Episodes

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Cafferty of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to unpack what's really driving San Diego's economy — from cross-border trade with Mexico to the talent pipelines fueling regional growth. Mark shares how the EDC engages with industry, the leadership lessons he's picked up from mentors and other cities, and why data-driven decision-making sits at the center of good economic development. We also get into the housing supply conversation...

Bill Douglas has had more than one moment that changed the trajectory of his life. In this episode, he shares the wild story behind one of them, and how it shaped the way he thinks about resilience, risk, and building a business that lasts. Bill is the founder of OpticWise and co-author of Peak Property Performance, a Fast Company Press bestseller. His company helps commercial real estate owners take back control of their data and digital infrastructure instead of leaving it in the hands of ven...

Commercial real estate has operated the same way for decades. Fragmented data. Siloed systems. Brokers jumping between five different platforms just to find a single owner's name. Dan Mosher saw that broken workflow and decided to fix it. Dan is the CEO and co-founder of DealGround, an AI-native data platform spanning 62M+ properties that is saving brokers an average of 20 hours per week. Before launching DealGround, he led the merchant team at Postmates through its $4.4B acquisition by Uber and served as SVP/GM of BrightRoll Exchange ahead of its $640M sale to Yahoo. In this episode, Dan and Dustin break down how AI is reshaping the way brokers prospect, access data, and close deals. Dan also shares what he learned navigating some of Silicon Valley's biggest exits, why being early is both a superpower and a liability, and what it actually takes to validate a problem before you build the product. Whether you are a broker trying to stay ahead, an operator curious about where A…

Commercial real estate has changed dramatically over the decades. The fundamentals that drive success in it have not. In this episode, Dustin sits down with Peter Quinn, a veteran broker at Kidder Matthews whose career spans IBM sales training, land development, and some of the most dynamic market cycles San Diego has ever seen. Peter brings a perspective you can only earn through real experience over real time. The conversation covers how Peter made the pivot from IBM into CRE, what that sales foundation taught him about building trust, and why the advisor mindset separates long-term producers from short-term players. Peter also gets honest about resilience, sharing what it actually looked like to navigate the hard seasons and come out still standing. You will also hear Peter break down the tools and systems he uses today, why CRM is non-negotiable for anyone serious about building a real estate business, and how staying informed through consistent reading gives you a consis…

Joshua Volen did not stumble into commercial real estate. He built toward it, one lesson at a time, starting from childhood ventures that taught him more about business than any classroom ever could. In Episode 110, Dustin sits down with Joshua Volen, co-founder of CIRE Equity, to unpack how authenticity, vulnerability, and a fundamental shift from scarcity to abundance mindset transformed his approach to leadership, culture, and commercial real estate investing. 🔑 Key Topics Childho...

Jonathan Hawkins built a legal practice most lawyers never considered. He represents law firms themselves, navigating breakups, partnership disputes, and business divorces that tear firms apart from the inside. In Episode 109, Dustin sits down with Jonathan to unpack how he went from engineering to law, found one of the most underserved niches in the legal industry, and built a practice around serving firms no one else focused on. If you are building a business, managing a partnership, or think...

The retail apocalypse narrative is wrong. Andy Weiner has the data to prove it. In this episode, Dustin sits down with Andy Weiner, President of Rockstep Capital, to break down what is actually happening in retail real estate and why the strongest operators are not just surviving but expanding. Andy shares how Rockstep Capital identifies opportunity in secondary and tertiary markets, why physical retail and e-commerce are partners not competitors, and what the limited supply of new shopping center development means for savvy investors right now. If you are in commercial real estate, retail investing, or trying to understand where brick and mortar is headed, this conversation gives you a data-driven perspective that cuts through the noise.

Most managers think they are recognizing their employees. Most employees disagree. That gap is costing organizations more than they realize.In this episode, Dustin sits down with Dr. Bob Nelson, recognized as the number one management guru in the world three years running, and Mario Tamayo of the Tamayo Group to break down why employee recognition is one of the most underutilized tools in leadership and exactly what to do about it.Together they unpack the disconnect between how managers perceive their own recognition efforts and what employees actually experience, why personalized recognition outperforms generic rewards every time, and how leaders can build cultures where people genuinely want to show up and contribute.If you manage a team of any size this episode gives you practical tools you can use immediately.

***Text “BISHOP” to 55498 to receive 10% off any of Bishop Foreman’s books and select items.*** Bishop Kevin Foreman shares how faith, entrepreneurship, mindset, and execution unlock your full potential. In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, we explore spiritual leadership, business growth, personal development, and the discipline of taking action. Known as “The People’s Bishop,” Bishop Kevin Foreman discusses starting his first business at age 12, why you should never demonize your ...

What does it take to successfully pivot your career and create meaningful impact? In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, Dustin sits down with Alex Waters, a leader in the San Diego startup community and a key force behind Program Labs, an organization that designs and operates entrepreneurship programs that expand opportunity and strengthen communities. Alex shares the unconventional path that took him from aspiring doctor to philosophy student and ultimately into the dynamic worlds ...

In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, I sit down with Eric Kapitulik, founder of The Program, to unpack what it truly takes to build elite teams and durable leaders. Eric shares his journey from military service to working with professional sports teams and corporations across North America. At the core of the conversation is a simple but demanding idea. Success comes from consistent hard work, personal accountability, and a commitment to becoming the best version of yourself. We talk about lessons from high-performance environments, the difference between happiness and satisfaction, and how parenthood reshaped Eric’s leadership philosophy. This episode is a practical look at emotional resiliency, lifelong learning, and why taking 100% responsibility is the foundation of trust, culture, and long-term success. Key Takeaways -Success starts with defining who you want to become -Hard work, sacrifice, and discipline never go out of style -Listening to under…

Overcoming adversity changes everything. In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, I sit down with marathon runner, author, and podcast host Bishoy Tadros to explore resilience, endurance sports, parenting, empathy, and personal growth. Bishoy shares his powerful story of battling leukemia as a child and how that experience shaped his mindset, values, and lifelong commitment to pushing past limits. From hosting the Mile 40 podcasts, to writing his books (Break Barriers, Mile 40, Audacious...

Building a company is hard. Building one with the right culture while scaling fast is even harder. In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, I sit down with David Walker, Co-founder and CEO of Spara, to talk entrepreneurship, AI, sales, and what it really takes to build a company that lasts. David shares how his early influences shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, why his first startup experience was a turning point, and how intention matters when transitioning from school into building ...

In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, I sit down with Mitch McDermott, founder of Talent Ascension, to unpack what is really happening in today’s job market and why so many candidates and companies feel stuck. Mitch shares his unconventional journey from the car business to building a successful executive search firm, including a bold move to Australia that reshaped his career and worldview. Along the way, we dig into how recruiting has evolved, how AI is changing hiring, and why au...

In this special 100th episode milestone, Dustin sits down with his 12-year-old son, Charlie Sutton, for a fun and insightful conversation about growing up, youth sports, public speaking, and the world kids navigate today. Charlie reflects on how his early public speaking experiences in elementary school built his confidence and why he enjoys presenting ideas more than doing skits or dances. He talks about the friendships he’s made through youth sports, the teamwork lessons that shaped him, and ...

In this episode, Dustin Sutton sits down with Neil Soskin, a veteran in commercial real estate with nearly 40 years of experience as an advisor, coach, and leader. Neil shares his journey from CPA to trusted CRE advisor, opening up about the mentors, lessons, and mindset shifts that shaped his career. His approach blends the technical world of real estate with mindfulness, personal growth, and a deep commitment to meaningful relationships. Neil reflects on the role spirituality and daily mindfulness have played in his life, how coaching became an extension of servant leadership, and why generational transitions in family businesses require patience, clarity, and intentional communication. He also talks openly about failure, identity, and why defining your personal vision is one of the most important investments you can make. Walk away with insight into leadership, personal growth, emotional intelligence, and the importance of slowing down to become more effective in both busines…

In this episode, Dustin Sutton sits down with Kameshia L. Freeman, Senior Vice President at JLL and a nationally recognized leader in commercial real estate, government advisory, and organizational development. With more than two decades of federal service and an award-winning career in the private sector, Kameshia shares a powerful perspective on what it truly means to connect, lead, and create meaningful relationships across industries. Kameshia breaks down the mindset shift required when transitioning from government to the private sector, emphasizing the importance of visibility, authenticity, and giving more than you expect to receive. She discusses her journey from the General Services Administration to JLL, the lessons that shaped her leadership style, and how building genuine connections continues to open doors—for herself and for others. Listeners will gain insight into relationship-building, career development, and the strategic value of meaningful connections in both …

In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, I sit down with PGA Tour veteran, storyteller, and golf insider Jay Delsing for one of the most inspiring and entertaining conversations we’ve had on the show. Jay opens up about growing up as a blue-collar kid in St. Louis, discovering golf as a teenager, chasing the dream of professional sports, and building a career that led him to the PGA Tour, national radio, and unforgettable moments with legends like Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Sean Connery, Steven Spielberg, and Justin Timberlake. This conversation goes way beyond golf. Jay breaks down what it takes to aim high, bounce back from failure, handle pressure, compete with intention, and stay grounded no matter how big the stage gets. We cover discipline, parenting, leadership, mindset, and how golf mirrors life in ways most people never notice. If you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, golfer, parent, or someone pushing for the next level, this episode delivers real perspective and…

In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, Monica Marquez shares her incredible journey from a first-generation college graduate in Texas to senior executive roles at Google, EY, Bank of America, and Goldman Sachs -and now as a serial entrepreneur empowering organizations to thrive in the AI-driven future of work. Monica explains how FlipWork helps employees at every level adopt and integrate AI successfully, transforming how they see, think, and work. She also discusses her popular newsletter, ¡Ay Ay Ay, AI!, which delivers five-minute, actionable insights for leaders navigating the future of work. A recognized voice in leadership, diversity, inclusion, and digital transformation, Monica has been named among Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Women of Influence, featured in Hispanic Executive and Latina Style, and honored on ALPFA’s Most Powerful Latinas list. Her experience leading groundbreaking programs such as Goldman Sachs’ Returnship and New Directions initiatives - and co-…

In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, host Dustin Sutton sits down with Ken Ashley, Executive Director at Cushman & Wakefield, founder of the CREi Summit, and one of the most respected voices in commercial real estate. With over 30 years in the industry, Ken has built his reputation on combining strategic business acumen with a deep commitment to leadership, gratitude, and community service. Ken shares his journey from navigating his first challenging year in real estate to becoming one of the top 100 producers at Cushman & Wakefield and a 25-year Phoenix Member of the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS® Million Dollar Club. He reflects on lessons learned, the importance of personal accountability, and how a mindset rooted in gratitude and service can lead to sustainable success. As an advocate and adviser to companies, Ken helps business leaders translate corporate strategy into real estate solutions that cut costs, boost profits, and enable performance. His strateg…

In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, Dustin Sutton talks with Amber Hollingsworth — addiction recovery specialist, counselor, and creator of Put The Shovel Down — about how empathy, family dynamics, and AI are transforming the path to addiction recovery. Amber shares her journey from therapist to online educator, the challenges of working with high-functioning alcoholics, and how to help loved ones without enabling. She also explores the future of AI in counseling, emotional intelligence in recovery, and what true success looks like in addiction treatment.

In this episode, Dustin Sutton sits down with Joel Steele, entrepreneur, author, and lifelong athlete, to unpack the powerful life lessons that come from failure, resilience, and self-discovery. From running a restaurant to building success in financial services, Joel opens up about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, what it takes to pivot, and how sports shaped his mindset along the way. He also shares the inspiration behind his new book, “Life Switch,” a guide to helping others tap into their true potential and purpose. If you’ve ever faced setbacks, questioned your path, or needed motivation to keep going, this conversation is packed with the insight and encouragement you need to reset, refocus, and move forward.

In this episode, Dustin Sutton sits down with Vijay Rajendran, startup advisor, entrepreneur, and author, to explore the art of fundraising, mentorship, and building resilient startups. Vijay shares his journey across entrepreneurship and investing, breaking down how founders can leverage storytelling, resilience, and strong relationships to raise capital and scale effectively. We dive into his perspective on fundraising as a learned skill, the role of mentors and networks, and why honest feedback and finding the right investors are critical to long-term startup success. Vijay also shares insights on the future of AI investment and why adaptability is the most valuable trait for founders navigating today’s startup ecosystem.

In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, host Dustin Sutton sits down with Colin Weatherwax, former CEO of Cars for Kids, to share an incredible story of resilience, hard work, and community-driven leadership. Colin takes us on his journey from humble beginnings in Dallas to leading one of the most impactful nonprofits in the country. From his first jobs at a water park to stepping into executive leadership, Colin reflects on how grit, humility, and education shaped his career path. He opens up about the pivotal transition into Cars for Kids, how the organization adapted during COVID-19, and the lessons he’s carrying into his new role in financial planning. Colin’s story reminds us that leadership is rooted in service, community, and believing in others.