Show notes
In this episode of Dream Plan Execute, host Ramon Parchment sits down with Tom Cox, an extraordinary leader who has achieved incredible milestones both in his professional career and personal life. From closing over $1.5 billion in new business to holding multiple patents in satellite technology innovation, Tom’s journey is one of grit, resilience, and inspiration.Tom shares his experiences, from serving in the U.S. Army as a combat medic and satellite controller to co-founding startups and holding executive roles in high-growth environments. He provides invaluable insights into finding your Ikigai—your life’s purpose—by discovering what energizes you, and how mentorship can be one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership.After being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2022 and overcoming near-death experiences, Tom’s second chance at life inspired him to start Vertical Motion, a company dedicated to mentoring aspiring executives. He discusses the importance of building executive presence, transitioning from middle management to executive roles, and cultivating leadership skills to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.Key Highlights: Lessons from Tom’s military and corporate experiences, and how they shaped his leadership philosophy. How to develop executive presence and the critical skills needed to move into executive roles. Overcoming life’s adversities, including Tom’s battle with leukemia and the clarity it brought to his mission. The importance of finding balance between career aspirations, family, and personal well-being. Practical tips on productivity, goal setting, mentorship, and staying motivated.Tom also shares personal anecdotes, from growing up to navigating life’s challenges, offering advice for aspiring leaders on how to break through self-doubt, anxiety, and fear.Tune in for a deeply inspiring conversation filled with actionable insights to help you dream big, plan with intention, and execute with purpose.Connect with Tom Cox: LinkedIn: Tom Cox Website: Vertical Motion Instagram: @VerticalMotionSubscribe to Dream Plan Execute for more inspiring stories and strategies to achieve your goals.Chapters00:00 Dream Plan Execute Introduction01:12 Introduction to Tom Cox07:47 The Concept of Ikigai and Its Impact09:15 Overcoming Challenges and Life Reflections12:02 Birth of Vertical Motion Executive Training14:10 First Step With Executive Leadership17:08 The Importance of Executive Presence20:18 Most Important ingredients to executive Presence22:40 Shifting mindsetLeadership Philosophy and Style29:10 Empowering Teams Through Leadership33:03 Redefining Executive Leadership36:10 Leaders vs Executive38:20 Teaching the middle road between leadership and executive39:20 B Corp39:51 The Shift from Shareholder Value to Stakeholder Value44:01 Long-Term Vision vs. Short-Term Gains50:18 The Impact of Greed on Corporate Culture