Proven Podcast

Garrett Gunderson grew up in a coal mining town, made his first bad investment at 18, and spent the next two decades figuring out why almost everything people believe about money is wrong. Now he's written the books, built the business, and works with the entrepreneurs and high earners who are tired of being told to just wait it out. Charles and Garrett get into the real problems with how most people handle money, from the three myths that keep even hard workers broke, to why the wealthy spend their time managing risk instead of chasing it, to the tax moves that the average business owner never hears about until it's too late. Garrett breaks down why cash flow beats the long game, how relationships and ideas build more wealth than capital, and why the financial industry is designed to work for itself first. They also go deeper on what it actually looks like to build a life you don't have to escape from, why waiting until retirement to enjoy your money is a losing trade, and how the right environment, the right people, and a few unconventional reads can change the way you think about all of it. This is not a lecture on saving more. It is a straight conversation about why the rules most people follow are keeping them stuck. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Why hard work with the wrong philosophy still leads to broke, and what needs to change before the work pays off How the three biggest money myths were built to benefit institutions, not the people following them Why the wealthy focus on mitigating risk while everyone else is told to take more of it How cash flow and enterprise value beat the long-haul savings model for anyone who wants financial independence before old age Why the average business owner overpays taxes by $11,000 per quarter million in revenue, and what to do about it KEY POINTS: 03:53 The first bad investment: Garrett walks through the decision that cost him money at 18 and turned him into someone who questions everything, while Charles connects it to the moment most people stop trusting their own instincts with money. 05:40 The three myths: Garrett breaks down why it takes money to make money, high risk equals high return, and playing the long haul are the three ideas that do the most damage, while Charles pushes him on where he first saw these fail in real life. 26:44 Risk is not what it looks like: Garrett explains what the wealthiest people actually do with risk and why taking action gets mistaken for recklessness, while Charles ties it to the entrepreneurs he has watched blow up and the ones who did not. 39:25 The tax moves most people skip: Garrett walks through the checklist he uses with business owners to find the $11,000 per quarter million in taxes they are overpaying, while Charles digs into which ones apply the moment someone starts making real money. 53:22 The books and the habits: Garrett names the reads that shaped how he thinks about money, relationships, and health, while Charles shares the unconventional places he picked up his own best lessons.

Cem Atik built a portfolio that generated over two billion dollars in revenue without founding a single company from scratch, scaled a SaaS business from barely seven figures to forty-five million in twelve months, and now runs one of Europe's most active acquisition and growth operations buying distressed e-commerce and SaaS businesses and turning them exit-ready. Now he is pulling back the curtain on exactly how it works. Charles and Cem get into the real mechanics of acquiring and scaling businesses that other operators have given up on, from identifying the unit economics that separate a hidden gem from a money pit, to building a lead generation engine that converts without burning through ad spend, to running A/B tests that take a company from stagnant to scaling inside a year. Cem breaks down the organic content strategy that consistently delivers higher ROI than paid channels, the onboarding tweak that boosts conversions by up to forty percent, and what he would do in the first ninety days if he were starting a SaaS company from zero today. Together, they explore why selling the result always outperforms selling the product, why the highest return on investment platform is one most operators are already ignoring, and why knowing your unit economics matters more than any marketing tactic you will ever run. This is not a masterclass in theory. It is a field-tested breakdown of how overlooked businesses become acquisition-ready machines. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Why unit economics are the single most important number in any business and how most founders are measuring them wrong without knowing it How Cem's offer-testing framework identifies the highest-converting angle without committing your full budget to a single bet The landing page principle that will cost you more than your entire ad spend if you skip it before scaling traffic Why targeting an audience with purchasing power changes the complete math of your business model regardless of what you are selling How to use AI as a sparring partner rather than a search engine and why that shift produces decisions you can actually trust KEY POINTS 01:21 Two billion in revenue: Cem reveals the scale of what his team has built for businesses they did not start, while Charles breaks down why the number changes everything about how you think about acquiring versus building. 02:06 Finding deals no one else sees: Cem explains the M&A network strategy and why paying consultants above market rate ensures the best opportunities land with him first, while Charles connects it to how he ran the same play in real estate. 04:30 The unit economics test: Cem walks through the exact numbers he looks at before touching a business, while Charles pushes him on what it really looks like when a company thinks it is healthy but is not. 07:27 Sell the result, not the product: Cem uses a telehealth case study to show why reframing your offer around the outcome rewires the entire conversion process, while Charles ties it back to how every great brand in history has done the same thing. 12:20 The A/B tests that actually work: Cem shares the specific experiments that consistently outperform across industries, while Charles digs into where founders should be running those tests if they want the fastest feedback loop. 14:52 Where the real ROI lives: Cem breaks down why LinkedIn and Reddit outperform paid channels for most operators and what organic content actually needs to say to move an audience, while Charles challenges him on how you cut through when everyone else is doing the same thing.

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 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 candid and fast-moving episode, Charles sits down with Richard White—founder and CEO of Fathom AI, the top-rated AI note-taking platform on G2 and HubSpot—to unpack the truth behind the AI gold rush. Richard shares why only 5% of internal AI initiatives actually succeed, and what separates innovation from illusion in today's hype-driven market. Together, they dig deep into the harsh realities of building and buying AI software—from skyrocketing failure rates and short model lifecycles to the "LLM treadmill" that forces companies to constantly rebuild just to keep up. Richard breaks down why most big corporations are struggling to adapt, how startups can outmaneuver them with speed and focus, and why the future of work will favor the few who learn to "think with AI." The conversation stretches beyond business—exploring the coming social upheaval, the rise of one-person billion-dollar companies, and the ethical crossroads of automation, employment, and human creativity. Both Charles and Richard keep it honest, funny, and forward-looking as they challenge listeners to rethink what it means to lead, learn, and stay relevant in the AI age. This isn't just another talk about artificial intelligence—it's a survival guide for entrepreneurs, employees, and visionaries navigating the most disruptive technological shift since fire itself. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -Why the future belongs to those who learn to think with AI, not compete against it -How automation is paving the way for one-person billion-dollar companies -The ethical and human implications of an AI-driven economy—and how to stay grounded amid disruption -The mindset shifts needed to stay relevant, creative, and adaptable in the AI age 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: 01:18 – The 5% reality check: Richard opens up about why 95% of internal AI initiatives fail—while Charles unpacks what separates companies that truly innovate from those just chasing the hype. 04:42 – From bootstrapping to breakthrough: Richard shares the journey of building Fathom AI into a top-rated platform—while Charles highlights the timeless lessons in execution, focus, and product-market fit. 08:15 – The LLM treadmill explained: Richard reveals how rapid model updates force companies to constantly rebuild—while Charles reflects on why adaptability is now the ultimate competitive edge. 13:28 – The illusion of enterprise AI: Richard breaks down why corporate AI projects struggle to deliver results—while Charles explores how small, agile teams can move faster and smarter. 20:04 – Thinking with AI, not competing against it: Richard discusses how humans and AI can complement each other—while Charles reframes the idea of "AI replacement" into one of "AI augmentation." 26:51 – The one-person billion-dollar company: Richard predicts a future where automation and leverage allow individuals to achieve massive scale—while Charles examines what this means for the workforce and leadership. 34:22 – Ethics, disruption, and the human future: Richard warns about the social impact of AI's rapid acceleration—while Charles challenges listeners to shape technology with purpose, empathy, and accountability. 41:10 – Staying relevant in the age of acceleration: Richard closes by sharing how curiosity and lifelong learning keep innovators ahead—while Charles reminds us that the real advantage isn't AI itself—it's how you use it.

In this thought-provoking episode, Charles sits down with Jennifer Edwards—executive coach, speaker, and author of Bridge the Gap—to explore how curiosity, connection, and psychological flexibility can transform both leadership and life. Jennifer unpacks the power of showing up "clean" in every interaction, revealing why most people fail to connect not because of others—but because they haven't first connected with themselves. She shares practical tools for breaking out of "sleepwalking" routines, disrupting ego-driven patterns, and creating conversations that open doors instead of closing them. Together, they dive into what it really takes to bridge divides in today's polarized world: the discipline of asking better questions, the courage to hold space without judgment, and the humility to prioritize impact over looking smart. From tactical daily practices like mindful mornings and walking meditations, to high-level leadership strategies for building trust and community, Jennifer shows how anyone can cultivate connection in a disconnected age. This isn't just a conversation about communication. It's a masterclass in building resilient relationships, leading with curiosity, and creating environments where people—and ideas—can truly thrive. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -Why true connection starts with showing up "clean" and being grounded in your own values and presence -How to break out of "sleepwalking" through life by practicing curiosity and disrupting automatic patterns -The difference between reacting from ego vs. responding with humility and awareness -Practical tools—like mindful mornings, journaling, and walking meditations—that reset perspective and energy 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: 01:18 – Showing up "clean" in conversations: Jennifer explains how being fully present and grounded changes the way people experience you—while Charles notes how leaders often underestimate this simple shift. 04:42 – Escaping life on autopilot: Jennifer describes the dangers of "sleepwalking" through routines without awareness—while Charles reflects on how intentional disruption sparks growth. 08:10 – Curiosity as a leadership superpower: Jennifer shares how asking better questions opens connection and trust—while Charles highlights how curiosity dissolves barriers in polarized environments. 12:35 – Ego vs. impact in decision-making: Jennifer unpacks why leaders often choose being "right" over being effective—while Charles points out the cost of ego-driven choices. 16:20 – Practical resets for daily clarity: Jennifer introduces mindful mornings, walking meditations, and journaling as tools to re-center—while Charles ties these practices to sustainable high performance. 20:55 – The power of psychological flexibility: Jennifer explains why adaptability and openness are essential for modern leaders—while Charles connects it to resilience in business and relationships. 25:30 – Building bridges that last: Jennifer closes with strategies to foster trust and belonging—while Charles emphasizes that true leadership is measured by the quality of connection you create.

In this mind-expanding episode, Charles sits down with Naveen Jain—visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of Viome—to explore how audacious thinking, curiosity, and counterintuitive parenting can transform not just businesses, but entire lives. Naveen shares his journey from building multibillion-dollar companies to tackling humanity's biggest challenges, from space exploration to revolutionizing healthcare. He reveals how success isn't measured by wealth, but by the lives you improve—and why making money is only a byproduct of solving meaningful problems. From raising children who think differently and pursue moonshot ideas, to reimagining healthcare through personalized nutrition and RNA analysis, Naveen unpacks the frameworks that fuel innovation on a massive scale. Together, they dive into the mindset behind asking "why" until you uncover the root cause, the power of turning curiosity into breakthroughs, and the principles that help people build not just companies—but legacies. This isn't just a conversation about entrepreneurship or health. It's a blueprint for thinking bigger, challenging assumptions, and daring to create a future where billions live better lives. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -Why success isn't measured by wealth but by the number of lives you improve -How Naveen Jain raised high-achieving children through counterintuitive parenting and curiosity-driven learning -The principle of asking "why" until you uncover root causes that unlock breakthrough solutions -Why work-life "balance" is a myth—and how to create a seamless continuum between family and business 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 – Redefining success beyond money: Naveen shares why true success is measured by how many lives you improve, not the wealth you accumulate—while Charles reflects on why this mindset redefines entrepreneurship. 03:49 – Counterintuitive parenting that works: Naveen explains how co-creating stories, fueling curiosity, and showing audacity helped him raise ambitious children—while Charles highlights the lessons parents can apply at home. 05:12 – From dot-com billions to mining the moon: Naveen recalls how he built a $40B company and then chased space exploration—while Charles points out how modeling boldness inspires the next generation. 10:50 – The myth of work-life balance: Naveen reveals why balance is impossible and why life and work must exist as a continuum—while Charles underscores the freedom that comes from integration over separation. 17:33 – Why teaching kids "the value of money" backfires: Naveen argues that making children work menial jobs for money limits them—while Charles unpacks the importance of giving kids platforms to reach higher. 31:24 – The power of asking 'why': Naveen shows how relentless curiosity leads to root causes and world-changing solutions—while Charles reflects on how childlike questioning unlocks breakthroughs. 36:33 – Reinventing healthcare with Viome: Naveen details how RNA, AI, and personalized nutrition can prevent disease—while Charles emphasizes the radical shift from generic health advice to truly individualized care. Exclusively for Proven Podcast Listeners: PROVEN10 gets your listeners 10% off of the full price of our Full Body Intelligence Test Viome's Full Body Intelligence™️Test our most comprehensive, at-home, 3-in-1 health test that includes: our gut and oral microbiome tests plus our cellular health test deep analysis of your oral + gut microbiomes your biological age score precision insights into your cellular, cognitive health, immunity, and more recommendations (Superfoods, Enjoy, Minimize, Avoid) for 370+ foods over 60 precision health scores recommendations for custom-formulated supplements, personalized gut biotics and oral hygiene formulas (available through subscription) *This discount is not combinable with any other offer

In this energetic episode, Charles sits down with Oliver Anwar—performance coach and founder of Elite Performance—to explore how high-achieving entrepreneurs can optimize their health, fitness, and mindset to perform at their best in business and life. Oliver reveals the hidden toll of entrepreneurship on the body, from poor sleep and stress to neglected nutrition and fitness. He shares how simple, science-backed systems can transform energy, focus, and resilience—giving founders the stamina to lead and scale without burning out. From personalized training strategies and nutritional frameworks to the psychology of discipline and consistency, Oliver unpacks what it really takes to build a body and mind that match the demands of running a successful business. Together, they dive into the powerful connection between health and wealth—why peak performance isn't a luxury, but the ultimate competitive advantage for any entrepreneur. This isn't just a conversation about fitness—it's a blueprint for sustaining success, building longevity, and creating a lifestyle where health fuels achievement at every level. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -Why many entrepreneurs unknowingly sabotage their success by neglecting health, fitness, and recovery -The link between peak physical performance and sharper decision-making, energy, and focus in business -How sleep optimization, nutrition, and strength training become non-negotiable foundations for scaling a company -Oliver's frameworks for creating sustainable routines that fit even the busiest founder's schedule 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: 01:12 – The hidden cost of hustle culture: Oliver explains how poor sleep, skipped meals, and nonstop stress silently sabotage entrepreneurs—while Charles reflects on the myth that sacrifice always equals success. 04:38 – Building energy as an asset: Oliver shares why entrepreneurs must see health as fuel for business performance, not a distraction—while Charles highlights how peak energy compounds into sharper leadership. 08:05 – Sleep, stress, and sustainability: Oliver breaks down the role of sleep optimization and stress mastery in avoiding burnout—while Charles connects it to long-term decision-making power. 12:20 – Fitness frameworks for founders: Oliver reveals his training strategies designed for busy schedules—while Charles emphasizes how structure beats randomness when life gets chaotic. 16:45 – Nutrition for performance: Oliver shows how small, consistent nutritional upgrades drive lasting results—while Charles points out the parallels between compounding habits in health and wealth. 20:30 – The psychology of discipline: Oliver explains why consistency outperforms motivation every time—while Charles explores how this mindset applies across both fitness and entrepreneurship. 25:55 – Health as the ultimate unfair advantage: Oliver closes by showing why health isn't optional but essential for long-term success—while Charles reflects on why the strongest businesses are built on strong bodies and minds.