Pull the Chute - Grow your People, Grow your Company Podcast

Send us Fan Mail What if the fastest way to become a better leader… Was learning improv? In our 250th episode of Pull the Chute, Kevin Hubschmann shares how comedy skills — not jokes — help leaders: • Listen more effectively • Communicate with clarity • Think on their feet • Create psychological safety • Build stronger, more connected teams One of the biggest takeaways: Humor isn’t just personalit...

Send us Fan Mail Most leaders think their problem is strategy. It’s not. It’s a bottleneck. In this episode of Pull the Chute, we talk with Rajesh Nagjee about: ✔ Why every system has a constraint ✔ Why CEOs struggle between short-term survival and long-term growth ✔ How fear and regret quietly sabotage decision-making ✔ Why “should” and “must” create pressure — but “works” creates movement ✔ And...

Send us Fan Mail What if the thing we’ve been missing in business… is love? In this episode, Mohammad Anwar shares how nearly losing his 300-person company forced him into deep self-awareness. After layoffs and financial collapse, he realized the real issue wasn’t strategy. It was leadership. He discovered servant leadership. He embraced vulnerability. He rebuilt culture around six core behaviors:...

Send us Fan Mail Most businesses don’t fail because of bad products. They stall because the founder never fully becomes the leader. In this episode of Pull the Chute, Courtney De Ronde, CEO of Forge Financial & Management Consulting, shares: • Why startups struggle to scale • The mindset shift from owner → leader • The 5 core systems every scale-up needs • Why delegating outcomes beats delegat...

Send us Fan Mail Is our education system producing thinkers… or repeaters? In this episode, we sat down with Peter Calfee and Kevin Dolan to discuss: • The decline of critical thinking • Education vs. indoctrination • Competition in schooling • Capitalism and the structure of a republic • Why communication and reasoned debate matter more than ever One line that stood out: “Our children are the see...

Send us Fan Mail Are you playing the game, or are you changing how the game is played? In this episode of Beyond The Title with Eric Booth we’re diving deep into the friction between "how it’s always been done" and the high-speed lane of modern efficiency. It’s easy to feel like an outlier when you’re the one pushing for streamlined processes or collaborative tools in a siloed environmen...

Send us Fan Mail Are you afraid of being replaced, or are you actively working toward it? In this episode of Beyond The Title is joined by Katie VanderPutten to discuss a counterintuitive but essential leadership mindset: hiring people who can do your job better than you. Many leaders fall into the trap of "scarcity thinking," fearing that a highly talented hire might make them redundant...

Send us Fan Mail Success isn’t a hack—it’s a habit. In this episode of Pull The Chute, Dominic Forth joins us to strip away the "shortcut" mentality that stalls so many leaders.  Dominic dives into that defining moment when wishful thinking dies and true discipline begins. We discuss why the hardest path is often the most rewarding and how the "boring" work of today becomes the...

Send us Fan Mail Innovation is moving faster than ever, but is it sustainable? On this episode of Pull The Chute, Evan Schwartz returns to pull back the curtain on the hidden footprint of our modern world—from the mines to the highways.  We move beyond the hype of green tech to discuss the "circular economy," exploring how we can shift from a culture of disposal to a system of reuse. It’...

Send us Fan Mail The hardest person you will ever lead is yourself. Reuven Shelef sits down with us to discuss why self-awareness is the ultimate leadership intervention.  We explore the "blind spot" phenomenon and how our previous experiences often dictate our current relationships without us even realizing it.  This conversation is a masterclass in pausing, reflecting, and choosing a n...

Send us Fan Mail Manifestation isn’t just "woo-woo"—it’s a blend of neuroscience and intentional energy. This week on Pull The Chute, guest Halle Eavelyn joins us to break down the evidence-based power of a positive mindset. From her work with spiritual retreats to high-level wealth coaching, Halle explains how we can rewire our brains to see opportunities where we once saw obstacles.  T...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Pull The Chute, we sit down with Alejandra Ramirez to unpack why active listening and clearly explaining the why behind decisions are non-negotiables for effective leadership and sustainable business success. Through real-world insights and practical reflection, Alejandra shares how leaders who listen with intention—and communicate purpose with clarity—build str...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Pull The Chute, Sandy Rosenthal joins us to recount the moment a New Orleans storm surge shattered more than just the levees. When 80% of the city went underwater, Sandy didn't just survive—she stepped up.  We dive into her journey from the chaos of the floods to becoming a community mobilizer, exploring how true leadership isn't about a title on a bus...

Send us Fan Mail Strategy gets you in the game, but trust determines if you win. Kim Bohr joins the show to break down the science of "trust builders" versus "trust destroyers." Instead of vague concepts, Kim offers a practical roadmap for how everyday actions influence employee loyalty and organizational health.  This isn't just a conversation about being a "good lea...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the hardest leadership decision you make isn’t about the company, but about yourself? In this episode of Pull The Chute , we sit down with Joshua Tarbutton to explore the profound journey of stepping down as CEO.  Through the lens of therapy and deep self-reflection, Joshua shares how honest self-awareness led him to realize that the best path forward for the org...

Send us Fan Mail Pull the Chute podcast features Pam Meissner, is a former CPA, CFO, COO, and President turned trusted financial coach for business owners. With experience spanning large accounting firms, multinational corporations, and small businesses, she helps leaders maximize profitability through smart financial systems and streamlined operations. Known for her detective-like approach to num...

Send us Fan Mail Pull the Chute podcast features Erin Mills, is a business owner at Theory Salons, where she combines creative vision with strong leadership to build a thriving, client-centered salon experience. As an entrepreneur, Erin is passionate about developing teams, delivering exceptional service, and creating a culture that supports both growth and artistry within the beauty industry.

Send us Fan Mail Pull the Chute podcast features Ryan Hogan, is a Navy Reservist, serial entrepreneur, and the co-founder and CEO of Talent Harbor, a recruiting-as-a-service company helping growth businesses find world class talent—without the broken incentives of traditional headhunters. After scaling Hunt A Killer from an idea to a $205M global phenomenon, Ryan experienced firsthand how ridiculo...

Send us Fan Mail Pull the Chute podcast features Jeff Wenninger, is a nationally recognized law enforcement expert with 33 years of experience, including service as a lieutenant with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). As Founder and CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, LLC, he provides expert witness testimony and consulting on police use of force, crowd management, school and campus safety,...

Send us Fan Mail Pull the Chute podcast features Will Spengler, is the founder of Frederick Fox, a national recruiting firm built to challenge the outdated, overbuilt agency model. After seeing recruiters and clients alike get bogged down by bloated infrastructure—layers of management, clunky systems, and brick-and-mortar overhead—Will set out to create something better. His virtual-first firm now...

Send us Fan Mail Pull the Chute podcast features Dawn F. Landry, is a two-time bestselling author, and an award-winning and nationally respected business professional. Landry has spent more than half of her 32-year career in the corporate real estate industry, excelling in business development and marketing leadership positions within Houston’s largest economic development organization, as well as...

Send us Fan Mail Pull the Chute podcast features Patrick Engasser, is an author, speaker, and coach who helps leaders and organizations navigate change with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Drawing on deep experience in leadership development and personal growth, Patrick challenges individuals to think differently, act intentionally, and lead with integrity. Through his writing, speaking, and coa...

Send us Fan Mail Pull the Chute podcast features Manny Fiteni, is a senior executive, author, and transformation leader with over 30 years of experience in financial services across strategy, technology, sales, coaching, and investments. He is the CEO of My Growth Corporation, a global platform dedicated to becoming the premier destination for personal development and growth. Through its portfolio...

Send us Fan Mail Pull The Chute Podcast with Evan Unger: Boost Meeting Efficiency - Eliminate Unnecessary Meetings! Feeling like your calendar is an endless stream of unproductive meetings? You're not alone. In this essential episode of Pull The Chute, we bring in productivity expert and business leader Evan Unger, who specializes in helping Project, Agile, Scrum, and Change Leaders transform...

Send us Fan Mail Pull The Chute with Dr. Erin Wilson: From Nap Hater to Author: The Hilarious Transformation Have you ever fought sleep with every fiber of your being? Meet Dr. Erin Wilson, a renowned academic who spent years proudly proclaiming her hatred for naps—until life, and a mountain of research, forced a hilarious, humbling, and ultimately transformative change. In this candid and funny c...