Executive Evolution

Having a servant heart allows leaders to help their people shine and succeed, and who wouldn't want that? In this episode we're joined by Jim Eickhoff, President and CEO of Creative Dining Services. He shares valuable lessons on effective leadership, the importance of authenticity, and the impact of creating a vision that puts the team first. Join us as we explore Jim's experiences, his unique approach to developing genuine connections, and the role of mentorship in achieving success. After You Listen: • Get your copy of Leadership Jazz by Max De Pree • Connect with Craig on LinkedIn • Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching • Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

As leaders, we often strive to obtain the best information possible, but the reality is perfect information is a rarity. In this episode, Dennis McLaughlin, Chief Financial Officer at Fortis, shares his experiences of moving forward without perfect information and how they have shaped him into a better leader. Along the way, Dennis sheds light on the value of extreme ownership, the importance of leading by example, and the challenges of transitioning from a peer to a manager. Listen in for valuable insights and practical lessons on decision-making, accountability, and navigating the complexities of leading diverse teams. After You Listen: • Get your copy of Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink • Connect with Craig on LinkedIn • Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching • Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Giving feedback is often seen as a potential source of conflict and so the hope becomes the situation will magically change without intervention. That is rarely the case which is why sharing and receiving is so critical for leaders. In this episode, Ashley Monk, Founder and CEO of Onya, with her wealth of experience in leadership and building a successful business, provides invaluable insights on how to give feedback effectively. She emphasizes the importance of personal development and self-awareness for leaders, addressing the personal bottlenecks that may hinder growth. Ashley's biggest lesson is that leadership is about influence, not simply barking orders or relying on positional authority. Tune in to learn from Ashley's journey and gain practical tips on giving feedback, developing self-awareness, and becoming a leader worth following. After You Listen: Get your copy of The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

When you're still an employee, it's easy to want to be hands-on with everything you do. But you can't act the same way as a leader. You can set the vision, but you have to trust your team enough to turn it into a reality. In this episode, Brian Schools, President and CEO of Chartway Credit Union, shares how he's learned the value of learning to step back, not just to empower his team to become leaders themselves, but to make better business decisions. Along the way, you'll also be reminded why sometimes the best option isn't to act, but to take a pause instead. After You Listen: Get your copy of The Next Level by Scott Eblin and The Trusted Leader by David Horsager Connect with Brian on LinkedIn Visit Chartway and the Chartway Promise Foundation Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

When you become a leader of a small company, the team becomes a witness to your growth. That might also mean being with you on days when you aren't your best. But how you handle moments of frustration at the team goes a long way towards forging the leader you aim to be. In this episode, Adam Weber, SVP of Community at 15Five and host of the HR Superstars podcast, shares how he overcame the struggles of falling into the leadership role unexpectedly. Listen to learn why landing a leadership position might not actually mean the end of your growth journey, but the beginning of one. After You Listen: Get your copy of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up by Jerry Colona Listen to HR Superstars Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

How transparent are you with your team? How about your clients? In this episode, Travis Brown, the CEO of Mojo Up Marketing + Media, shares how knowing oneself and being comfortable with who you are is essential for effective leadership. Openly acknowledging and taking ownership of mistakes demonstrates authenticity and a commitment to continuous leadership improvement. Listen in as Travis encourages leaders to reflect on their own leadership journeys and consider the role of character and humility in their approach. After You Listen: Get your copy of Becoming a Person of Influence: How to Positively Impact the Lives of Others Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Leaders experience challenges you can never truly understand until you've sat in that chair yourself. It's what makes the role so difficult; at the same time, it can unleash your resourcefulness to influence others and do everything you can to enable your business to thrive. In this episode, Santiago Jaramillo, three-time exited CEO turned Executive Coach, talks about how he's overcome the challenges of leadership, especially in times when he was unsure of how he was going to deliver on his promises to stakeholders. Listen in to understand you aren't alone in your struggles and doubts as a leader, and why it's okay for you not to have the skills of a one-person team. After You Listen: Get your copy of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up by Jerry Colona Visit WithSanti.com Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Delegating is hard when you've developed extreme ownership about your role in the company. But it's one of the essential lessons every leader needs to learn to elevate the team and truly win together. In this episode, Jess Carter, Vice President of Client Experience & Delivery Operations at Resultant, talks about the whirlwind of change her life went through during COVID that made her flip her leadership style around. Listen in to learn how the path of sustainable leadership is about meeting people where they are and respecting the period they're in their own process. After You Listen: Get your copy of Endurance by Alfred Lansing and the works of Patrick Lencioni Take a listen to Jess's podcast, Data Driven Leadership Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

When Julie Goodman, CEO of Indy Arts Council, reflected on the great leaders she's had in the past—the ones that have made a lasting effect on her career and life—she realized one thing: They all cultivated great cultures. In this episode, Julie shares how her early experience leading her marching band taught her the value of team and fostering community and why she's cultivated those principles ever since. Listen in to hear about the importance of building a positive workplace culture, understanding your responsibilities as a leader, and being in alignment with the work that you do. After You Listen: Get your copy of Dare to Lead by Brené Brown Visit Indyarts.org Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Sunny Lu Williams, President of TechServ Corporation, saw the toll that leadership can take on you early in her life; her parents were both entrepreneurs. Now, as the leader of her organization, she's taken those experiences and the lessons they taught her to create a culture that's sustainable and fits what her employees need. In this episode, Sunny talks about how her past colors her work ethic and influences how she leads others. Along the way, you'll learn about the value of documenting what you've learned and how experience, not age, is something we should acknowledge more. After You Listen: Get your copy of Good to Great by Jim Collins Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

"Leaders are meant to serve. It's not an ego trip. It's how you serve your team." When Kyle Lacy, now CMO of Jellyfish, took on his first leadership role, it was all about him and his performance. But over time, he's learned to check his ego at the door and focus on pouring into his people instead to achieve more success than he ever thought possible. In this episode, Kyle shares his insights on investing in team members' career growth, managing stress, and understanding how to effectively lead and motivate people. Listen in for a deeper understanding of what servant leadership looks like and how to put it into practice. After You Listen: Get your copies of Do Better Work by Max Yoder and How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Being a visible leader isn't the same as being an accessible leader, the latter requires you to put in the time and effort to really get to know your people. In this episode, we're joined by Simon Kardynal, host of the Trench Leadership Podcast and Contract Manager and Squadron Warrant Officer for the Canadian Department of National Defense. The insights Simon has gained through his military experience can be applied to various leadership roles in any industry. Whether you are a seasoned executive or a new team leader, Simon's story offers valuable insights into the key qualities successful leaders need to develop. Listen in to hear about the impact of building authentic relationships with your team, asking open-ended questions, and regularly checking on your mental state. After You Listen: Learn more about Margaret J. Wheatley and her books Take a listen to Simon's Podcast Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Have you ever found yourself at a table wondering why you're there and what you have to add? The path to leadership isn't linear and it looks different for each one of us. In this episode, Kathy Miller, speaker, coach, and President of OPSisters reminds us our unique contributions are to be highly valued. Great leaders lean into their strengths and build teams that fill their gaps. Listen in as Kathy shares her leadership journey and breaks down why relationships are key and discusses the power of linking each team member's work to a higher purpose. After You Listen: Check out Energize Your Workplace by Jane Dutton Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Liz Gross, Founder and CEO of Campus Sonar, started her leadership journey very young and was repeatedly reminded of that fact by the people on her team. At the time, her response was to shy away from connecting with her people and take on more work rather than try to teach them how to do it. In this episode, Liza shares why she does the exact opposite in her current role. Listen in to hear how to inspire and guide the people on your team so you can make significant progress together. Along the way, you'll also learn about how Liz ensures the people she hires have values to align with the companies. After You Listen: Check out Give and Take by Adam Grant Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

After an unbalanced start to his professional life, Patricio Daneri, Managing Director of Energy Harness Corporation, discovered the power of empathy and discipline, transforming his team and ultimately developing a successful business empire. Now he has a keen eye for unlocking potential in others and helping them surpass their own expectations. In this episode, Patricio shares his story of moving to the United States from Argentina at 16 and how he brings this unique cultural understanding and dedication to his work now. Listen in to hear how Patricio came to understand the importance of self-awareness and nurturing individual strengths and what you can do to become an advocate for discipline and empathy within your team. After You Listen: Check out "Good to Great" by Jim Collins Get your copy of "Rocket Fuel" by Gino Wickman Connect with Patricio on LinkedIn Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

Rich Nickel, President and CEO of Education Forward Arizona, is an experienced leader who knows the value of developing and empowering others. His corporate and nonprofit background has taught him that you have to earn the right to lead people, and that starts with setting them up for success and then offering strong support. In this episode, Rich shares his insights on maintaining a deep understanding of the day-to-day business of your organization, even when your role often has you facing externally. Along the way, you'll hear how to build trusting two-way relationships with your team and learn about the power of getting an outside perspective on your leadership. After You Listen: Get your copy of The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey Learn more about Volodymyr Zelensky Connect with Rich on LinkedIn Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Check out Craig's monthly free training on holding difficult conversations

In his first leadership role, Wes Winham Winler, now CEO and Founder of Woven, was the only software engineer at a startup, and it was his job to build a team. He was lucky with his first few hires, but struggled to lead them effectively. Over time and with some well-timed advice, he learned to leverage his team's talents and give equal attention to the feeling side of leadership. In this episode, Wes shares how he leverages his own strengths and weaknesses to be a better leader and get more done through delegation. Listen in to hear how to find the right tools for the right person and focus on the hard problems facing customers. It's time to get more done and bring the power back to the people. After You Listen: Get your copy of How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie Check out A First-Rate Madness by Nassir Ghaemi Get your copy of The Power Broker by Robert A. Caro Connect with Wes on LinkedIn Visit Wes on Twitter Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Download Craig's 10 Rules for Better Meetings

Bryan Brenner, Managing Director of NFP and Founder and Managing Partner of The Performance Lab, was thrust into leadership unexpectedly. After meeting an optimistic sales leader, he found the inspiration he needed to drive transformation and challenge the status quo. Bryan took charge of the situation and eventually began his own business. In this episode, Bryan shares his journey of being an unlikely hero of his own success story. Now he uses his experience to invest in others in the corporate world. Listen in to hear his story of finding the power of vision and drive and how to balance that with moments of relaxation and recalibration. After You Listen: Get your copy of "Good to Great" by Jim Collins Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn Check out Bryan's website Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Download Craig's 10 Rules for Better Meetings

"Leadership is about empowering others and maintaining focus on the horizon." Will Milano, the CMO of Integrity Solutions, was thrown into his first leadership role with no training but was lucky enough to have a manager who instilled confidence in him. He understood he needed to do the same for his team if he wanted to excel. In this episode, Will talks about the mental shift every leader has to undergo, going from tactical work to focusing on developing others. By empowering his people and balancing short and long-term strategies, Will is able to lead his team to success. Listen in to hear how to unlock the potential of those around you and become an inspiring mentor and leader. After You Listen: Get your copy of "The Score Takes Care of Itself" by Bill Walsh Connect with Will on LinkedIn Check out Will's Podcast Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Download Craig's 10 Rules for Better Meetings

When Mike Reynolds, CEO of Innovatemap, faced his first formal leadership role, he learned that leading with a mandate doesn't work. Instead, he discovered the power of equipping others and influencing through example. In this episode, Mike shares the mental shift he's had to make as his company grows. Listen in to learn what it means to lead with your brain by setting direction, goals, and strategies for your team so they can be successful. Along the way, you'll hear how Mike now derives pride from seeing others be great as he steps away from doing the work himself. After You Listen: Get your copy of Inspired by Marty Cagan Check out The Naval Podcast Find out more about Bill Godfrey and Jack Carr Follow Innovatemap on Linkedin Connect with Craig on Linkedin Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching Download Craig's 10 Rules for Better Meetings

Relying on nothing more than a title to get people to follow you is a dangerous approach. Jim Brown, the CEO and Co-Founder of Uncovered, encountered positional authority figures during his time in the Marines, and it taught him precisely how not to lead. Ever since, he's led with empathy and worked to understand who people are and what they care about. Listen in as Jim explains how his style allows him to inspire people to do more than they thought they were capable of. After You Listen: Get your copy of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell Get your copy of Great by Choice by Jim Collins Find out more about Bob Iger and his book The Ride of a Lifetime Connect with Jim on Twitter Connect with Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/ Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching: https://clearpathcoaches.com Download Craig's 10 Rules for Better Meetings

Leadership can be an extremely humbling experience. Being put in charge does not mean that people will automatically follow. You have to put in the work to inspire your team to do so. This was a lesson Jennifer Denney, Founder of Elevated Marketing Solutions, learned early on in her career. In this episode, she shares how she leans into empathy and understanding in order to find out what motivates her people on an individual basis. Listen in to learn what it takes to influence people and buy-in to your vision. After You Listen: Get your copy of Start With Why by Simon Sinek Check out Elevated Marketing's Podcast Connect with Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/ Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching: https://clearpathcoaches.com Download Craig's 10 Rules for Better Meetings

Joining a business founded by your parents comes with its own set of obstacles. Stan Chen, now CEO of Telamon, started his tenure at the company knowing people had made assumptions about what his path would look like. While trying to navigate those murky relationships and earn respect, he decided to keep his co-workers at arm's length. Today, he knows that was a mistake. In this episode, Stan shares why it's critical for leaders to cultivate relationships with their people. As an introvert, he often struggled with the idea of being in charge because the stereotypical leader is often portrayed as loud, boisterous, and maybe even a little in-your-face. Over time, Stan realized none of that is necessary. What is, is the ability to create connections with the people on your teams and share parts of your own life in return. After You Listen: Get your copy of Quiet by Susan Cain Learn more about Tony Dungy Connect with Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/ Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching: https://clearpathcoaches.com Download Craig's 10 Rules for Better Meetings

High performers are often thrust into management roles without the training or tools needed to be effective. Margy Feldhuhn experienced exactly this in her first leadership position and had to navigate murky waters to rise to the challenge. In this episode, Margy explains why insufficient training and preparation is the biggest hurdle middle management has to face and discusses solutions to the problem. Listen in to hear the other lessons she's learned from her early work experiences and how she applied them on her quick rise from an hourly contractor at Interview Connections to CEO of the company. After You Listen: Get your copy of Multiplier by Liz Wisemans Learn more about Bob Iger Check out Margy's Podcast and Margy's Blog Connect with Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/ Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching: https://clearpathcoaches.com Download Craig's 10 Rules for Better Meetings

Leadership requires a marathon mindset. You can't take on everything yourself and sprint to the finish because there is no finish line. If you're doing your job right, you keep supporting your people so you can achieve evermore goals together. Kevin Bailey is currently CEO and Co-Founder at Dreamfuel, and it's not his first time in the C-Suite. But success can come at a price if you aren't prepared. Something Kevin learned the hard way in his very first leadership position, a post he ended up leaving due to burnout. In this episode, Kevin shares his story of stepping down after pushing himself to the point where he no longer enjoyed the work. Listen in to hear about Kevin's positive mindset techniques for creating a sustainable leadership approach. Along the way, you'll learn how a leader's energy can make or break an organization. After You Listen: Get your copy of Coherence by Dr. Alan Watkins Connect with Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/ Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching: https://clearpathcoaches.com Download Craig's 10 Rules for Better Meetings

Ryann Dowdy's first leadership role didn't come with an official title that told everyone she was "in charge," and yet, she was. With her lack of title, Ryann realized people were much more comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns with her because she wasn't technically their boss. Now, as CEO and Founder of Uncensored Consulting, Ryann leans into emotional intelligence to encourage the same openness from her team, regardless of role dynamics. Creating workplaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued is critical for both attracting and retaining talent in today's market, and she's made it her mission to do so. In this episode, Ryann explains why leading others starts with self-leadership and discusses her six principles for achieving exactly that. Listen in to learn how to build trust and motivate people through meaningful work. After You Listen: Get your copy of Extreme Ownership by Joko Willink and Leif Babin Learn more about Jamie Kern Lima Check out Ryann's female leadership community: Be in the Room Connect with Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/ Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching: https://clearpathcoaches.com Download Craig's 10 Rule's for Better Meetings

Lorraine Ball's leadership journey got off to a rocky start when she chose a "take me as I am" approach which ended up pushing people away. Over time, she realized she needed to meet team members where they are so they could connect. Lorraine has learned that connection, building trust, and fostering loyalty is key to driving performance. In this episode, Lorraine shares her insights on leading with curiosity instead of judgment as a way of understanding what motivates people. After You Listen: Check out the works of Peter Drucker Take a listen to Lorraine's podcast: More Than a Few Words Join the Digital Toolbox marketing community Connect with Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/ Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching: https://clearpathcoaches.com Download Craig's 10 Rule's for Better Meetings

Jeb Banner thought he was going to be a rockstar, and he worked to make that happen. He formed a band, marketed it, learned the industry, and made connections. All of those skills easily transferred to the business world once he understood that leadership was where his strengths resided. Today, Jeb has founded and grown countless businesses and non-profits, and each experience has developed him as a leader and as a human being. In this episode, Jeb shares why the latter is so important for people in leadership positions. As you listen, you'll learn how to effectively delegate and why there needs to be more focus on connection and well-being in workplaces. After You Listen: Get your copy of The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni and Being Ram Dass by Ram Dass Learn more about Lee Iacocca Connect with Jeb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jebbanner/ Watch Jeb's Ted Talk: Everything I know about business I learned from being in a bandhttps://www.youtube.com › watch Learn more about Boardable: https://boardable.com Connect with Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/ Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching: https://clearpathcoaches.com

Chris Keaveny is the Founder and CEO of Meritize, an organization helping students pay for programs that unlock better careers. The amount of business Meritize generates has quadrupled in the past two years, but the staff has not. Chris says that is a testament to the solid team they've built and the leadership lessons he's learned. Chris started his professional career as a trained statistician. He was a self-described propeller head until one day, he was thrown into the deep end of the leadership pool. Looking back he'd give himself an F for his performance, and Chris says he'd do just about everything differently. Listen in to hear why leaders aren't meant to always be the ones with the answers and learn how Chris's technical background serves him well today. After You Listen: Get your copy of Extreme Leadership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin Learn more about Jamie Dimon Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-keaveney-1b7bb94/ Learn more about Meritize: https://www.meritize.com Connect with Craig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/ Learn more about ClearPath Consulting and Coaching: https://clearpathcoaches.com

Leaders aren't born. It takes learning and intentional growth. No matter where you are in your leadership journey, there's no reason to go at it alone. I'm Craig P. Anderson, and I'm what you might call an accidental leader. I never expected to be working side-by-side with Fortune 500 execs, so when I started doing just that, I struggled. Now I know I didn't have to, and neither do you. By talking to guests currently sitting in the c-suite about lessons they learned along the way, this show will demystify what great leaders do and how they do it with confidence.