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