Elevate the Game

In this episode of Elevate the Game Podcast, Jorge Abreu sits down with Kevin Haughey, a senior telecommunications leader with decades of experience managing large-scale infrastructure projects across the United States. Kevin has overseen more than 200 concurrent projects and managed over $100 million in capital expenditures, giving him a rare operator’s perspective on execution, efficiency, and long-term value creation.
Kevin shares how he transitioned from commercial construction into telecom during the 4G growth era and why fiber deployments continue to evolve in phases driven by technology adoption rather than consumer demand alone. He explains what’s changing in the telecom landscape today, from BEAD program deployments and fiber-to-the-home expansion to the growing infrastructure demands created by data centers and AI.
The conversation also dives into what truly separates successful operators from the competition. Kevin emphasizes the danger of getting lost in administration and bureaucracy, and why disciplined execution and high-quality teams are the real drivers of results.
One of the most impactful moments of the episode is Kevin’s advice for professionals and business owners who want to stay relevant. He explains why continuous learning is non-negotiable in fast-moving industries, how dedicating just 20 minutes a day can compound over time, and why your network and reputation may be your most valuable long-term assets.
Kevin also shares insights on startups, equity participation, liquidity events, and why true wealth creation often comes from ownership rather than salary alone. The episode wraps with a discussion on leadership, purpose, and Kevin’s upcoming initiatives focused on community, men’s development, and navigating the societal shifts coming with AI.
 
 
What does it take to become great at what you do? In this episode, Jorge Abreu talks with Dr. Howard Steinman about learning your craft, working hard, and never stopping your growth. Howard shares how being an expert helped him find new opportunities he never expected. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest
 

In this episode of Elevate the Game, Jorge Abreu sits down with Dr. Howard Steinman to explore what it really means to become an expert in your craft—and how that level of mastery can open unexpected doors.
Dr. Steinman is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon with more than 40 years of clinical experience. Over the course of his career, he has performed more than 30,000 Mohs surgery cases, taught medical students and residents, helped build national professional societies, and later transitioned into expert witness work in complex legal cases.
Howard shares how deep expertise doesn’t happen by accident. He explains the importance of continual learning, surrounding yourself with other experts, and never becoming complacent—no matter how long you’ve been in your profession. He also discusses how becoming highly skilled in one area allowed him to expand into expert witness work, a path available to professionals in nearly any field, not just medicine.
The conversation also touches on leadership challenges, overcoming personal limitations, and learning how to compensate for weaknesses while leaning into strengths. Dr. Steinman shares honest insights about knowing when to refer work out, how to train teams to think independently, and why excellence requires humility and self-awareness.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest

Discipline and innovation aren’t buzzwords for Dr. Sam Lam — they’re the foundation of how he lives, works, and leads. In this episode of the Elevate the Game Podcast, Sam Lam, MD joins the show to share how a relentless commitment to craft, ethics, and creativity has shaped his journey as a world-recognized facial plastic and hair restoration surgeon.
Based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, Dr. Lam specializes in facial rejuvenation and hair restoration, blending surgical precision with non-surgical techniques like Botox and fillers to create natural, balanced results. He explains why artistry matters just as much as technical skill, and why saying “no” to the wrong patient is sometimes the most ethical decision a doctor can make.
The conversation dives into what truly sets him apart in a competitive industry — surgeon-driven care, long-term thinking, and a refusal to chase shortcuts. Dr. Lam also opens up about the role discipline plays in his success, from early mornings and health routines to lifelong learning and constant innovation.
Beyond aesthetics, Dr. Lam shares insights into his latest groundbreaking work, including a developing therapy using dilute Botox that shows promise in areas like addiction recovery, neurological conditions, and chronic pain. His passion for learning, pattern recognition, and pushing medicine forward offers powerful lessons for entrepreneurs and professionals in any field.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest

What does it really take to succeed in IT staffing for the long haul? In this episode of the Elevate the Game Podcast, Jorge Abreu and Eric Bodiwala sit down with Jim Bright, a 26-year veteran of the IT staffing industry and owner of GTN Technical Staffing in Dallas. Jim shares real-world lessons from nearly three decades in recruiting, sales, and leadership, including the mindset shifts that helped him break through early failures and build a thriving business.
Jim explains why recruiting is one of the toughest sales roles out there, describing it as a “dating service” where both the candidate and the client must align. He dives into why rejection is part of the game, how giving yourself permission to fail can unlock growth, and why experience and pattern recognition matter more than shortcuts. Through memorable stories, including a simple landscaping analogy, Jim illustrates the true value a professional staffing firm brings to companies trying to hire top-tier talent.
The conversation also covers how GTN works with startups, mid-market companies, and Fortune 50 organizations across multiple countries, why networking beats job boards for elite talent, and what Jim sees ahead for the staffing industry. The episode wraps with Jim’s perspective on investing, passive income, and staying mentally agile through economic cycles.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest

Building the right team is one of the hardest parts of growing a business. In this episode of Elevate the Game, Jorge Abreu sits down with staffing and workforce solutions leader Valerie Freeman to break down what it really takes to recruit, manage, and retain great people over the long term.
Valerie shares lessons from decades of experience building and scaling multiple companies in the talent and technology space. She talks openly about why hiring never truly gets easy, how networking has played a major role in her success, and why business owners must be willing to have tough conversations as their companies grow.
The conversation also dives into leadership evolution. Valerie explains how her management style has changed over the years, especially around empathy, motivation, and understanding that not every employee is driven by the same things. She discusses why people come before process, and how creating an environment where employees actually want to show up leads to stronger performance.
Jorge and Valerie also explore navigating economic downturns, from past recessions to COVID, and why patience and adaptability are essential traits for entrepreneurs. Valerie shares how staying flexible, leaning into technology, and preparing ahead of major shifts like remote work and AI have helped her businesses stay resilient.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest

Cyber threats are no longer a future concern — they are happening right now, often without people realizing it. In this episode of Elevate the Game, hosts Jorge Abreu and Eric Bodiwala sit down with cybersecurity expert Andrew Wildrix to unpack what’s really going on behind the scenes of our phones, networks, and businesses.
Andrew shares how he unexpectedly found his way into the cybersecurity world and why Intrusion has spent decades focused on doing one thing extremely well: identifying and stopping malicious activity before damage is done. The conversation dives into ransomware, data theft, and why small and mid-sized businesses are often the easiest targets — not because they’re careless, but because they don’t know where their gaps are.
Listeners will learn why free apps aren’t really free, how everyday mobile devices can quietly compromise entire business networks, and why cybersecurity should be viewed as financial protection, not just IT protection. Andrew also explains how Intrusion approaches security differently, using decades of threat data to identify risks others miss.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest

What happens when medicine, technology, and leadership come together? In this episode of Elevate the Game, host Eric Bodiwala sits down with orthopedic surgeon and healthcare leader Antonia Chen to explore how innovation is transforming orthopedic surgery and patient care.
Antonia shares her journey from growing up on the East Coast to becoming Chair of Orthopedics at UT Southwestern. She explains how knee and hip replacement surgeries have evolved over the past decade and why robotics, navigation systems, and precision tools are reshaping outcomes for patients and surgeons alike.
The conversation dives into how robotic-assisted orthopedic surgery improves accuracy and personalization, while also reducing physical strain on surgeons. Antonia breaks down the difference between precision and accuracy, and why technology is a powerful tool when paired with clinical judgment and experience.
Listeners also get a behind-the-scenes look at UT Southwestern’s major initiatives, including building world-class clinical programs, advancing orthopedic education, and leading research in infection prevention, trauma care, and minimally invasive techniques. Antonia discusses partnerships with professional sports teams and how caring for elite athletes pushes innovation forward for all patients.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest

In this episode of Elevate the Game, Jorge Abreu and Eric Bodiwala sit down with architect and designer Adam Gates to break down how architecture truly fits into real estate development. Adam shares what architects actually do behind the scenes, why communication is the most important part of the process, and how good design goes far beyond aesthetics.
Adam explains how architects help transform a vague idea into a clear, buildable plan, while balancing client vision, building codes, and contractor execution. He walks through the three core types of communication involved in architecture and why strong drawings can save time, money, and frustration on-site.
The conversation also explores what Adam is seeing in today’s market, including why multifamily projects are on pause, where capital is still moving, and why healthcare, small commercial projects, and specialty spaces like climbing gyms are staying active. Adam also shares thoughtful insights on AI, prop tech, and why technology won’t replace human judgment in development anytime soon.
For investors and aspiring developers, Adam delivers practical advice on due diligence, surveys, renderings, and decision-making. He explains why rushing the early stages can create expensive problems later and why “passive income” in real estate is rarely passive at all.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest

In this episode of the Elevate the Game Podcast, Jorge Abreu and Eric Bodiwala sit down with Eddie DeCurtis, a longtime technology and wireless industry leader and the Co-Founder and CEO of Shush Inc. Eddie shares his journey from growing up in New York City to leading innovation in mobile security on a global scale.
Eddie explains how mobile authentication has evolved, why traditional SMS one-time passwords are no longer secure, and how mobile network data can be used to prevent fraud without creating friction for users. He breaks down real-world examples like SIM swap fraud, call-based scams, and how banks and fintech companies can protect customers automatically in the background.
The conversation also dives into startup leadership, company culture, and why hiring the right people early matters so much. Eddie shares how listening to customers led him to write a company “thesis,” build the Shush platform, and grow the business rapidly in under two years.
Beyond technology, Eddie talks openly about entrepreneurship, imposter syndrome, passive income, real estate, and long-term wealth building. This episode is packed with insights for founders, operators, and anyone curious about how security, mobile technology, and business strategy intersect.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest

In this episode of the Elevate the Game Podcast, Jorge Abreu sits down with Dr. Jason Jones, a leading authority in industrial 3D printing and hybrid manufacturing. Dr. Jones breaks down complex manufacturing concepts in a way that’s easy to understand and shows how innovation, automation, and curiosity are reshaping how things are made.
Dr. Jones explains why traditional assembly-line manufacturing isn’t always the best solution and how hybrid manufacturing combines 3D printing with CNC machining to unlock speed, flexibility, and efficiency. He shares how his team is helping manufacturers adopt advanced technology without needing massive production volumes.
The conversation also dives into leadership, learning through mistakes, and why allowing room for experimentation creates stronger teams and better outcomes. Dr. Jones discusses the power of industry standards, networking through standards committees, and how service to the industry helped expand his expertise and influence.
You’ll also hear how AI and automation are transforming manufacturing workflows, moving the industry closer to fully autonomous, digitally driven factories. Dr. Jones wraps up by sharing exciting developments in automated quality inspection using ultrasound technology to verify parts as they’re being produced.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Be a Guest on Elevate the Game Are you a mover and shaker in the DFW area? Do you have a story, strategy, or lesson that could inspire others? We’d love to feature you on Elevate the Game — the podcast where DFW’s top business owners, execs, and professionals share real stories of success, strategy, and legacy. 👉 Apply now at: ElevateTheGamePodcast.com/guest