In this CG Live episode from our Select and Elevate event in Dallas, I sit down with Pittsburgh investor and longtime CG member Dustin Singer, who delivered one of the most vulnerable and impactful talks of the event. Dustin pulls back the curtain on how he turned a season of burnout, depression, and disconnection into a full-blown transformation—personally, physically, and professionally.

From losing 50 pounds to completely overhauling his leadership style, Dustin shares how a single CG presentation inspired him to get out of survival mode and start leading with intention. He also walks us through the "flight plan" framework he used to align his life and business, the mindset shifts that sparked team growth, and why scaling your people is more powerful than scaling your numbers.

[0:00] – Dustin reflects on presenting after a keynote—telling his own story calmly and confidently

[1:45] – Introducing his "flight plan" metaphor and what sparked his personal and business changes

[2:54] – Transformation numbers: 50 pounds lost, 12% body fat, major business turnaround

[3:22] – The CG moment that triggered it all: Jeremiah's health-focused talk in January

[4:14] – "I was lazy, unmotivated, undisciplined, lacking purpose"—Dustin's raw self-assessment

[4:36] – The realization that chasing deals was no longer enough to keep going

[5:17] – Leading himself first—then using that momentum to build up his team

[6:11] – When Dustin saw his team leading without him for the first time

[6:41] – Why the flight training model mirrors great business building

[7:30] – Plans, metrics, checklists, and emergency procedures—how flying and leading align

[8:19] – Leveraging CG resources to fix blind spots instead of flying solo

[9:08] – What Dustin's focusing on next: sustaining momentum in a tough market

[9:53] – Flipping in Pittsburgh: longer days on market, new underwriting strategies

[10:38] – "You don't build a business. You build people. And people build the business."

[11:46] – A real-life example of leadership: how his ops manager handled a crucial conversation

[12:30] – Final reflections on transformation, consistency, and paying it forward

1. Lead Yourself First: Personal transformation unlocks professional growth. Start with your own discipline and mindset.
2. Your Team Can Fly the Plane: When you develop leaders—not just employees—you build a business that runs without you.
3. Frameworks Matter: Dustin's "flight plan" shows how structure, metrics, and emergency processes help businesses navigate turbulence.

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If Dustin's story reminded you that it's never too late to turn things around—physically, mentally, or professionally—then take the next step. Rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast, and visit https://www.explorecg.com to get in the room with real leaders making real change.