Inspiring military and tech leaders to grow, serve, and lead with purpose.

The Leadership & Success Podcast with Coach BZ is a global leadership platform created and hosted by Bob Fabien “Coach BZ” Zinga — a U.S. Navy Information Warfare Commander, cybersecurity executive, and Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach. The show bridges the worlds of military discipline and Silicon Valley innovation to equip listeners with the mindsets, habits, and leadership tools to thrive in high-stakes environments.

Coach BZ draws on more than two decades of experience leading sailors, engineers, and executives through missions of national and enterprise importance. Through authentic storytelling, practical frameworks, and interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs, veterans, and global executives, the podcast explores what it truly means to lead — with integrity, service, and excellence.

Every episode is designed to educate, inspire, and challenge listeners to lead with purpose and resilience — whether they’re commanding a Navy cyber team, managing a startup, or stepping into their first leadership role. The show emphasizes servant leadership, emotional intelligence, personal growth, and technological fluency in the AI-driven era.

Our audience includes aspiring and current leaders from both the public and private sectors: Naval Junior Officers, cybersecurity professionals, founders, managers, and students of leadership who want to transform influence into impact. With over 400 episodes and 5,000 downloads, the podcast reaches listeners in the U.S., Brazil, India, and Spain — available in 24 languages.

At its core, the Leadership & Success Podcast is more than a show; it’s a movement — uniting a global community of lifelong learners who believe, as Dr. John C. Maxwell said, that everything rises and falls on leadership.
 

I started the Leadership & Success Podcast with Coach BZ in November 2021 as an extension of my lifelong mission to help others lead with purpose and achieve excellence. As a U.S. Navy Information Warfare Commander and cybersecurity executive, I’ve seen firsthand how strong leadership — or the lack of it — can change the trajectory of lives, missions, and organizations. I wanted to create a space where lessons from the Navy, Silicon Valley, and the global leadership community could meet, inspire, and multiply.

Podcasting became the natural medium. I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling — the way a single conversation can reach thousands of people at once and spark meaningful change. I personally listen to several leadership and personal development podcasts such as The Maxwell Leadership Podcast, The Ed Mylett Show, and The Tony Robbins Podcast. I wanted to bring that same caliber of insight but with my own unique perspective — connecting the discipline of military leadership with the innovation of the tech world.

My initial goal was simple: to mentor and multiply leaders. I wanted to give back to the next generation of Naval Officers, cybersecurity professionals, and entrepreneurs who aspire to lead teams, companies, and missions of consequence. The podcast became a mentorship platform without borders — where anyone, anywhere, could learn, reflect, and grow.

I began planning the show in late 2021, outlining the first series of episodes around leadership, resilience, and cybersecurity. It took roughly a month from concept to launch before I released Episode 1: “Endpoint Security Best Practices.” From that moment, I was hooked — and what started as a small personal project has now grown to over 400 episodes, a global audience in 24 languages, and a thriving community of leaders united by one mission: to lead and serve with excellence.
 

Like most passion projects, the Leadership & Success Podcast with Coach BZ began with a simple commitment: to make time for what truly matters. As a full-time cybersecurity executive and U.S. Navy Information Warfare Commander, my schedule is intense — but I view leadership development as a duty, not a hobby. The podcast is my way of multiplying the lessons I’ve learned over two decades in uniform and in boardrooms, so I carve out time early in the morning, late at night, or during weekends to record, edit, and engage with my audience.

I release new episodes weekly, often multiple times per week when we have special guest features or AI recap sessions. Each episode typically takes between 4 to 8 hours to plan, record, edit, and promote, depending on the complexity and format. Long-form interviews or masterclass-style discussions require coordination, research, and scripting — while shorter “AI RECAP” highlight episodes are more streamlined and produced with the help of AI tools.

Funding the podcast has always been a personal investment. I self-fund all aspects — from hosting and equipment to marketing and dubbing. My current expenses include hosting through Podbean, software for editing and transcription, AI dubbing for multi-language distribution, and social media scheduling via Metricool. In total, it costs a few hundred dollars a month, but I view it as an investment in impact rather than a cost.

I don’t rely on sponsors; instead, I rely on purpose. The reward is hearing from Naval officers, cybersecurity analysts, and entrepreneurs who’ve said the podcast inspired them to lead differently or pursue command. That’s what makes every late night and early morning worth it. Leadership is about service — and this podcast is one of the most fulfilling ways I get to serve others.
 

Podcasting has given me far more than I ever expected — not just an audience, but a global community of leaders who believe in growth, integrity, and service. I launched The Leadership & Success Podcast with Coach BZ to share lessons learned from my military and cybersecurity journey, but it’s become a powerful platform for connection, influence, and lifelong learning.

I currently self-fund the show and do not take sponsorships. From the beginning, I wanted the freedom to feature guests and topics that truly align with my mission — servant leadership, personal development, and ethical innovation — without being constrained by external interests. However, I’ve been approached by several leadership platforms, universities, and tech firms interested in potential collaboration or sponsored episodes, so that may evolve in the future.

The show now averages over 5,000 total downloads and continues to grow month over month, especially with the addition of multi-language dubbing across 24 languages and an expanded audience in the U.S., Brazil, India, and Spain. While I’ve never chased metrics, I’m humbled by how organically the podcast has reached thousands of leaders across continents.

The real return on investment has been the relationships, visibility, and influence it’s created. Through the podcast, I’ve formed meaningful friendships with global leaders, authors, and innovators — from Navy captains to Fortune 500 executives — and built bridges between the worlds of military service and Silicon Valley. It also opened doors professionally, leading to speaking engagements, collaborations, and leadership panels like the RSA Conference and Ortus Club executive roundtables.

But most importantly, podcasting keeps me learning. Every conversation challenges my thinking, sharpens my leadership philosophy, and reminds me that leadership is not about titles — it’s about transformation. That’s the greatest reward of all.
 

My podcasting process is a disciplined yet creative operation — much like running a mission. As both a Navy Commander and cybersecurity executive, I value precision and preparation, and that mindset shapes every step of The Leadership & Success Podcast with Coach BZ.

Tools & Setup:
I record from a professional home studio using a Shure MV7 dynamic microphone, a Rode PSA1 arm, and an audio interface connected to my MacBook Pro. For software, I rely on Audacity and Descript for editing, Podbean for hosting and analytics, and Metricool for content scheduling across LinkedIn, YouTube, and X/Twitter. For remote interviews, I use Zoom for HD recording, occasionally enhanced with Riverside.fm for higher-quality audio. I also leverage AI-powered dubbing tools to translate and localize episodes into 24+ languages for international audiences.

Guest Selection:
I feature a mix of global leaders — CEOs, CISOs, founders, authors, military officers, and leadership coaches. Most guests come through my professional network of 30,000+ LinkedIn connections, referrals from previous guests, and my FITS (Friends in the Spotlight) series. I intentionally seek diverse voices — leaders from underrepresented communities, veterans, and women in tech — to ensure that every listener can see themselves reflected in the stories shared.

Preparation Process:
Each episode begins with research. My team and I review the guest’s professional background, leadership philosophy, and latest initiatives. I design custom interview questions tailored to their journey — focusing on leadership, resilience, purpose, and innovation. I always prepare three core themes: (1) their story, (2) their struggles, and (3) their success lessons for others.

Recording & Production:
Most interviews are conducted live via Zoom, though I also record in-person sessions during major conferences like RSA or local leadership summits. After recording, editing and post-production take about 4–6 hours per episode to ensure top-tier sound quality and flow.
 

Marketing The Leadership & Success Podcast with Coach BZ has always been about one thing: connection. I focus on building authentic relationships and delivering consistent, high-value content that resonates with my global audience of military and tech professionals, rather than just chasing numbers.

Listener Discovery:
Most listeners find the show through LinkedIn, where I’m ranked as the #1 U.S. Content Creator for #GlobalLeaders. Each new episode is shared across my network of 33,000+ followers, often accompanied by video clips, leadership insights, and AI-powered highlight reels. The podcast is distributed through Podbean, which syndicates episodes to all major platforms — including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube. Based on Podbean analytics, approximately 45% of listeners come from Spotify, 30% from Apple Podcasts, 15% from YouTube, and the remaining 10% from embedded links shared via LinkedIn, newsletters, and my website.

Marketing Channels:
LinkedIn remains my strongest marketing channel — not just because of reach, but because it’s where my target audience lives: military officers, cybersecurity executives, and leadership-minded professionals. I also cross-promote through:

• My professional website (bobfabienzinga.com)
• The “LEAD: Leadership, Excellence & Accountability Devotion” newsletter
• X/Twitter, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels for 60-second video highlights
• Metricool, which automates posting and analytics tracking across platforms
• AI-generated multilingual dubbing, allowing reach in 24 languages including Portuguese, Spanish, and Hindi

Engagement Strategy:
I treat every post as a conversation. Each episode ends with a question or leadership challenge for my audience — inviting reflection, comments, and sharing. I also feature listener stories, quotes, and testimonials to foster a sense of community.
 

My biggest advice to aspiring podcasters is simple: start with purpose, not perfection. Your “why” will carry you through every late night, technical glitch, and moment of doubt far more than your equipment ever will.

When I began The Leadership & Success Podcast with Coach BZ, I didn’t have a production team or a huge budget — just a clear mission: to serve and multiply leaders through stories that inspire growth. I’ve since learned that consistency and authenticity matter far more than fancy intros or expensive gear. Listeners connect with your voice, your passion, and your message — not your microphone brand.

Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1. Done is better than perfect. Your first episode won’t be flawless — and that’s okay. Progress happens through iteration, not hesitation.
2. Serve before you sell. Create value for your audience before thinking about sponsorship or monetization. When you focus on impact, influence naturally follows.
3. Plan, but stay flexible. Structure your content, but allow for organic moments — the best insights often come from unexpected turns in the conversation.
4. Build relationships, not just downloads. Your network is your most powerful amplifier. Guests, listeners, and fellow podcasters can become lifelong allies if you nurture those connections.
5. Keep learning. Podcasting is a leadership exercise in itself — communication, empathy, and continuous growth all matter.

Resources that helped me:

• The Podcast Host (blog and YouTube) — for equipment, editing, and format tips.
• Buzzsprout Podcasting 101 — an excellent starter guide for beginners.
• The School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson — practical, step-by-step strategies.
• The Maxwell Leadership Podcast — a great example of purpose-driven content.
• Books like Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo — to refine your storytelling and message clarity.
   

You can learn more about me and The Leadership & Success Podcast with Coach BZ through my professional platforms and social channels dedicated to empowering leaders in both the military and technology sectors. My digital presence is built around the mission of helping others lead with integrity, service, and excellence — from the war room to the boardroom.

🌐 Official Website:
https://bobfabienzinga.com — Learn more about my leadership philosophy, keynote speaking, publications, and coaching services.

🎙️ Podcast Platform:
https://www.leadershipandsuccesspodcast.com — Listen to every episode, read show notes, and access AI recap editions in multiple languages.

🔗 Linktree (All Platforms):
https://linktr.ee/bobfabienzinga — Central hub for all social links, event sign-ups, newsletters, and latest podcast updates.

💼 LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobfabienzinga/ — Where I share daily leadership insights, podcast episodes, and mentor discussions with my global network of over 33,000 professionals.

📺 YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@LeadershipandSuccessPodcast — Watch full-length interviews, highlight clips, and AI recap episodes.

🐦 X/Twitter:
@BobFabienZinga — Quick insights, event news, and leadership reflections.

📧 Email Contact:
info@bobfabienzinga.com — For guest inquiries, collaborations, speaking engagements, or sponsorship discussions.

✨ For those who wish to support the show’s mission — producing multi-language leadership content and mentoring emerging leaders worldwide — donation and subscription options are available through the podcast’s main site and Linktree.

Ultimately, The Leadership & Success Podcast is not just a show — it’s a global movement dedicated to helping people everywhere learn, grow, and lead with purpose.