128 | Mike Lamorgese – How to Achieve Amazing Results with Work Hard, Play Hard
Tue Jan 27 2026
What if the one bold decision you make this year could redefine your future, unleash your confidence, and surround you with a network that opens doors for life?
This episode, featuring Mike Lamorgese, a top industry performer and true YEAA alumni success story, digs deep into the hidden advantages of choosing challenge over comfort and reveals why hard things pay bigger dividends.
Host Steve Acorn gets real about the power of alumni, the magic of showing up, and why every young leader needs to learn the difference between waiting and working for their dream.
If you're tired of "coffee intern" gigs and want PROVEN, insider secrets to real-world success, listen now. This conversation is packed with urgent, actionable wisdom you won't hear anywhere else. Don't risk missing out on the one edge that will separate you from the crowd. Tune in before your competition does.
Timestamped Highlights [00:01] – Why top internships catapult careers while "safe" ones stall
[00:08] – Landing one of the most coveted jobs in a competitive industry—how Mike did it
[00:18] – The ruthless detail that knocked out 80% of his rivals at ADEC (and how you can do this too)
[00:24] – Alumni who became best friends, wedding groomsmen, and coast-to-coast connections
[00:30] – The shocking interview move that got Mike hired—and why most people are too scared to try it
[00:38] – Real talk: What makes YEAA's process unbeatable (and why it's not for everyone)
[00:40] – Two game-changing pieces of advice for anyone on the edge of saying YES
[00:36] – How to use "hard" as your secret weapon, not a roadblock
About the Guest Mike Lamorgese is a Territory Manager at A-dec, the world's most recognized dental equipment manufacturer, and a celebrated YEAA/Student Painters alumni. Former Manager of the Year at Henry Schein, Mike grew his career from rookie branch manager to industry rainmaker and credits his lifelong network, resilience, and sales mastery to the lessons forged at YEAA. His story inspires—and proves that those who leap, win.
🔗 LinkedIn | Website
Resources & Links Mentioned Henry Schein
Student Painters
Sherwin-Williams Emerald Paint
University of Dayton
Joe Osterfeld (YEAA Alumni)
Zoom Whitening
YEAA Internship
Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website
Watch our case study: Leaders Across America
Find more success stories here: Our Alumni
Connect with Steve:
LinkedIn: Steve Acorn
Instagram: @steveacornyeaa
Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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What if the one bold decision you make this year could redefine your future, unleash your confidence, and surround you with a network that opens doors for life? This episode, featuring Mike Lamorgese, a top industry performer and true YEAA alumni success story, digs deep into the hidden advantages of choosing challenge over comfort and reveals why hard things pay bigger dividends. Host Steve Acorn gets real about the power of alumni, the magic of showing up, and why every young leader needs to learn the difference between waiting and working for their dream. If you're tired of "coffee intern" gigs and want PROVEN, insider secrets to real-world success, listen now. This conversation is packed with urgent, actionable wisdom you won't hear anywhere else. Don't risk missing out on the one edge that will separate you from the crowd. Tune in before your competition does. Timestamped Highlights [00:01] – Why top internships catapult careers while "safe" ones stall [00:08] – Landing one of the most coveted jobs in a competitive industry—how Mike did it [00:18] – The ruthless detail that knocked out 80% of his rivals at ADEC (and how you can do this too) [00:24] – Alumni who became best friends, wedding groomsmen, and coast-to-coast connections [00:30] – The shocking interview move that got Mike hired—and why most people are too scared to try it [00:38] – Real talk: What makes YEAA's process unbeatable (and why it's not for everyone) [00:40] – Two game-changing pieces of advice for anyone on the edge of saying YES [00:36] – How to use "hard" as your secret weapon, not a roadblock About the Guest Mike Lamorgese is a Territory Manager at A-dec, the world's most recognized dental equipment manufacturer, and a celebrated YEAA/Student Painters alumni. Former Manager of the Year at Henry Schein, Mike grew his career from rookie branch manager to industry rainmaker and credits his lifelong network, resilience, and sales mastery to the lessons forged at YEAA. His story inspires—and proves that those who leap, win. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website Resources & Links Mentioned Henry Schein Student Painters Sherwin-Williams Emerald Paint University of Dayton Joe Osterfeld (YEAA Alumni) Zoom Whitening YEAA Internship Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.