Voices of Leadership – The AIM/R Series

 In this episode of Voices of Leadership , Chris Atwell sits down with Ryan Wilkinson for a grounded, insightful conversation about the experiences that shape real leadership. Ryan reflects on how his leadership wasn’t defined by a single moment, but by a collection of experiences over time, from childhood sports to his professional career, that helped him understand the difference between leaders...

In this episode of Voices of Leadership , Chris Atwell sits down with Richard Bishop to discuss the experiences and mindset shifts that have shaped his leadership journey as a second-generation manufacturers’ rep agency owner.  Richard reflects on how his leadership has evolved from trying to manage everything himself to recognizing the importance of trusting his team and delegating responsibility...

In this episode of Voices of Leadership , Chris Atwell sits down with Darren Belajac for a thoughtful conversation about the mindset shifts that shape authentic leadership. Darren shares how his leadership journey wasn’t defined by a single moment, but by a process of realizing that leaders can only give their best when they take care of themselves first. After years of pushing through a “grind” m...

In this episode of Voices of Leadership , Chris Atwell sits down with Ben Firebaugh to discuss his journey into leadership within the manufacturers’ rep industry and the lessons shaping his growth. Ben shares how stepping into leadership has required him to find his voice,  especially while working alongside colleagues with significantly more years of experience. Despite not holding an official le...

In this episode of Voices of Leadership , Chris Atwell sits down with Brian Morgan to explore the moments and decisions that have shaped his leadership journey in a multigenerational manufacturers’ rep business. Brian reflects on an early defining experience prior to entering the rep industry, when he was empowered to lead and train between 750 and 1,000 people in a short period of time while work...

In this episode of Voices of Leadership, Chris Atwell sits down with Nate Wolfe to explore the experiences that have shaped his leadership journey. Nate reflects on a defining early moment in his rise into leadership when he made a significant mistake and brought it forward to his company’s CEO, expecting a harsh response. Instead, the focus shifted to everything he had done right that day. That m...

In this episode of Voices of Leadership , Chris Atwell sits down with Joe Herkowski to discuss the experiences that have shaped his leadership journey as his family business grew and evolved. Joe reflects on a defining period early in his leadership when the company rapidly expanded from a small team of just a few people to a multi-location organization in a short period of time. That growth creat...

In this episode of Voices of Leadership , Chris Atwell sits down with Bo Beard of Smith & Stevenson for a candid conversation about what leadership really looks like when you grow from peer to leader inside a long-standing manufacturers’ rep agency. Bo shares an honest and relatable perspective on stepping into leadership without feeling fully ready, and how confidence is built gradually throu...

In this episode of Voices of Leadership, Chris Atwell sits down with Anthony Estrada for a thoughtful, authentic conversation about what truly shapes a leader over time. Anthony reflects on how his leadership foundation was formed long before business ownership, rooted in watching his father serve others with humility, generosity, and consistency. That early example instilled in Anthony a people-f...

In this episode of Voices of Leadership, Chris Atwell sits down with Jason Romano for a grounded, insightful conversation about the experiences that shape real leadership. Jason reflects on a defining moment early in his career as a young football coach, when his head coach was battling cancer and instilled a powerful standard of “mental toughness” within the team. That season marked by loss, resi...

In this episode of Voices of Leadership, Chris Atwell sits down with Beau Jolly for a grounded, deeply personal conversation about the experiences that shape real leadership. Beau reflects on a defining, life-altering moment, being diagnosed with diabetes, and how that challenge fundamentally changed the way he approached not only his health, but discipline, mindset, and leadership. What began as...

In this episode of Voices of Leadership , Chris Atwell sits down with Graham Walker for a grounded, insightful conversation about the experiences that shape real leadership. Graham reflects on a defining contrast early in his career, experiencing leadership inside a large, highly structured organization and then within a smaller, trust-driven environment. That contrast shaped his belief that while...

In this episode of Voices of Leadership , Chris Atwell sits down with Patrick McCarthy for a grounded, insightful conversation about the experiences that shape real leadership within a multigenerational, family-run rep agency. Patrick reflects on a defining chapter in his journey: navigating a formal succession planning process that forced him to confront his leadership style, personality, and rol...

In this episode of Voices of Leadership , Chris Atwell sits down with Jamie for a grounded conversation about how real leadership is built over time. Rather than pointing to a single defining moment, Jamie reflects on how consistency, responsibility, and simply refusing to let the ball drop shaped his leadership journey. For him, leadership wasn’t claimed, it was earned by showing up and caring de...

In this episode of Voices of Leadership , Chris Atwell sits down with Justin Elis for a grounded, insightful conversation about the experiences that shape real leadership. Justin reflects on a defining moment early in his career, being thrust into a failing property integration and tasked with “fixing it.” What he learned through that challenge continues to influence his leadership today: growth o...

In this first episode of the Voices of Leadership – AIM/R Series , Chris Atwell sits down with Scott Cooper , President of New England Sales Inc. and a second-generation leader with nearly 40 years of experience in the manufacturers’ rep industry. Scott offers a grounded, humble, and deeply seasoned perspective on what it truly takes to lead with purpose over the long term. Scott shares why leader...