Ameritocracy

This week, host Troy Edgar had the opportunity to sit down with Chip Fulghum, CEO of Endeavors and former Deputy Under Secretary of Management and Chief Financial Officer at the Department of Homeland Security at the Ameritocracy L.A. studio.

Following his 28-year U.S. Air Force career, including 3 Pentagon tours, Chip retired as Colonel before transitioning into leadership roles within DHS.

Troy and Chip's conversation centered on their shared experiences in the DHS CFO role, emphasizing the significance of the DHS Under Secretary of Management position and the challenges associated with filling Senate-confirmed roles in the government. With many vacancies in crucial roles, they contemplated whether the 13 federal department CFO roles should remain as Senate-confirmed positions?

In this episode, Chip shared his servant leadership philosophy and the importance of prioritizing the needs of those you lead. Additionally, he talked about his work as the CEO of Endeavors, highlighting the nonprofit's mission for aiding communities in crisis and their veteran programs and partnership with the Cohen Veterans Network.

A great follow-up episode is E43: U.S. Customs & Border Protection CFO Jeff Caine on Trust, Relationships, and Communication. Jeff, with 37 years of federal service, offers valuable insight into the benefits of having a political CFO at the Department level. He also urges young individuals to consider a career in government, highlighting the opportunity to effect change and the stability and perks that federal service offers.

AmeritocracyTM is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

This week, host Troy Edgar had the honor of meeting with U.S. Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez, the former Director of the Peace Corps at the Ameritocracy L.A. studio.

Gaddi reflects on his journey and offers a message of hope and resilience. He emphasizes the opportunities available and the importance of giving back. He expresses his pride in being an American and his dedication to creating possibilities for others. He also discussed his involvement in education and local government as ways to make a positive impact.

Gaddi acknowledges that challenges and hardships exist, but he believes that Americans have the ability to overcome them. He reminds us of “The importance of celebrating the fact that the U.S. is a great nation where people can dream big and achieve great things.”

Links:

The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

AmeritocracyTM is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

This week’s guest is long-distance, open-water swimmer, New York Times bestselling author, and motivational speaker Lynne Cox. Lynne talks with Troy Edgar about her experience adapting and overcoming challenges in setting 60 world records and writing 8 acclaimed books. Lynne highlights the role of research, preparation, and how having the right support team can help you achieve your goals.

For more information on Lynne's books: https://www.lynnecox.com/

AmeritocracyTM is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington DC.

The Ameritocracy podcast explores the conditions for personal and professional growth across America. Join host Troy Edgar as he sits down with individuals across all industries to have purpose driven conversations focusing on origin stories, personal performance, breakthrough efforts and current events that will empower our listeners in their pursuit of success.

This week host Troy Edgar interviews Major League Baseball scouts Brad and Taylor Cameron. Together, they brought two different perspectives to the topic of identifying and developing talent in Major League Baseball.

Brad has been a professional baseball scout for 33 years. He started with the Cleveland Indians in 1990 and has been with the San Francisco Giants for the last 18 years. With the Giants, he has earned three World Series rings for their victories in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Brad was kind enough to bring those to the interview and we got a great picture for the show.

Taylor was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. After being a player, he started his career in 2012 as a Southern California area scout with the Minnesota Twins. He then worked for the Seattle Mariners before joining the Texas Rangers in 2021. Last year in 2023 the Rangers won the World Series. Now, Taylor will join his dad in receiving his first World Series rings when the season opens.

Finding talent in sports, business or any organization is always one of the hardest and most important things to do as a leader to be successful. In this podcast episode, we explore the similarities of corporate recruiting to the scouting process, the importance of evaluating player makeup and character, and the role of technology in scouting.

And yes, with Taylor in the room representing the Texas Rangers, Troy had to ask the question many Los Angeles Dodgers fans are wondering. What is the possibility of Clayton Kershaw joining the Texas Rangers when he returns from surgery as a free agent? You're going to have to listen to hear his response!

Check out the video version of this episode, now on YouTube.

AmeritocracyTM is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.