In this deeply human and heartfelt episode, Bart Berkey sits down with the legendary Edward Mady — author of Honing the Human Edge, former GM of The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air, and a true icon in luxury hospitality. From his humble beginnings in a family diner to leading 128 award-winning teams, Edward shares the powerful principle that shaped his leadership: crack the code of others’ hidden strengths and help them grow. With stories of grit, empathy, and purpose, this conversation is a masterclass in humanistic leadership and emotional intelligence.

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Major Takeaways / Learnings:

• “Cracking the Code”: Great leaders uncover strengths people don’t yet see in themselves.The Power of a
• Name: Using someone’s name validates their identity and worth — whether they’re an employee or a stranger on the street.
• Growth + Value: Every individual deserves a path to grow and add value. That’s the true headline of leadership.
• Onboarding = Culture: Integration isn’t training — it’s energizing people to join your culture with purpose and pride.
• Desire → Momentum → Movement: Leadership isn't about tasks; it’s about sparking desire that fuels momentum and creates collective impact.
• Lead Through Crisis by Showing Up: Sit in the fire with your team. Presence over perfection.
• Fire With Humanity: Even when letting someone go, leaders can do so with compassion, support, and continued belief in their potential.
• Work Can Be Joy: True leaders find joy in their work because it’s purpose-driven and people-centered.

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Memorable Quotes:

• “The most important thing you’ll ever own is your name.”
• “Cracking the code of someone’s hidden strength — that’s what great leadership is.”
• “Desire is when you make a contract with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.”
• “What can I do? How can I help? Who can I call?”
• “You never know what it’s like to work for Edward Mady… until you don’t.”
• “Leadership means sitting in the fire with your team and saying, ‘We’ll figure this out together.’”

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Why It Matters / How to Use It:

This episode is a playbook for anyone who wants to lead with more empathy, resilience, and impact — whether in hospitality, business, or life. Edward reminds us that it’s not enough to manage people — we must see them, support them, and help them discover their own edge. Apply this by:

• Calling people by name.
• Asking what lights them up.
• Creating safe space to grow, even through failure.
• Leading not just with policies, but with presence.

This is not just leadership — this is legacy.

Resources & Links:

• Edward Mady on LinkedIn: Click here
• Edwar Mady Book: Honing the Human Edge: How Leaders Can Unlock Success Through Caring, Coaching, and Accountability
• Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

In this inspiring episode, Bart Berkey sits down with Gavin Mlinar, CEO of Blacklisted Consulting and author of Yes, Your Way to Success. Why Don’t You? Gavin shares the remarkable story of how his upbringing, mindset, and resilience have driven him to negotiate billion-dollar contracts, become an endurance athlete, and launch his own company—all through one key trait: decisiveness.

Together, they unpack what it takes to keep going when most people quit, and how to act with confidence even when conditions aren’t perfect.

Major Takeaways / Learnings:

1. Most People Don’t Ask… But Gavin Does. Gavin landed on this podcast simply by reaching out with authenticity and persistence—something most people don’t do.

2. Rejection is Practice. Cold-calling 100 people a day at Merrill Lynch taught Gavin to normalize “no.” He reframed rejection as part of the process, not a signal to stop.

3. Decisiveness Is a Superpower. According to his book coach (also a therapist), Gavin is one of the most decisive people they’ve ever met—and that’s what makes him different.

4. Forget Perfect—Take Action. Waiting for the perfect moment or perfect plan often leads to stagnation. Gavin encourages forward momentum over perfectionism.

5. Two Steps to Progress: 1) Research and validate through resources and conversations. 2) Make a decision, take action, and adjust along the way.

6. Ask for Help. Often. Most people don’t ask—but most people are predisposed to help when asked. Gavin encourages breaking through that hesitation.

7. Effort + Attitude = Progress. Gavin teaches his kids—and lives himself—by these two values. You don’t need perfection, just consistent energy and a positive mindset.

Memorable Quotes:

1. “Most people don’t ask for help. But most people are predisposed to help when asked.” – Gavin Mlinar

2. “There are very few things in life that are final. Failure is just learning in disguise.” – Gavin

3. “You get to wake up early. You get to catch that flight. That shift in mindset is everything.” – Bart Berkey

4. “Most people don’t… say yes.” – Gavin Mlinar

Why It Matters / How to Use It:

Listeners will walk away with practical tools to become more decisive, more resilient, and more open to opportunities. Gavin’s approach—research, then act—can be applied to anything from writing a book to launching a business, asking for a promotion, or learning how to surf.

His mindset of saying "yes" before conditions are perfect is a challenge to the perfectionist in all of us and his emphasis on attitude and effort is a reminder that consistency and courage can unlock extraordinary results.

Resources & Links:

• Gavin Mlinar on LinkedIn: Click here
• Yes Your Way website: www.yesyourway.com
• Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

Fill in the Blank:

Most people don’t…

" say yes. "

Frank Guengerich’s journey is one of grit, grace, and doing the work—often in silence. A former Division I tennis player and national bodybuilding champion, Frank has spent decades building a career in health, wellness, and leadership. Now the President and CEO of HWLS, he shares how his upbringing shaped his values and how he built a boutique consulting firm that thrives on personal attention and a proven track record.

Bart and Frank dive into what separates those who simply dream from those who do. Frank's reflections on responsibility, accountability, and the importance of meaningful leadership resonate deeply. His lessons aren’t just for fitness pros—they’re for anyone who wants to build something with integrity and impact.

Top Takeaways:

• Work Without Applause: Most people don’t do the work in silence. Frank did—and still does.

• Leadership Anchored in Values: Kindness, empathy, rigor, and reliability are non-negotiables.

• Responsibility vs. Accountability: Responsibility is a personal gift. Accountability is cultural.

• Build Smart, Then Scale: Success in the fitness and wellness world depends on business acumen just as much as heart.

• Success Is Simple (But Not Easy): Friendly staff. Clean facilities. Functioning equipment. Consistency.

Best Quotes:

“Most people don’t do the work in silence. They don’t fully commit with passion and patience when no one is watching.” — Frank Guengerich

“Love people and use money. Don’t use people and love money.” — Frank Guengerich

“Responsibility is the gift you give yourself. Accountability is what you give your organization.” — Frank Guengerich

Bart’s Reflections:

Bart shares his own story of career transformation after a health scare and how Frank’s values echo the Most People Don’t mindset. The episode becomes a masterclass in purpose-driven work, sharing how helping others leads to lasting success—and not the other way around.

Resources & Links:

• Frank Guengerich on LinkedIn: Click here

• HWLS Website: www.HWLServices.com

• Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn

Fill in the Blank:

Most people don’t…

“…do the work in silence. They don’t pursue goals with passionate consistency. They wait for permission or praise. But when you do the work anyway—especially when no one’s watching—you win.” — Frank Guengerich