Beyond the Numbers

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with renowned business strategist, author, and thought leader Rashad Tabakawala for a powerful conversation about leadership, technology, and what it means to stay human in an increasingly data-driven world.
 
After spending nearly four decades at the forefront of digital transformation, advising global organizations such as Google, Meta, IBM, Walmart, and JPMorgan Chase, Rashad shares why he believes the greatest challenge facing modern leaders isn't technology—it's preserving humanity, creativity, and purpose amid rapid change.
 
Together, Chris and Rashad explore the ideas behind Rashad's acclaimed books Restoring the Soul of Business and Rethinking Work, discussing the balance between data and intuition, the future of work in the age of AI, the rise of fractional careers, and why the most successful organizations combine digital innovation with authentic human connection.
 
Listeners will hear practical insights on leadership, vulnerability, organizational culture, lifelong learning, and navigating uncertainty in a world where the future no longer fits the containers of the past.
Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, advisor, or someone rethinking your own career path, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building a life and business that align success with meaning and purpose.
 
Topics include:• Staying human in the age of AI• Leadership with honesty, empathy, and vulnerability• The future of work and career transformation• Balancing data, technology, and human connection• Creating cultures of trust and innovation• Learning, adaptability, and long-term relevance
 
Join us for an inspiring discussion on where money meets meaning—and why the soul of business matters now more than ever.
 
About the Guest:
Rashad Tabakawala is a globally recognized business strategist, bestselling author, speaker, and former Chief Strategist and Chief Growth Officer of Publicis Groupe, where he spent 37 years helping lead one of the world's largest organizations through the digital revolution while advising companies such as Google, Meta, IBM, Walmart, and JPMorgan Chase. He is the author of Restoring the Soul of Business and Rethinking Work, co-founder of the Athena Project, founder of the Tabakawala Foundation, and a trusted advisor to leaders worldwide on the future of work, leadership, and staying human in the age of AI.
 
About the show
Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. Chris is also President of Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois for fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

What if prosthetic limbs could become a source of confidence instead of something people try to hide?
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Chris Everett sits down with renowned industrial designer and entrepreneur Scott Summit — founder of Bespoke Innovations and Ethereal Matter — for a powerful conversation about empathy-driven design, entrepreneurship, and building technology that restores dignity.
After designing products for Apple, Nike, Sony, and Palm, Scott left a successful career behind to reinvent prosthetics using 3D scanning and 3D printing technology. His custom prosthetic fairings helped amputees reclaim confidence, identity, and self-expression while dramatically reducing costs compared to traditional custom prosthetics.
Scott also shares:• The story behind founding Bespoke Innovations• Why redefining “function” changed everything• The emotional impact of personalized prosthetics• Lessons from selling Bespoke to 3D Systems• The future of 3D printing in medicine, architecture, space, and manufacturing• His latest venture, Ethereal Matter, and the MEK VR fitness platform• Why solving meaningful human problems matters more than chasing trends• How money, meaning, and purpose intersect in entrepreneurship
This episode is about far more than technology. It’s about using innovation to improve human lives.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Show Introduction00:35 — Meet Scott Summitt04:04 — The 2008 Leap05:31 — Redefining Function in Prosthetics07:28 — How Fairings Changed Lives09:30 — Scaling the Vision & Funding Challenges11:54 — Life After the Acquisition12:51 — The Future of 3D Printing14:44 — The Mission Behind Ethereal Matter16:08 — Inside the MEK VR Platform21:28 — Where the Technology Will Launch23:24 — Money, Meaning & Purpose27:14 — Legacy & Open Innovation28:49 — The “Skunkworks” Philosophy32:27 — Advice for Designers & Entrepreneurs34:34 — Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect
About the Guest:Scott Summit is an industrial designer, inventor, educator, and entrepreneur with more than 40 patents and work featured in the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum. He is the founder of Bespoke Innovations and Ethereal Matter and has taught at Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon, and Singularity University.
About the show
Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. Chris is also President of Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois for fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.
 
#ScottSummit #3DPrinting #IndustrialDesign #Prosthetics #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #VR #EtherealMatter #BespokeInnovations #DesignThinking #ChrisEverett #BeyondTheNumbers

Sound Investments: The Intersection of Hearing and Financial Wellbeing | Beyond the Numbers Podcast
What if one of the biggest risks to your financial future… had nothing to do with the stock market?
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with hearing care expert Adam Dell to explore the powerful—and often overlooked—connection between hearing health and financial wellbeing.
From relationships and career performance to cognitive decline and long-term healthcare costs, untreated hearing loss carries consequences far beyond what most people expect.
Adam shares insights from over 17 years in the field, breaking down how modern hearing care works, why hearing aids are a true investment (not just a device), and what people should know before making a decision.
If you’re thinking about retirement planning, supporting aging parents, or protecting your long-term quality of life—this conversation will change how you think about health and money.
🎯 What You’ll Learn:
• The hidden financial costs of untreated hearing loss• How hearing impacts relationships, career performance, and income potential• The connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline / dementia risk• Why hearing aids cost what they do—and what you’re really paying for• The truth about insurance, Medicare gaps, and financing options• Why early treatment leads to better long-term outcomes• How to choose the right hearing care provider
👤 About the Guest – Adam Dell
Adam Dell is a Board-Certified Hearing Aid Specialist with Audibel, serving patients in the Chicago area. With over 17 years of experience, Adam has built a reputation for combining clinical expertise with a deeply personalized, service-driven approach to hearing care.
He specializes in helping patients understand high-frequency hearing loss, improving speech clarity, and guiding individuals through the full journey—from testing and fitting to long-term care and support. His work focuses not just on hearing better, but on helping people reconnect with their lives, relationships, and confidence.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to the Show00:38 Meet Adam Dell01:18 How He Got Started02:35 Service and Patient Impact05:08 Risks of Untreated Loss07:02 Relationships and Work09:17 Why Hearing Aids Cost More13:08 Insurance and Financing Options14:46 Don’t Wait to Treat16:38 Advice for Patients and Families18:08 Life Lessons and Purpose21:21 How to Contact Audibel23:03 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up24:55 Subscribe and Take Action
📌 Connect with Adam Dell:
📍 Audibel Hearing Center (Chicago Area)📞 630-968-4327
📈 About the Podcast
Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. Chris is also President of Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois for fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.

What happens when you combine entrepreneurial instinct, emerging tech, and a deep understanding of how sales actually works?
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with Paul Pacun, CEO and Founder of vablet, to explore how modern sales teams can operate smarter, stay compliant, and build real trust with clients.
Paul shares the story behind the “light bulb moment” sparked by the iPad—and how that idea evolved into a powerful sales enablement platform used by global enterprises. From managing complex content to enabling offline access and ensuring compliance in highly regulated industries, vablet is redefining how sales teams show up in the field.
But this conversation goes deeper than tools.
It’s about how the best salespeople don’t sell harder—they sell smarter, using technology to remove friction and focus on what actually matters: relationships.
What You’ll Learn:
• How Paul turned an early tech insight into a scalable business• Why video-first selling is changing the game for modern sales teams• The importance of compliance, security, and content control in enterprise sales• How great tools eliminate friction and enable authentic client relationships• Leadership lessons on building teams—and knowing when to make tough calls• The intersection of money, purpose, and long-term impact
Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction01:54 Meet Paul Pacun02:30 Entrepreneurial Origins04:25 The iPad “Light Bulb” Moment06:12 Building vablet08:54 Compliance & Security10:52 Remote Training Workflows13:07 Sales & Relationship Building16:06 Leadership Lessons17:46 Health & Balance20:19 Money Meets Purpose21:57 Legacy & Impact23:35 Inspiring the Next Generation26:52 Where to Find vablet27:32 Closing
About the Guest:
Paul Pacun is the CEO and Founder of vablet, a leading sales enablement platform designed to help teams deliver the right content—anytime, anywhere, even offline. Trusted by global organizations across healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, vablet empowers sales teams to stay organized, compliant, and effective in every client interaction.
About the show
Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. Chris is also President of Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois for fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.
 

What does it really take to build an elite engineering team—and why is retention one of the most overlooked financial risks in business?
In this episode of Beyond The Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with John Szeder, a Fractional Chief Technology Officer and “zero-to-one” builder, to explore the intersection of engineering leadership, business performance, and long-term value creation.
From his early inspiration in online gaming to leadership roles at Zynga and beyond, John shares the real lessons behind building high-performing teams—and why keeping great talent is one of the most important financial decisions a company can make.
💡 In This Episode, We Cover:
• What separates elite engineering teams from average ones• Why retention is a business value problem—not just HR• The “zero-to-one” mindset and building from scratch• Lessons from Zynga and live operations environments• How AI is reshaping hiring and engineering leadership• The rise of fractional CTO roles and portfolio careers• Equity, compensation, and the reality of startup incentives• Why your career is your most valuable financial asset• How to build meaningful, engaging team cultures
👤 About John Szeder
John Szeder is a Fractional Chief Technology Officer who works with companies like Seismic Studios and Tennex Networks, helping them build and scale elite engineering teams. Known as a “zero-to-one” expert, he specializes in taking ideas from concept to execution across industries—from gaming to startups.
He brings a unique perspective shaped by both technical and leadership experience, emphasizing retention, culture, and long-term value creation as core drivers of business success. John is also active in the Technology Executives Club, where he contributes to discussions on AI, leadership, and the future of engineering.
🎙 About the Podcast
Beyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building. Chris is also President of Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser in the State of Illinois for fiduciary financial planning and asset management across the nation.
⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Show Intro00:35 Meet John Szeder02:38 Career Inflection Points04:36 From Builder to Leader05:35 Zynga Lessons & Live Ops07:13 Zero to One Mindset08:32 What Makes Teams Elite11:04 Retention as Value13:09 Career as Human Capital15:29 Culture, Meaning & Joy17:50 Leading in the AI Era20:02 Fractional CTO Playbook22:02 Money, Equity & Startups24:32 Advice and Closing28:28 Where to Find John30:41 Final Outro
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on:
• Leadership and growth• Financial strategy for high performers• Building wealth with purpose

Crypto Isn’t Anonymous: Inside the World of Blockchain Forensics with Ralph Dahm
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with Ralph Dahm, a veteran in technology, financial investigations, and executive search, to explore the growing world of crypto fraud and blockchain forensics.
Ralph began studying Bitcoin in 2013, when it was increasingly being used to bypass anti-money laundering (AML) laws and financial regulations. Since then, he has dedicated his career to tracing stolen digital assets, helping fraud victims seek justice, and educating the public about the risks of cryptocurrency scams.
During the conversation, Ralph explains how crypto fraud affects real people, why recovery is so difficult, and why only 2–5% of cases result in recovered funds. He also walks through how blockchain tracing actually works, from transaction “hops” to AI-powered forensic tools used to follow funds across wallets and exchanges.
Chris and Ralph discuss:
• How investigators trace cryptocurrency across blockchains• Why law enforcement often struggles to pursue crypto cases• The rise of romance scams, tech-support scams, and AI impersonation fraud• The global networks behind modern financial crime• The risks of Bitcoin ATMs with high fees and weak identity verification• Emerging regulations designed to protect victims• Practical steps anyone can take to avoid becoming a fraud victim
If you’ve ever wondered whether crypto is truly anonymous—or how investigators recover stolen digital assets—this episode offers an inside look at the world of blockchain forensics and financial crime investigations.
Episode Timestamps
00:00 Podcast Introduction00:35 Meet Ralph Dahm02:50 Early Bitcoin Origins04:08 Victims and Law Enforcement06:27 Romance Scam Story07:43 Subpoenas and Recovery10:20 First Call With Victims12:04 Fake Recovery Firms13:26 Tracing on the Blockchain14:37 AI and Old Cases16:03 Explaining Blockchain Evidence17:20 Working With Law Firms17:53 AI Voice Scam Example18:48 Justice for Scam Victims21:07 Bitcoin ATM Fraud23:15 Career Advice and Fraud Red Flags25:22 Resources and Prevention Tips28:03 Closing and Call to Action
About Ralph Dahm
Ralph Dahm is a Certified Financial Crimes Investigator (CFCI) with more than 30 years of experience in technology, financial crime investigations, and executive recruiting.
He is the Founder of Twin Oaks Holdings, President of IT Audit Search, and Executive Managing Director at Smart Ballots, where he focuses on blockchain technology, election security, and fraud investigation.
Ralph works at the intersection of blockchain forensics, cryptocurrency fraud recovery, and financial crime prevention, helping victims, law firms, and law enforcement agencies trace stolen digital assets and pursue justice.
His professional network includes 10,000+ contacts across law enforcement, blockchain, and financial crime communities, and he frequently writes and speaks about the evolving risks of crypto fraud and digital asset security.
Connect with Ralph:• https://ralphdahm.com• https://twinoakscrs.com• https://linkedin.com/in/ralphdahm
About the Podcast
Beyond the Numbers is where conversations about wealth go deeper. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast brings together leaders from business, finance, law, and technology to discuss the strategies, decisions, and purpose behind building lasting wealth.
Subscribe for more conversations about wealth, leadership, and purpose.
#blockchain #cryptofraud #bitcoin #financialcrime #cybersecurity #blockchainforensics #cryptoscams #wealthprotection #beyondthenumbers

What does it take to lead under extreme pressure — and still build a life of purpose, fulfillment, and legacy?
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett sits down with Sean Patton — former U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret) commander, Novus Global executive coach, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author of A Warrior’s Mindset: Six Keys to Greatness.
Sean breaks down why real leadership isn’t a checklist — it’s a way of being. From West Point to combat deployments to building businesses after leaving the military, Sean shares the hard-earned lessons behind self-leadership, identity, resilience, and the long game of success.
You’ll hear:
• Why self-leadership comes before leading anyone else• How trust is built through vulnerability and modeled feedback (not “open door” policies)• The reality of transitioning from military purpose to civilian uncertainty• Sean’s honest story of over-leverage, burnout, bankruptcy — and rebuilding• Why wealth without purpose still feels empty• How to align vision, strategy, and mindset — including money decisions• A practical way to reframe limiting beliefs by weighing the short-term payoff vs long-term cost• How to start building legacy today, not someday
If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, veteran, or anyone trying to build a life that actually works — this conversation will challenge you in the best way.
📌 Learn more about Sean:• Website: NoLimitLeadership.net• Book: A Warrior’s Mindset: Six Keys to Greatness (Amazon)• Podcast: No Limit Leadership• LinkedIn: Sean Patton
👍 If this episode resonates, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it.
Chapters / Timestamps00:00 Podcast Mission00:35 Meet Sean Patton02:10 West Point Leadership Lessons03:51 Special Forces Team Trust06:14 Culture of Feedback09:11 Leaving the Military11:38 Identity Beyond the Uniform15:37 Entrepreneurship Burnout20:43 Failure Builds Greatness23:14 Wealth and Fulfillment24:17 Fulfillment Through Service25:39 Find Purpose Nearby27:08 Mission First Business32:10 Integrity With Money34:35 Discipline And Patience37:30 Rewrite Money Beliefs42:54 Legacy And Next Steps
 #BeyondTheNumbers #Leadership #WarriorsMindset #SeanPatton #ChrisEverett #Veterans #ExecutiveCoaching #Entrepreneurship #Purpose #Legacy #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #FinancialPlanning

Beyond the Numbers: How CAST Water Safety Foundation Teaches Toddlers to Self-Rescue with Liz Hubbert
What if the “water baby” dunking we see on vacation is actually teaching toddlers something dangerous—like believing an adult will always be there to pull them up for air?
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, host Chris Everett sits down with Liz Hubbert, leader of the CAST Water Safety Foundation, to share the pivotal poolside moment that changed everything—and launched a mission to help children become aquatic problem solvers.
Liz explains how self-rescue swim instruction (including ISR and similar programs) uses six weeks of daily, private 10-minute lessons to teach even very young kids how to swim, float, find air, and practice fully clothed—skills designed to prevent drowning, the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4, with many incidents occurring during non-swim time.
CAST’s model is equally unique:✅ Operates under the Innovative Lavin Family Foundation umbrella (connected to the Alberto Culver family)✅ Works with ~35 partner instructors across the country✅ Directs 100% of donations to swim lessons + safety education✅ Offers scholarships for teachers, nurses, first responders, military families, children with special needs, and families with income-based need
Liz also shares CAST’s collaboration with the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Youth Safety Lab on a published study on 1-year-old water competency, plus practical safety guidance every caregiver should know—like proper pool fencing and checking water first if a child is missing.
Learn more, find programs, and locate instructors: castwatersafety.org
⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Podcast Intro00:40 Poolside Wake Up Call03:12 Discovering ISR Lessons06:30 Six Weeks to Self Rescue08:22 From Teacher to Founder11:50 Lavin Foundation Model14:46 Aquatic Problem Solvers17:42 Confidence Beyond Water20:14 Community of Swim Families20:52 Scaling Instructor Quality22:28 Nationwide Team Impact23:36 Scholarships and Access24:55 WGN Stories and Awareness27:46 Balancing Mission and Family32:16 Community Culture and Growth35:02 Water Safety Call to Action38:46 Closing Thanks and Outro
 
 
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations where money meets meaning and purpose.⭐ If this episode resonated, please like, comment, and share—a share can save a life.
#BeyondTheNumbers #WaterSafety #CAST #DrowningPrevention #Parenting #ChildSafety #ISR #SwimLessons #NonprofitLeadership #FamilySafety

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers — where money meets meaning and purpose, host Chris Everett sits down with Brad Jenkins, CFP®, Chief Investment Officer & CEO of MarketGuard, to unpack what it really takes to pursue strong returns without living through stomach-churning volatility.
Brad shares the unlikely origin story that started with him reading the financial section in 7th grade, the moment he realized the industry often prioritizes profits over people, and why he built Market Guard around three pillars: excellence, integrity, and innovation.
You’ll also hear the “cookies” framework behind Brad’s book Cookies and Retirement: A Recipe for Success—a simple way to understand portfolio construction, behavioral risks, and why “time and temperature” matter as much as ingredients.
If you’re an investor who wants clarity, or an advisor evaluating an investment partner, this conversation breaks down what to look for, what questions to ask, and how disciplined downside protection can help clients stay invested when markets get loopy.
🎙️ Guest: Brad Jenkins, CFP® — CIO & CEO, MarketGuard🎧 Host: Chris Everett — Everett Wealth Solutions
In this episode, we cover:• Why Brad entered wealth management (and what nearly turned him away)• The 3 biggest threats to your money (and why “you” is #1)• What makes Market Guard different: returns with lower volatility• Why “Noah built the ark before it rained” is a risk-management blueprint• How to evaluate a money manager (track record, volatility periods, and skin in the game)• The Mastery Event with leadership strategist & American hero Sean Patton• What’s next: Market Guard’s new index + structured note conversations with major institutions
📌 About the showBeyond the Numbers is where growth-minded professionals talk strategy, legacy, and the financial decisions that shape their future. Hosted by fiduciary financial planner Chris Everett, the podcast explores how people align business growth with personal purpose through intentional wealth-building.
Everett Wealth
👍 If this episode helped:
Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who wants a smarter way to think about wealth.
#BeyondTheNumbers #ChrisEverett #BradJenkins #MarketGuard #EverettWealthSolutions #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #Investing #PortfolioManagement #RiskManagement #DownsideProtection #Volatility #BehavioralFinance #Fiduciary #RetirementPlanning #FinancialAdvisor #RIA #AssetManagement #Leadership #PurposeDrivenWealth #LegacyBuilding

What does freedom really mean when you’ve lived without it?
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers: Where Money Meets Meaning & Purpose, host Chris Everett sits down with authors and former journalists Nonna and Russell Working, a couple whose journey from the Soviet Union to the United States gave them a lived understanding of free speech, censorship, and the real cost of standing on principle.
Russell, a Pushcart Prize–winning writer and former Chicago Tribune journalist, and Nona, an academic research administrator and author, share firsthand experiences reporting under authoritarian systems, navigating corruption, witnessing state-controlled media, and ultimately choosing meaning over financial optimization. From covering mafia wars and North Korean forced labor to confronting ideological conformity in modern America, this conversation explores how wealth, freedom, and purpose intersect when speaking the truth comes at a price.
This is not a partisan debate—it’s a deep discussion about courage, incentives, personal responsibility, and what happens when people stop protecting comfort and start protecting values.
Timestamps:00:00 – What Beyond the Numbers is really about01:36 – Choosing principle over financial optimization02:29 – Leaving Russia: what was at stake06:53 – Reporting during the collapse of the Soviet Union08:20 – Mafia wars, corruption, and forbidden journalism11:31 – Covering North Korean forced labor in Russia14:52 – Why English-language journalism mattered18:06 – Seeing censorship and ideological pressure in America23:20 – Why communism misunderstands wealth creation28:43 – Writing The Insurrectionist and challenging modern journalism35:18 – When journalism turns into activism40:05 – When should people speak up—even if it costs them?47:39 – Financial security vs. living by your principles54:08 – The internal freedom that replaces fear
Call to Action:If this conversation challenged you, like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who values free thought and honest dialogue.Comment below: When have you faced a moment where speaking up came with a real cost?