Encouraging Leaders

Bassel Hamwi helped launch the Damascus Stock Exchange and discovered that true leadership begins when your ego disappears. In this powerful conversation, Bassel shares the mindset shift that transforms leaders from asking "Can I do this?" to declaring "I'm here, so I have to give back" - and why the future can always be better than the past. In this episode, we discuss: -...

Kevin Thompson, leadership coach and former CFO at Cambridge Air Solutions, shares his journey through the most important leadership transition—moving from financial executive to leadership coach. In this episode, we discuss: - How fear and insecurity disguise themselves as self-reliant leadership - The most common coaching goals: managing emotional triggers and creating clear expectations - Using...

Karin Volo, CEO and founder of Evoloshen, shares her transformation from culture expert to AI leadership guide. She reveals why AI initiatives fail through "silent resistance" - when teams listen but fail to execute due to lack of trust. In this episode, we discuss: - The AI Leadership Triangle: how technology, culture, and leadership must work together for stability - Overcoming silent...

Bob Hendriksen, Director of Operations at Steelcase, shares how he learned that effective leadership starts with understanding it's "all about the people." Bob discovered that building trust through consistent commitment-keeping and creating space for others to grow transforms both individuals and organizations. In this episode, we discuss: - Learning to delegate and challenge team m...

Eric Gilbert, CEO of Innova Furnishings and second-generation owner, shares his journey of learning that effective leadership means getting out of your own way. Through losing major customers, promoting team members into his roles, and navigating family business transitions, Eric discovered that the emotional component of leadership—not just hitting numbers—determines long-term success. In this ep...

Mark Lee, a seasoned construction industry leader, shares his journey from self-focused to servant leadership through powerful stories of transformation. With decades of experience turning around company cultures, Mark demonstrates how authentic leadership starts with caring for "the as is" before creating change. His approach centers on leading by example—from moving executive offices t...

Cory Jensen, President of Continental Manufacturing, shares how he transformed a struggling Iowa plant from 300% turnover to an award-winning team in just two years. Through daily team meetings, peer recognition systems, and unwavering commitment to three core values, they eliminated temp workers and built a culture so strong that job applicants now line up at their door. In this episode, we discu...

Ryan Tierney, co-founder of Seating Matters, credits his success to a culture of humility, simplicity, and lifelong learning. From a young age, he and his brothers sought mentorship from top leaders — including Ireland’s richest businessman — instilling a habit of boldly asking for help and learning from the best. This abundance mindset continues to shape how Ryan leads and builds his business. In...

Steve Gund, third-generation CEO of The Gund Company, shares his leadership journey shaped by family legacy, humility, and a deep commitment to people-centric culture. With a focus on servant leadership, Steve highlights how trust, intentionality, and developmental systems drive remarkable business outcomes. He speaks candidly about coaching with compassion, transforming company culture through ac...

Nolan Ruiz, CEO of FF&G McDonald’s franchises, joins the show to share how leading with values like faith, fortitude, and generosity fueled his growth from a handful of restaurants to 33 thriving locations. His story highlights how personal faith, a focus on team empowerment, and a commitment to community can drive both business success and meaningful impact. In this episode, we discuss: - How...

Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40, believes leadership is about trust, learning, and helping people grow. In his new book, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It , he shares real stories—some funny, some profound—about building a culture where people love what they do and feel safe being themselves. In this episode , we discuss: • Why psychological safety and trust are the foundation of strong leadership. • How to...

Joel Goldberg, Emmy-winning broadcaster and author, shares his journey from aspiring sports reporter to a storyteller dedicated to uncovering the human side of leadership, resilience, and dreams. With a deep-rooted curiosity and passion for people, he emphasizes the power of relationships, trust, and small, consistent actions—what he calls "small ball"—in achieving long-term success. His...

Brian Osborne, CEO of Christy Industrial Holdings, shares how he transitioned from a control-driven leader to one who empowers others to succeed beyond him. He discusses pivotal moments that reshaped his leadership, the power of feedback, and why alignment with ownership is key to long-term success. His story proves that letting go of control and building strong teams leads to greater business and...

Tom LaMantia, former CEO and current Chairman of the Board at Clemco Holdings, explores the transformative power of humility, the bravery required to accept and act on feedback, and the profound impact of leadership that values people over personal accolades. By shifting his mindset from personal achievement to servant leadership, he cultivated a workplace culture rooted in trust, alignment, and s...

Chris Kerckhoff, President and CEO of Plancorp, joins the show to share how breaking conventional leadership norms and embracing innovation have fueled his company’s success. By challenging traditional thinking, fostering a culture of accountability, and continuously improving processes, Chris has led Plancorp’s expansion from managing $1 billion to over $7.5 billion in assets. He highlights why q...

Gary Peterson, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply Chain at OC Tanner, joins the show to share how reimagining workflows and empowering employees transformed his organization. Gary and his team reduced lead times from 28 days to just 20 minutes—while fostering a culture of engagement and continuous improvement. Through his journey, he highlights the power of listening, embracing h...

What would you tell your younger self if you could go back in time? In this special episode, we’ve compiled wisdom from past guests who share the lessons they wish they had known earlier. From trusting your gut to embracing failure and leading with confidence, these insights will make you rethink your own journey. Featuring Guests (In Order of Appearance): - John Jennings - President & Chief S...

Susan Conrad, founder of Eicon Partners, is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur. She shares her leadership journey and insights into building thriving organizational cultures. With a focus on intentionality and authenticity, she emphasizes how culture is shaped through daily actions and interactions. In this episode, we discuss:• How leaders can create culture through intentional actions and hon...

Orvin Kimbrough, CEO of Midwest BankCentre, shares his remarkable journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a transformative leader. Through vulnerability and authenticity, Orvin emphasizes the importance of building community, embracing life’s challenges as “gold,” and confidently owning your unique identity. His insights, drawn from his life and memoir 'Twice Over a Man,' inspire...

Jon Spiesman is the CEO and founder of 1% Better Leader. With over 30 years of leadership experience at Monsanto and other agricultural industries and over three years as an executive coach, Jon emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, coaching, and respect in leadership. He shares personal and professional insights, demonstrating how thoughtful leadership can transform both organizations and i...

John Jennings is the President and Chief Strategist of the St. Louis Trust & Family Office. In this episode, he shares his journey from technical expert to leader, emphasizing how a focus on others and embracing feedback transformed his approach. He also discusses insights from his book 'The Uncertainty Solution' offering valuable perspectives on leadership, wealth, and personal growth...

Todd Brand is the President and CEO of Brand Asset Management Group in St. Louis. He is dedicated to community engagement, serving on nonprofit boards that impact families, marriages, and the broader community. In this episode, we discuss: - The importance of aiming for impact each day over simply meeting targets, focusing on meaningful contributions in leadership. - Todd’s leadership journey sinc...

Eric Bronner is the co-founder and COO of Veterans for All Voters, a nonpartisan organization focused on empowering voters and reducing political polarization. He shares his experiences leading a national nonprofit and emphasizes the crucial role leaders play in driving meaningful change. In this episode, we discuss: - The role of CEOs and business leaders to influence political reform by focusing...

Joe McKee is the visionary owner of the Paric Corporation and Holdings Company, a leading firm renowned for its exponential growth. He also serves as the chapter chair of the St. Louis Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) Gold and has been deeply involved in the YPO community for decades. In this episode, we discuss:- Utilizing forums that can provide valuable peer support for navigating chall...

Alaina Macia is the president and CEO of MTM, a company that has grown from $30 million to over $1 billion in revenue under her leadership. Alaina shares how she navigates the complexities of leadership and growth in a fast-scaling company. In this episode, we discuss: - The importance of taking risks and how avoiding them can lead to stagnation in business growth. - Empowering your team by giving...