In this episode of One Sharp Sword, Dr. Wayne Purnell sits down with Michael Roth, serial entrepreneur and Chief Revenue Officer at InvestCloud, to explore leadership, culture transformation, personal values, and the power of consistency in creating success.

Michael shares his unexpected journey from startup founder to CRO, lessons learned from major organizational transitions, and how empathy—and not IQ alone—is becoming the defining leadership skill in an AI-driven world.

He also reveals deeply personal stories from his upbringing as a pastor’s kid, his mother’s remarkable resilience through cancer, and how those early lessons shaped his leadership philosophy and decision-making. This conversation is a masterclass in authentic leadership, psychological safety, and intentional living.

Michael Roth is the Chief Revenue Officer at InvestCloud, a global financial technology company. A former derivatives trader turned entrepreneur, he co-founded and led a retirement-technology startup before it was acquired by InvestCloud. Known for his thoughtful leadership, cultural insight, and empathy-driven approach to business, Michael writes extensively about leadership on LinkedIn and speaks frequently about character, consistency, and intentional living.

In this episode, Dr. Wayne Pernell sits down with Dr. Subhan Ali, Silicon Valley–based co-founder of Gekit, a next-generation data + AI infrastructure company. Subhan shares his unconventional journey from structural engineering into data science, product management, and ultimately entrepreneurship.

The conversation explores:
• How data infrastructure underpins all modern AI
• Why context is the secret weapon of LLM performance
• How to make bold, non-linear career transitions
• The mindset required to leave “safe paths” to create something new
• The importance of conviction, constant learning, and self-belief in leadership

In this episode, Dr. P sits down with Amber Shepherd — a leader whose journey from rural Florida to international consulting to regional economic development shows what’s possible when you listen to the “whispers” and commit to excellence.

Amber shares how she transformed workforce programs, worked with the Korean government on global expansion projects, and now leads major economic initiatives in Northeast Florida — including a $400M aerospace R&D hub and a $125M renewable energy facility.

Together, they explore faith-driven leadership, navigating doubt, converting naysayers, and why relationship-building is the true engine of economic growth.

A powerful conversation about purpose, persistence, and creating significance through service.

💡 Key Themes & Takeaways
1. Listen to the Whisper — Leadership Begins Internally Amber shares a pivotal life moment (including a literal fall from a horse) that taught her the importance of recognizing intuitive guidance. Leadership requires tuning in, not tuning out.

2. Excellence Is a Daily Commitment Success isn’t about perfection — it’s about refusing to let “good enough” become the standard. Small compromises lead to big unravelings.

3. Naysayers Are a Gift, Not an Obstacle Amber reframes criticism as fuel, not friction. When skeptics convert into supporters, they often become your strongest advocates.

4. Your Path Is Never Linear — and That’s the Point From accounting to career services to global consulting to regional economic development, Amber’s journey is a masterclass in leveraging your unique strengths while staying open to reinvention.

5. Economic Development Is Relationship Development Big deals and big dreams aren’t built overnight — they’re built through consistent follow-up, trust, and long-term vision.

6. Personal History Can Become Professional Power Amber’s upbringing and early life experiences give her deep empathy and unique insight into the people she serves today.