Igniting the CEO Within

In this episode, Mark chats with BJ Lippert, the soon-to-be Managing Partner of Donovan CPAs. BJ's path from almost-engineer to CPA leader is filled with surprising twists, a little rebellion against the typical career grind, and a whole lot of heart. They dive into why BJ believes in serving others, how he stays curious, and why Donovan's people-first approach is shaking up the industry. Tune in...

In this episode, Mark sits down with Hunter Kasten, Facility Solutions Group VP and powerhouse leader expanding their operations from Indiana into Ohio. Hunter's journey is packed with early-life challenges, career pivots, and a passion for building a team-first culture. From learning leadership through life's curveballs to empowering his team to take charge, Hunter's story is a reminder that grow...

In this episode, Mark sits down with Sarah Reuter, founder of Elevate Travel Co., to chat about her journey from her grandmother's flower shop to creating unforgettable experiences for clients worldwide. Sarah opens up about how empathy drives her leadership style, why self-care is essential in high-stress industries, and how she keeps grounded with her daily meditation practice. This conversation...

Mark sits down with the powerhouse that is Julie Phillips, Owner and CEO of aFit, a WBE certified staffing company. Julie's path from electrical engineering grad to corporate leader to entrepreneur was anything but predictable. She candidly talks about navigating male-dominated industries, balancing a high-demand career with family life, and how calculated risks often pave the way to something big...

Mark chats with Mark McCabe, the Founder of Flipturn and a storyteller with a camera, to unpack the power of mentorship in shaping not only careers but also lives. Mentorship isn't always formal or obvious. Sometimes it's a quiet, unspoken influence—like the people who unknowingly guided McCabe from kid entrepreneur (think: selling drinks by the concession stand) to a thriving video production com...

In this episode, Kevin Yurs of Earth Images gets real about leading through a financial crisis that nearly destroyed his business in 2008. He shares the raw truth about a tough merger, culture clashes, and cash flow struggles—but also how he and his wife, Laura, fought through it with brutal honesty, expert advice, and relentless grit. Now, Earth Images is thriving, and Kevin's story is packed wit...

Behind every thriving business lies untold stories of sacrifice, struggle, and unexpected challenges. In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Mark talks with Tina Moe, Founder and CEO of ACT Services, to share her incredible journey from humble beginnings to thriving business owner. Tina opens up about her challenges, including a breast cancer diagnosis in 2022, and the tough decisions she h...

What happens when a designer with a passion for problem-solving becomes an entrepreneur without a plan? In this episode, Mark sits down with Samantha (Sam) Julka, Founder of DORIS Research, to explore her remarkable journey from commercial interior designer to leader of a thriving business focused on human-centered solutions. Sam opens up about the importance of listening to all voices—especially...

Ready to rethink your approach to culture? In this episode, Mark welcomes serial entrepreneur Michael Edell, who's built and exited eight companies, to unpack the mystery of company culture. Michael shares how culture isn't something you can define—it's something you feel. From leading his first company at age 19 to taking on industry giants like Oracle and SAP, he reveals how a strong, people-foc...

Can you lead a company without letting ego get in the way? Jeff Smith, CEO and Founder of City Wide Maintenance, turned his frustration with corporate America into a thriving business by mastering the art of leading without ego. In this episode, Jeff shares how his journey from corporate America to successful entrepreneurship was shaped by bad leadership examples, fueling his passion for building...

In this episode, leadership development expert and executive coach, Deseri Garcia. Founder of Vida Aventura, Deseri shares her unique journey from a 20-year corporate career to becoming a leader in the field of team building and leadership development. The conversation dives deep into the power of peer groups—what Deseri calls "tribes"—and how they serve as sounding boards, support systems, and ca...

The conversation explores emerging trends in leadership, including the importance of staying up-to-date on trends, the journey to becoming a CEO, and the impact of leadership trends on organizations with guest Jim Gibbons. Gain valuable insights into the importance of critical thinking, how technology and AI can serve as valuable tools for feedback and coaching, and the essence of emotionally inte...

Host Mark McFatridge interviews Loren Snyder, Managing Director of The Matthews Snyder Group of Baird Private Wealth Management. They discuss social impact and purposeful leadership, as well as Loren's journey to becoming a managing director. Lauren emphasizes the importance of integrating profits and purpose, and how organizations that do so can optimize their financial results. He also shares hi...

Ann Murtlow's career journey is anything but linear. From her engineering roots to leading companies and navigating the international business scene, Ann's path to the C-suite is packed with valuable lessons and revelations. In this discussion with host Mark McFatridge , Ann opens up about the realities of managing personal and professional pressures as a CEO. Ann is an experienced corporate and l...

If you've ever wondered how to scale your business while remaining true to your values, this episode is for you. Today's guest, Jill Trimmel, CEO of Elevate Claim Services and Deskimate , shares her journey from modest beginnings to leading multiple successful ventures. Jill is a powerhouse in the industry, known for scaling not one, but two companies with integrity at the forefront of her leaders...

Episode Title: No BS Guide with Andy Elsbury Episode Description: In this episode with host Mark McFatridge , Andy Elsbury delves into his remarkable journey from construction and engineering to becoming the president of Nexxt Spine , a company specializing in 3D printed spinal implants. By the age of 30, Andy found himself leading a team of experienced individuals, facing financial challenges, an...

Amy Woodall , founder of Conscious Habit, joins host Mark McFatridge on this inaugural episode of Igniting the CEO Within . She shares her transformative journey from young motherhood to entrepreneurial success. Starting with Image Savvy at 24, Amy's path led her to Conscious Habit, focusing on workplace consciousness. Amy discusses the necessity of balancing masculine and feminine energies, embra...

Welcome to "Igniting the CEO Within," your go-to podcast for inspiring and insightful conversations with today's business leaders. Hosted by connector and leader Mark McFatridge , this podcast is an extension of the Quade community, bringing together visionary CEOs and business owners from the Quade network and beyond to share their stories, insights, challenges, and triumphs in leadership. Beginn...