In this episode of IN THE MAKING, host Michael R. Betz reconnects with longtime friend and M&A executive Brandon Blewett for a raw, reflective, and unexpectedly hilarious conversation about navigating life’s in-between moments.

Brandon has worked on over $210 billion in corporate transactions and currently leads corporate development for a $1B private equity–backed platform. But this story isn’t about the corner office—it's about the layovers between the big wins. From failing in tax law to walking away from a prestigious role, moving closer to family, mentoring students and athletes, and writing a book—Brandon opens up about what it really means to grow through uncertainty.

💬 In this conversation, we explore:

• Admitting when your career path no longer fits

• Choosing family over status and redefining success

• The moment Brandon realized presence > prestige

• Writing his first book: How to Avoid Strangers on Airplanes

• Mentorship, identity, and the funny stuff no one talks about

• The truth that no one is ever fully “made”—we’re all still in the making

🎙️ Hosted by Michael R. Betz—author, speaker, fractional executive, and founder of The Proper Group—this podcast explores personal transformation, career reinvention, and the moments that shape who we are becoming.

Michael’s new book, In The Making: Leading Through Change and Growing with Purpose, is available now on Amazon and dives deeper into these same stories of pivots, breakdowns, breakthroughs, and becoming.

🎧 Listen on all platforms: https://pod.link/1802594456
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InTheMakingPodcast

📕 Brandon’s Book – How to Avoid Strangers on Airplanes:

• Amazon: https://a.co/d/iqu1RSp

• Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-avoid-strangers-on-airplanes-brandon-c-blewett/1146609602

• Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/how-to-avoid-strangers-on-airplanes-1
  🌐 Website: www.brandonblewett.com
  📱 Social: @brandonintheair

📚 Michael’s Book – In The Making: Leading Through Change and Growing with Purpose

• Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ikphQu
  🌐 More on Michael + all episodes: www.michaelryanbetz.com
  📱 Instagram + LinkedIn: @michaelryanbetz

🎙️ New episodes drop every Thursday at 10 AM ET | Subscribe now & leave a review if this one resonated!

🔗 Show Notes + Links