Coffee & Change

In this episode, Father and Son Jeff and Brad share a deeply personal conversation about family, authenticity, and the uncharted paths that shape us. They explore themes of love, integrity, vulnerability, and purpose across generations, illustrating how moments of stillness and authenticity define our true journey. Key Topics: The significance of intergenerational connection and storytelling How authenticity and integrity shape leadership and creativity The transformative power of love stories and life's uncharted moments The role of vulnerability and intimacy in building human connection Lessons from water’s stillness teaching patience and listening The importance of purposeful work and the journey over results Building resilience through discipline and emotional awareness How embracing vulnerability enhances leadership and personal growth The profound impact of family, love, and shared stories on legacy Resources & Links: Connect with Brad Ton: Brad Ton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradton/ Jeff's latest book "Uncharted Moments" available on Amazon Connect with Jeffrey S. Ton: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtonindy/ Website: jeffreyston.com

In its Greek root, Mentos means “intent, purpose, spirit and passion.” It was with intent, purpose and passion that this special episode came to life. It is a rare occasion when one can get together with their mentor, and their mentor’s mentor for a conversation anchored in three generations of mentorship, leadership and friendship. This is one of those conversations. My special guest, the mentor of my mentor is Admiral Bob Inman. I flew to Austin to meet up with him in person and record this incredible testimony of history and leadership and lifelong service. Admiral Inman was born in April 1931 in East Texas and went on to become a highly decorated United States Navy Officer and Intelligence Leader. His career and service had a profound impact on America’s national security architecture. During his 31-year military career that spanned the world and included some of the most sensitive national security posts in the Government, the Admiral earned a bipartisan reputation as one of the Nation’s finest intelligence officers of a generation. Journalists used to refer to him as “simply one of the smartest people ever to come out of Washington or anywhere.” Regarded as a superstar in the intelligence community he grew his career in Naval Intelligence serving on carriers, cruisers and destroyers…not to mention the hallowed halls of the Pentagon. The Admiral went on to serve as the Director of Naval Intelligence, Vice Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and Director of the National Security Agency. He was nominated to be Deputy Director of Central Intelligence and served in that role until his resignation in 1982. It was during that time Admiral Inman became the first naval intelligence specialist to earn the rank of 4 Star Admiral. Admiral Inman went on to serve on numerous boards including CalTech’s Board of Trustees and held the LBJ Centennial Chart in National Policy at the University of Texas at Austin Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. In every capacity the Admiral has always focused on mentorship and leadership and sharing wisdom for the next generation. When we sat down to speak with the Admiral he had recently celebrated 67 years of marriage with his dear wife. At 94 years of age he is still motivated by selfless service and paying it forward to the next generations of leaders. This conversation counts as one of those gifts. So, sit back and listen to this incredible story of change and mentorship and leadership from a nation’s patriot, a renowned thinker and educator and all around incredible guy. And stay tuned at the end of the episode for a follow on reflective discussion with Rob Shook, my mentor who made this all possible. Together we discuss our insights and takeaways from this inspiring afternoon with the Admiral. Thanks for listening.

My guest on this special episode of Coffee & Change is Patrick "Sledge" Mullins, a former Air Force Fighter Pilot who flew F-15s for years and has certainly seen his fair share of change and challenge. On this powerful episode we discuss the flight path of his incredible life and the arc of change, community and connection that kept him going and growing. And while he got his call sign from being known as the Sledgehammer, the only thing he is breaking these days is the cycle of trauma. His healing journey is one that should be echoed far and wide, especially for men moving through the toughest stages of life. Patrick's story will remind you to keep going, never give up and always find the light inside you that makes you you. The world needs you and you are worthy...of love and forgiveness. Happy listening. You can find Patrick on LinkedIn as well as Instagram to follow his journey in healing and helping others. Thanks a Veteran today.

This is the Part 2 Discussion continuation from my powerful conversation with David Watson. This story, my story, continues to evolve, and I want to thank you each for walking alongside me on this journey. Your listening, the very act of listening, changes the story. I appreciate you all.

The Polish word for friendship is "przyjaźń" (pronounced pshih-yah-zh-n). When I think of the Polish people, my time living there, and the memories made, this is the word that comes to mind, everytime. Friendship. From the first days of my arriving in Poland in 1990 to my recent return and reunion nearly 35 years later, the spirit of friendship has always guided me, as it does the people of Poland. On today’s episode we hear from one of those friends - Grzegorz Leseniewski. Grzegorz is an attorney at law and a managing partner at Leśniewski Borkiewicz Kostka & Partners, where he helps clients navigate the complex and dynamic legal landscape of new technologies, CyberSec, FinTech, e-commerce, and M&A. Enjoy this conversation and reunion. Dziękuje za słuchanie. - Thanks for listening.🇵🇱

On this episode I welcome back Chris Lovett. Author, Writer, TEDx Speaker, Award-Winning Leader, Executive Coach & Simplicity Expert - as someone who lives and breathes a less is more lifestyle, Chris feels it's his responsibility to help employees improve their relationship with work by simplifying. His work has been read, seen and heard in 65 countries and he's spent years coaching CEOs, exec talent, senior leaders and teams through this stuff. Chris used to be a radio DJ, coached an x-factor winner, and is a proud music geek and loves to take Mondays off. Join for this reunion conversation as we talk about what makes us Relentless. And keep an eye out for his second book later this year.

On Episode 147 I welcome Lindsay Yellin. She is a sought after, dynamic leadership coach spearheading Yellin's transformative approach. With over a decade of experience in advertising account management, Lindsay proved her determination & impact by climbing the ranks to VP before turning 30. But her lasting legacy lies in her role as a team builder and culture shifter, leaving an enduring impact on the teams & clients she served. Lindsay dedicates herself to transforming self-doubting execs into possibility-driven leaders who inspire engagement & performance through meaningful connection. Lindsay's unique strategy centers on connecting leaders back to themselves first to unlock clarity & confidence to intentionally expand their leadership impact. Her curated coaching journey is a values-driven approach that empowers leaders to bust through success blockers & overcome self-limiting beliefs while building a toolkit of resources to accompany them throughout the rest of their career journey.

Today’s featured guest is Rafael Zhansultanov. Rafael has over 10 years of experience working at the nexus of global economics, geopolitics, international development and financial markets in emerging and developing countries. Rafael has studied and worked in the U.S., U.K. and Eurasia and possesses a multicultural, multilingual outlook and first hand understanding of business and customs around the world. Rafael is a Chevening Scholar and a U.S. Edmund S. Muskie Scholar having been awarded these prestigious scholarships only given to a small percentage of applicants from around the world. It was an honor to reconnect with Rafael and talk about the importance of words.