How can business owners thrive in a tech-driven world without losing human connection?

In this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with executive and cybersecurity expert Darek Hahn for an eye-opening conversation about navigating business growth, technology, and authentic leadership. Far from a typical tech talk, this episode focuses on how genuine relationships and intentional leadership can transform both company culture and security practices.

Darek shares lessons from his journey as CEO of AffinIT, a company redefining the relationship between people and technology. Together, they explore why too many small businesses plateau, how to stay ahead of technological changes like AI, and why true leadership means giving up control and fostering collaboration.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How leading with vulnerability can unlock business growth
• What makes a cybersecurity strategy actually effective
• Why building real relationships in tech is a game-changer
• What to know about AI risk—and how to prepare your company
• Why many IT decisions fail without external accountability
• How detachment in work culture leads to poor outcomes
• The role of personal mission and structure in great leadership
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Darek Hahn is the CEO of AffinIT and an executive mentor, speaker, and soon-to-be author. With decades of experience in IT and leadership, Darek is known for helping organizations scale with intentional structure, genuine connection, and a people-first mindset. He’s built a career on trust, values, and resilience—guiding companies toward secure, strategic, and sustainable success.

Resources:

AffinITmsp.com

Connect with Darek on LinkedIn

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

What if the defining moment of your life came at 17, and you had to grow up overnight?

In today’s episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with the one and only Buddy Valastro, a.k.a. the Cake Boss, for a deeply personal conversation about legacy, leadership, and the drive that turned a Hoboken bakery into a globally recognized brand.

From taking over Carlo’s Bakery as a teenager after the loss of his father, to navigating the early challenges of keeping a family business alive in the face of supermarket competition, Buddy shares how he transformed adversity into fuel. You’ll hear the story of how Cake Boss came to life—not through agents or auditions, but through grit, relationships, and relentless belief in the power of storytelling.

Buddy also opens up about staying grounded in the whirlwind of fame, leading with efficiency and integrity, and why, despite all his success, his proudest accomplishment is still his family. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creator, or just someone who’s had to start from scratch, this episode offers rare insight into what it really takes to build something lasting.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How Buddy took over Carlo’s Bakery at age 17 and earned respect as a young leader
• The moment that sparked his shift from survival mode to visionary growth
• Why efficiency became the cornerstone of his leadership style
• How Cake Boss came to be, and why it almost wasn’t on TV
• What Buddy learned about sales, trust, and relationships from meeting thousands of brides
• The behind-the-scenes evolution of Cake Boss into a global franchise
• How Buddy balances being a CEO, husband, and father in the middle of a media empire
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Buddy Valastro is a fourth-generation baker and the owner of Carlo’s Bakery, a business founded in 1910 and made world-famous through the hit TV show Cake Boss. After taking over the bakery at age 17 following the sudden death of his father, Buddy transformed a small Hoboken storefront into a billion-dollar global brand spanning television, restaurants, frozen foods, and consumer products. Known for his passion, work ethic, and efficiency-driven leadership, Buddy remains deeply committed to his roots—both in business and in family. He continues to run Carlo’s Bakery alongside his wife Lisa and their children, while innovating new ventures like scratch-made frozen pizza and national supermarket lines—all while staying grounded in the values that shaped his journey.

Resources:

CarlosBakery.com

Follow Carlo’s Bakery on Instagram

Follow Carlo’s Bakery on Facebook

Follow Carlo’s Bakery on X

Follow Carlo’s Bakery on TikTok

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn

DBD Investment Bank

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not

What if the real pivot in your life isn’t about chasing more, but choosing growth over comfort?

In today’s episode of the Going Beyond the Deal podcast, J. Michael Fischer Jr. sits down with Charles Scott, former Intel Corporation executive turned executive mentor, to explore what it truly means to live a life of vitality, purpose, and self-directed growth. Charles shares the deeply personal journey that led him to leave a high-level corporate role at Intel to build a legacy centered around family, meaning, and transformation.

From cycling across Japan with his 8-year-old son to mentoring ambitious CEOs through their midlife transitions, Charles unpacks the power of “following the nudge,” embracing discomfort, and learning how to design a life that doesn’t just look good on paper, but actually feels fulfilling.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or high-performer quietly asking “Is this all there is?”—this conversation offers a roadmap to tune back into what really matters, without blowing up your life to get there.

If you've enjoyed this episode of Going Beyond the Deal podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

Key takeaways:

• Why your dream job can still lead to stagnation—and how to recognize it
• The definition of vitality (and why it’s your most important metric)
• How to identify and act on a “nudge” when you feel called to change
• The difference between succeeding within a structure vs. building your own
• What the “ambitious person’s trap” looks like—and how to avoid it
• Why physical and emotional health are non-negotiable for growth
• How to use self-check-ins to realign your goals with who you are now
• Why the second half of life can be more creative, meaningful, and alive
• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Charles R. Scott is an executive mentor who helps leaders pursue ambitious goals while building lives of purpose and intentionality. After 14 years at Intel Corporation, Charles left the corporate world to become an adventurer, author, and co-founder of the nonprofit Team See Possibilities. He has cycled over 7,000 miles across Japan, Iceland, Europe, and the U.S. with his children, and guided the first blind runner to complete a nonstop double crossing of the Grand Canyon. Charles is the creator of the executive workshop “What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?”—delivered to thousands of CEOs and senior leaders across North America—and was named Speaker of the Year by TEC Canada. His talks have reached audiences at The World Bank, Uber, Intel, Harvard Business School, and more.

Resources:

ExecutiveMentorCharlesScott.com

Podcast Mentioned:

Good Life Project podcast

Book Mentioned:

Sparked: Discover Your Unique Imprint for Work that Makes You Come Alive

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Going Beyond the Deal podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any...