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This week on Outside Insights, I sit down with Dr. Wes Bowman — a man whose path was anything but linear. Labeled in grade school. Flunked out of college — three times. Built a successful practice by learning to turn shame and failure into the fuel for a meaningful life.

Wes is a career psychologist, the Director of the Delaware Family Center, and someone who’s spent decades helping people reframe their reality — and find their way forward.

In this conversation, we get into:

• Why thoughts literally create your own reality
• How stress hijacks your brain — and how to get it back
• What happens when we stop running from anxiety and start learning from it
• The power of saying “no” without guilt
• Why embracing change may be the only path to peace

We talk about the “United States of Amygdala” — Wes’ term for the overactive, overstimulated mental state most of us live in without even realizing it. And we explore how to manage that reality with science, presence, and practical tools.

There are no quick fixes here. But if you’re willing to sit with it, this episode will give you something more valuable: perspective.

Listen to the full conversation HERE.

Until next time, friends,

Chris

P.S. One quote that Wes shared—and that I keep coming back to—is from Gary Emery’s book Rapid Relief from Emotional Distress:

“In your mind, via your thoughts, you create your own separate reality.”
It’s simple. It’s unsettling. And it’s also a roadmap.

If this conversation resonates, forward it to a friend or colleague. Insight is meant to be shared.

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What does it take to turn scientific expertise into a thriving business? In this episode of Outside Insights, host Chris Burkhard speaks with Andrew Cottone, a chemist-turned-entrepreneur whose journey from research to leadership offers invaluable lessons in business, resilience, and innovation.

Andrew built his career solving complex chemistry challenges, co-founding Adesis and later selling it to Universal Display Corporation. But his ambition didn’t stop there. Now, he’s leading Aternium, Inc. (formerly First State Hydrogen), an initiative set to make Delaware a key player in sustainable energy.

In this conversation, Andrew shares:

• The Chemistry of Success — how Adesis became a powerhouse in R&D and manufacturing, impacting industries from electronics to pharmaceuticals
• Leadership in Action — the transition from entrepreneur to CEO and the hard-earned lessons in building culture, empowering teams, and scaling a company
• The Green Hydrogen Revolution — why he sees Delaware as a future hub for sustainable energy and how First State Hydrogen is leading the charge
• The Role of Family and Purpose — the personal values that kept him grounded through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship

Andrew’s story is one of grit, vision, and the ability to see opportunity where others see obstacles. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or simply curious about the future of clean energy, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Listen to the full episode HERE.

Until next time, friends,

Chris

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Have you ever wondered what IT services and barbecue have in common? There’s more overlap than you might expect! In this episode of Outside Insights, I talked with Jake Ruddy, the President of PCS, a leading IT services company. He is also the creative force behind Rum and Cook, a rapidly growing YouTube channel dedicated to barbecue.

Jakes’s journey focuses on building, scaling, and leading businesses while enjoying slow-smoked ribs. He discusses what it takes to grow a business, emphasizing that leadership and customer service are essential. Additionally, he shares how he transformed his passion for barbecue into a profitable side hustle.

What You’ll Learn

• Mastery, Tech & BBQ — Discover the surprising similarities between running an IT company and perfecting the ideal brisket.
• Scaling & Leadership — Understand the challenges of business growth, effective delegation, and developing the next generation of leaders.
• Mindset & Money — Explore how affirmations, goal-setting, and financial literacy contribute to achieving success.
• Content & Community — Learn how Rum and Cook evolved from a passion project into a thriving brand.
• Customer Service Wins — Find out why exceptional service is key to any successful business.

Jake’s Must-Read Book List

• Leadership and Self-Deception — The Arbinger Institute
• The Richest Man in Babylon — George S. Clason
• The Culture Code — Daniel Coyle