Elevate the Game

What it takes to recruit and build a winning team

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 Security and Cyber Threats

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

Orthopedic Surgery and Technology

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

Architecture and Design in Real Estate

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

Changing the Game of Mobile Authentication

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

Helping Lead The Way In The 3D Printing and Manafacturing Space

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

Your Team Is Everything. Fom Doctor to Owning his own Practice

What does it really take to succeed in one of the most competitive fields in the world? In this episode of Elevate the Game, Jorge Abreu sits down with Dr. John Burns, a nationally recognized, board-certified plastic surgeon, to talk about the long road from medical school to owning and operating a thriving private practice.
Dr. Burns shares his journey through years of education, residency, and fellowship training, and how those experiences shaped the way he approaches both surgery and business today. He explains what led him to recently open a brand-new practice that includes a medical spa and a fully certified private surgery center, and what it took behind the scenes to make that vision a reality.
The conversation goes beyond medicine and dives into leadership, consistency, and the importance of process over instant gratification. Dr. Burns discusses why showing up every day, focusing on small wins, and staying disciplined over time has been a major driver of his success. He also opens up about one of his biggest challenges as a business owner — managing and aligning teams — and what he has learned about leadership through experience.
The episode also explores mindset, long-term thinking, and financial strategy. Dr. Burns shares his perspective on passive income, delegation, and why knowing your strengths — and hiring experts for everything else — can make all the difference.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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

Scaling a Business - Focus on a Niche and recruit the right people

Scott explains how Venn Technology evolved into a focused integration company that helps businesses automate data flow across their critical applications. He breaks down why a niche is powerful, how great consultants win through the questions they ask, and why culture and core values dictate long-term success.
He also opens up about real challenges—shiny-object distractions, hiring missteps, and the sunk-cost trap—and how he learned to say “no” more often so he could say “yes” to the right opportunities. Scott wraps up by sharing his thoughts on investing, scaling wisely, and expanding into new technology ecosystems.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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

Financial Advisor shares investment strategies for investing

Eric sits down with Bill Clark, who spent 25 years in law enforcement, 25 years in financial radio, and over 40 years as a financial advisor before selling his firm with nearly $200 million in assets under management.
Bill walks through his unlikely path from undercover work inside a fraudulent planning firm to building a biblically based advisory practice in Frisco, Texas. He and Eric talk about how to think about risk, why every investment has downside, and how investors can avoid losing money by truly understanding what they’re investing in and who they’re partnering with.
They also dig into Bill’s decision to invest with Elevate in a Burleson, Texas apartment community, why he likes to invest close to home, and the power of tax benefits like depreciation and K-1 losses in multifamily real estate.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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

Using AI for Healthcare Billing

Dr. Pradhan joins Eric to talk about how the idea for his company, OnCall AI, started with a simple problem: doctors constantly give medical advice outside of appointments — through phone calls, texts, and after-hours conversations — but none of it gets documented or billed.
He explains how AI can automatically capture, organize, and turn patient conversations into proper medical notes that fit insurance guidelines. This helps healthcare providers get paid for the work they’re already doing, reduces burnout, and protects them legally by keeping every interaction documented.
Anup also discusses:• How he used ChatGPT in his own practice to solve workflow issues• Why most doctors lose billable revenue without realizing it• The misconceptions around billing for phone consultations• How AI improves accuracy, speed, security, and compliance• Big changes coming to healthcare as AI continues to advance• The rapid growth of OnCall AI and what’s next for the company
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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