Igniting the CEO Within

In this episode, Mark McFatridge interviews Robert Tecco, principal and executive consultant at Continuum, about the key traits that separate great leaders from the rest. Robert emphasizes the importance of listening, adaptability, and self-confidence, along with the ability to lead through change and communicate effectively across teams. He also shares practical insights on change management, dec...

In this episode, Mark McFatridge interviews Zach Jones, Director of Business Development at Edgewater CPA Group, about how CPA firms can evolve from information providers to trusted advisors in the "curator age." Zach shares how Edgewater CPA Group focuses on relieving stress for business owners while building deeper relationships through initiatives like the Owner Circle. He also highlights the p...

In this episode, Mark McFatridge interviews Hope Yin, founder of Blueprint Coaching, about what it takes to become an effective and authentic leader in today's complex world. Hope shares how great leaders engage their head, heart, and gut to make decisions while building trust through vulnerability and clear communication. She also emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, strong suppor...

In this episode, Mark McFatridge interviews Sharon Bone, Executive Coach at Bone Coaching, about what separates high-performing leaders from those who struggle. Sharon highlights the impact of ego, the importance of humility, and how emotional awareness and self-leadership are critical for CEOs navigating pressure and responsibility. She also shares how her leadership integration approach helps le...

In this episode, Mark McFatridge interviews Jim OBrien, executive consultant, about what separates great leaders from the rest. Jim emphasizes the power of servant leadership, building mission-driven cultures, and focusing on people over processes and technology to drive real results. He also shares insights on navigating generational shifts, avoiding the trap of "busy work," and leading with bala...

In this episode, Mark McFatridge interviews Travis Morss, executive leadership coach and founder of Car Motivators, about what truly separates effective leaders from the rest. Travis emphasizes the importance of humility, curiosity, and the willingness to seek coaching, explaining that great leadership is a learned skill shaped through feedback and growth. He also shares his coaching framework, hi...

In this episode, Mark McFatridge interviews Shawn Paul, CEO of Break Away Group and Wild Grace, about the concept of the "quiet fracture" and how it leads to burnout in high-performing leaders. Shawn explains how subtle misalignment, including ignoring internal signals, overcommitting, and losing connection to purpose, can gradually impact both personal well-being and leadership effectiveness. She...

In this episode, Mark McFatridge sits down with Jerany Jackson, an executive coach with Maxwell Leadership, to explore what separates effective leaders from ineffective ones. Jerany shares how ego-driven decision-making, micromanagement, and lack of people development can limit leadership success, while emphasizing the importance of stewardship, empowering teams, and coaching-based leadership. She...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, Mark McFatridge sits down with Dawn Baumgartner, Founder of Cornerstone Coaching & Consulting, to explore what truly sets great leaders apart. Dawn emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and servant leadership, explaining how misalignment between a leader's true identity and their actions can impact both personal fulfillment and organiza...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, Mark McFatridge sits down with Ryan Spence, Owner and President of Ryan Spence Consulting, to discuss what separates strong leaders from those still developing. Ryan emphasizes the importance of delegation, prioritization, and aligning work with personal strengths to avoid burnout and drive business growth. He also shares insights on work-life integratio...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, Mark McFatridge sits down with Tony Guard, Executive Consultant at Guard Leadership, to explore what truly defines great leadership. Tony explains that exceptional leaders are deeply committed both to their people and to a clear, meaningful vision, fostering trust, growth, and accountability within their teams. He also highlights the importance of seekin...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Brian Bohley, Founder & CEO of Goodbookin', to discuss what it takes to grow and scale a successful business. Brian shares how embracing sales, tracking your time, and focusing on high-impact activities are critical for driving growth, especially for solopreneurs. He also highlights the importance of building strong op...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Harry King Holmes, Fitness & Wellness Business Consultant at Fitness Empire Advisory, to explore the traits that drive entrepreneurial success. Harry shares how self-awareness, continuous skill development, and embracing discomfort are essential for growth at every stage of business. He also emphasizes the importance o...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Wes Davey, executive partner for revenue growth and operations at Intelligent Tomorrow, to discuss how leaders can successfully navigate AI implementation. Wes emphasizes the importance of simplifying operations, mapping workflows, and focusing on real business challenges before introducing AI solutions. He also shares...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with April Bain, Strategic Business Coach and founder of The GRIT Group, to discuss what truly sets great leaders apart. April shares why the most effective CEOs balance humility and coachability with the confidence to make decisive moves. She also explains how developing a bias for action and trusting the learning process...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge speaks with Lisa Beaufait, founder of TRAC Solutions, about the leadership traits that separate great leaders from the rest. Lisa shares why authenticity and strong communication are essential for building trust and creating meaningful connections within teams. She also reflects on her leadership journey and how embracing personal gr...

Steve Iskander, founder and CEO of Intrepid Finance, joins Mark McFatridge to share his journey from sales and equipment finance to building a technology platform that simplifies access to capital for growing businesses. Steve discusses the critical role sales skills, persistence, and relationship-building play in entrepreneurship and leadership. He also explains how Intrepid Finance is working to...

Becky Shaw, founder of Shaw Strategic Partners, joins Mark McFatridge to discuss what truly defines great leadership and how authentic care for employees shapes strong company cultures. Drawing from her experience in fractional executive leadership, Becky shares practical ways leaders can build trust, listen to their teams, and move beyond surface-level perks to create meaningful workplace connect...

In this episode of the Igniting the CEO Within podcast, host Mark McFatridge speaks with Kory Miles, CEO of KTM International, about the leadership traits that separate great leaders from the rest. Kory shares insights on emotional regulation, separating emotion from business decisions, and developing self awareness as a leader. He also discusses resilience, learning from failure, and why understa...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Tom Hammergren, author, musician, and cancer thriver, to share his remarkable journey from high-level executive leadership to battling stage four lung cancer. Tom opens up about the mental resilience required to face a life-altering diagnosis, the challenge of separating identity from title, and the courage it takes to...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Alexander Chaparro, Executive Coach of PowerUP Coaching Solutions, to explore the difference between managing and truly leading. Alexander shares why great leaders embrace curiosity, delegate what they love in order to grow others, and never let a good mistake go to waste. He also discusses the power of continuous lear...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Dr. Leah Howell, Learning and Leadership Strategist at LP Out Loud, to discuss the critical role of emotional intelligence and authenticity in effective leadership. Leah explains why emotional intelligence can and must be developed, how leaders create psychological safety, and why assuming positive intent strengthens t...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Tom Collins, author of The Four Stars of Leadership, to unpack the four essential traits that make people truly worth following: character, competence, caring, and communication. Drawing from his research of 51 four-star generals and admirals, Tom explains how trust is built, how leaders recover from mistakes, and why...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Gabby Rosely, Gen Z speaker & Executive Coach, to explore the real similarities and differences between generations in today's workplace. Gabby breaks down how Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z are shaped by defining cultural moments and explains why, at their core, every generation wants to be heard, appreciated,...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with John Von Thaden, Managing Partner of Industrial Solutions, to explore what truly sets great leaders apart. John shares powerful insights on balancing decisiveness with collaboration, creating clarity of direction, and fostering healthy conflict to drive innovation and execution. He also explains how tools like DISC can...