Jeff Hopeck welcomes Chris Shueler, CEO of Cyderes, a cybersecurity company founded by Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec—who later hired his first outside CEO in Chris. Shueler traces a nontraditional path: after military service and finishing college, he planned to become a high-school history teacher, inspired by his own teacher. His wife challenged that “low ceiling,” pushing him to recognize his gift for leading people. He built his career by “leading from the front” while “leaders eat last,” empowering teams so their performance becomes his performance. After private-sector roles and an acquisition into IBM, he rose quickly—becoming a VP at 32—but his Enneagram 8 “challenger” wiring clashed with Big Blue’s constraints. Ten years of pushing boundaries—and being reprimanded for it—told him he needed a stage where challenging the status quo was an asset.

That arrived via “code name Stingray,” a nod to Herjavec’s car passion. One year into the Cyderes role, bookings are up 40% year over year, the brand is stronger than ever, and the company is leaning into market disruption—at the cost of intense travel (he logged ~80,000 domestic miles in his first three months).

Best advice: trust your gut. A senior government mentor (Ron Smith) once asked him what his gut said—then why he wasn’t trusting it. Since then, he’s learned that by the time you finally act on instinct, it’s often already too late. Biggest mistake: not trusting that gut when high-leverage opportunities appeared—twice. Earlier backers urged him to start his own firm, and in 2006 Amazon courted him to help build security for its nascent AWS. He balked—young family, relocation to Seattle, compensation heavy in stock—and still calls it a miss.

Life lesson/legacy: curate a spouse/partner and an inner circle who speak truth, create healthy friction, and want nothing but your greatness. CEO life is lonely; that support network sustains you. Follow Chris on LinkedIn, where he regularly challenges industry thinking on AI adoption and security.

🎙️Host : @jeffhopeckbrand
🚀Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cschueler/

In this episode of 20-Minute MBA, host Jeff Hopeck sits down with entrepreneur and musician Mike Barnhill to unpack a story of grit, transformation, and staying true to what matters most. Mike tells how he went from homeless to #1 in the world! It all started with a book and willingness.

Mike’s journey began with humble beginnings—growing up poor, sleeping on couches, and feeling trapped in a cycle he thought might never change. The turning point came when he and his brother discovered the power of self-education. From audio programs on long commutes to books like Good to Great by Jim Collins, they began to shift their mindset and challenge them to think bigger.

Together, they launched Specialist ID, a lanyard and badge holder company, and made a life-changing decision: to become the best in the world at one thing. By doubling down on badge holders and cutting all distractions, they transformed their small idea into an industry-leading business.

Mike also opens up about the downside of all-in hustle. In chasing business success, he sacrificed his passion for music—a mistake he now sees as losing touch with a core part of himself. Rediscovering that love has made him not only a better entrepreneur but a more fulfilled human being.

He leaves us with one simple but powerful life lesson: always be nice to people. Whether in business or everyday life, kindness builds bridges, opens doors, and makes the world a better place.

From poverty to industry leader, and from giving up to reclaiming music, Mike’s story is proof that mindset, focus, and kindness can change everything.

Episode 2 : Bonneau Ansley. He’s a remarkable real estate entrepreneur who, in just eleven years, grew from one client to selling his firm for $440 million. At 50, with a Wall Street bestselling book Brokering Billions, he continues to thrive. Alongside building his company, he personally sold $300–$400 million in real estate annually for eleven years straight. Driven by passion, he’s not only a top agent but also a strong entrepreneur with valuable wisdom to share. [Watch full episode on YOUTUBE (https://youtu.be/tfIAjVM62eA]

🎙️Host : @jeffhopeck1

🚀Guest : @bonneau_ansley