Why Presence Changes Everything

About this episode

David Meltzer interviews Stephen Scoggins about identity, leadership, and personal growth through vulnerability and authenticity.

In today’s episode, I sit down with entrepreneur, speaker, and bestselling author Stephen Scoggins to talk about identity, leadership, and the personal growth that comes from facing hard truths. We discuss why vulnerability creates stronger connections, the difference between authenticity and living from your essence, and how the words “I am” can reshape the way you approach success. Stephen shares lessons from homelessness, business growth, and life after a major exit, while I offer practical frameworks for building trust, evaluating relationships, managing time, and creating a life rooted in purpose rather than hustle. Together, we explore service, devotion, presence, and what it means to become who you’re meant to be.

People in this episode

Host: David Meltzer

Guest: Stephen Scoggins

Topics covered

• identity
• leadership
• personal growth
• vulnerability
• authenticity
• trust
• purpose

Keywords

• identity
• leadership
• vulnerability
• authenticity
• personal growth
• trust
• purpose

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Entrepreneur.com

More episodes of The Playbook With David Meltzer

• The New Luxury Is Longevity · June 12, 2026 · 24 min
• Finding Growth Through Change · June 11, 2026 · 25 min
• The Hidden Law of Long-Term Success · June 10, 2026 · 29 min
• The Power of Persistence · June 9, 2026 · 29 min
• How Great Characters Find Their Voice · June 8, 2026 · 17 min
• The God Sized Hole Success Couldn’t Fill · June 7, 2026 · 43 min