The Reckless CEO

What separates truly exceptional performers from everyone else? It's not talent or intelligence—it's their unshakeable commitment to consistent action, regardless of circumstances.

The most successful people understand that choices determine where you are, but commitments determine where you're going. As Kevin O'Leary from Shark Tank noted, great entrepreneurs have mastered the art of separating signal ...

Have you ever wondered if the resistance you're facing means you're on the wrong path—or exactly the right one? In this raw and unfiltered episode, I share the complete breakdown that happened in my business this week and the profound transformation that followed.

When half my team walked out, construction projects failed spectacularly, and everything seemed to be crumbling around me, I found myself in that famil...

Ever find yourself trying to be someone you're not because you think that's what success demands? After a challenging year filled with unexpected setbacks and profound self-doubt, I'm breaking my silence to share what happens when you abandon your authentic self in pursuit of others' definitions of success.

This raw, unfiltered conversation explores the identity crisis that paralyzed both my content cre...

From selling candy as a child to becoming the owner of a luxury car empire, Shawn Cunix's entrepreneurial journey captivates with its raw emotion and powerful lessons. The Columbus native reveals how he turned a childhood Jolly Rancher hustle into tens of thousands of dollars before transforming one cell phone store into a network of 100 Verizon locations worth $100 million.

Shawn doesn't shy away from the dark s...

Ryan Stewman never dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur. Yet his remarkable 15-year journey from reluctant business owner to financial strategist offers a raw, unfiltered look at what it truly takes to build a multimillion-dollar enterprise without venture capital or industry connections.

After losing his mortgage industry position due to regulatory changes, Stewman found himself pioneering what would become the podcast and...

Can psychedelics unlock the secret to entrepreneurial success? Join me, Michael McGovern, on the Reckless CEO Podcast as I recount a serendipitous meeting with a practitioner known as a 'magical doctor' who works magic with entrepreneurs. This unexpected reconnection has opened doors to profound insights, reminiscent of my transformative experiences with substances like psilocybin, DMT, and ketamine. Through this journey,...

World record holder and CEO JL Holdsworth joins us for an enlightening exploration of the tangled web between primal instincts and modern cognitive abilities. Discover the groundbreaking concept of Pre-Cognitive Optimization, where ancient survival mechanisms meet today's world, often leading to stress and anxiety. JL shares his insights on stabilizing our neuroception, allowing for a harmonious flow state where clarity and pr...

What if letting go is the key to unlocking a more fulfilling life? Inspired by Dr. Hawkins' transformative book, I embark on a personal journey exploring how releasing attachments and expectations can lead to profound psychological and spiritual growth. Through candid reflections, I discuss the powerful impact of our thoughts and the necessity of maintaining positivity amidst the relentless negativity from media and politics. ...

What if your voice could shape a more inclusive future? Andrea, a seasoned advertising executive turned entrepreneur, joins us to share her journey of empowering others through the transformative power of storytelling. Andrea's transition from the not-for-profit sector to founding Talk Boutique and the Thought Leader Academy reveals her deep commitment to unlocking the potential of experts and change makers. She discusses the ...

Struggling to navigate the complex world of commission-based work? Discover the unfiltered truth behind the hustle and grind culture, where expectations often collide with reality. Through the compelling story of a sales rep, we shed light on the often-misunderstood journey to entrepreneurial success. It’s not just about clocking in early or following the script laid out by others; true hustle demands self-discipline, creating valu...

What drives you to get out of bed each morning? Are we truly lazy, or is it the lack of inspiration that holds us back? On this episode of the Reckless CEO podcast, I, Michael McGovern, unravel the myth of inherent laziness by sharing my personal journey of finding motivation through purpose. From the temporary drive of getting fit for a vacation to the enduring passion sparked by my love for hockey, we discuss how discovering what...

Ever thought about what it truly means to commit without a safety net? Join me, Michael McGovern, as we recount the legendary tale of Hernán Cortés burning his boats and explore the profound impact of removing the option to retreat. From this bold historical move to my own journey from a regular 9-5 to founding the Columbus Roofing Company, we explore the essence of true commitment and how embracing calculated risks can set you on ...

Imagine transforming your life with a single, unexpected encounter. That's exactly what happened to me after a chance meeting with Charles at a roofing conference, which led to deep discussions about psychedelics and personal enlightenment. Through these serendipitous experiences, I realized the universe often guides us towards collaboration and growth when we're open to the synchronicities that life presents."
<...

What does it take to turn a setback into a springboard for success? Join me, Michael McGovern, as I chat with my good friend Rhys Bennett, who went from college dropout to key player in enterprises like Columbus Roofing Company and Reckless Media Company. Rhys opens up about his early struggles with door-to-door sales and his eventual discovery of a passion for film and media, a perfect fit for our ventures. We discuss the signific...

Ever felt out of place at a formal event, only to realize it offered invaluable insights? Join me on this episode as I recount an eye-opening experience in downtown Atlanta where my casual attire starkly contrasted with the sea of suits and ties around me. This led to a major shift in how I approach business travel and time management, uncovering the surprising benefits of short, spontaneous trips over long, meticulously planned st...

Can showing up every day, even when you don’t feel like it, be the true secret to success? On this episode of the Reckless CEO podcast, we uncover how the power of relentless consistency and commitment can transform your journey to achieving long-term goals. From the daily grind to the unglamorous tasks, we explore how high achievers manage to thrive in chaotic environments and build self-belief through unwavering reliability. We d...

Navigate the transformative power of live events and mastermind groups with us as we reflect on personal experiences that illustrate the importance of progressive growth and effective resource management. Michael likens business strategies to gym routines and Monopoly gameplay, showing how building a supportive team and infrastructure can propel your vision. We dive deep into the challenges of self-doubt and the fear of success, un...

What happens when two entrepreneurs from vastly different backgrounds come together to share their stories and successes? Get ready for an energetic and candid conversation as we welcome Josiah Myers to the Reckless CEO Podcast. We kick off with some lighthearted political banter, comparing the pros and cons of Trump versus Biden, before diving into our mutual love for C4 energy drinks and how they’ve become a game-changer for our ...

What if the key to unlocking your true potential lies in aligning your physical well-being with your mental health? Join us as we reconnect with our good friend Tarek, who has undergone a remarkable journey of self-improvement since his last appearance. Tarek's inspiring story of shedding 25 pounds and attending high-profile events like Eric Spofford's Mansion Mastermind underscores the power of physical health and networ...