WHO WE ARE
DENNY PAUL | FOUNDER & HOST
Denny was born in Worcester, Massachusetts and currently resides there. He graduated from UMASS, Dartmouth with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government. Denny served as an Infantryman and Non-Commissioned Officer in the Massachusetts Army National Guard for seven years. He saw combat while deployed to Afghanistan in 2010-2011. Denny has experience leading teams and squads of infantry soldiers in complex and dangerous environments, for both mounted and dismounted combat patrols. He currently works as a Senior Account Director for an IT consulting firm, and is responsible for all Federal, Higher Education, and State and Local government business.
Denny is the founder and co-host of the Be The Standard podcast. By sharing his story, his mission is to enable others to set aside their self-imposed limitations to become a person they admire through the implementation of four key principles:
Setting Standards
Creating UNBREAKABLE Habits
Execution
Accountability
Outside of work , Denny enjoys golf, working out, and writing. He is currently writing a book with a goal of publishing in early 2025.
MIKE BURNES | CO-HOST
Mike Burnes is a devoted husband who has dedicated 15 years of his life to being a full-time Firefighter in Framingham, Massachusetts. His commitment extends beyond the fire department, as he proudly serves as the Operations Sergeant Major in the Army National Guard, accumulating an impressive 27 years of service. Mike’s leadership journey includes a notable role as the former Command Sergeant Major for the 1-181is Infantry Battalion, headquartered on Plantation Street in Worcester.
In addition to his roles in service, Mike is the proud owner of CrossFit Rail Trail in Hudson, a thriving business he has passionately nurtured for over 9 years. He also serves as the Co-Owner of Worcester Common Fitness in Worcester, MA, further demonstrating his commitment to promoting health and wellness within the community.
Passionate about helping others mentally, emotionally, and physically, Mike embodies the spirit of service to others in all aspects of his life, creating a positive impact on those around him. His multi-faceted life showcases a commendable blend of commitment, faith in God, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit.
STANDARDS, HABITS, EXECUTION, ACCOUNTABILITY
Establish criteria to set high standards.
Decide what you are willing to tolerate and accept.
Create and enforce your daily habits.
Keep the promises you make to yourself.
Daily check-ins to hold yourself accountable.
MILITARY EXPERIENCE & LEADERSHIP
Effective & ineffective leadership.
Combat experiences.
Lessons learned.
Application of military service to civilian life.
WHAT WE TALK ABOUT
HOW CHILDHOOD TRAUMA IMPACTS ADULTHOOD
Impact of not having a father.
Losing a mother to AIDS and growing up in foster care.
Mental and physical abuse and neglect.
PTSD, depression, and alcohol abuse.
Seeking mental health treatment.
Asking for help is a sign of strength.
YOUR PAST IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO FAIL
Your struggle is the cost of admission to the life you want.
You are in control of what you become.
Use your pain as fuel to be better.
Create and become a person you ADMIRE!
