What happens when you stop chasing what everyone else says you should do — and finally go all in on what you're built for?

In this episode of Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit, I sit down with Ramon Ray — serial entrepreneur, small business evangelist at Bitdefender, author of Celebrity CEO, and one of the most unapologetically positive humans I know. Ramon has started five companies, sold three of them, interviewed all five Shark Tank sharks and President Obama, and shared stages with Simon Sinek, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Deepak Chopra.

And yet — what makes this conversation unforgettable isn't the resume. It's the raw, real wisdom Ramon drops about staying in your lane, leading without a title, and why nothing in your journey is ever wasted.

In this episode, we cover:
✅ Why saying NO to coaching requests — even lucrative ones — was the most powerful business decision Ramon ever made
✅ How to identify your Zone of Genius (and stop chasing what's not yours)
✅ The unconventional way Ramon recharges when he's hitting the wall
✅ Why leadership isn't about a title — and the 4-day-old realization that changed everything for Ramon
✅ The two core values that drive his business, his team culture, and every room he walks into

🔑 Key Quote:
"When it's not in alignment — not what I enjoy and not what I do best — I'm learning more and more to say no." — Ramon Ray

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or just someone figuring out your next chapter, this conversation will challenge how you think about your purpose, your performance, and your pursuit.

Connect with Ramon Ray:
🌐 zoneofgenius.com

About Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit with Mike Mooney:
Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit is a podcast for leaders and high-performers ready to operate at their best. Each episode explores the real stories, bold decisions, and leadership principles behind extraordinary people — through the lens of Excellence, Presence, Intentionality, and Curiosity.

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📌 Chapters:
0:00 — Welcome & Introduction
2:00 — Ramon's background & what has him most excited
6:00 — The bold decision that defined his lane
11:00 — How to find your Zone of Genius
18:00 — Hitting the wall: unconventional ways to recharge
24:00 — What it really means to be a leader
29:00 — Guiding principles: have fun & do the right thing
31:00 — Final takeaways & where to find Ramon

In this conversation, Mike Mooney talks with Shane Yount and Rob Kornblum to explore the evolution of leadership development, focusing on the introduction of Process Intelligence (PQ) as a vital component for sustainable and scalable leadership.

They discuss the importance of curiosity, effective communication, and the need for systems that transcend individual personalities to foster high-performing teams.

The dialogue also addresses the current crisis in leadership engagement and the necessity of connecting employees to organizational goals to enhance performance and morale.

Key Takeaways

-Leaders should continuously seek their next iteration.

-Curiosity is essential for effective leadership.

-Understanding what you don't know is crucial for new leaders.

-Avoid making changes for the sake of change.

-Process Intelligence (PQ) is vital for sustainable leadership.

-Engagement is critical for both employees and leaders.

-Communication systems must connect employees to organizational goals.

-Frontline workers need to feel heard and valued.

-Leadership transitions require careful navigation and understanding.

-Optimizing people, processes, and performance is the ultimate goal.

In this engaging conversation, Mike Mooney and Claude Silver explore the transformative power of leadership rooted in love, accountability, and authenticity. Claude shares her journey as the Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, emphasizing the importance of creating a culture of psychological safety and empowering individuals to take ownership of their energy and actions. They discuss the significance of feedback as a tool for connection rather than correction, and the necessity of embracing vulnerability in leadership. Claude also highlights her upcoming book, 'Be Yourself at Work,' which aims to inspire individuals to bring their authentic selves to the workplace.

Takeaways:

-Embrace a culture of accountability in the workplace.
-Energy management is more effective than time prioritization.
-Feedback should focus on connection, not correction.
-Leaders must create psychological safety for their teams.
-Authenticity is more important than fitting in.
-Leadership is a choice and requires intentionality.
-Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and openness.
-Everyone is responsible for shaping workplace culture.
-Self-awareness is key to effective leadership.
-Love is a powerful principle in leadership.

In this episode of Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit, host Mike Mooney engages in a profound conversation with Mark Mahammadpour, founder and chief wellbeing officer of Chasing the Sun.

They explore Mark's journey from a senior executive in public relations to a wellbeing advocate, focusing on leadership, personal transformation, and creating a culture of wellbeing. Mark shares his personal weight loss story and how it inspired him to help others prioritize their health and wellbeing. The discussion delves into leadership principles, the importance of small steps, and the power of listening tours to enhance team culture.

Key Takeaways:

-Leadership is about empowering your team to succeed.

-Small, intentional steps lead to significant change.

-Listening tours can transform team culture.

-Transparency and communication are key to effective leadership.

-Prioritizing wellbeing enhances both personal and team performance.

-Empathy is crucial in building strong relationships.

-Trust your team to shine and succeed.

-Consistency in small habits leads to long-term success.

-Wellbeing encompasses physical, mental, and emotional health.

-Creating a culture of wellbeing starts with leadership.

In this episode of Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit, Mike Mooney engages in a deep conversation with Chris McKee, the director of global partnerships for motorsports at FloSports. They explore Chris's extensive journey in the motorsports industry, discussing the importance of curiosity, making bold decisions, navigating challenges, and the critical role of trust in leadership. Chris shares insights from his career, emphasizing the need for leaders to earn trust continuously and to foster an environment where team members can grow and succeed.

Key Takeaways:

-The journey in leadership is about continuous growth and learning.
-Curiosity and naivety can lead to innovative solutions.
-Bold decisions are often necessary for growth and change.
-Trust must be earned and maintained over time.
-Humor and humility can help navigate challenging situations.
-Clear communication of expectations is crucial in leadership.
-Building relationships enhances trust and team dynamics.
-Failure is part of the process; learn and move on quickly.
-Every day presents new opportunities and challenges.
-Leadership is about putting people in positions to succeed.

In this conversation, Mike Mooney and Stephen Botino discuss the challenges and strategies in the real estate industry, focusing on leadership, team empowerment, and navigating market fluctuations. Stephen shares insights on controlling the controllables, the importance of talent development, and the need for a cultural shift towards a listing-focused approach. They explore unconventional strategies for success and the significance of fostering a supportive team environment.

Takeaways

-The real estate industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, including low sales and changing compensation structures.
-Leadership involves guiding teams through tough times by focusing on controllable actions.
-Empowering agents to take ownership of their market can lead to better outcomes.
-Cultural shifts within a company can take time but are essential for long-term success.
-Recruiting and talent development are crucial for overcoming industry challenges.
-Behavioral changes in the team can lead to improved performance and results.
-Setting clear benchmarks and tracking progress can motivate teams to achieve their goals.
-A bottom-up leadership approach fosters collaboration and accountability among team members.
-Mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth in leadership.
-It's important to focus on where team members are heading rather than their past experiences.

In this episode of Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit, Mike Mooney engages in a deep conversation with Evan Carroll, the president and CEO of Attended Events. They explore the challenges and transformations within the event industry, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. Evan shares insights on navigating economic pressures, the shift to virtual events, and the importance of leadership decisions during crises. The discussion emphasizes the significance of building strong teams, focusing on employee strengths, and maintaining a balance between problem-solving and caring for individuals. The episode concludes with valuable takeaways on leadership principles and the importance of intentionality in business.

Key Takeaways

-Empower others with insights and tools for success.
-Events require careful financial management and optimization.
-Maintaining experience quality while reducing costs is crucial.
-The shift to virtual events was a strategic decision during COVID-19.
-Starting before you're ready can lead to unexpected opportunities.
-Attacking problems while caring for people is essential in leadership.
-Building a strong team involves recognizing individual strengths.
-Leadership decisions can transform business outcomes during crises.
-Investing in resources can lead to long-term client relationships.
-Intentionality in actions leads to better business results.