Driven: Unscripted Success

Driven: Unscripted Success

Welcome to the Driven: Unscripted Success Podcast, the go-to show for high-performing business owners, executives, and professionals who aspire to elevate their personal, professional, and financial lives. Hosted by Michael Mannino Sr. and Nareman Hamdan, each episode dives deep into the inspiring stories and invaluable insights of top industry leaders who have navigated the complex landscape of success with drive and determination. Michael and Nareman, business owners who are passionate about uncovering the keys to mastery and legacy building, bring you candid conversations that explore the highs and lows of remarkable careers. From leadership strategies and innovative business tactics to personal growth and financial acumen, our guests share their unscripted journeys to success, offering listeners practical advice and motivation to reach new heights. Join us on Driven: Unscripted Success Podcast, where we celebrate the relentless pursuit of excellence and empower you to achieve greatness in every facet of your life. Subscribe now and get ready to be inspired, challenged, and driven to succeed!

Episodes

June 12, 2026 27 mins

Thanos Diacakis is a software engineer, consultant, and founder of Cosmic Teacups, where he helps software organizations improve delivery speed, product quality, team communication, and customer outcomes. With more than 30 years of experience in software development, Thanos has worked with companies to streamline operations and build more effective engineering organizations.

In this episode of Driven: Unscripted Success, Thanos joi...

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AI isn't coming.

It's already here.

In this episode of Driven: Unscripted Success, Nareman Hamdan sits down with entrepreneur, private equity investor, and AI strategist Alice Chen to discuss how businesses are using AI today to scale operations, reclaim time, and create more efficient systems.

Alice shares her journey from launching a private equity fund to building AI Teammates, a company that helps entrepreneurs create AI-powere...

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Tony Rodriguez is an entrepreneur, marketing professional, coach, and co-host of the award-winning Advice Unfiltered podcast. What began with a few phones, a green screen, and a commitment to consistency has grown into one of the most recognized audience-driven podcasts in its category.

In this episode of Driven: Unscripted Success, Tony joins Mike Mannino to discuss leadership, podcasting, accountability, relationships, personal g...

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In this episode of Driven: Unscripted Success, host Nareman Hamdan sits down with leadership consultant, executive coach, and founder of G-Squared Consulting, Teresa Gregory.

With more than 20 years of experience leading global learning and development initiatives, Teresa has worked with major organizations to build leadership capabilities, improve workplace culture, and help professionals unlock their full potential.

In this conve...

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John Gravelyn is the founder of First Principal Partners and a former automotive engineer whose career includes time at Ford and Rivian, where he worked on innovative vehicle programs and manufacturing initiatives.

In this episode of Driven: Unscripted Success, John joins Mike Mannino to discuss real estate investing, entrepreneurship, engineering, leadership, and the mindset required to take calculated risks.

The conversation expl...

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In this episode of Driven: Unscripted Success, host Nareman Hamdan sits down with real estate investor, educator, and strategic advisor Christina Suter.

With nearly four decades of investing experience, Christina shares the lessons she's learned through market cycles, major financial setbacks, leadership challenges, and personal growth. From losing significant capital during the 2008 financial crisis to rebuilding her portfolio wit...

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Kevin Broyles is the co-founder of FisherBroyles, one of the largest distributed law firms in the United States and a firm that challenged the traditional legal industry long before remote work became mainstream.

In this episode of Driven: Unscripted Success, Kevin joins host Mike Mannino to discuss entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, client service, and how technology is reshaping professional services.

Kevin shares the stor...

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What happens when your "dream career" meets a "call out of left field"?

In this episode of Driven Unscripted Success, Michael Mannino sits down with Tim Hanold, Partner at Serenity First Hospice and Executive Chairman for Beach House Center for Recovery. Tim shares his fascinating journey from a Pennsylvanian "country bumpkin" upbringing to 20 years in the heart of New York City healthcare and medical sales.

In this episode, you&rs...

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"Where did Johnny get into college?" For many parents, the answer feels like a final exam on their child-rearing.

In this episode of Driven Unscripted Success, Michael Mannino welcomes Margaret Rothe, a Silicon Valley-based expert in educational software and college readiness. Margaret is the force behind Council More, a premier B2B platform that gives college counselors and families the data they need to navigate the admissions "b...

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"Whether you say you can or you cannot, you’re right." But what drives that belief?

In this episode of Driven Unscripted Success, host Michael Mannino interviews Jay Schneider, a world-class public speaker, psychologist, and identity coach. Jay shares her incredible journey from leaving home at age 14 in Brazil to help her family survive, to building a massive career, and eventually pivoting her entire life to go "Global."

Ja...

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What is the secret to getting the best out of your team? According to Matt Linder, COO of First Children's Services, it isn’t about "telling the plant to grow"—it’s about changing the soil.

In this episode of Driven Unscripted Success, host Nareman Hamdan sits down with Matt Linder to explore his unique path from a behavior analyst to a high-level executive. Matt shares how he uses behavioral science to manage lar...

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70% of the Earth is covered in water, yet most drones die the second they touch it. In this episode of Driven Unscripted Success, Michael Mannino sits down with Alex Rodriguez, the founder of XPC (X-Piece Drones), to talk about the engineering feat of creating a truly waterproof drone.

Alex shares his "all-in" entrepreneurial journey—from building drones underground in 2011 to moving to Shenzhen, China in 2023 to develop the ...

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Public speaking is the #1 fear in the world—even higher than the fear of death! But what if the secret to mastering the stage wasn't "learning lines," but simply having a better conversation?

In this episode of Driven: Unscripted Success, Michael Mannino sits down with Steve Sapato, the "Most Famous Unfamous Speaker in America." At 77 years young, Steve brings the wisdom of 38 full-time jobs (including riverboat gambling!) an...

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In this episode of Driven Unscripted Success, host Michael Mannino welcomes back Steven Zalunardo, a powerhouse in the Southwest Florida real estate and development scene. Originally from Toronto, Steve explains why he moved his family and business to the Naples area and how he has scaled his operations into four distinct "pillars."

Key Topics Covered:

  • The "Container" Strategy: How to structure mul...
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In this episode of Driven: Unscripted Success, Michael Mannino interviews Adam Povlitz, CEO of Anago Cleaning Systems. From his humble beginnings cleaning floors at night to leading an international franchise system, Adam shares the "dirty work" required to truly clean up in the business world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • The CEO Clean Up: Why you must unlearn control-freak habits to scale...
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In this episode of Driven: Unscripted Success, Nareman Hamdan sits down with Russell Gray—a financial educator, investor, and media entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience.

After losing everything during the 2008 Financial Crisis, Russell rebuilt with a new strategy focused on resilience, real assets, and Main Street opportunities.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why Main Street investing is on the rise
  • How t...
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In this episode of Driven: Unscripted Success, Michael Mannino interviews Warren Mainard, Executive Director of Impact Players. Warren shares his 30-year journey of ministry and leadership, discussing how men can overcome isolation and become the "thermostats" of their homes.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • The Chiseled Concept: How to view trials as a sculptor’s tool rather than just "b...
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In this episode of Driven: Unscripted Success, Nareman Hamdan sits down with Sergio Fernandez, a global trade and customs expert with over 15 years of experience managing compliance, risk, and cross-border operations across more than 30 countries.

Currently working on logistics for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Sergio shares insights into the complexities of global trade—and the mindset required to succeed in high-pressure interna...

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In this episode of Driven: Unscripted Success, Nareman Hamdan sits down with Mike Stohler, a seasoned real estate investor with over 20 years of experience and a portfolio of more than 1,500 units.

From multifamily to hotels and now international investments, Mike shares how he identifies opportunities across markets—and why he’s currently focused on Europe.

You’ll learn:

  • Why he transitioned from multifamily...
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In this episode of the Driven: Unscripted Success Podcast, we sit down with Jack Hoss, founder of Real Deal Crew, to explore how AI is transforming real estate operations.

Jack shares how most investors and agents don’t have a lead problem—they have a systems problem—and how AI can help automate follow-ups, improve deal flow, and free up time to focus on closing.

We also dive into the rise of AI agents, the import...

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