Fortune Favors the Bold w/ Jeff Gum
April 19, 2022
Hosted by Chris Meek
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
Jeff Gum is a U.S. Navy SEAL veteran, entrepreneur and founder of Sunga Life, a swimwear and athleisure brand focused on achieving bottom line goals of purpose and profitability, where 10% of profits go to veteran focused charities - specifically those that benefit wounded and amputee Special Operations Forces. He joins program host Chris Meek to speak to the essence of his brand and how he first fell in love with swimwear during his many travels and adventures in Brazil which ultimately inspired him to start his own line. Jeff’s story, service and accomplishments embody the individuality, self-confidence and patriotism that he seeks to instill in others through his work. Drawing on his insights and perspectives stemming from his military experience, he will touch on an array of topics including how small brands and businesses can benefit from giving back to their communities, never giving up in the face of failure and why mentorship is crucial to veterans transitioning from service to civilian life. As a show that is focused on leadership through adversity, Jeff will speak to one of Next Step Forward’s core missions by highlighting how best to determine when it is worth persevering through adversity and when to simply pivot. As Jeff says, “Fortune favors the bold,” and his words of wisdom throughout the hour will certainly underscore why.
Next Steps Forward
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Personal empowerment, commitment to our own well-being and the motivation to achieve more than we ever thought possible are the ingredients of a better life. And, they’re all within our reach. Next Steps Forward with Chris Meek delves into each aspect of the three keys that add energy, excitement, direction and purpose to everything that we do.
Each week, Chris hosts leaders from the worlds of business, sports, entertainment, medicine, politics and public policy as they engage in thought-provoking discussions to help us all take the next step forward on our own journeys to our better selves and greater service to others. Next Steps Forward with Chris Meek is an informative, uplifting hour every Tuesday at 1 PM Eastern Time and 10 AM Pacific Time on the VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel that’s certain to inspire you to take that important next step forward, too. You can learn more at: https://nextstepsforward.com/
Chris Meek
Chris Meek believes in the American spirit of individual empowerment and service to others, especially those who have sacrificed for our freedoms. As someone who lived through the horrors of Ground Zero on 9/11, Chris had no way home but to join others as they put one foot in front of the other to make their way forward. Since that day, Chris has committed himself to empowering and motivating fellow Americans to keep taking steps forward, no matter what life throws their way.
Chris has spent the last decade serving as the co-founder and chairman of the national nonprofit SoldierStrong, which is dedicated to helping military veterans take their next steps forward. SoldierStrong carries out its mission by providing revolutionary medical technology to VA medical centers, including exoskeleton suits to help paralyzed veterans walk again and virtual reality equipment to help treat post-traumatic stress.
He also serves as an advisor on the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) task force. In this role, he shares a responsibility to raise awareness about mental health, facilitate research and define a plan to prevent suicide. In 2020, Chris launched ReachStrong, a nonprofit aimed at empowering all Americans to care for their overall well-being. Chris is also a financial services executive at S and P Global, Inc, in New York City. He and his wife, Christine, have three children.
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