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“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
— Peter Drucker
There are moments in life when you pause—not to slow down, but to look back and take stock. Not out of nostalgia, but out of gratitude. You think about the chapters already written, the people who shaped them, and the pivotal decisions that changed everything. And if you’re fortunate, you also feel an unshakable sense that the best is still ahead. That’s where I find myself now.
In early 1992, something extraordinary happened in my life. A quiet storm was brewing behind the scenes of the financial world. I was part of a group of visionaries determined to break away from the constraints of the past and create something new, innovative, and revolutionary. We weren’t looking for incremental improvements—we wanted to reinvent the industry and build a system that could unlock greater potential for both leaders and clients alike.
At that point, I had been a multiple six-figure earner in the old model for over a decade. I had achieved a level of success and recognition that many would envy. But despite all of that, something was missing. I was wrestling with unfulfilled dreams and a ceiling I couldn’t seem to break through. Deep down, I was hungry to lead and impact others on a much larger scale. I believed there was something more—something that could finally align with my vision of unlimited growth, meaningful work, and true leadership.
I’ve always believed in taking risks and embracing change in order to achieve greatness. One quote from Jim Rohn always stuck with me: “If you don’t like how things are, change them! You’re not a tree.”
That idea sparked something inside me—and in the team I was part of. We decided to take a bold leap into the unknown. We set out to build a fresh vision for the future, one that didn’t just challenge the old ways but redefined the rules entirely. It wasn’t just about starting over. It was about creating something that could inspire others to break free from limitations and achieve their highest potential.
My life took a transformative turn when I had the rare opportunity to work directly with Hubert Humphrey—one of the most iconic leaders the financial services industry has ever seen. Hubert wasn’t just successful; he was a trailblazer who had dominated the field since 1978, consistently earning millions annually and setting new standards for excellence. But even with all that success, he made the bold decision to walk away from it all to build something new from scratch. That told me everything I needed to know about his vision and courage.
For me, working with Hubert wasn’t just a business opportunity. It was a profound moment of growth and inspiration. Hubert transferred belief into me. His confidence and unwavering determination helped me think bigger than I ever had. It was also a rebirth of vision. He reshaped how I viewed my future and my potential.
“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”
— Warren Bennis
Hubert’s mentorship went far beyond professional guidance. It was a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and the power of starting fresh with purpose. He didn’t just talk about values—he lived them. And it left an indelible mark on my journey.
I remember it vividly, as if it happened yesterday.
Hubert leaned forward during our conversation and asked, “What’s your expansion plan?”
Eager to show initiative, I answered, “I’m going to call everyone I know, everyone I meet, and tell them what we’re doing.” That had always been my plan—simple and proactive.
But Hubert stopped me cold. He looked serious and said, “We can’t work together if that’s your plan. I only work with big leaders—your plan would mess up my story.”
I was stunned. I hadn’t expected that. Confused but eager to learn, I asked, “How do I fix it? What should I do instead?”
He didn’t hesitate. “You build it big. I’m coming to Cincinnati in two weeks. You fill the room, we’re in business. If you don’t, I’ll find you a new leader.”
That challenge hung heavy in the air. I realized Hubert wasn’t just looking for effort—he wanted real results. To him, leadership wasn’t about small, incremental moves; it was about bold, decisive action that inspired others.
I had two weeks to prove I was ready.
I worked relentlessly—morning, noon, and night. I reached out to 500 people in just 14 days, sharing my vision with a message that was clear, powerful, and consistent:
“I don’t know if you heard or not, but I’ve started a new business. I’m working with Hubert Humphrey, the #1 leader in our old company since 1978. He left to start something new with us. We’re teaching people how money really works, how entrepreneurship works, and we’re backing it with world-class leadership. Mr. Humphrey is coming to Cincinnati in 2 weeks. I told him about you. He’d like to meet you.”
That message resonated. It wasn’t just about a business—it was about joining a movement, learning valuable skills, and stepping into a new world of possibilities.
To reinforce the message, we shared a flyer with one bold statement:
“The risk of looking at our new company isn’t as great as the certainty of staying where you are.”
— Hubert Humphrey
Under that it said: The Odyssey Begins… It then had the date, time, and location. It was faxed out as a confirmation.
When the day came, 125 people showed up from the 300 who confirmed, that was an amazing turnout. Of those, 111 joined the business. I brought in 35 direct and placed the rest under my leaders to form a strong foundation.
Overnight, everything changed—for me, for my leaders, and for the people who joined us.
As Sheryl Sandberg so aptly put it: “If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat. Just get on.”
I didn’t just take a seat—I helped build the rocket ship.
That wasn’t just a launch event—it was a turning point.
I finally understood what Hubert meant: Leadership is everything.
It’s not just a buzzword—it’s the X-factor. It turns good intentions into game-changing action. It’s what bridges the gap between dreaming big and delivering results.
When you’re playing for a coach like John Wooden or Nick Saban, it’s not just practice—it’s preparation for championships. Hubert was the same. Every decision, every system, every strategy was designed to win—and to win consistently.
He didn’t just lead. He built systems that lifted everyone around him.
“You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
— James Clear
That’s what I learned. Leadership isn’t just about ambition—it’s about systems that make success inevitable.
The Cincinnati Moment wasn’t just about numbers. It was about leadership in action and the transformative power of a clear vision and relentless execution. Here are the key timeless principles that emerged from that launch, principles that can guide anyone aiming for success:
1. Vision Comes Before Growth
People don’t follow products—they follow vision. Hubert didn’t just sell insurance. He sold a better version of the future, one where people could achieve financial security and freedom. Your job is to cast the vision—clearly, boldly, unapologetically—so others can see it and believe in it too. Vision is the foundation upon which growth is built.
2. Events Create Belief
Nothing builds belief faster than the energy of a packed room, where a strong leader presents the dream and inspires action. Events bring people together, create excitement, and solidify commitment. If you want duplication and momentum in your efforts, start with an event. It’s where belief is born and momentum begins.
3. Urgency Builds Momentum
500 calls in 14 days. That wasn’t just hard work—it was urgency driven by purpose and a clear understanding of what was at stake. Urgency creates focus, ignites action, and propels teams forward. Urgency is the lifeblood of launch energy. Without it, momentum fades and progress stalls. Let purpose guide your urgency and watch the results pour in.
4. Leadership Makes All the Difference
I had done well before, but my true potential was unlocked when I began building under a world-class mentor. Strong leadership doesn’t just inspire—it multiplies effort, capability, and results across the board. Leadership isn’t just a role; it’s the difference-maker that takes ordinary efforts and transforms them into extraordinary outcomes.
5. Reinvention Is Always Possible
Your past doesn’t define you—what you choose to do next does. No matter where you’ve been or what challenges you’ve faced, the opportunity to reinvent yourself is always within reach. You can reinvent your business, your mindset, or your entire life starting today. It’s never too late to take the next step toward greatness.
“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”
— John D. Rockefeller
The Cincinnati Moment isn’t just a story—it’s a reminder that leadership, vision, urgency, and the willingness to reinvent yourself can create waves of momentum that change everything. These principles are as relevant today as they were during that pivotal launch. The question is: how will you apply them to your journey?
This story isn’t just history. It’s a blueprint for building something extraordinary.
WealthWave today is built on the same foundation that’s been proven time and again: vision, leadership, and speed. These are the pillars that drive success, and they’re the same principles that can take you to the next level. You already have the tools, the system, the credibility, and the platform. But here’s the question: Are you ready to seize your Cincinnati moment?
Here’s the real talk:
What truly matters is this: Can you launch boldly now? Can you fill a room with people who believe in the vision? Can you inspire a team to rise to the challenge and chase their own dreams?
This is your moment to step up and lead with courage, to build momentum that ripples through everything you do.
As Jim Rohn said, “Success is not something you pursue. Success is something you attract by the person you become.” So, the question is: Who are you becoming? What’s the next chapter of your story going to be? The foundation is here. The tools are in your hands. But the action is up to you.
You don’t need a new model. You don’t need new training. What you need is simple: a room, a date, and a list. That’s the foundation for building something extraordinary.
Start by choosing a leader you admire, someone whose story and vision resonate with others. Reach out and ask them to speak—you might be surprised by their willingness to join your vision. Then commit—like I did—to make 500 calls in just 2 weeks. It’s not about perfection; it’s about persistence. Share the crusade. Share the mission. Let people feel the energy and purpose behind what you’re building. Invite them to be part of something bigger than themselves. This isn’t just about an event; it’s about creating a movement.
Your moment is now. Your story is still unwritten, waiting for you to take the first step. Your launch is ready and waiting for you to act. The question is: will you seize it?
This is your Cincinnati. Your chance to ignite something powerful, to create a ripple that turns into a wave of change.
“The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.”
— Ferdinand Foch
So let’s dream bigger. Let’s not just fill the room—let’s pack it, standing room only with people who believe in what you’re building. Let’s inspire action, ignite passion, and change everything—again.
The time to act is now. The question is no longer “why,” but “why not?”
Tom Mathews
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