpacks his journey into private investing, sharing how Solyco Capital partners with founders and management teams to scale companies with intention, not hype. From evaluating opportunities beyond surface-level metrics to building businesses that can withstand market cycles, Chris explains what truly separates sustainable growth from short-term wins. He dives into the mindset of patient capital—why alignment, leadership, and execution matter just as much as financial engineering—and how the right partnerships unlock exponential outcomes over time. Together, they examine the realities of modern investing, the importance of capital stewardship, and how operators and investors can work in harmony to build companies that last. The conversation reframes success as more than just exits or returns—it's about creating resilient organizations with strong fundamentals, clear strategy, and values that scale. This isn't just a conversation about capital allocation. It's a blueprint for building durable businesses, making smarter investment decisions, and creating long-term value that outlives market cycles. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Chris Van Dusen built his investing philosophy around discipline, patience, and long-term value creation -Why sustainable growth matters more than short-term returns or hype-driven wins -How Solyco Capital partners with operators to scale businesses through alignment and execution -The difference between financial engineering and real operational value Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:08 – Inside the mindset of patient capital: Chris explains how his early experiences shaped his long-term approach to investing—while Charles reframes investing as partnership, not prediction. 05:12 – Beyond the numbers: Chris breaks down why metrics alone don't tell the full story—while Charles highlights the importance of leadership, culture, and execution. 09:47 – What makes a great operator-investor partnership: Chris shares how alignment creates scale—while Charles explores why trust and shared vision unlock value. 14:33 – Financial engineering vs. real growth: Chris explains the danger of chasing leverage—while Charles emphasizes building businesses that last. 19:26 – Capital stewardship and responsibility: Chris discusses the role investors play beyond capital—while Charles reflects on accountability and long-term thinking. 24:58 – Scaling through fundamentals: Chris unpacks how strong systems and processes protect companies during downturns—while Charles connects fundamentals to resilience. 30:41 – Navigating market cycles: Chris explains how patient investors prepare for volatility—while Charles reinforces why timing matters less than durability.

In this insightful episode, Charles sits down with Jessica Kriegel, culture strategist, author, and former Chief Scientist of Workplace Culture at Culture Amp, to explore how values, leadership, and intentional culture drive sustainable performance in modern organizations. Jessica unpacks what workplace culture really is, challenging the idea that it's about perks or slogans, and revealing how shared behaviors and belief systems shape everything from engagement to execution. From helping companies navigate rapid growth and change to decoding why culture breaks down during moments of pressure, Jessica shares what it takes to build environments where people actually thrive. She explains how leaders can translate values into daily actions, create trust at scale, and align teams around a clear sense of purpose, without sacrificing accountability or results. Together, they dive into the future of work, why culture must evolve alongside technology, how transparency and feedback fuel high-performing teams, and why leadership today is less about control and more about connection. This conversation reframes culture as a strategic advantage, not a "soft" concept, and shows how the strongest organizations are built from the inside out. This isn't just a conversation about company culture. It's a blueprint for building workplaces people believe in, contribute to, and choose to stay part of. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Jessica Kriegel became a leading culture strategist by turning data, behavior, and psychology into actionable workplace insights -Why company culture isn't about perks or slogans—but about consistent behaviors and shared beliefs -How leaders unintentionally break culture during periods of growth, pressure, or change -Why values only matter when they show up in daily decisions and actions Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:10 – What culture really means: Jessica challenges the idea that culture is about perks and slogans, while Charles reframes culture as the invisible system driving behavior, trust, and results. 04:55 – How leaders unintentionally break culture: Jessica explains how growth, pressure, and misaligned incentives erode culture, while Charles reflects on why leadership behavior sets the tone more than any mission statement. 09:42 – Values vs. behaviors: Jessica breaks down why values only matter when they show up in daily actions, while Charles emphasizes the gap between what companies say and what they actually reward. 14:28 – Culture as a strategic advantage: Jessica reveals how strong culture directly impacts performance and retention, while Charles explores why culture should be treated like any other core business system. 19:36 – Trust, transparency, and feedback: Jessica explains how open communication fuels engagement, while Charles highlights why feedback loops are essential for high-performing teams. 24:51 – Leadership in the modern workplace: Jessica discusses the shift from control to connection, while Charles ties this evolution to empathy, accountability, and clarity. 30:14 – Navigating change without losing alignment: Jessica shares how organizations can scale without cultural breakdown, while Charles reflects on the importance of consistency during uncertainty.

In this powerful and deeply human episode, Charles sits down with Brent Gleeson—Navy SEAL combat veteran, bestselling author, and leadership expert—to explore how discipline, resilience, and radical accountability shape high-performance cultures both on the battlefield and in business. Brent pulls back the curtain on his journey from SEAL Team missions in Iraq and Africa to becoming a sought-after advisor for organizations navigating transformation, trust breakdowns, and change fatigue. He unpacks the core principles that drive elite teams—clarity of mission, extreme ownership, emotional regulation under pressure, and the relentless pursuit of improvement—and reveals how those same habits can rebuild companies, strengthen families, and rewire your personal identity. From confronting loss and hardship to leading with compassion and courage, Brent shares the stories and systems that forged his mindset long before he ever stepped on a stage. KEY POINTS: 01:22 – From SEAL Team missions to the boardroom: Brent opens up about his deployments in Iraq and Africa—while Charles explores how combat forged the leadership philosophy Brent now teaches worldwide. 05:44 – The emotional weight of reintegration: Brent discusses the silent battles veterans face after returning home—while Charles highlights the importance of identity, purpose, and psychological transition. 10:18 – What elite teams get right about culture: Brent breaks down how SEALs create clarity, unity, and accountability—while Charles connects these principles to companies struggling with communication and trust. 15:33 – Why most organizational change fails: Brent explains how behaviors—not slogans—determine success—while Charles reflects on why leaders often underestimate the human side of transformation. 22:07 – Extreme ownership in real life: Brent shares stories of mission planning, failure, and course correction—while Charles emphasizes why great leaders take responsibility before assigning blame. 28:49 – The psychology of resilience: Brent details the coping strategies used in high-stress environments—while Charles ties them to emotional health, burnout, and modern workplace pressure. 33:55 – Leading through fear and uncertainty: Brent reveals how SEALs stay calm under fire—while Charles explores how those same principles apply to crisis leadership in business. RELATED LINKS/PRODUCTS MENTIONED: Gain valuable insights with our Companion Guide  https://provenpodcast.com/all-in-navy-seal-secret-to-proven-results-brent-gleeson/#guide KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Brent Gleeson transitioned from Navy SEAL combat missions to becoming a leading authority on culture and organizational change -Why accountability, clarity of mission, and emotional discipline are the backbone of elite performance -The psychological cost of combat and the challenge of reintegrating into civilian life -Why organizational change fails without trust, aligned behavior, and consistent communication Visit our site: https://provenpodcast.com/ The Proven Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theprovenpodcast/ THE PROVEN PODCAST FREE RESOURCES: Get all the reports from our guests, and their secrets-their success is exposed and ready to be repeated by you through our reports: https://provenpodcast.com/ FEATURED GUEST/PEOPLE MENTIONED: Brent Gleeson: https://www.exlr8.ai/ Charles Schwartz: https://www.instagram.com/iamcharlesschwartz/ CONNECT WITH US:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcharlesschwartz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcharlesschwartz/ PODCAST:  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-charles-schwartz-show/id1744386875 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5dc9KqFWEz5b4RfGqbx4eC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theprovenpodcast --------------------------------- Brent Gleeson is a Navy SEAL combat veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, author, and acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and building high performance teams to culture, resilience, and organizational transformation. Upon leaving SEAL Team 5, Brent turned his discipline and battlefield lessons to the world of business and has become an accomplished entrepreneur, best-selling author and acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and building high performance teams to culture and organizational transformation.  He is the author of All In: The Pathway to Personal Growth and Professional Excellence (on-sale December 2, 2025). Pre-order All In by Brent Gleeson link: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/brent-gleeson/all-in/9781668652077/?lens=balance

In this powerful and deeply human episode, Charles sits down with Brent Gleeson—Navy SEAL combat veteran, bestselling author, and leadership expert—to explore how discipline, resilience, and radical accountability shape high-performance cultures both on the battlefield and in business. Brent pulls back the curtain on his journey from SEAL Team missions in Iraq and Africa to becoming a sought-after advisor for organizations navigating transformation, trust breakdowns, and change fatigue. He unpacks the core principles that drive elite teams—clarity of mission, extreme ownership, emotional regulation under pressure, and the relentless pursuit of improvement—and reveals how those same habits can rebuild companies, strengthen families, and rewire your personal identity. From confronting loss and hardship to leading with compassion and courage, Brent shares the stories and systems that forged his mindset long before he ever stepped on a stage. KEY POINTS: 01:22 – From SEAL Team missions to the boardroom: Brent opens up about his deployments in Iraq and Africa—while Charles explores how combat forged the leadership philosophy Brent now teaches worldwide. 05:44 – The emotional weight of reintegration: Brent discusses the silent battles veterans face after returning home—while Charles highlights the importance of identity, purpose, and psychological transition. 10:18 – What elite teams get right about culture: Brent breaks down how SEALs create clarity, unity, and accountability—while Charles connects these principles to companies struggling with communication and trust. 15:33 – Why most organizational change fails: Brent explains how behaviors—not slogans—determine success—while Charles reflects on why leaders often underestimate the human side of transformation. 22:07 – Extreme ownership in real life: Brent shares stories of mission planning, failure, and course correction—while Charles emphasizes why great leaders take responsibility before assigning blame. 28:49 – The psychology of resilience: Brent details the coping strategies used in high-stress environments—while Charles ties them to emotional health, burnout, and modern workplace pressure. 33:55 – Leading through fear and uncertainty: Brent reveals how SEALs stay calm under fire—while Charles explores how those same principles apply to crisis leadership in business. RELATED LINKS/PRODUCTS MENTIONED: Gain valuable insights with our Companion Guide  https://provenpodcast.com/all-in-navy-seal-secret-to-proven-results-brent-gleeson/#guide KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Brent Gleeson transitioned from Navy SEAL combat missions to becoming a leading authority on culture and organizational change -Why accountability, clarity of mission, and emotional discipline are the backbone of elite performance -The psychological cost of combat and the challenge of reintegrating into civilian life -Why organizational change fails without trust, aligned behavior, and consistent communication Visit our site: https://provenpodcast.com/ The Proven Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theprovenpodcast/ THE PROVEN PODCAST FREE RESOURCES: Get all the reports from our guests, and their secrets-their success is exposed and ready to be repeated by you through our reports: https://provenpodcast.com/ FEATURED GUEST/PEOPLE MENTIONED: Brent Gleeson: https://www.exlr8.ai/ Charles Schwartz: https://www.instagram.com/iamcharlesschwartz/ CONNECT WITH US:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcharlesschwartz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcharlesschwartz/ PODCAST:  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-charles-schwartz-show/id1744386875 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5dc9KqFWEz5b4RfGqbx4eC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theprovenpodcast --------------------------------- Brent Gleeson is a Navy SEAL combat veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, author, and acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and building high performance teams to culture, resilience, and organizational transformation. Upon leaving SEAL Team 5, Brent turned his discipline and battlefield lessons to the world of business and has become an accomplished entrepreneur, best-selling author and acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and building high performance teams to culture and organizational transformation.  He is the author of All In: The Pathway to Personal Growth and Professional Excellence (on-sale December 2, 2025). Pre-order All In by Brent Gleeson  link: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/brent-gleeson/all-in/9781668652077/?lens=balance

In this powerful and deeply human episode, Charles sits down with Brent Gleeson—Navy SEAL combat veteran, bestselling author, and leadership expert—to explore how discipline, resilience, and radical accountability shape high-performance cultures both on the battlefield and in business. Brent pulls back the curtain on his journey from SEAL Team missions in Iraq and Africa to becoming a sought-after advisor for organizations navigating transformation, trust breakdowns, and change fatigue. He unpacks the core principles that drive elite teams—clarity of mission, extreme ownership, emotional regulation under pressure, and the relentless pursuit of improvement—and reveals how those same habits can rebuild companies, strengthen families, and rewire your personal identity. From confronting loss and hardship to leading with compassion and courage, Brent shares the stories and systems that forged his mindset long before he ever stepped on a stage. Together, he and Charles dive into the psychology of resilience, the realities of reintegration after combat, and what it truly takes to inspire people when the stakes are high and the path is uncertain. They explore why culture is never built by slogans, but by consistent behaviors—why trust is earned through action, not intention—and why leadership begins with mastering yourself before influencing others. This isn't just a conversation about military grit. It's a blueprint for becoming a leader who others believe in, a teammate who shows up with integrity, and a human being who chooses purpose over comfort. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Brent Gleeson transitioned from Navy SEAL combat missions to becoming a leading authority on culture and organizational change -Why accountability, clarity of mission, and emotional discipline are the backbone of elite performance -The psychological cost of combat and the challenge of reintegrating into civilian life -Why organizational change fails without trust, aligned behavior, and consistent communication Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:22 – From SEAL Team missions to the boardroom: Brent opens up about his deployments in Iraq and Africa—while Charles explores how combat forged the leadership philosophy Brent now teaches worldwide. 05:44 – The emotional weight of reintegration: Brent discusses the silent battles veterans face after returning home—while Charles highlights the importance of identity, purpose, and psychological transition. 10:18 – What elite teams get right about culture: Brent breaks down how SEALs create clarity, unity, and accountability—while Charles connects these principles to companies struggling with communication and trust. 15:33 – Why most organizational change fails: Brent explains how behaviors—not slogans—determine success—while Charles reflects on why leaders often underestimate the human side of transformation. 22:07 – Extreme ownership in real life: Brent shares stories of mission planning, failure, and course correction—while Charles emphasizes why great leaders take responsibility before assigning blame. 28:49 – The psychology of resilience: Brent details the coping strategies used in high-stress environments—while Charles ties them to emotional health, burnout, and modern workplace pressure. 33:55 – Leading through fear and uncertainty: Brent reveals how SEALs stay calm under fire—while Charles explores how those same principles apply to crisis leadership in business. ----------------------------------------------------------- Brent Gleeson is a Navy SEAL combat veteran, award-winning entrepreneur, author, and acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and building high performance teams to culture, resilience, and organizational transformation. Upon leaving SEAL Team 5, Brent turned his discipline and battlefield lessons to the world of business and has become an accomplished entrepreneur, best-selling author and acclaimed speaker on topics ranging from leadership and building high performance teams to culture and organizational transformation. He is the author of All In: The Pathway to Personal Growth and Professional Excellence (on-sale December 2, 2025). Pre-order the book here: Pre-order All In by Brent Gleeson. Pre-order All In by Brent Gleeson using this link: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/brent-gleeson/all-in/9781668652077/?lens=balance