In this episode of The Competitive Edge, Brian Covey sits down with Abdel Khawatmi - top 1% originator, coach, and powerhouse entrepreneur - to uncover the strategies that took him from law school to leading one of the most recognized mortgage brands in the industry. Known for his values rooted in faith, family, fitness, and finance, Abdel shares how he leveraged his background in law to create a high-performance business anchored in clear communication and client experience.
From integrating AI tools like ChatGPT and Gamma to boost productivity, to developing a standout personal brand (gorilla logo and branded truck included), Abdel reveals the exact tactics that fuel his success.
Whether you're in mortgage, sales, or leadership, you’ll walk away with practical takeaways to elevate your game.
Feeling behind on your goals with the year almost over?
In this episode of The Competitive Edge Podcast, Brian Covey lays out a clear, high-impact strategy to help you finish the year strong. Whether you're chasing breakthroughs in business, health, or your personal life, this 13-minute power session will help you cut through the noise, reset your focus, and sprint into the finish line with purpose.
Tap in for mindset shifts, daily habits, and the one question you need to answer before the year ends.
What if the key to breaking through wasn’t talent or timing, but perseverance?
In this episode of the Competitive Edge Podcast, Brian Covey sits down with mortgage industry powerhouse and transformational coach JJ Mazzo to uncover how personal setbacks can be turned into your greatest superpower. From leading a billion-dollar division to overcoming addiction, JJ shares raw stories, powerful mindset shifts, and proven strategies that built his success in life and business.
You’ll hear how creating experiences over collecting things shaped his leadership style, why self-leadership is non-negotiable, and the essential moves you need to make now to set up your best year yet. Whether you're navigating a tough season or gearing up for growth, JJ’s seven Perseverance Principles will equip you to rise higher with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Listen now and discover what’s really possible when you stop reacting and start leading.
Pre-order JJ's brand new book, Perseverance Principles, and unlock the blueprint for turning adversity into your advantage.
Ever looked at your calendar and thought, “Why did I agree to this call?”
In this Competitive Edge episode, Brian Covey explores how to identify energy-drainers in your life and business and why your ability to build a winning team depends on noticing those red flags early.
He shares a simple mindset shift and the five traits he now looks for in top team members: traits that go far beyond talent or production. Whether you’re a leader, recruiter, or just leveling up your circle, this episode will help you choose better and lead smarter.
In this episode of Competitive Edge, Brian Covey sits down with Marine veteran and top mortgage professional Tyler Hodgson to uncover the daily disciplines and intentional mindset that fuel his winning lifestyle. From leading small teams with purpose to balancing family, fitness, and business, Tyler shares the tactical routines and leadership lessons that have shaped his success.
Beyond business, Tyler opens up about overcoming personal struggles, the power of intrinsic motivation, and his commitment to health and fitness. He breaks down his “Three Buckets” framework (job, career, and lifestyle), offering a transformative lens for listeners looking to elevate their work and life.
Packed with practical takeaways and inspiring insights, this episode is a blueprint for building not just a business, but a life of impact, purpose, and fulfillment.
Feeling Called to More, But Unsure How to Be Seen and Heard?
If you’ve ever wondered how to build a personal brand without chasing followers or faking who you are, this episode of Competitive Edge is your roadmap. Brian Covey sits down with AJ Vaden, co-founder of Brand Builders Group and co-author of Wealthy and Well Known, to unpack how real influence begins with authenticity, purpose, and serving the right people.
Whether you’re building a business, launching a new chapter, or simply looking to show up more fully in your life, this conversation will help you understand why being “well known” by the right people matters more than being popular.
Grab your copy of AJ and Rory Vaden’s new book, Wealthy and Well Known, and start building a brand that’s aligned with who you are: wealthyandwellknown.com
What does it take to rebuild a brand, and a life, with purpose and grit?
On this episode of The Competitive Edge, Brian Covey sits down with Lacey Newman - TV host, real estate powerhouse, and CEO of Elevated Agents. Lacey shares her bold journey of rebuilding from the ground up after stepping out of a successful partnership. She also dives into the mindset shifts, brand evolution, and leadership lessons learned along the way.
From navigating the “messy middle” to leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT, Lacey opens up about how she’s creating impact beyond real estate through coaching entrepreneurs and inspiring working moms to find their own edge.
If your influence grows faster than your character, the cracks will show.
In this solo Competitive Edge episode, Brian shares why lasting impact comes from building your foundation first rooted in service, not self-promotion. Learn how to grow your influence and character together, avoid the trap of making your brand all about you, and create momentum through small, consistent “micro wins.”
Packed with personal stories and practical insights, this episode will challenge you to finish what you start, stay grounded in your mission, and use your journey to inspire others
What if finishing the year strong came down to how you track your time, build your network, and connect with your deepest why?
In this high-impact Competitive Edge episode, Brian Covey sits down with elite coach Khai McBride to unpack how a simple countdown clock can transform your daily focus, why high performers treat networking and non-negotiables as sacred, and the mindset shift mortgage pros need to authentically connect with Gen Z and millennials.
Whether you're in leadership, sales, or simply leveling up, this one’s for the competitor in you. Tap in & recalibrate your edge!
“Why do I feel burned out, even when I’m ‘winning’?”
If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, this solo Competitive Edge episode is for you. Brian unpacks the hidden cost of chasing external validation and reveals how top performers stay energized and fulfilled: not by applause, but through alignment.
Listeners will learn how to identify signs of misalignment, why saying “yes” to the wrong things leads to burnout, and how to recalibrate toward a more purpose-driven, powerful version of themselves. Brian shares real, in-the-trenches moments from building a new division and offers simple, practical questions to get back on track.
This episode will help ambitious leaders stop reacting and start leading with clarity, energy, and intention.
What if the moment you hit rock bottom was actually your launchpad?
In this Competitive Edge episode, Ricardo Carrillo opens up about how getting fired from Chase in 2019 became the catalyst for building a $100M mortgage business by the age of 30. He unpacks the mindset shifts, client strategies, and relentless execution that turned his setback into serious momentum.
From treating past clients like “mortgages under management” to creating viral “Deal of the Week” content, Ricardo is rewriting the playbook. Whether you're in mortgage, real estate, or just chasing your edge, this episode will fire you up!
Ever feel like you're stuck living the same year over and over again?
In this solo episode of The Competitive Edge, Brian Covey breaks down how to create real, lasting change—so the next time someone says, “You’ve changed,” it’s a badge of honor. Brian shares the mindset shifts, daily disciplines, and unseen hours that separate growth from stagnation.
With personal stories, practical strategies, and a 3-step framework for intentional transformation, this episode is your playbook to stop repeating the past and start designing your next level.
Have you ever faced a setback (an injury, missed opportunity, or a door that suddenly closed) and wondered, "Why is this happening right now?" Maybe you felt stuck, frustrated, or unsure how to move forward.
In this solo episode, Brian Covey shares his personal experience with an unexpected SI joint injury and the deeper lessons it revealed about life’s timing, resilience, and perspective. From physical pain to professional slowdowns, Brian reflects on how these pauses can become purposeful setups for our next breakthrough.
Through honest storytelling and actionable tips, Brian encourages listeners to lean into life's challenges with grace and grit.
Struggling to have tough conversations without losing your cool or compromising your values?
In this episode of the Competitive Edge, Brian Covey welcomes Jefferson Fisher - attorney, best-selling author, and viral communication coach - who shares how to speak with both kindness and clarity.
Jefferson opens up about his path from law to social media stardom, the power of authenticity, and why setting boundaries is essential in every conversation. He unpacks how to stay grounded, navigate criticism, and lead with humility, all while building meaningful connections.
If you're feeling stuck in tough conversations, leading a team, or just trying to show up better in your relationships, this episode is for you.
What if your most powerful business tool was simply being you?
In this episode, Brian Covey sits down with mortgage pro Kayla Kallander, who’s turning heads and generating leads, by showing up authentically on social media. From lake life and Fargo weather to dog content and real talk, Kayla shares how being relatable builds trust, drives engagement, and creates real business results.
They dive into long-game strategy, personal branding, and what it really takes to balance business with what matters most in life. Real. Refreshing. Relatable.
You don’t want to miss this one!
In this solo episode of The Competitive Edge, Brian Covey challenges listeners to take a hard look at their 2025 goals with a powerful halftime reset. Highlighting the staggering stat that only 8% of people are still on track mid-year, Brian dives deep into how we can reassess, recommit, and re-ignite momentum in the four essential areas of life: faith, family, fitness, and finances.
He shares vulnerable, real-life stories about changing careers, recommitting to health, and building a vision anchored in daily discipline and "aggressive patience." This isn’t about beating yourself up: it’s about celebrating wins, identifying gaps, and setting 10x goals that stretch and inspire.
Brian provides actionable steps encouraging every listener to make the next six months their most intentional yet. Tune in and discover how to move from stuck to unstoppable before the year ends!
What does it take to lead with purpose in every area of life: business, family, and beyond?
In this episode of The Competitive Edge, Brian Covey sits down with Schuyler Williamson, former US Army Ranger and multi-business entrepreneur, to unpack what it means to lead with vision, grit, and heart.
From his military days to running multiple thriving businesses, Schuyler shares how discipline, faith, and servant leadership have fueled his journey. He opens up about parenting with purpose, building value-driven teams, and why surrounding yourself with leaders is a game-changer.
If you’re looking to grow as a leader, elevate your mindset, and build something that lasts, this episode will give you the tools and inspiration to make it happen.
Follow along and subscribe/rate/review at https://www.briancovey.com/podcast/
Have you been feeling stretched lately, but can’t quite figure out why it feels so heavy or where it’s all leading?
In this solo Competitive Edge episode, Brian Covey unpacks the real work behind growth, especially when it feels uncomfortable. He shares how the seasons that stretch us also shape us, and why pushing through pain, choosing discipline over dopamine, and cultivating the right environment are key to unlocking your next level.
Whether you're building something new, leading a team, or navigating change, this message will encourage you to lean in, stay consistent, and trust the process. If you’re feeling stretched, you’re probably right where you need to be.
Follow along and subscribe/rate/review at https://www.briancovey.com/podcast/
Most leaders want growth, but few are willing to do what it truly takes.
In this solo episode of The Competitive Edge Podcast, Brian breaks down 10 powerful moves that every recruiting leader needs to master to build, lead, and grow an elite team. Whether you're just starting to build or you're leading an established group, these principles will help you play chess, not checkers, in today's leadership game.
From having real recruiting conversations to building systems before you sell the dream to auditing your culture to saying no to misaligned talent, Brian shares battle-tested lessons from his journey, including the mindset shifts and habits that actually move the needle. This episode is for leaders who want to win on and off the field and build teams that not only perform, but also thrive.
Whether you're a new leader or seasoned vet, if you're ready to level up your leadership and build something that lasts, this one's for you!
Follow along and subscribe/rate/review at https://www.briancovey.com/podcast/
In this episode of the Competitive Edge Podcast, Brian sits down with AI thought leader and high-performance coach Rob Cressy to unpack how leaders can harness AI as a game-changing tool, without needing a tech background.
Rob shares how AI, when used with intention and aligned to your values, can become a personal operating system that scales your thinking, saves time, and unlocks exponential growth. From using ChatGPT to build custom systems, to injecting soul into every piece of content, Rob lays out a clear, empowering path for entrepreneurs and leaders.
If you’re feeling behind or curious about AI, this episode will help you go from feeling overwhelmed into creating opportunity!