Igniting the CEO Within

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Phil Brandt, President and CEO of AAIM Employers' Association, to discuss what truly sets exceptional leaders apart. Phil shares how the most impactful leaders balance a deep care for their people with a strong commitment to organizational success, and he introduces the powerful concept of defining and delivering on a...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Sebastian Escobar, executive coach and founder of Resilient Horizon Leadership Coaching, to explore what truly separates great leaders from the rest. Sebastian shares his PEACE framework, a practical clarity operating system designed to help leaders prepare internally, communicate intentionally, cast vision effectively...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Randy Crabtree, Co-Founder and Partner of Tri-Merit, to discuss the power of putting people first in leadership. Randy shares how embracing vulnerable leadership, admitting mistakes, and truly getting to know your team can unlock greater innovation, trust, and long-term growth. Drawing from his personal journey and the...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge welcomes Paya Sample, Executive Coach and CEO of Peak Leaders Collective, to explore what truly sets effective leaders apart. Paya shares how self-awareness, self-trust, and the ability to navigate failure with resilience are foundational traits of strong leadership, along with the courage to practice wise vulnerability. She also dis...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge interviews Jeff Sesol, CEO and Founder of Pull the Chute, about what separates great leaders from the rest. Jeff emphasizes humility and the ability to make leadership about the team by giving praise, taking responsibility, and adapting communication across generations. He also shares how Pull the Chute helps leaders build new "muscl...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Kristi Broom, Co-Founder of Talent Rewire, to discuss how AI is reshaping the workplace and redefining leadership. Kristi shares why human-first leadership, rooted in empathy and purposeful coaching, will become even more critical as automation increases and AI takes on more transactional work. She also explains how Ta...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Brian Gorman, Co-Founder and Lead Profit Strategist of Gadal Strategies, to explore what truly separates exceptional leaders from the rest. Brian shares his powerful framework of focus, explaining how leaders tend to operate from fear, pride, or success, and why only a success-focused mindset leads to sustainable growt...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge interviews Sharon Wingron, CEO and Founder of DevelopPEOPLE, about the key traits that set exceptional leaders apart. Sharon explains why great leaders prioritize their teams over themselves and highlights the importance of self-awareness, continuous growth, and emotional intelligence in effective leadership. She also shares how tool...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, Mark McFatridge sits down with Jennie Sutherland, Founder & Strategic Advisor at JennieSuth, to explore why clarity is the cornerstone of exceptional leadership. Jennie explains how aligning around a single North Star, clearly defining roles and decisions, and leveraging real customer insight can eliminate confusion and accelerate momentum. Drawing on he...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, Mark McFatridge talks with Kyle Collins, mindset and leadership coach and founder of Fortitude, about why servant leadership is a defining trait of truly exceptional leaders. Kyle explains how leaders often shift from pursuing success to pursuing significance once their basic needs are met, and how clarity, self awareness, and a compelling future vision...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, Mark McFatridge sits down with Lukas Kulbis, Founder & Executive Coach of theBreathWorks, to explore how trust and nervous system regulation separate exceptional leaders from the rest. Lukas shares how breathwork became a transformative tool in his own journey from tech entrepreneur to coach, and explains how conscious breathing helps CEOs manage stress,...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Michael Hawn, CEO ("Caffeinated Executive Officer") of My Healthy Freedom and founder of iMarket Sleep and UnmaskLeads.io, to explore what separates truly exceptional leaders from the rest. Michael shares candid insights on heart-centered leadership, the importance of accountability and peer support, and how embracing...

In this special episode of Igniting the CEO Within, Mark McFatridge, Founder & CEO of Quade, steps into the guest seat as he is interviewed by executive coach Tim Molek. Mark reflects on his journey from corporate banking to entrepreneurship, the influential leaders who shaped his mindset, and the lessons he has learned about team dynamics, leadership, and always moving forward. The conversation a...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, Mark McFatridge sits down with Jane Williams, executive coach of Virtual Cubist, to explore what truly separates strong leaders from average ones. Jane shares insights on the transition from technician to leader, the importance of honest empathy, and how managing up and sideways drives real impact. The conversation offers practical guidance on self aware...

In this episode, Mark McFatridge speaks with executive coach and business strategist Shanna Smith of Catalyst Consulting, about what separates truly effective leaders from average ones. Shana shares insights on identifying a personal North Star, leading with purpose, and building mission driven organizations rooted in clarity, trust, and consistent leadership. The conversation also explores naviga...

In this episode, Mark McFatridge sits down with Kimberly Barr, franchise coach at LightBridge Academy, to explore what truly drives successful franchise leaders in the early childhood education space. Kimberly shares how grit, humility, and people centered leadership help franchise owners build strong teams while balancing family, employees, and community trust. She also explains why asking for he...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, Mark McFatridge speaks with Rob Kalwarowsky, Founder of Kalwarowsky Consulting Services, about leading effectively in an era of constant uncertainty. Rob shares how inner safety, emotional awareness, and self leadership are essential to sound decision making and sustainable performance. The conversation highlights how mastering your internal world direct...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, Mark McFatridge speaks with Dr. Bob Wright, President of LiveWright, about what truly distinguishes great leaders from average ones. Dr. Wright draws on decades of executive coaching to explore curiosity, candid self awareness, strong culture, and empowering leadership over people pleasing. The discussion highlights how continuous learning and inside out...

In this episode, Mark McFatridge speaks with Lucia Annunzio, CEO of Center for High Performance, about what truly separates great leaders from the rest. Lucia shares why authenticity, self awareness, and embracing imperfection are essential for leadership effectiveness in today's complex and AI influenced world. The conversation also explores collaboration, loneliness at the top, and how human con...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Mary MacCarthy, entrepreneur in residence at the Brown Venture Group, ILT Academy, to break down what truly drives startup success. Mary shares why coachability and grit are the defining traits investors look for in founders, along with practical guidance on fundraising, early capital allocation, and building strong fo...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Chanty Clay, Ph. D., founder and managing partner of Symmetry Alliance Partners, to unpack what authentic leadership really looks like. Drawing from her military background and executive consulting experience, Chanty introduces her powerful "head, heart, and hands" framework, emphasizing discipline, emotional intellige...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge speaks with Cherylanne Skolnicki, Founder & CEO of The Brilliant Balance Company, about what it truly takes to lead with impact. Cherylanne shares her perspective on self leadership, grit, and resilience, introducing her "three Cs" framework of clarity, courage, and consistency as essential traits of exceptional leaders. The conversa...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge talks with Holly Hartman, founder of CollabIntel Group and The CollabCode, about what truly separates effective leaders from the rest. Holly explores internal motivation, self awareness, and collaboration styles as key drivers of sustainable leadership and healthy teams. She also shares practical insights on preventing burnout and bu...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Kim Svoboda, founder and CEO of Aspiration Catalyst, to explore what truly separates great leaders from the rest. Kim shares powerful insights on self awareness, continuous learning, and why empowering teams drives stronger performance than control. The conversation offers practical lessons for leaders ready to take ri...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Paul Thompson, founder and CEO of Patriot Elite Group, to unpack what separates great leaders from average ones. Paul shares powerful lessons from the military and civilian worlds on clarity, empathy, and building trust through real connection. He also explains why leadership development matters early and how strong re...