What happens when your company grows faster than your ability to lead it? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Rajesh Nagjee, a CEO mentor and self-described "business physicist" who helps scale-stage founders solve what he calls the Velocity Crisis—the widening gap between sophisticated business systems and a CEO's capacity to run them effectively.

You built a Ferrari: sophisticated systems, frameworks, and infrastructure. But no one upgraded your inner operating system," Rajesh explains. Drawing on 30 years of experience across 15 countries and inspired by Tim Gallwey's Inner Game principles, he reframes leadership through a powerful equation: Scaling = Systems (Outer Game) minus Interference (Inner Game).

What makes this conversation particularly compelling is Rajesh's unflinching approach to CEO development. From telling fear-based founders "there's no future for you” to advocating for "fixed outcome, variable process" frameworks, he challenges conventional wisdom about control, values, and leadership. His signature CEO Freedom OS framework, including Command Center OS, Delegation OS, Client Magnet OS, and Personal Brand OS, has helped clients like Amex KSA and Nielsen MEA achieve returns exceeding 500%.

Whether you're a founder feeling overwhelmed by growth, a CEO struggling to delegate effectively, or a leader interested in building decision maturity within your team, Rajesh's systems-based approach offers a roadmap for scaling sustainably without becoming the bottleneck.

More About Rajesh:
Rajesh Nagjee is a CEO mentor and business physicist who helps scale-stage founders solve what he calls the Velocity Crisis, the widening gap between a company’s systems and a CEO’s capacity to run them at scale. You built a Ferrari: sophisticated systems, frameworks, and infrastructure. But no one upgraded your inner operating system. As growth accelerates, you become the bottleneck, driving a supercar with sedan instincts. Drawing on 30 years of experience across 15 countries, Rajesh reframes leadership through a systems lens inspired by Tim Gallwey’s Inner Game: Scaling = Systems (Outer Game) minus Interference (Inner Game). His signature framework, CEO Freedom OS, includes four interlocking components: Command Center OS, Delegation OS, Client Magnet OS, and Personal Brand OS. Clients such as Amex KSA, Nielsen MEA, and BNI Middle East have used it to reduce overwhelm, build decision maturity, and scale sustainably with returns exceeding 500%.

Chapter Times and Titles:
Introduction: The Business Physicist [00:00 - 05:30]
Welcome and meet Rajesh Nagjee
What is a "business physicist"?
The Velocity Crisis: when systems outpace leadership capacity
Setting up the Ferrari metaphor

"You Built a Ferrari, But Nobody Upgraded Your OS" [05:30 - 12:44]
The gap between sophisticated systems and the CEO's capacity
Why founders become bottlenecks at scale
The Inner Game vs. Outer Game framework
Scaling = Systems minus Interference

Fixed Outcome, Variable Process [12:44 - 18:40]
The choice: fixed process/variable outcome vs. fixed outcome/variable process.
Guardrails and swim lanes instead of rigid processes
Why business school frameworks often fail in practice
Creating freedom within structure
The beautiful father-son relationship example

If You Think You Can Control Anybody, Try Controlling Yourself [18:40 - 24:16]
The illusion of control in leadership
Why consistency is harder than we think
Showing up in your individuality
Aligning on outcomes, not micromanaging the process
The coffee-making consistency example

Confronting the Fear-Based CEO [24:16 - 32:00]
How Rajesh helps CEOs overcome the fear of delegation
"You're never going to come out of that fear psychosis."
The provocative approach: telling them there's no future
Building decision maturity in leadershi

What happens when someone gets fired from both L'Oréal and Ernst & Young, then goes on to advise billion-dollar brands like Porsche? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Alex M H Smith, strategy consultant and author of the bestselling "No Bullsh*t Strategy," who's made a career out of cutting through corporate fluff to help businesses find the clear, simple moves that actually work.

"Nobody knew what the hell I was doing because nobody understood strategy," Alex jokes about his time as a Chief Strategy Officer. But that lack of understanding is exactly the problem he's spent his career solving. From discussing why most businesses confuse strategy with "what are we going to do next" to revealing the difference between Blue Ocean Strategy and traditional strategic planning, this conversation explores what it really means to find your unique competitive advantage.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Alex's candid discussion about the education gap in strategic thinking. He explains why there was no competitive pitch situation in his entire consulting career—because almost nobody else was doing real strategy work at the small business level. Whether you're a founder trying to escape me-too competition, a leader struggling to articulate your strategic direction, or simply someone who's read all the buzzwords but wants to understand what strategy actually means, Alex's plain-spoken approach provides a roadmap for replacing timid, complicated plans with bold, energizing directions.

More About Alex:
Alex M H Smith is a strategy consultant and author of the bestselling No Bullsh*t Strategy, known for cutting through the corporate fluff and helping businesses find the clear, simple moves that actually work. As founder of Basic Arts, Alex works with founders and CEOs to identify the unique value only their business can deliver—and turn it into a competitive advantage that customers can’t ignore.

His plain-spoken approach has attracted a global audience on LinkedIn and YouTube, where he shares practical, often provocative perspectives on escaping the noise of me-too competition. Whether advising billion-dollar brands like Porsche or fast-moving startups, Alex focuses on replacing timid, complicated strategic plans with bold, energizing directions that make sense from the boardroom to the front line.

Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: The Disastrous Start to a Strategy Career [00:00 - 04:28]
Welcome and meet Alex M H Smith
Fired from L'Oréal and Ernst & Young
The non-deliberate path to strategy consulting
Following (and failing at) corporate footsteps

From Advertising to Strategy Consulting [04:28 - 13:51]
Account planning and the strategic side of advertising
Starting a consultancy in 2006
The education gap: why nobody was looking for strategy help
"Nobody knew what the hell I was doing"

The Strategy Knowledge Problem [13:51 - 22:30]
Camden's question: buzzwords vs. real understanding
Blue Ocean Strategy vs. traditional strategic planning
Why most people think strategy is "what are we going to do next"
The flabby definitions that miss the point

No Competitive Pitches: Being the Only One [22:30 - 32:15]
Why Alex never had a competitive pitch situation
The plus side: blowing people's minds with real strategy
The challenge: a massive education job required
Pure play strategy consultants vs. small business reality

Finding Your Unique Value [32:15 - 40:12]
What only your business can deliver
Turning unique value into competitive advantage
Why customers can't ignore clear differentiation
The beauty of being Chief Strategy Officer: doing whatever you want

From Basic Arts to Global Audience [40:12 - 48:00]
Building a following on LinkedIn and YouTube
Practical, provocative perspectives on competition
Working with billion-dolla

How does someone juggle running a business, teaching at two universities, and working full-time as a Director of Enterprise Applications? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Dr. Tresia Eaves—Air Force veteran, author, adjunct professor, and founder of Variant Enterprises—to explore her remarkable journey from military service to becoming a recognized leader in technology consulting and project management.

"You are only limited by yourself and the limitations you put on yourself," Dr. Eaves explains, sharing how she's managed to build a successful consulting business while teaching the next generation of business leaders and leading IT initiatives at Texas A&M University, Kingsville. From discussing her transition from military software development to civilian project management, to revealing her upcoming work on "The Platinum Rule" (treating others as THEY want to be treated, not as you want to be treated), this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone navigating multiple professional roles.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Dr. Eaves' practical approach to time management, her emphasis on building supportive teams, and her commitment to giving back through education. Whether you're a veteran transitioning to civilian work, an entrepreneur balancing multiple ventures, or a leader interested in project management excellence, Dr. Eaves' story provides a roadmap for achieving success without putting limitations on yourself.

More About Tresia:
Dr. Tresia Eaves has over 30 years of technology consulting and information technology leadership experience. She is also an author, instructor, public speaker, adjunct professor, and proud veteran of the US Air Force. She established her company, Variant Enterprises, LLC, in 2011 and has her Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and HUBZone Small Business certifications through SBA.gov. She also has her Texas VetHUB certification. She currently serves as the Director of Enterprise Applications for Texas A&M University, Kingsville. She recently worked as a subcontractor for the US Forest Service as a Senior Program Manager in the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (2023- 2025). She earned her doctorate in Information Science from the University of North Texas. She also has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Baylor University and a master’s in organizational Behavior from the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Eaves is a published author with her book, “Above and Beyond: The Secrets of Outstanding Project Leadership,” published in 2014 by IIL, and has published multiple other articles in professional and academic journals. Her latest effort is focused on educating professionals on “The Platinum Rule,” and a book is planned for 2027. She resides in Rockport, Texas, with her family.

Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: The Multi-Hyphenate Leader [00:00 - 05:00]
Welcome and meet Dr. Tresia Eaves
Air Force veteran, author, professor, and business owner
Setting the stage: How does she do it all?

"I'm a Project Manager at Heart" [05:00 - 13:30]
Managing schedule, family, and multiple professional roles
Teaching classes since 2021
The advantage of experience and preparation
Founding Variant Enterprises in 2011

From Air Force to Civilian Project Management [13:30 - 22:45]
Military background in software development and testing
The transition challenge: translating military experience
Learning that "all this software development stuff is called project management."
Getting certified and launching a consulting career

"You Are Only Limited by Yourself" [22:45 - 32:00]
Breaking through self-imposed limitations
The importance of supportive teams
Working with Texas A&M University, Kingsville
The EBV (Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans) program at Texas A&M College Station

The Platinum Rule: A New Approach to Leadership [32:0

What drives someone to leave a successful 15-year law enforcement career to tackle one of the most challenging problems facing first responders? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Joe Smarro, a decorated Marine Corps combat veteran, former San Antonio Police officer, and founder of SolutionPoint+, who's on a mission to eradicate suicide among first responders.

"Misery was the catalyst," Joe explains candidly about his transition from police work to entrepreneurship. As one of the original members of the SAPD Mental Health Unit—featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary "Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops"—Joe shares powerful insights about trauma, PTSD, and the surprising overlap between the symptoms of post-traumatic stress and entrepreneurship.

From discussing how "all behavior is communication" to revealing why he turned to business the way others turn to alcohol, this conversation explores the intersection of mental health, leadership, and purpose-driven work. Joe's approach to de-escalating mental health crises and his framework for understanding human behavior offer valuable lessons for anyone leading teams or navigating their own challenges.

Whether you're a first responder, an entrepreneur dealing with the obsessive nature of building a business, or a leader seeking to better understand the people you serve, Joe's journey from battlefield to advocate provides a roadmap for turning trauma into meaningful impact.

More About Joe:
Joe is a decorated combat veteran from the United States Marine Corps. He honorably served in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. After completing his enlistment, he moved to South Texas, where he joined the San Antonio Police Department (2005). Joe was one of the original members of the SAPD Mental Health Unit and helped grow that unit into a nationally recognized best-practices policing program. Joe served on the SAPD MHU for 11 years.

In 2018, he gave a TEDx San Antonio talk titled: I See You. He has been highlighted in numerous media outlets and documentaries. Most notably, he is one of the main subjects in the Emmy award-winning documentary: Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops. Joe is an alum of the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) at Texas A&M (2016). Once he completed his certification, he founded SolutionPoint+ in 2017 & is the current CEO.

Joe voluntarily left the San Antonio Police Department in 2020 to focus on making changes within the behavioral health and criminal justice systems around the country. His big, hairy, audacious goal is to eradicate suicide among all first responders, starting in law enforcement. When Joe is not speaking, training, consulting, or working on his next book, he will most likely be found on a golf course.


Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: The Hard Ground and Harder Problems [00:00 - 04:19]
Welcome and the ranch soil saga
Meet Joe Smarro: Marine, cop, entrepreneur
Setting the stage for a conversation about trauma and purpose

"Misery Was the Catalyst" [04:19 - 12:30]
Why Joe left law enforcement after 15 years
The transition from being part of a team to going solo
Finding purpose beyond the uniform

All Behavior Is Communication [12:30 - 24:45]
The foundational principle of Joe's work
Understanding what people are really saying through their actions
De-escalating mental health crises with empathy

The SAPD Mental Health Unit Story [24:45 - 32:17]
Building a nationally recognized best-practices program
Lessons from "Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops"
The TEDx talk: "I See You."

PTSD and Entrepreneurship: The Unexpected Overlap [32:17 - 43:05]
Symptoms of PTSD vs. symptoms of entrepreneurship
Bob Parsons' story: turning to business instead of alcohol
The obsessive nature of building something meaningful
Why avoidance and thrill-seeking show up in both

What happens when a personal tragedy becomes the catalyst for helping thousands of families preserve their stories? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Charlie Greene, CEO and Co-Founder of Remento, who turned his experience recording his mom's stories during her cancer diagnosis into a Shark Tank-approved business that's helped over 30,000 families create memory books.

"Writing feels like homework," Charlie's mom told him when he gave her a write-your-own-memoir book. So he tried something different—he just hit record and started asking questions. That simple pivot became the foundation for Remento, a product that creates keepsake memory books that completely write themselves, no writing required.

From discussing the difference between "family history" and "selling a story" to sharing insights about resilience research in children, this conversation explores the art and science of storytelling. Charlie reveals what he learned about helping people who think "I don't know why my story matters" discover that their experiences are worth preserving—and how reframing it as a gift for your kids rather than your own legacy changes everything.

Whether you're an entrepreneur building something deeply personal, a leader interested in the power of storytelling, or someone who wants to preserve family memories before it's too late, Charlie's journey from that first recording with his mom to appearing on Shark Tank offers valuable lessons about building businesses that truly matter.


Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: The Story Behind the Story [00:00 - 06:16]
Welcome, and the abstract conversation tease
What is Remento? Memory books that write themselves
Charlie's background and the origin story

"Writing Feels Like Homework" [06:16 - 15:30]
Mom's cancer diagnosis and the urgency to preserve her voice
The failed write-your-own-memoir book
Discovering the power of just hitting record

Building a Better Way to Preserve Memories [15:30 - 28:45]
The tedious process that inspired Remento
How the product works: weekly prompts and voice recordings
Creating keepsake books with both stories and voices

The Art and Science of Storytelling [28:45 - 42:47]
Learning from millions of stories in the data
Coaching people through their stories vs. interrogating them
Privacy-first approach while learning what stories matter most

Family History vs. Personal Legacy [42:47 - 46:36]
The story arc and helping people tell meaningful stories
Resilience research: why family stories matter for kids
Reframing it as a gift for your children, not self-promotion

Two Types of Storytellers [46:36 - 53:14]
The talkers vs. the reluctant storytellers
Why both groups end up sharing equally once they start
The importance of the first question and building momentum

"Pause is Powerful" [53:14 - 54:03]
Charlie's consistent message about taking time to reflect
The power of pausing in both storytelling and life

The Shark Tank Journey and What's Next [54:03 - End]
Making three Sharks cry and landing Mark Cuban as an investor
30,000+ storytellers and counting
Product of the Day on Product Hunt and Top 10 Products of 2024

Connect with Charlie and Remento [End]
LinkedIn: Charlie Greene
Website: remento.co (R-E-M-E-N-T-O)
Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @remento
Perfect gift for parents, grandparents, or your kids' future
Final thoughts on preserving the stories that matter most

Connect with Charlie Greene here:
https://www.facebook.com/getremento/
https://www.instagram.com/getremento/
https://www.tiktok.com/@getremento
https://vimeo.com/getremento
https://www.pinterest.com/GetRemento/
https://www.remento.co/

What if the key to building a high-performing team isn't fixing weaknesses, but maximizing strengths? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Kathy Kersten, a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach who has spent over 15 years helping leaders at Meta, Google, and AWS unlock their teams' potential through the CliftonStrengths framework.

"I always joke that my Maximizer talent is a warning label, not just a t-shirt," Kathy explains, diving into the power of self-awareness and how understanding your natural talent patterns can transform both individual performance and team dynamics. From discussing the difference between specialty players and utility players to sharing practical strategies for hiring based on strengths rather than just skills, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on leadership.

Whether you're an entrepreneur building your first team, a leader looking to optimize performance, or simply curious about how to leverage your own talents more effectively, Kathy's insights provide a roadmap for creating trust-based environments where everyone's unique abilities can flourish.

More About Kathy:
I’m Kathy Kersten, a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and a dedicated team maximizer with more than 15 years of experience unlocking the potential of individuals and teams. My journey in the world of strengths began with a focus on employee engagement at Rackspace, leading me to specialize in enhancing the dynamics within tech teams and organizations. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of collaborating with tech leaders from esteemed companies such as Meta, Google, and Amazon Web Services.

My approach is rooted in creating trust-based environments where everyone’s unique talents can flourish. I’ve facilitated strategic retreats, coached cross-functional teams, and partnered with top educational institutions like Texas A&M University and the University of Texas San Antonio on impactful projects. I also have a strong passion for supporting women’s professional development, having served as a coach, facilitator, and keynote speaker for various organizations and events.


Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: Meet Kathy Kersten, the Team Maximizer [00:00 - 03:59]
Welcome and the brain metaphor for strengths
Kathy's background as a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach
What is CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder)?

Understanding Strengths: More Than Just Being Good at Something [03:59 - 08:30]
Defining strength: talent + investment = strength
The difference between natural patterns and developed skills
Why is self-awareness the foundation

The Specialty Player vs. Utility Player Debate [08:30 - 19:00]
Should you be known for one thing or many?
The sports analogy: All-American specialists vs. versatile athletes
Balancing specialization with organizational needs

Zooming In and Out: The Full Strengths Picture [19:00 - 28:45]
Beyond the top 5: understanding your complete talent profile
How context determines which strengths to deploy
The importance of knowing your bottom strengths, too

Building Teams Around Strengths, Not Just Skills [28:45 - 38:30]
Hiring for energy and natural talent
The accountant's story: when skills drain your energy
Identifying what gives you zero energy boost vs. what energizes you

Practical Application: Strengths in Action [38:30 - 48:00]
How entrepreneurs can build their first team using strengths
The finite nature of time and energy
Matching people to roles that energize them

The Maximizer's Perspective on Optimization [48:00 - 56:00]
Why does Kathy focus on optimization over fixing
Creating trust-based environments for talents to flourish
The power of knowing your team's strengths

Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts [56:00 - 59:47]
Camden's takeaway on specialty vs. utility value
Otis's ref

What happens when an Army veteran discovers her superpower is storytelling? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Cher Terais, a two-time #1 bestselling Wanderlust Romance author who's redefining the romance genre by centering bold, accomplished Black women in stunning destinations around the world.

Cher explains shares her journey from military service to becoming a full-time author and founder of The Booked Club travel community. From discussing the therapy found in writing to revealing how her storytelling skills translate into helping other entrepreneurs connect the dots in their marketing, this conversation offers a unique perspective on creativity, reinvention, and building a life that feels as good as it looks.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Cher's emphasis on authenticity and representation. Whether you're an aspiring author, an entrepreneur looking to sharpen your storytelling, or simply someone interested in how diverse experiences shape creative vision, Cher's insights provide a roadmap for choosing courage over comfort and building something uniquely yours.


Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: Meet Cher Terais [00:00 - 02:51]
Welcome, and the "less than the F word" joke about romance
Cher's background as an Army veteran turned author
Setting the stage for wanderlust romance

The Storytelling Superpower [02:51 - 21:03]
How storytelling became Cher's entrepreneurial edge
Connecting dots for other business owners
The week at College Station and working with entrepreneurs

Writing as Personal Communication [21:03 - 31:00]
"Music for me was a way to talk to people in secret."
Writing from personal experience and emotion
The therapy in storytelling vs. being a storyteller

Representation and Authenticity in Romance [31:00 - 42:24]
Centering bold, accomplished Black women in romance
Why representation in travel and romance matters
Staying authentic in your creative work

Building The Booked Club Community [42:24 - 48:16]
From books to retreats and travel experiences
Creating spaces where adventure and softness coexist
The reality of becoming a travel curator

Lessons on Reinvention and Creativity [48:16 - 51:15]
Camden's takeaway: Not wanting to be arrogant, but owning your gifts
Otis's reflection on storytelling and connection
The power of choosing a life that feels as good as it looks

Connect with Cher [51:15 - End]
Website: cherterais.com
Social media: "One of one" on all platforms - TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest
Books available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local bookstores
Signed copies exclusively at cherterais.com
Final thoughts on supporting small businesses and authentic storytelling

Connect with Cher Terais here:
https://cherterais.com/
https://www.facebook.com/cherterais/

What happens when a gifted songwriter and Navy veteran decides to tackle the fintech world? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Samoria Preston, founder of ThrillPay, to explore her fascinating journey from creating music to revolutionizing how people access financing for experiences and non-physical products.

"Music theory is basically math," Samoria explains, revealing the unexpected connection between her artistic background and her current work in financial technology. From discussing the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the music industry to sharing insights about building a fintech startup during the Ticketmaster controversy era, this conversation offers a unique perspective on entrepreneurship.

What makes this episode particularly compelling is Samoria's ability to bridge both sides of her brain—the creative artist and the analytical businessperson. Whether you're an entrepreneur navigating industry disruption, someone interested in fintech innovation, or simply curious about how diverse experiences shape business vision, Samoria's story provides valuable lessons on staying authentic while building something new.

More About Sam:
Samoria Preston is a songwriter, Navy veteran, and the visionary founder behind ThrillPay, an innovative fintech company redefining how people access and experience financial technology. After serving as an Aviation Maintenance Technician and Plane Captain in the U.S. Navy, Samoria earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Liberty University, laying the groundwork for her entrepreneurial journey.

Her career began in the music industry, where she established herself as a professional songwriter, collaborating with a wide range of artists and producers to create digital music using technology that connects deeply with audiences around the world. This creative path sparked her fascination with the power of technology to transform industries and improve lives.

Motivated by a passion for innovation and community empowerment, Samoria launched ThrillPay. This cutting-edge app provides users with easy access to financing for a variety of purchases, including non-physical products and unique experiences. Through ThrillPay, she is dedicated to helping everyday people leverage their finances to create more meaningful and memorable moments.

Throughout her journey, Samoria has been driven by a desire to connect with others and make a positive impact. Whether writing songs, developing new business concepts, or fostering community, she is committed to authenticity, meaningful innovation, and inspiring others to pursue their own passions.


Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: The Artist Turned FinTech Founder [00:00 - 03:35]
Meet Samoria Preston and ThrillPay
From Navy veteran to songwriter to entrepreneur
The unexpected connection between music and numbers

"Music Theory Is Math" [03:35 - 15:10]
How music and technology intersect
Digital audio workstations and the tech side of creativity
Writing songs as personal communication

Authenticity in the Music Industry [15:10 - 19:06]
The challenge of staying authentic in a manufactured industry
Writing from personal experience and emotion
When superficial content overshadows meaningful art

The Pivot to FinTech [19:06 - 35:00]
The Ticketmaster era and industry disruption (2022)
Why the original concept didn't feel authentic
Finding the real problem to solve with ThrillPay

Building ThrillPay: Innovation Meets Community [35:00 - 45:00]
Redefining access to financing for experiences
Empowering everyday people through financial technology
The vision behind non-physical product financing

Lessons from Multiple Worlds [45:00 - 53:35]
Balancing creativity with business strategy
The importance of authenticity in entrepreneurship
Advice for asp