Thoughtful Discussions is a podcast series by Josh Snider. Focused on deep conversations with artists and entrepreneurs in the Pittsburgh area.
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Develop leadership skills and understand leadership development from expert interviews with transformational leaders. Leaders in the Trenches gives raw discussions that dive deep into new strategies to accelerate your company growth and your leadership abilities. Get interviews from Fortune 100 leaders to experts in various domains of marketing, sales, and leadership that allows you to explode your growth. Learn from their failures and discover the finer elements of significance that will im ...
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Becoming a Better Leader with Gene Hammett at Core Elevation
11:04
11:04
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11:04In this episode, I dive into the transformative journey of leadership, drawing from my experiences as a former CEO and coach. I highlight the common challenges leaders face regarding time and energy, and I share actionable strategies to empower teams and shift focus from daily tasks to developing others. By discussing the five levels of leadership,…
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The Power of Positive Intelligence of Manfred Mahrle at ActyMind
23:22
23:22
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23:22In this episode, I and, Manfred Mahrle, explore the transformative power of positive intelligence for CEOs facing the challenges of leadership. I discuss the importance of adopting a "sage mode" mindset, drawing an analogy to the conflict between Darth Vader and the Jedi. Through my journey from a two-decade corporate career to founding ActiMind, I…
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Using Your Mission and Vision to Drive Growth with Kristen Gwinn-Becker at HistoryIT
23:50
23:50
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23:50In this episode, we speak with Kristen Gwinn-Becker, founder and CEO of History IT, a pioneer in creating digital archives for museums, libraries, and historical societies. We explore effective leadership in mission-driven companies, focusing on trust and clear vision as foundational elements. Kristen shares her journey in building History IT, spar…
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The Top Marketing Challenges in Fast Growth Companies with Jacqui Chew at iFusion Consulting
27:19
27:19
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27:19In this episode, I speak with Jacqui Chew, managing director of iFusion Consulting, about the marketing challenges of fast-growing companies. We discuss the identity crisis organizations face as they evolve, leading to a disconnect between their original value and current offerings. Jacqui highlights that unclear narratives often mask the real issu…
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Are you the Bottleneck to Growth in your Business? with Gene Hammett, CEO Coach to Inc5000 Companies
11:26
11:26
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11:26In this episode, I address how leaders often become bottlenecks in their organizations by clinging to tasks that could be delegated. Through a client story, I illustrate the impact of a hands-on approach to decision-making on personal and team growth. We discuss the difference between transactional leaders and those who empower their teams, emphasi…
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Trust-Based Leadership with Evan Katz & Josh Roberts at Very Special Games
29:53
29:53
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29:53In this episode, I sit down with Evan Katz and Josh Roberts, co-founders of Very Special Games, to delve into the principles of Trust-Based Leadership and its pivotal role in their company's success. Evan and Josh share how Trust-Based Leadership has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative and innovative environment, enabling their small tea…
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Leading a Category Defining Brand with John Williamson at Songfinch
28:49
28:49
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28:49In this episode, I chat with John Williamson, founder and CEO of Songfinch, a platform that transforms personal stories into custom songs. We discuss the challenges of leading an innovative brand in the music and gifting industry, focusing on the importance of resilience and transparency in leadership. John shares key moments that fueled Songfinch'…
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The Importance of Humble Leadership with Jensen Brehm at Ombraz Sunglasses
22:20
22:20
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22:20In this episode, I sit down with Jensen Brehm, co-founder of Ombraz Sunglasses, to explore the transformative power of humble leadership in building a purpose-driven brand. Jensen shares how embracing humble leadership has guided Ombraz from its inception to becoming a standout in the eyewear industry. We delve into how humble leadership fosters in…
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Benefits of Executive Coaching with Gene Hammett
9:04
9:04
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9:04In this episode, I share the real benefits of executive coaching and why it could be the key to unlocking your next level of leadership. Executive coaching is more than just advice — it's a powerful way to gain clarity, uncover blind spots, and accelerate your growth as a leader. I’ve worked with hundreds of CEOs and their teams, and I’ve seen firs…
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Leading a Thriving Remote Culture with Levi McClendon at OptSpot
28:48
28:48
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28:48In this episode, I sit down with Levi McClendon, Founder and CEO of OptSpot, to explore how to build and sustain a thriving remote culture. Under Levi’s leadership, OptSpot has achieved significant growth, earning the 1786 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies. We delve into the strategies and practices that…
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Why I Do What I Do - CEO Coaching with Gene Hammett
11:38
11:38
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11:38In this episode of Grow Think Tank, I explore the transformative journey that led me to become a CEO coach, beginning with a defining moment in 2010 when I faced the loss of my business and home. I discuss how this challenging experience prompted deep introspection and reassessment of my values and purpose. Emphasizing the growth that can emerge fr…
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Scaling While Retaining Your Culture with Chris Moran at Solar Negotiators
25:36
25:36
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25:36In this episode, I sit down with Chris Moran, CEO and founder of Solar Negotiators, to discuss the challenges and strategies of scaling a business while retaining your culture. Chris shares how Solar Negotiators has expanded its operations, completing nearly 60 projects a month, without compromising the core values that define their success. We exp…
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The Leadership Shifts in Scaling with Scott Oldford, Author of "Million in the Red"
28:44
28:44
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28:44In this episode, I sit down with Scott Oldford, entrepreneur, mentor, and author of Million in the Red, to discuss the crucial leadership shifts required for scaling a business. Scott shares his journey of overcoming financial struggles and how he developed the strategies that help entrepreneurs grow sustainably. We dive deep into the leadership sh…
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5 Ways You Can Use AI to Improve Your Leadership with Ethan King from Zeus' Closet
30:19
30:19
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30:19In this episode, I sit down with Ethan King, co-founder and CEO of Zeus' Closet, to explore five innovative ways you can leverage AI to Improve Your Leadership. Ethan shares his journey from a starving artist to a celebrated CEO, embodying the spirit of small business innovation and resilience. citeturn0search1 We discuss how integrating AI to I…
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Building a Scalable Foundation for Growth with Christa Schott at Alliant Consulting
19:17
19:17
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19:17In this episode, we explore Building a Scalable Foundation for Growth with Christa Schott, President of Alliant Consulting. Under Christa's leadership, Alliant Consulting has achieved significant growth, earning the No. 4,509 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. We discuss how establishing a Scalable Foundation for Growth has been pivotal in their succ…
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Scaling Culture to Drive Growth with Brett Turner at Kalon Creative
23:44
23:44
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23:44In this episode, we delve into the significance of Scaling Culture with Brett Turner, Co-founder and CEO of Kalon Creative. Under Brett's leadership, Kalon Creative has earned the No. 4,421 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, reflecting their remarkable growth and commitment to excellence. We explore how Scaling Culture has been instrumental in their …
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Redefining Startup Growth with Kyle York at York IE
21:56
21:56
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21:56In this episode, I sit down with Kyle York, co-founder and CEO of York IE, to discuss Redefining Startup Growth in today's dynamic business landscape. Under Kyle's leadership, York IE has achieved remarkable success, securing the No. 1,031 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list with a three-year revenue growth of 493%. We explore how Redefining Startup Gr…
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Scaling Leadership with Anders Jones at Facet
26:07
26:07
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26:07In this episode, I sit down with Anders Jones, co-founder and CEO of Facet, to delve into the intricacies of scaling leadership in today's dynamic business environment. Under Anders' guidance, Facet has achieved remarkable growth, securing the No. 961 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. We explore how scaling leadership principles have been pivotal in…
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Scaling through Culture with John Williams at JCW Creative
27:45
27:45
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27:45In this episode, I sit down with John Williams, CEO of JCW Creative, to explore the concept of scaling through culture and its impact on business growth. Under John's leadership, JCW Creative has experienced remarkable success, earning a spot at No. 3,258 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. We discuss how scaling through culture helps businesses build stro…
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Scaling with the Right People with John McKenna at Peachtree VA
24:08
24:08
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24:08In this episode, I sit down with John McKenna, CEO of Peachtree VA, to discuss the importance of Scaling with the Right People and how it impacts business growth. As the leader of Peachtree VA, John has helped countless businesses scale efficiently by building strong, dedicated teams. We dive into the strategies for hiring, developing, and retainin…
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Being an Adaptable Leader and Having an Adaptable Culture with Jake Brenner at ShipLab
21:59
21:59
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21:59In this episode, I sit down with Jake Brenner, CEO of ShipLab, which ranked No. 1,775 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, to explore the significance of being an Adaptable Leader in today's fast-paced business environment. Jake shares insights into how embracing adaptability has been crucial to his leadership style and ShipLab's success. We discuss strateg…
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Leverage Your Whole Self for Creative Leadership with Lawrence Armstrong at Ware Malcomb
28:42
28:42
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28:42In this episode, I sit down with Larry Armstrong, Chairman at Ware Malcomb, to explore the power of Creative Leadership and how leaders can bring their whole selves to the table. Larry shares insights from his extensive experience in architecture and design, emphasizing how authenticity and innovation drive business success. We discuss the importan…
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Your Inner Critic Is an Asshole with Gene Hammett, CEO Coach
3:51
3:51
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3:51In this episode, I explore the pervasive concept of the inner critic—the negative voice that often cultivates self-doubt and fear, obstructing our growth. I share my own experiences with this "asshole," recognizing its tendency to exploit our vulnerabilities while emphasizing that it shouldn't dictate our actions. The discussion highlights the sign…
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Having a Culture Created with Education for Growth with Ryan Hutchins at Peak Business Valuation
21:03
21:03
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21:03In this episode, I talk with Ryan Hutchins, founder and president of Peak Business Valuation, about the intersection of leadership, education, and business growth. Ryan discusses the overlooked risks small business owners face and the crucial role of leadership in navigating these challenges. He shares insights on business valuation, the company’s …
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More Effective Leadership Means Practicing Leadership Skills with Gene Hammett
5:22
5:22
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5:22Great leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about practicing leadership skills consistently to inspire and guide your team. In this episode, I’ll dive into why the best leaders don’t just rely on experience but actively work on practicing leadership skills to improve their impact. I’ll share insights from my work with top CEOs and execu…
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Shift Your Mindset for Leadership with Gene Hammett
7:19
7:19
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7:19Your mindset shapes how you lead, make decisions, and inspire those around you. In this episode, I explore why shifting your Mindset for Leadership is crucial to driving success and growth in your organization. I’ll share insights from my years of coaching high-level executives on how adopting the right Mindset for Leadership can help you overcome …
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In this episode, I explore the key habits that CEOs should adopt to improve their effectiveness and leadership within fast-growing companies. I underscore the significance of daily practices like praising employees specifically to enhance morale and foster a culture of recognition. Weekly, I recommend reviewing calendars to optimize time management…
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How Leaders Have Effective Tough Conversations - The Encouragement Meeting with Gene Hammett
4:29
4:29
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4:29In this episode, I explore the critical skill of effective communication for leaders, particularly in managing tough conversations that can significantly shape a company's direction. Drawing from my experience as an executive coach, I discuss observed challenges faced by CEOs in guiding their teams through uncertainties and aligning efforts around …
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How Leaders Prioritize Your Life with Rob Shallenberger at Becoming Your Best Global Leadership
29:30
29:30
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29:30In this episode, Rob Shallenberger, author of "Do What Matters Most," shares his insights on prioritizing our lives for greater personal and professional fulfillment. Drawing from his experience as an Air Force F-16 pilot and a leadership trainer, Rob emphasizes the importance of effective time management, revealing that 68% of people struggle with…
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Too Much of A Good Thing Gets In the Way of Your Leadership with Gene Hammett at Core Elevation
6:52
6:52
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6:52In this episode, I discuss the complexities of leadership and the drawbacks of excessive niceness. Drawing from my experience as an executive coach, I illustrate how being overly compassionate can hinder accountability and effectiveness, using a client's transition to private equity as a case study. I emphasize the importance of self-awareness and …
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Scaling by Innovation with Justin Superstar at BMP Creative
26:46
26:46
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26:46In this episode, we explore the innovative strategies employed by Justin Johnson, the founder of BMP Creative, a thriving social media agency that has seen significant growth in recent years. Justin shares insights into his journey of scaling the company from a small team to nearly 30 employees while emphasizing the importance of innovation as a dr…
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Using OKRs to Align Your Team with Ben Lamorte with OKRs.com
23:46
23:46
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23:46In this episode, I sit down with Ben Lamorte, a leader at OKRs.com, to explore the power of Using OKRs to bring alignment and focus to your team. OKRs.com specializes in helping organizations achieve clarity and measurable success through well-defined Objectives and Key Results. Ben shares actionable strategies for Using OKRs to foster accountabili…
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Leadership Self-Awareness with Gene Hammett at Core Elevation, Inc.
6:16
6:16
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6:16In this episode, I discuss the importance of self-awareness for leaders and liken it to a car's dashboard for assessing leadership health. I offer practical tools for enhancing self-awareness, such as personal reflection and soliciting candid feedback from teams. Emphasizing the value of 360-degree feedback with external facilitation, I highlight h…
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Leadership Principles From a CMO, Trish Nettleship at NCR Voyix
24:13
24:13
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24:13In this episode, I sit down with Trish Nettleship, Chief Marketing Officer at NCR Voyix, to discuss key Leadership Principles that drive success in both marketing and organizational growth. NCR Voyix, recognized for its innovation and impact, exemplifies how great leadership fosters excellence across teams. Trish shares actionable insights on Leade…
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Building a Culture by Design with Robert Levin at Work Better Now
24:01
24:01
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24:01In this episode, I chat with Robert Levin, co-founder of Work Better Now, about the importance of Culture by Design in building strong, effective teams. Work Better Now, recently ranked no. 114 on the INC 5000 list, is a leader in providing talented virtual assistants to support business growth. We explore how intentionally creating a Culture by De…
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How Leaders Get into Flow State to Be Hyper Focused with Dr. Jason Jones
28:43
28:43
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28:43In this episode, I talk with Dr. Jason Jones about flow state—defined as a peak cognitive condition of deep focus and clarity. We address the challenges leaders face in today’s distraction-filled environment and explore the four key phases of entering flow: struggle, release, flow, and recovery. Dr. Jones shares practical strategies to overcome flo…
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Leadership Lessons from Scaling SaaS Business Mohit Bhakuni at Contify
23:57
23:57
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23:57In this episode, I speak with Mohit Bhakuni, CEO of Contify, about invaluable leadership lessons gained from Scaling SaaS Business ventures. Contify, a leader in market and competitive intelligence, has achieved notable success, earning a position #495 in the SaaS 1000 rankings. We discuss the unique challenges of Scaling SaaS Business models, incl…
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Creating a Culture of Trust with Atul Singh at The Shelf
20:33
20:33
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20:33In this episode, I talk with Atul Singh, CEO of The Shelf, about the transformative power of building a culture of trust within an organization. Ranked No. 1461 on the 2024 Inc 5000 list, The Shelf has become a leader in influencer marketing by fostering a team environment rooted in trust and collaboration. We discuss the essential elements of a cu…
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Building Growth by Bringing in the Right People with Nelson Tepfer at ProCFO Partners
24:59
24:59
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24:59In this episode, I sit down with Nelson Tepfer, Managing Partner at Pro CFO Partners, to explore how bringing in the right people is essential for building sustainable growth. Ranked No. 613 on the 2024 Inc 5000 list, ProCFO Partners has thrived under Nelson’s leadership by assembling exceptional talent to drive business success. We discuss the imp…
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Empowerment Culture Drives Performance with John Baird at Vouched
23:18
23:18
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23:18In this episode, I sit down with John Baird from Vouched to discuss how an Empowerment Culture can unlock peak performance and drive business growth. As Chief Executive Officer, John has played a critical role in shaping Vouched, ranked No. 141 on the 2024 Inc 5000 list for its impressive growth trajectory. We dive deep into the strategies leaders …
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Connecting Purpose and Passion with Brett Arndt at Experience Fresh
22:54
22:54
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22:54In this episode, I sit down with Brett Arndt, Founder & CEO of Experience Fresh, to explore the power of Connecting Purpose and passion to drive success in business and life. Experience Fresh, ranked No. 403 on the 2024 Inc 5000 list, has exemplified the impact of aligning purpose with company culture and strategy. Brett shares actionable insights …
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The Power of Focus and Customer Alignment with Steve Holm at Copper
25:39
25:39
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25:39In this episode, I sit down with Steve Holm, CEO of Copper, to uncover The Power of Focus and how it drives customer alignment and business success. As the company ranks No. 556 on the 2024 SAAS 1000 list, Steve shares insights from his leadership at Copper, focusing on aligning team efforts with customer needs. We explore how The Power of Focus en…
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Culture Matters and It's Everyone's Responsibility with Jamie Hubbard at Boart Long Year
25:42
25:42
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25:42In this episode, Jamie Hubbard from Boart Long Year dives into why culture matters and how it impacts every level of an organization. Together, we explore the shared responsibility of building a strong workplace culture and how aligning values with actions leads to long-term success. Jamie highlights that when leadership and employees embrace that …
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Employee Contribution over Titles with David Snider at Harness Wealth
23:09
23:09
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23:09In this episode, I chat with David Snider, CEO of Harness Wealth, about the importance of valuing Employee Contribution over traditional job titles in building dynamic, growth-oriented teams. Ranked No. 192 on the 2024 Inc 5000 list, Harness Wealth has excelled by creating a culture where contributions are prioritized, fostering innovation and agil…
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Rebuilding from Crisis by Putting People First with Timothy Dodd at PEMA.io
25:50
25:50
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25:50In this episode, I sit down with Timothy Dodd, CEO of PEMA.io, to discuss strategies for rebuilding from crisis by putting people first. Ranked #526 on the 2024 Inc 5000 list, PEMA.io has demonstrated the power of prioritizing team well-being and resilience during challenging times. Timothy shares his approach to fostering trust, engagement, and a …
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Data-Driven Culture for Growth with Ryan Barone at RentRedi
24:56
24:56
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24:56In this episode, I speak with Ryan Barone, CEO of RentRedi, about building and leading a data-driven culture that fuels business growth. RentRedi, ranked #180 on the 2024 Inc 5000 list, has achieved remarkable success by leveraging data to drive decision-making and empower their team. Ryan shares actionable insights on how fostering a data-driven c…
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Navigating a Turnaround into Growth by Building a Strong, Committed Team with Gladys Kong at Azira
24:14
24:14
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24:14In this episode, I sit down with Gladys Kong, CEO of Azira, to discuss Navigating a Turnaround and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth by building a strong, committed team. Ranked #289 on the SAAS 1000 list for 2024, Azira has become a testament to the power of resilience and leadership in driving change. We delve into Gladys' pro…
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Fostering a Culture of Continuous Engagement with Doug Dennerline at BetterWorks
22:08
22:08
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22:08In this episode, I sit down with Doug Dennerline, CEO of BetterWorks, to discuss how fostering Continuous Engagement can revolutionize workplace culture and team performance. Ranked #422 in the 2024 SAAS 1000 list, BetterWorks is at the forefront of driving employee alignment and productivity. We delve into actionable strategies to promote Continuo…
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The 331 Empowerment Framework: Getting Employees to Make More Decisions with Gene Hammett
4:21
4:21
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4:21Have you ever wondered how other leaders are getting employees to make more decisions without waiting for your approval? In this episode, I share my 331 Empowerment Framework—a simple, actionable method for empowering your team and getting employees to make more decisions confidently and effectively. Leaders often struggle with delegation, but real…
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Leaders Shape the Culture They Want with Dane Witbeck at Pinwheel
25:10
25:10
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25:10In this podcast episode, I sit down with Dane Witbeck, CEO of Pinwheel, to discuss how Leaders Shape the Culture of their organizations and the transformative impact it has on success. Pinwheel, ranked No. 212 on the 2024 Inc 5000 list, has become a standout example of a company driven by intentional leadership and a strong cultural foundation. Dan…
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