Igniting the CEO Within

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge speaks with Dr. Jim Kanichirayil, founder of Cascading Leadership, about the mindset shifts that separate great leaders from ineffective ones. Dr. Jim emphasizes the power of a "why not" mentality, a bias for action, and focusing on execution over overplanning especially in founder led and early stage organizations. The conversation...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Jerry Courtney, founder and CEO of Courtney Go To Market Strategies, to discuss what truly differentiates great leaders. Jerry shares why active listening, alignment, and clarity of purpose are essential to effective leadership and successful go-to-market strategies. The conversation also explores how CEOs can drive su...

In this episode, Mark sits down with Andrew Hedegard, Managing Director and Great Lakes Region Head for BMO Commercial Banking , to explore his 20+ year career journey from personal banker to leading teams across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. Andrew shares how his early days at Bank One and Chase gave him energy from working with small businesses, and how curiosity fueled his evolution into commerc...

In this episode, Mark sits down with Melanie Allen, CEO and co-founder of Green Loop Marketing, to trace her path from aspiring professor to leading a thriving boutique marketing agency in Indianapolis. They explore how Melanie's early influences, including being raised by a single mother and navigating setbacks in grad school, shaped her leadership journey. She shares the lessons of building a bu...

In this episode, Mark sits down with Deyman Doolittle, co-founder of Ship Sigma, to trace his unconventional path from a childhood in the film industry to leading a rapidly growing tech company. They unpack how a homeschooled athlete with an entrepreneurial spirit learned the power of audacious goals, embraced the realities of startup life, and prioritized meaningful work-life integration. Deyman...

In this episode, Mark sits down with Brad Banfill, President of BSE Inc., to unpack what it truly means to lead with integrity. Brad shares his journey from working in large corporations to launching BSE just weeks before the world shut down in 2020. They discuss navigating uncertainty, why ethical leadership isn't optional, and how building genuine relationships has shaped BSE's culture and succe...

Nikki Lewallen Gregory is the Founder and Chief Meaningful Work Officer at PeopleForward Network, a pioneering consultancy dedicated to transforming workplaces through purpose-driven strategies. With a deep-rooted belief in the power of meaningful work, Nikki has cultivated a career centered on aligning organizational goals with individual fulfillment. Under Nikki's visionary leadership, PeopleFor...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, Mark McFatridge discusses the current state of trade policies and their implications for small to mid-sized businesses with experts Michael Stroud and Joe Heaton. They explore the challenges posed by uncertainty in trade regulations, the impact of tariffs, and the potential opportunities for U.S. businesses to reevaluate their supply chains and explore n...

Michael brings over 27 years of experience in project management, mechanical engineering, and client development to AEC-ME. He has a vast knowledge in healthcare, life science, higher education, federal and municipal projects and has been highly involved with renovation and new build projects. Mike works closely with clients and team partners to realize goals by providing mechanical engineering so...

Carajane Searcy Moore, the dynamic President and Partner of Hunt Big Sales and recently recognized as one of the Top Ten Sales Leaders in Global Gurus 2025. With over 16+ years at the helm, she has driven remarkable growth and implemented strategic changes that have propelled the company forward. As a seasoned entrepreneur and relationship builder, Carajane has not only guided Hunt Big Sales to su...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge interviews Luke Dodds, the young and dynamic founder of Timber Garage, a custom wood furniture business. Luke shares his journey from discovering his passion for woodworking during the COVID-19 pandemic to building a successful business without pursuing a traditional college education. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, pers...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, Mark McFatridge speaks with Alex Perry, founder and CEO of Practically Speaking. They discuss Alex's unconventional journey to entrepreneurship, the importance of storytelling in leadership, and the nuances of effective communication, including body language. Alex shares her experiences of overcoming self-doubt, the challenges of building a business, and...

In this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, Mark McFatridge and Seth Pennington discuss the transformative power of CEO peer groups. They explore Seth's entrepreneurial journey, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and the characteristics that make for successful peer group members. The conversation emphasizes the value of teamwork, accountability, and the shared experiences that come fr...

In this episode, Mark McFatridge, founder and CEO of Quade, shares the origin and purpose of Quade, a community designed for CEOs and business owners to support each other through peer groups. He discusses the importance of vulnerability, accountability, and the unique focus on the whole person in leadership. The conversation highlights the various components of Quade, including the Circle meeting...

Denver Abernathy is the President of Promethius Consulting, an IT consulting firm he co-founded in 1999. He is the proud husband of Katie, and the proud father of two teenage daughters, Riley and Kennedy. In his spare time he enjoys working on his small family farm, spending time outdoors and reading. Additional Resources: Denver Abernathy Promethius Consulting, LLC https://www.promethius.com http...

Success isn't a straight line—it's a wild ride! 🎢 In this episode, Mark sits down with Chris Allaire, Founder and CEO of Averity, to talk about the messy, unpredictable, and exhilarating journey of entrepreneurship. From answering a sales ad in 1998 to building a game-changing tech recruiting firm, Chris shares the highs, the lows, and the "oh crap" moments that shaped his path. 💡 He breaks down...

HR isn't just paperwork and policies—it's the secret weapon for building amazing teams! 🚀 On this episode, Mark chats with Casey Webster, CEO of My HR Extension, about how she's turning HR on its head. From growing up in an HR-loving family to reinventing training with gamification (yes, escape rooms for compliance!), Casey shares how companies can ditch the boring and create cultures where peopl...

🎙️ In this episode, Mark chats with Greg Freeman, founder and CEO of Strive Financial Group! From mowing lawns to buy motorcycles to building a game-changing financial firm, Greg's journey is packed with grit, lessons from sports, and a passion for transparency. Tune in for leadership insights, client-first strategies, and the secret to "chasing the horizon" in life and business.   Additional Reso...

Change is in the air, and it's time to get ahead of it! In this special bonus episode, Mark chats with Ice Miller experts Jarrod Loadholt and Tim Day about how leadership shifts in D.C. can shake up small and mid-sized businesses. From tax tweaks to trade surprises and workforce challenges, they dish out insights and strategies to keep your business thriving—no matter what's next. Tune in, take no...

What if movement could transform your workplace? 🤸‍♀️ In this episode, Mark sits down with Wendy Cooper, Founder and CEO of ProMotion Corporate Wellness, to uncover the magic of corporate wellness programs. From spinning classes to stress management tools, Wendy shares how movement boosts retention, productivity, and mental health—and why CEOs set the tone for a thriving culture. Get ready to be...

What happens when a former college athlete takes her competitive edge into the business world? Mary Shaw, founder and CEO of Your Image Works , has been winning in the game of business for 27 years. In this episode, she and Mark chat about building relationships, embracing change, and the power of over-communication. It's a fast-paced, fun-filled conversation packed with insights and inspiration....

From selling beer to launching SourceUp, Christina Martin's journey is anything but ordinary. On this episode, Christina joins Mark to share how she turned corporate lessons (and mistakes!) into entrepreneurial gold, balanced family life, and why flexibility is the secret sauce to success. Tune in for an inspiring, people-first story that'll leave you ready to ignite your own inner CEO! 🎧✨   Add...

Rick McGlinchey's journey from writing code to co-founding Pure Insights is nothing short of epic. In this episode, Rick joins Mark to share how he bootstrapped a global SaaS company with just $400, juggled side hustles, and built a people-first culture that drives success. Tune in for inspiration, actionable insights, and a fresh take on what it means to lead in today's world!   Additional Resour...

What's your "why"? For Krissi Edgington, it's all about making it worth it . In this episode, Krissi shares how she turned her passion for purposeful work into MIWI Marketing, a bold agency helping brands do work that matters. From sports marketing to starting her own business, Krissi's story is packed with aha moments, challenges, and actionable insights. Get ready for an inspiring conversation o...

🎙️ Mark is back for another episode, this time welcoming Matt Hupp, a leader with a bold journey from corporate to startup success. Growing up around shopping malls, Matt got an early taste of entrepreneurship that later inspired him to take risks, from pioneering a national recycling program to co-founding his own company. Tune in for Matt's insights on navigating change, building trust, and why...