Proven Podcast

In this forward thinking episode, Charles sits down with Steve Brown, a leading force in the conversation on artificial intelligence. A former executive at Google DeepMind and Intel, he helps people understand AI, its potential, and how it will shape the future of business, education, and society. His clients include Nike, Comcast, Bank of America, PepsiCo, and Disney, and he has been featured on CNN, the BBC, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal. His book, The Innovation Ultimatum, is a how-to guide on innovation and digital transformation, and his new book, The AI Ultimatum: Preparing for a World of Intelligent Machines and Radical Transformation, will launch this fall.
Steve breaks down why futurists don't predict the future but instead analyze emerging trends to understand what's becoming possible, and what leaders must do today to stay relevant tomorrow. From building AI-first organizations to amplifying human performance rather than replacing it, he reveals the mindset shift required to thrive in an era of exponential technological change.
Together, they explore the reality behind AI fears, the industries most at risk of disruption, and the opportunities hiding inside the transformation already underway. Steve shares practical strategies for adopting agentic AI, rethinking how companies scale, and leveraging technology to unlock abundance instead of scarcity. 
This isn't just a conversation about automation or tools, it's a blueprint for navigating the next phase of humanity, where AI reshapes how we work, create, and contribute.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
-Why AI futurists don't predict the future, but analyze signals to understand what's coming next
-How AI is shifting from tools to autonomous agents that reshape workflows and decision making
-The mindset leaders need to move from fear of AI to strategic adoption
-Why AI will amplify human capability rather than simply replace jobs
Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode.
KEY POINTS:
01:04 – What an AI futurist really does:
Steve explains that futurists analyze trends instead of predicting outcomes, while Charles reframes foresight as preparation, not prophecy.
05:18 – The shift from AI tools to AI agents:
Steve breaks down how AI is evolving into autonomous systems, while Charles explores how this changes productivity and leadership.
09:46 – Fear vs. opportunity in AI adoption:
Steve challenges common misconceptions about AI replacing humans, while Charles highlights how mindset determines whether disruption becomes threat or advantage.
14:32 – Becoming an AI-first organization:
Steve shares practical ways companies can integrate AI into daily workflows, while Charles emphasizes experimentation over perfection.
19:21 – Industries on the edge of transformation:
Steve identifies sectors most impacted by AI, while Charles reflects on how disruption often creates unexpected opportunity.
24:57 – Amplifying human potential:
Steve explains why AI should augment creativity and decision making, while Charles reframes technology as leverage for human capability.
30:08 – Leading through exponential change:
Steve discusses how leaders must adapt faster than technology evolves, while Charles connects adaptability to long-term survival.
35:44 – The future of work and collaboration:
Steve explores how humans and AI will collaborate, while Charles examines the skills needed to stay relevant.
41:12 – Preparing for the next wave:
Steve closes with advice on curiosity and lifelong learning, while Charles reinforces that the real advantage isn't AI itself, but how you choose to use it.

In this high-performance episode, Charles sits down with Dan Lawrence. Human Performance Optimization coach and founder of Perform 365, to explore how elite mindset, data-driven science, and identity transformation fuel the success of top tier athletes and CEOs. 
Dan breaks down his philosophy of start where you stand, revealing how the application of knowledge, rather than just the information itself, is the true barrier to peak performance. From implementing daily non-negotiables and environment audits to navigating setbacks with a reflect, review, and plan strategy, he shares what it takes to scale your physical health alongside your business. 
Together, they dive into the granular science of optimization, why it requires comprehensive blood panels, DEXA scans, and metabolic testing to create a truly bespoke blueprint for longevity. 
This isn't just a talk about fitness. It's a masterclass in building a resilient, optimized identity that ensures your health becomes your greatest competitive advantage.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
-How Dan Lawrence helps people align their performance journey with their current reality
-The role of environment audits and identity in achieving high-level success
-Why daily non-negotiables are a tool for consistency, not restriction
-The discipline required to audit one's self and remove behavioral friction
Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode.
KEY POINTS:
00:46 – Human Performance Optimization: Dan shares his background working with over 30 champion athletes and high-level CEOs , while Charles frames the conversation around the mindset required for success in both business and health.
02:15 – Information vs. Application: Dan explains that while resources like AI and YouTube make information readily available, people struggle with the application ; he introduces the mantra start where you stand to ground progress in reality rather than comparison.
03:59 – Shaping the Elite Identity: Dan breaks down how to embody the traits of the person you wish to become before you get there , while Charles highlights how environmental audits, down to one's watch or clothes, fortify this new mindset.
06:18 – Environment and Friction: Dan discusses removing friction by curating a conducive environment and finding accountability partners , while Charles reinforces that environment either builds your flame or puts it out.
07:59 – Outcome vs. Process Goals: Dan explains why winners and losers often have the same goals and emphasizes reverse-engineering the process , while Charles explores getting past the point where initial motivation fails.
08:53 – Winning the Day (WTD): Dan introduces the concept of daily non-negotiables and brilliant basics to create consistency , while Charles reframes these simple structures as the foundation for high-performance results.
15:23 – Recovery and Non-Negotiables: Dan explains that recovery is the ceiling for training, highlighting basics like sleep and hydration, while Charles emphasizes that health is a more valuable asset than time.
19:03 – Reflect, Review, and Plan: Dan shares a three-step framework for overcoming setbacks and failures , while Charles explores the competitive advantage that comes from having the discipline to maintain physical health as a CEO.

In this candid and empowering episode, Charles sits down with Jade Warshaw, co-host of The Ramsey Show and personal finance expert, to explore how mindset, communication, and values shape our financial lives and relationships. Jade unpacks why money problems are rarely about math and almost always about behavior, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves.
From navigating debt and budgeting to aligning financial decisions with life goals, Jade shares how intentional habits and honest conversations can transform both personal finances and partnerships. She reveals how emotional awareness, discipline, and clarity create financial stability, and why true freedom comes from control, not consumption.
Together, they dive into the psychology of money, how fear, shame, and comparison influence decisions, and why alignment between values and actions matters more than income level. The conversation reframes personal finance as a tool for building confidence, trust, and long term peace of mind, not just wealth.
This isn't just a conversation about budgets or debt. It's a blueprint for building a healthy relationship with money one rooted in clarity, discipline, and purpose that supports the life you actually want to live.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
-Why money problems are rarely about numbers and almost always about behavior and mindset
-How Jade Warshaw helps people align financial decisions with personal values
-The role of communication and trust in financial health,especially in relationships
-Why budgeting is a tool for freedom, not restriction
Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode.
KEY POINTS:
01:08 – Why money is emotional:
Jade explains how feelings and beliefs drive financial decisions, while Charles reframes money as a mirror of behavior and identity.
05:12 – Aligning money with values:
Jade shares how clarity around priorities transforms spending, while Charles highlights why values-based choices create peace.
09:46 – Communication and finances:
Jade discusses the importance of honest money conversations, while Charles explores how trust impacts financial outcomes.
14:29 – Budgeting as freedom:
Jade breaks down why a budget empowers rather than restricts, while Charles reframes structure as a path to control.
19:37 – Breaking the debt cycle:
Jade explains the habits that keep people stuck, while Charles emphasizes discipline and consistency.
24:55 – Emotional triggers and spending:
Jade identifies how stress and comparison fuel poor decisions, while Charles reflects on awareness as the first step to change.
30:14 – Building financial confidence:
Jade shares how small wins create momentum, while Charles ties progress to belief and clarity.
35:42 – Long-term financial peace:
Jade closes with principles for stability and growth, while Charles reinforces that peace comes from alignment, not excess.

In this high impact episode, Charles sits down with Robert Glazer, entrepreneur, Inc. and Forbes columnist, sought, after speaker, and founder and CEO of Acceleration Partners, to explore how leadership, culture, and values, driven growth create sustainable, high performing organizations. Robert unpacks the principles behind scaling a global performance marketing firm while staying anchored in purpose, transparency, and long-term thinking.
From building teams that thrive in a remote, first world to redefining what accountability and trust look like at scale, Robert shares how culture isn't a "nice to have", it's the operating system that drives results. He dives into the mindset of modern leadership, explaining why clarity, alignment, and personal growth are essential for both individual and organizational performance.
Together, they examine the evolving nature of work, the role of values in decision, making, and why sustainable success is built through consistency, integrity, and intentional leadership, not shortcuts or hype. The conversation bridges business strategy with personal development, offering lessons that apply just as much to life as they do to leadership.
This isn't just a conversation about performance marketing or management. It's a blueprint for building values, driven companies, leading with credibility, and creating cultures that scale without losing what matters most.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
-How Robert Glazer built Acceleration Partners into a global, values, driven performance marketing firm
-Why culture is the operating system that determines long term business success
-How transparency and accountability create trust at scale
-The leadership habits required to build high, performing, remote, first teams
Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode.
KEY POINTS:
01:05 – Building a values, driven company:
Robert shares the early vision behind Acceleration Partners, while Charles reflects on why culture must be intentional from day one.
04:47 – Culture as an operating system:
Robert explains why culture drives behavior and results, while Charles reframes culture as the foundation of scalable leadership.
09:32 – Transparency and accountability at scale:
Robert breaks down how openness builds trust, while Charles highlights why accountability strengthens teams.
14:21 – Leading in a remote, first world:
Robert discusses the challenges of distributed teams, while Charles explores how leadership must evolve with work.
19:38 – Values, based decision making:
Robert explains how values guide tough calls, while Charles reinforces the importance of alignment under pressure.
24:55 – Personal growth equals leadership growth:
Robert shares how leaders must grow with their companies, while Charles connects growth to self-awareness and discipline.
30:10 – Avoiding short term thinking:
Robert challenges the pursuit of quick wins, while Charles reframes success as sustainable progress.

In this dynamic episode, Charles sits down with Ann Kaplan Mulholland. Canadian entrepreneur, business executive, author, and television personality, to explore how bold vision, adaptability, and unapologetic ambition drive success across business, media, and life. Ann shares her unconventional path to building influence and impact, revealing how resilience, reinvention, and strategic risk taking became the foundation of her career.
From navigating high stakes industries to building personal brand credibility in the public eye, Ann unpacks what it takes to lead with confidence while staying grounded in purpose. She discusses the realities of modern entrepreneurship, the pressure of visibility, and why owning your narrative is just as important as executing your strategy.
Together, they dive into leadership in a fast moving world, how identity shapes decision making, why clarity and conviction matter more than perfection, and how adaptability becomes a competitive advantage. The conversation blends business insight with personal reflection, offering lessons on growth, reinvention, and showing up fully in every arena you choose to play in.
This isn't just a conversation about success or visibility. It's a blueprint for building influence with intention, leading boldly through change, and creating a career that reflects who you are, not just what you do.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
-How Ann Kaplan Mulholland built a multifaceted career as an entrepreneur, executive, author, and television personality
-Why owning your identity and narrative is essential in business and public life
-How resilience and reinvention create long-term relevance
-The realities of leadership under visibility and public scrutiny
Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode.
KEY POINTS:
01:06 – Building a career across industries:
Ann opens up about her unconventional journey, while Charles reflects on how adaptability creates opportunity across different arenas.
04:48 – Reinvention as a leadership skill:
Ann explains why growth often demands change, while Charles highlights how identity evolves alongside ambition.
09:35 – Owning your narrative:
Ann discusses the importance of controlling your story, while Charles explores why clarity of self builds confidence and trust.
14:22 – Leadership in the public eye:
Ann shares the pressure of visibility and criticism, while Charles examines how leaders stay grounded under scrutiny.
19:14 – Confidence without perfection:
Ann breaks down why waiting to be "ready" holds people back, while Charles reinforces the power of decisive action.
24:37 – Adaptability in fast-moving markets:
Ann reveals how staying flexible fuels longevity, while Charles ties adaptability to competitive advantage.
30:02 – Balancing brand and execution:
Ann explains how credibility is built through results, while Charles emphasizes alignment between message and action.