The Pitch and The Catch

In this solo episode of The Pitch & The Catch, Dirk Horn shares the story behind his upcoming book The Winning Balance and why it took more than two decades of transformation work to write it. What started as a sales question became a deeper realization about leadership, customer relationships, and why most change efforts fail even when people care. 
This episode explores the tension leaders face today, structure and soul, efficiency and ownership, products and relationships, and why balance has become the real competitive advantage. If these themes resonate with challenges you see in your organization, The Winning Balance will give you the language, clarity, and perspective to act. Get your copy, start the conversation, and bring these ideas into your team.  
Pre-order The Winning Balance: https://www.mab-partners.com/category/all-products Book website and resources: https://www.mab-partners.com/thewinningbalance 
New episode every Thursday.
Interested in joining the conversation? Talk to us: https://calendly.com/horn-mab-partners/30min-tpatc-brief 
Stay connected with us here:
Connect with Dirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkhorn/
Website: https://www.mab-partners.com/tpatc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepitchandthecatch?igsh=aGw2M3hqeThndHVr&utm_sourc

Today Dirk sits down with Dr. Mike Horne, executive coach, OD leader, and author of The People Dividend, for a grounded conversation about what truly drives performance. Mike explains why most issues aren’t “people problems” but system problems, how small actions like simply saying hello can shift culture, and why leaders overcomplicate what should be simple. 
They dig into low-energy teams, generational myths, AI’s impact on work, and the transitions leaders face when their old strengths stop working. Mike also shares his own reinvention and why purpose, discipline, and humility matter more than ever in today’s constant turbulence. 
If you want to build teams where people and performance thrive, this episode is for you. 
Check out more from Mike Horne: 
The People Dividend Book: https://www.mike-horne.com/the-people-dividend-book
The People Dividend Podcast: https://www.mike-horne.com/podcast
 
New episode every Thursday.
Interested in joining the conversation? Talk to us: https://calendly.com/horn-mab-partners/15min-exploration-w-dirk?month=2025-10
Stay connected with us here:
Connect with Dirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkhorn/
Website: https://www.mab-partners.com/tpatc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepitchandthecatch?igsh=aGw2M3hqeThndHVr&utm_source=qr 

Today Dirk sits down with Matteo Marano, a molecular biologist turned top-performing sales leader and now strategist who’s spent 20+ years driving impact across biotech, diagnostics, and data-driven healthcare. They explore how Matteo bridged the worlds of hard science and commercial strategy and why storytelling often matters more than data alone. Along the way, Matteo shares insights on career pivots, innovation in pharma, and what we coined as the Marano Principle — finding the sweet spot where preparation meets opportunity.
New episode every Thursday.
Interested in joining the conversation? Talk to us: https://calendly.com/horn-mab-partners/15min-exploration-w-dirk?month=2025-10
Stay connected with us here:
Connect with Dirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkhorn/
Website: https://www.mab-partners.com/tpatc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepitchandthecatch?igsh=aGw2M3hqeThndHVr&utm_source=qr 

Dirk sits down with Emir Avdić, CEO of Sebright Products, a 100% employee-owned leader in waste and recycling technology that turns what most companies throw away into new value streams. Emir shares how technical mastery, lean thinking, and true ownership culture drive massive ROI and breakthrough sustainability impact. He also opens up about leadership, vulnerability, and building a company where people grow as fast as the business itself. A powerful conversation on transformation, innovation, and what ownership really means.
 
New episode every Thursday.
 
Interested in joining the conversation? Talk to us: https://calendly.com/horn-mab-partners/15min-exploration-w-dirk?month=2025-10
 
Stay connected with us here:
Connect with Dirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkhorn/
Website: https://www.mab-partners.com/tpatc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepitchandthecatch?igsh=aGw2M3hqeThndHVr&utm_source=qr 

Today, Dirk sits down with Alejandro Iza to explore what it really takes to build reliable solar power in a world of rising demand and constant change. Together they unpack how stability, data and disciplined leadership are reshaping the energy landscape and why the solar age may already be here without us realizing it. 
New episode every Thursday.
Interested in joining the conversation? Talk to us: https://calendly.com/horn-mab-partners/15min-exploration-w-dirk?month=2025-10
Stay connected with us here:
Connect with Dirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkhorn/
Website: https://www.mab-partners.com/tpatc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepitchandthecatch?igsh=aGw2M3hqeThndHVr&utm_source=qr

In this episode, Dirk sits down with Keri-Lynne Shaw, a career strategist and founder of The Salary Bump, to explore how ambition can be redefined around clarity, confidence, and connection. From coaching thousands of professionals to negotiating their worth, Keri-Lynne has seen how success changes when people stop chasing titles and start aligning their work with who they are.
New episode every Thursday.
Interested in joining the conversation? Talk to us: https://calendly.com/horn-mab-partners/15min-exploration-w-dirk?month=2025-10
Stay connected with us here:
Connect with Dirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkhorn/
Website: https://www.mab-partners.com/tpatc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepitchandthecatch?igsh=aGw2M3hqeThndHVr&utm_source=qr

Ivo Caixeiro’s career spans from Portugal to New York to Asia; however, his leadership philosophy remains rooted in human connection and adaptability. Today, we explore how he built a global career by staying curious and shaping the future of design-driven retail.
 
New episodes every Thursday. 
 
Interested in joining the conversation? Talk to us! 
 
Stay connected with us here: 
Connect with Dirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkhorn/ 
Website: https://www.mab-partners.com/tpatc 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepitchandthecatch?igsh=aGw2M3hqeThndHVr&utm_source=qr 

In this episode, Dirk sits down with Jason Wolcott, Chief Commercial Officer at Twin City Foods, to explore the intricacies of thriving in a competitive commodity market. Discover how innovation, data analytics, and strategic leadership can transform businesses beyond mere price competition. Jason shares his insights on building resilient sales teams, the importance of customer relationships, and the future of sustainable food production. Tune in for a conversation that promises to spark insight, courage, and action in your career journey. 
 
New episodes every Thursday. 
 
Interested in joining the conversation? Talk to us! 
 
Stay connected with us here: 
Connect with Dirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkhorn/ 
Website: https://www.mab-partners.com/tpatc 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepitchandthecatch?igsh=aGw2M3hqeThndHVr&utm_source=qr 

Join Vaishali Lara Kathuria, a senior investment manager at Norges Bank Investment Management, as she discusses her career path and the choices that have led to her success. In conversation with Dirk, Vaishali shares insights on how to stand out in the finance industry by focusing on what makes you unique. This episode offers practical advice on career planning and the value of being intentional in your professional journey. 
 
New episodes every Thursday. 
 
Interested in joining the conversation? Talk to us! 
 
Stay connected with us here: 
Connect with Dirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkhorn/ 
Website: https://www.mab-partners.com/tpatc 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepitchandthecatch?igsh=aGw2M3hqeThndHVr&utm_source=qr 
 

Join Dirk as he uncovers the transformative journey of Christian Demers, revealing the bold decisions and insights that turned startups into global successes. Discover Christian's unique approach to balancing vision with execution and redefining success. This episode offers fresh perspectives on growth and innovation, challenging conventional wisdom with actionable insights. 
 
New episodes every Thursday. 
 
Interested in joining the conversation? Talk to us! 
 
Stay connected with us here: 
Connect with Dirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkhorn/ 
Website: https://www.mab-partners.com/tpatc 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepitchandthecatch?igsh=aGw2M3hqeThndHVr&utm_source=qr