July 21 · 45 min
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Education
The Last 10%
Dallas Burnett
Join The Last 10% for incredible conversations that help uncover the secrets of what it takes to finish well and finish strong. Our guests share their journeys, hardships, and valuable advice. We release new episodes every other Tuesday. If you are a leader, a coach, a business owner, or someone looking to level up, you are in the right place!
You can give 90% effort and make it a long way. But it’s the finding out how to unlock the last 10% that makes all the difference in your life, your relationships, and your work.
- 93 episodes
- Updated July 21
Episodes93
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July 4 · 48 minKen Allard | Navigating Life's Battles: Lessons from a Retired Colonel
In this episode of The Last 10%, host Dallas Burnett interviews retired Army Colonel Ken Allard, who rose from draftee to dean of the National War College and later became a TV military analyst and author. Allard reflects on celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and shares pivotal moments shaping his life, including being moved by the Declaration of Independence while studying in Edinburgh during the Vietnam era, his induction into the Army, his OCS experience, and a childhood health crisis amid a polio epidemic that he believes ended through answered prayer. He discusses leadership lessons—clarifying the mission and building trust by learning from the lowest levels of an organization—and describes advising senior leaders during major events like the Gulf War. Allard also speaks candidly about fame, divorce, returning to faith, and his upcoming book, God Kept His Promises, which is centered on his wife, Betsy, ahead of its August release.
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June 16 · 52 minDallas Burnett | Leadership and Change: Reviving a Failing Company with Vision and Innovation
Host Dallas Burnett thanks listeners as The Last 10% nears 100 episodes and then announces major behind-the-scenes projects. He shares the rollout of Perforam and plans to combine it with the 1on1's Coaching System into a performance management suite focused on team growth. Dallas also reveals that his team acquired a failing publishing company on July 1, 2025, and has spent 11.5 months rebuilding it, tackling antiquated systems, excessive costs, fragmented accounting, overstaffing, poor collections (including $6.4M in bad debt), and a defeated remote culture. He introduces authorservices.com as the new home for revamped imprints, outlines a story shift toward quality, ethical AI use, and stronger marketing, and describes building a custom ERP, new products, a hybrid publishing partnership launching in the fall, and upcoming tools, including an author publishing app, event app, and marketing education for authors. If you have been interested in publishing a book or marketing a book you've published, check out www.AuthorServices.com!
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June 2 · 55 minBrian Fielkow | Safety and Profit: Business Success Through Value Alignment
Host Dallas Burnett interviews Brian Fielkow, a business leader, author, and safety culture expert, about his path from learning retail and marketing in his family’s Wisconsin stores to corporate law, operations leadership in recycling, and ultimately buying and growing a trucking and logistics company by de-commoditizing through people, equipment, and technology. Fielkow shares lessons on managing risk, building culture through values plus systems and process, and making safety a core value that drives operational excellence, profitability, retention, and customer loyalty, including a pivotal driver committee that gave frontline employees real voice. He outlines his upcoming book, Making Safety Happen, covering mindset shifts beyond compliance, leadership’s role, employee engagement, actionable process, shared accountability, and organizational resilience by learning from near misses and “predictable surprises.” Connect with Brian = https://brianfielkow.com/
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May 19 · 49 minJeff "Bones" Bonner | Mastering the Skies: Transforming Military Strategy into Business Success
In this episode of The Last 10%, Dallas Burnett interviews Jeff “Bones” Bonner, a former Marine Corps combat fighter pilot and squadron commander, current airline captain, Harvard-trained performance strategist, and creator of the Debrief Advantage system. Bonner shares how childhood inspiration and a non-linear path led him to aviation, combat missions after 9/11 in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the mindset shift sparked by the question, “What if I’m not good enough?” He explains how fighter aviation’s structured debrief culture focuses on “be better tomorrow,” emphasizing that perspective precedes performance and improvement follows adjustment. Bonner outlines his five-step GREAT debrief model and stresses keeping debriefs simple, timely, and repeatable to build habits and drive 1% daily gains. Learn more at www.debriefadvantage.com/start
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May 5 · 1 hr 16 minCaz McCaslin | From Local Beginnings to Global Outreach: A Journey of Purposeful Leadership
In this episode of The Last 10%, host Dallas Burnett announces that the show’s listenership has doubled and now reaches nearly 80 countries, then interviews Caz McCaslin, founder of Upward Sports and EVP of Facilities at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Caz shares how a high school injury and an FCA testimony shifted his dream from pro sports to serving through sports ministry, including leaving a promising Home Depot career for a low-paid church internship and eventually launching youth basketball leagues that rapidly grew. He explains Upward’s scaling through a “gradually and then suddenly” 10-year model, hiring for weaknesses, staying ahead of operational waves, and making volunteers the heroes. Caz also discusses a near-death medical crisis, the pain of leaving Upward “without my permission,” and lessons on consequences vs. circumstances and choosing forgiveness, then recommends leadership consultant Bob Beal as a future guest.
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April 21 · 46 minTracy Gapin | Embracing Change: A Surgeon’s Path to Precision Performance Medicine
In this episode of The Last 10%, host Dallas Burnett interviews Tracy Gapin, a former urologic surgeon who left a 25-year career to found Peak Launch and focus on precision performance medicine for high performers. Tracy shares how burnout and a disappointing first physical at age 40 led him to study epigenetics, functional medicine, hormones, peptides, and longevity, and why he believes insurance-driven, volume-based healthcare encourages quick prescriptions over lifestyle change. They discuss common mistakes leaders make—chasing biohacks before fundamentals, missing “signal vs. noise,” and failing to balance stress with recovery—highlighting sleep as a key recovery tool with practical sleep-hygiene tips and tracking metrics like HRV. Tracy also addresses declining male fertility and testosterone, advocates checking free testosterone, and recommends boundaries like focus/buffer/free days to prevent burnout. Free High Performance Health Handbook at www.peaklaunch.com/guide.
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April 7 · 53 minJB Glossinger | Finding Balance: Effective Leadership and Personal Development Strategies
In this episode of The Last 10%, host Dallas Burnett interviews JB Glossinger, founder of Morning Coach and creator of the Get It Done Now Method, who built a 21-year daily coaching platform with over 50 million downloads after a corporate aerospace career that left him unfulfilled. Glossinger shares how early attempts at speaking and book publishing failed, how Morning Coach began as a free conference-call “morning thing,” and how an iTunes feature drove massive growth before he moved behind a paywall for stability. They discuss modern leadership challenges like scope creep, burnout, decision fatigue, and the importance of systems, clear expectations, delegation, trusted advisors, and consistent cadence. Glossinger explains his mission-vision-values approach, the Get It Done Now cycle of failure, and introduces his new book and tools, including Remarkable planners and AI-enabled software. Learn more and download for free at www.morningcoach.com/10.
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February 24 · 36 minTom Freiling | From Startup to Exit: The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Storytelling Mastery
In this episode of The Last 10%, host Dallas Burnett interviews Tom Freiling, chairman and CEO of the Fryling Agency, a three-time founder and longtime publishing entrepreneur whose company published Burnett’s book Lift. Freiling shares how he launched his first company around 1999–2000 after spotting the opportunity in print-on-demand technology, then built and later sold it to a public company while staying on to run it. Drawing on decades of collaborating with high-profile clients (including NBA players, U.S. Senators, and Grammy-winning artists), he explains common storytelling mistakes in writing and communication. Freiling argues that books remain the strongest tool for credibility, influence, longevity, and legacy, and Burnett shares examples of his own book’s ripple effects. If you are looking for some great advice from a seasoned entrepreneur, you don't want to miss this episode! For more information on Freiling Agency, click here.
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February 11 · 50 minKevin Powers | Transformative Healing: A Chiropractor's Insights on Life and Purpose
In this episode of The Last 10%, host Dallas Burnett interviews Dr. Kevin Power, a Vitalistic chiropractor and former professor at Sherman College of Chiropractic. Recently retired after 21 years of teaching, Dr. Power shares insights from his extensive career. He recounts his journey from Australia to the US, emphasizing the importance of intentionality in patient care and teaching. Dr. Power also discusses his unique chiropractic methods, the concept of epigenetics, and practical lifestyle advice for maintaining optimal health. Additionally, he reflects on the profound impact of training the next generation of chiropractors. Tune in for a conversation on leadership, health, and wellness, offering valuable lessons for anyone aiming to excel in their field.
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January 27 · 50 minJeff Henderson | Parachuting Cows: Lessons in Innovation and Purpose-Driven Pivoting
In this episode of The Last 10%, host Dallas Burnett interviews Jeff Henderson, a former Chick-fil-A marketing executive turned pastor and leadership strategist. Jeff shares his unique journey from corporate success to founding thriving churches and the "FOR" organization, aimed at helping organizations grow with purpose. The conversation delves into Jeff's innovative marketing strategies, including the iconic Chick-fil-A cow campaign, and his transition from business to ministry. He emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s strengths with their purpose, fostering learning organizations, and being faithful in small things. Jeff also recounts the impact of inspirational figures like Truett Cathy and John Maxwell on his career and personal philosophy. This episode is packed with valuable insights for leaders, coaches, and business owners looking to unlock the last 10% of their potential. Find out more about Jeff and FOR: https://jeffhenderson.com/ Follow Jeff on Instagram at: @jefferyhenderson
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January 13 · 49 minPatrick Leddin | Navigating Crisis and Innovation: Disruptive Strategies for Today's Challenges
In this episode of The Last 10%, host Dallas Burnett converses with Patrick Leddin, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, former Army Ranger, Vanderbilt professor, and co-author with James Patterson of 'Disrupt Everything and Win.' Patrick shares his incredible life journey from growing up on the south side of Chicago to leading paratroopers in the Army and building successful businesses. He provides valuable insights on resilience, the power of disruption, and how leaders can navigate the accelerating pace of technological change. The conversation also delves into Patrick's collaborative book with James Patterson and explores stories of individuals like Tom Diei, who used disruption to create positive change. Ideal for leaders, coaches, and those aiming to level up, this episode offers actionable advice on embracing disruption and finishing strong.
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January 7 · 36 minDallas Burnett | Revitalizing Your Team - Four Proven Strategies to Turnaround any Team or Business
Today on The Last 10%, Dallas Burnett kicks off a new phase as he returns to Thrive Studios after a three-month hiatus. He discusses the acquisition and revitalization of a publishing company, detailing the challenges of reducing unnecessary complexity and costs, and improving customer service and company storytelling. Dallas shares insights into his personal health scare with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and teases the potential launch of a podcasting network in 2026. He also alludes to a new book in the works and highlights the importance of setting clear goals and values for his team and organization going into the new year.
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Sep 16, 2025 · 50 minTony Miltenberger | Embracing Wounds: Unleashing Leadership Potential through Vulnerability
In this episode of The Last 10%, host Dallas Burnett interviews Tony Miltenberger, an author, executive coach, veteran podcaster, and pastor. They discuss Tony's diverse experiences from military deployments to resilient family-building and his personal journey through life's challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of embracing wounds to unlock leadership potential, integrating core values into daily life, and the profound impact of vulnerability and faith. Tony underscores the power of identifying and understanding personal wounds for improved self-awareness and leadership effectiveness. The episode is a deep dive into conscious leadership, emotional intelligence, and practical wisdom for leaders striving to make a meaningful impact. Check out Tony's new book: Wisdom in the Wound Follow Tony on Instagram: @TWMILT
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Sep 2, 2025 · 50 minMegan Buning | Building Resilient Performers: Navigating Coaching and Mentoring Challenges
In this episode of The Last 10%, host Dallas Burnett interviews Dr. Megan Matthews Buning, a former All American SEC softball star and current clinical associate professor at Florida State University (FSU). Megan shares her journey from playing and coaching softball to becoming a certified mental performance consultant. They discuss Megan’s struggles with self-awareness, mentorship importance, and how she motivates others to handle pressure and self-doubt. Megan also touches on her unique role as a horse therapy owner, revealing her dedication to community service through her therapeutic horse, Valentino. This inspiring conversation offers valuable insights for leaders, coaches, and anyone looking to improve their mental toughness and performance. Connect with Dr. Buning on X: https://x.com/DrBuning Connect with Dr. Buning on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-m-buning/ Connect with the therapy horse on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/apalinval
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Aug 19, 2025 · 49 minDallas Burnett | "Best of" Episode - Dallas' favorite clips from the past 6 months
Host Dallas Burnett shares updates on the podcast's achievements, including increased listenership and the expansion into new countries. Burnett announces the launch of a new performance management system, called Perform, which integrates with a coaching system for a holistic approach to performance improvement. Additionally, the podcast team has acquired a large US publishing company, leading to the creation of a podcast network. The episode features a 'best of' compilation of clips from previous episodes with guests Jason Harris, Coach Mitchell, Christopher Beth, Stacey Hanke, Marlene Chism, and Evan Mawarire. Each guest offers insights on various topics including leadership, discipline, conflict management, effective communication, and personal success stories.
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Jul 8, 2025 · 1 hr 1 minJason Hreha | Transformational Leadership: Building High-Performance Teams with Behavioral Science
In this episode of The Last 10%, host Dallas Burnett interviews Jason Hreha, a behavioral scientist and author of the book 'Real Change.' Jason shares his journey from studying neuroscience at Stanford to pioneering behavioral science teams at Walmart and leading his company, Persona. He discusses the limitations of academic behavioral science and the importance of practical, applied approaches. Jason also highlights the significance of personalized habit formation and the impact of proper recruitment on organizational culture and performance. The conversation delves into remote work dynamics, comparing them to in-office environments, and offers actionable advice for leaders managing remote teams. Check out Jason's Book on Amazon: Real Change
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Jun 24, 2025 · 59 minAndrew Wittman | The Inner Armor: Building Mental Toughness and Leadership Excellence
In this episode of The Last 10%, host Dallas Burnett sits down with Andrew Wittman, a former Marine turned resilience coach, to discuss his journey and expertise. Wittman, who has served as a police officer, federal agent, and author of 'Inner Armor Perpetual Resilience,' shares fascinating stories from his career protecting top political figures and training elite warriors. They delve into the concept of mental toughness, methods for building resilience, and specific strategies like 'suspending disbelief.' Wittman also touches on his time working with high-profile individuals such as Hillary Clinton and Benjamin Netanyahu, and offers practical advice for leaders looking to unlock the last 10% of their capabilities. Special Gift: https://getwarriortough.com/podcast To follow Andrew on X, click here. To follow Andrew on LinkedIn, click here.
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Jun 10, 2025 · 49 minBrett Hoogeveen | Elevating Workplace Culture: Building Thriving Teams with the 20 Tenets
Welcome to an engaging episode of The Last 10%! Today, host Dallas Burnett is joined by Brett Hogeveen, co-founder of Better Culture, to discuss the importance of workplace culture and his innovative 20 tenets for building thriving teams. Brett shares his journey from working in a top-ranked company to creating tools for improving corporate culture from the ground up. The conversation dives into key attitudes and behaviors for employees, the role of leaders in maintaining a positive work environment, and actionable strategies for fostering an upbeat, collaborative culture. Don't miss this insightful discussion on unlocking the last 10% of your organizational culture. Brett also offers listeners a free resource to kickstart cultural improvements in their organizations and highlights the valuable lessons learned from his father's emphasis on positive workplace environments at: www.betterculture.com/last10.
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May 13, 2025 · 1 hr 29 minEvan Mawarire | Speaking Truth to Power - How One Man’s Video Led to National Change in Zimbabwe
In this episode of 'The Last 10%', host Dallas Burnett welcomes Evan Mawarire, a Zimbabwean pastor known for his leadership in the 'This Flag' movement against the dictatorship of Robert Mugabe. Evan shares his incredible journey from recording a viral rant in his church office to mobilizing a national uprising. He discusses the challenges of facing hyperinflation, the courage to lead non-violent resistance, and the trials of imprisonment. Despite facing immense danger, Evan's journey is a testament to the power of conviction, courage, and collective action. His story underscores the importance of showing up, leading by example, and empowering others to fight for justice and change. Evan continues to inspire as an author and motivational speaker. Connect with Evan Mawarire - https://www.evanmawarire.org/