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Lead the Team (Top 2% of Podcasts)

Lead the Team (Top 2% of Podcasts)

476 episodes — Page 2 of 10

Ep 417One Skill You Only Learn Under Extreme Pressure (President and CEO Frontgrade Technologies, Mitch Stevison)

Pressure doesn't change the game...it reveals the leader. Mitch Stevison, President & CEO of Frontgrade Technologies, recently shared how a high-stakes missile test forced a decision no textbook could prepare him for. In this conversation, we break down the one skill he leaned on when the eyes of two nations—and a Senior Admiral—were watching.If you've ever had to make a high-stakes call under a microscope, Mitch’s insight on trust is a masterclass in leadership. What is the most important trait for a leader to have during a crisis? Subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode on Lead the Team.-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Jan 13, 202628 min

Ep 416The Question 99% of Leaders Are Too Afraid to Ask - Pipedrive President, Peter Harris

Questioning unlocks elite performance.Pete Harris, President of Pipedrive, was at the pinnacle of his previous profession (one that he’d spent his entire career pursuing).Everything was on track... the prestige and the rank. But while many founders and leaders might push uncomfortable thoughts aside, Pete did something different.He used a specific type of curiosity to ask himself a question that 99% of leaders are too afraid to face....a question that forces you to confront whether you’re actually on the path you’re meant to be on.Answering it meant walking away from the very finish line everyone expected him to cross.That moment of clarity unlocked a version of himself he hadn't met yet......one capable of:- Finishing full-distance Ironmans.- Leading a global engine for 100,000+ businesses.Most leaders are too afraid the deeper question because they’re terrified of the answer.Pete leaned in and shows us this conversation how we all can too.When has asking the right question helped you?-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Jan 11, 202626 min

Ep 415Why Office Design Is a Leadership Decision (President of Industrious, Anna Squires Levine)

Your office is deciding results.Anna Squires Levine, President of Industrious, leads a company that has spent more than a decade observing how office space impacts human behavior (across hundreds of locations and millions of workdays).Many leaders assume the office is just a place where work happens.But it's far more than that!She explains that the office space is quietly influencing things leaders usually attribute to culture, motivation, or performance.In their work, incredible patterns emerged at scale in:• How people show up at work• How they interact• What actions and behaviors are encouraged or avoided• And how energy moves through the dayLeaders rarely talk about this...even though they’re already accountable for the office space and the very outcomes it shapes.Do you ever think about how your office space can impact your results?-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Jan 5, 202631 min

Ep 414The Mistake That Taught a Future President How to Lead (Altera Digital Health's Marcus Perez)

This mistake taught leadership.Marcus Perez, President of Altera Digital Health, shares a moment that unfolded in a helicopter at low altitude (where mistakes don’t get a second chance) and still shapes how he leads today.A rule had been broken the day before.The next day, his commander took the controls.He didn't get lectured.He got something far more...Intense.Deliberate.Unforgettable.Some lessons just don’t need words.After Marcus shared this story with me on the show, it became clear why that personal experience carried more weight than any traditional feedback session ever could.Our conversation raises questions around:✅ When the most dangerous leadership decision is when you choose not to step in.✅ What really happens when you delay accountability under real risk.✅ How you know when stepping in helps… and when it backfires.👉 What mistake taught you the most?-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Dec 21, 202541 min

Ep 413A CEOs' Bold Move That Built Trust FASTER Than Any Speech (Wood Mackenzie's Jason Liu)

Leadership tests you.Jason Liu, CEO of Wood Mackenzie, felt that test immediately when he stepped into the role right after a major merger.New team.New culture.Everyone watching how he’d show up.Instead of trying to project confidence the traditional way, he made a choice that could’ve easily gone wrong.It didn’t.What surprised me wasn’t the move itself......it was what it revealed about fear, trust, and credibility at the highest levels of leadership.Jason doesn’t talk about fear like something to eliminate.He talks about how leaders carry it, manage it, and still move forward anyway.You hear it in how he leads teams across 30+ countries.You see it in why he choose to put himself out front as the face of a 100-year-old brand.And you feel it in the moments where control would’ve been easier, but courage mattered more.This conversation stuck with me.When has leadership tested you the most?-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Dec 16, 202517 min

Ep 412How a President Built Speed Without Burning Out His Team (Coder's Josh Epstein)

Pressure felt like leadership (until it wasn’t)Josh Epstein, President & Chief Business Officer at Coder, learned this the hard way.I’ve seen urgency do two very different things to teams.Sometimes it sharpens focus and everything moves faster.Other times, it creates stress, confusion, and quiet burnout—while leaders think they’re “pushing for results.”Josh shared how early in his career, pressure felt like the right move… until it started costing trust and momentum.Increasing pressure wasn’t creating more effort...or the results he expected.It was one uncomfortable shift (that felt slower at first)......that ended up making everything faster.We unpack the full story in this week’s episode.So:👉 When things slow down, how effective has pressure been for you?-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Dec 14, 202515 min

Ep 411Why Half of AI Projects are Failing - CEO of Pluralsight, Erin Gajdalo

AI failure rates shock me.Erin Gajdalo, CEO of Pluralsight, joined me and what she revealed about why AI projects collapse disturbed me even more..I expected to talk about tools, frameworks, and roadmaps.Instead, Erin asked me question I wasn’t ready for:“Is your team actually ready for this? How can you even tell?"Um...Because most leaders — myself included — push for AI adoption without slowing down to ask if our teams can actually absorb the shift.Erin has led major transformations at Avantax, LPL, and now Pluralsight... and she’s seen the same silent pattern across industries:Leaders blame the tech.Teams blame the workload.But the real problem is almost always hidden deeper.Readiness....and getting their quickly....is everything.In our conversation, she breaks down:👉 The blind spot most CEOs overlook.👉 Why 50% of AI projects fail.👉 What separates teams that finish from those that stall.👉 The first move every CEO should take when they realize their team can’t keep up.👉 And how her transformation background gives her a unique advantage in the AI era.This conversation changed the way I think about leading through AI.What’s the biggest AI readiness challenge you’re seeing in your teams right now?-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Dec 9, 202524 min

Ep 410Gold Medal Comeback: How a CEO Rebuilt a Broken Team and Made Olympic & Paralympic History (Phil Andrews)

Winning gold didn’t end the pressure. It intensified it.A truth Phil Andrews, CEO of USA Fencing, came to understand through experience.That’s the incredible story behind Team USA’s recent historic gold……and the leadership turnaround that made it possible.When I sat down with Phil, I wasn’t expecting what came next.He walked into a sport in crisis.Broken culture. Divided membership. Declining trust. High visibility. Zero margin for error.And somehow, he rebuilt all of it…before making Olympic & Paralympic history.But not long after the gold, the pressure shifted…. Public controversy. Intense scrutiny. And—death threats no leader should ever face.Leaders talk about “high stakes.”BUT this is what high stakes actually looks like.Phil shares:• The day-one move that stabilized a fractured team • The bold Olympic decision that changed everything • The backlash that hit not long after the gold • How he led through threats, scrutiny, and congressional attention • The leadership tools he relied on when everything was on the lineThis is a powerful story of crisis leadership, culture repair, and resilience.If you’ve ever led under pressure, you’ll never forget this lesson.What’s one leadership lesson pressure taught you?-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Dec 7, 202549 min

Ep 409What Success Never Teaches (RLDatix CEO Dan Michelson)

Dan Michelson, CEO of RLDatix North America, shared the feedback that reshaped how he leads.When things go well, it can actually blind you to areas where he needed to improve....and this is why so many successful leaders often fail.Most top performers don’t realize they’re slipping until someone has the courage to tell them something they didn’t want to hear.Dan shared that his initial reaction to feedback early in his career was to blame the person giving him the feedback...and years later, he’s more grateful for it than almost anything else.And when he stepped into leading a 2,300-person organization, the stakes around feedback got even higher. Any past success wasn’t going to carry him anymore. Clear, direct communication had to.That’s when he embraced the mantra that now guides his leadership:“Coaching is caring.”He even had a 3.5-hour feedback conversation with a leader on his team — not because something was broken, but because growth mattered that much.Here’s the truth:Feedback is rarely comfortable.But avoiding it costs far more.Great leaders choose the kind of discomfort that makes them better.Agreed?-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Dec 3, 202517 min

Ep 408The CEO Who Built a Business That Can’t Win Alone (Hometown CEO Dennis Levene)

Winning alone is losing.Dennis Levene, CEO of Hometown, bet the business on his customers’ success… and it’s paying off.Most CEOs obsess over market share and margins.Dennis obsessed over a broken system robbing schools of money.And he asked the question that changed everything:“Why should $25 of my $100 school donation go to a fundraising company?”That wasn’t frustration — it was a blueprint.A blueprint for a company designed to win only when its schools do.Now, Hometown helps thousands of school communities raise more, keep more, and invest directly into the programs that shape students’ futures. Dennis shared the line that defines his entire model:“We align ourselves with our schools… when they’re successful, we’re successful.”This isn’t marketing.It’s business architecture.And it’s one of the most compelling leadership strategies I’ve seen.This episode is a masterclass in:-Engineering customer alignment into your business model-Leading with purpose without sacrificing performance-Turning shared success into a competitive advantageThe companies that endure aren’t built on extraction...They’re built on shared victories.What would it be like if you aligned more closely to your customers' success?👇 I’d love to hear your perspective..-----Follow Dennis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-levene/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Dec 1, 202515 min

Ep 407Inside the Quantum CEO's Truth-Driven Comeback (Hugues Meyrath)

Hugues Meyrath, CEO of Quantum, came back to lead the same company that built his career decades ago — a 45-year-old tech brand powering Hollywood, Space, and even the AI revolution.But when he returned, something was off.The spark was gone. The ownership was gone.And instead of hiding behind strategy decks or consultants, he did something far harder......he rebuilt the culture on truth.“If there’s a problem, we’ll fix it together. No excuses. No hiding.”That simple mindset — radical honesty + extreme ownership — changed everything.Teams started moving faster. Accountability returned. People cared again.It’s an incredible heartfelt turnaround story.If you’ve ever felt like your company lost its spark, this episode will remind you how to get it back — from the inside out.-----Follow Hugues https://www.linkedin.com/in/huguesmeyrath/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Nov 12, 202512 min

Ep 406The Million Dollar Mistake That Made Him a Better Leader (Pattern's COO, Rob Hahn)

Ever made a call at work that backfired — big time?Rob Hahn, now COO at Pattern, knows exactly what that feels like.Early in his career as a young leader at Amazon, he faced a decision no leader ever forgets.At just 26 and leading thousands of people, a severe weather warning hit.He made the call to shut everything down.The storm never came.And the decision cost the company millions.But instead of hiding from it, Rob leaned in.He owned it. He learned from it.And that moment became the foundation for how he leads under pressure today.When we talked on Lead the Team, I was struck by how deeply that one experience reshaped his leadership philosophy.Rob shares how turning failure into fuel helped him rise to one of the top roles in a company that just completed a multi-billion-dollar IPO — and how you can do the same.If you’ve ever carried the weight of a bad call or a decision that didn’t go as planned, this conversation will help you see it differently — and lead stronger because of it.-----Follow Rob on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-hahn-12136736/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Nov 9, 202512 min

Ep 405Kenneth Cole CEO Shares Their Hidden Advantage (Jed Berger)

Jed Berger, Kenneth Cole Global President and CEO, is building something rare in business today — a brand that grows because it stands for something bigger.In his third appearance on Lead the Team, Jed reveals the hidden advantage behind Kenneth Cole’s continued success… and how purpose became their ultimate performance driver.“Purpose can’t just be a campaign. It has to live in every part of the company.” — Jed Berger, Kenneth Cole CEOWhat stood out to me is how Jed turns values into velocity.It’s not theory — it’s execution, culture, and results working in sync.If you’re leading a team, scaling a company, or just trying to build something that lasts…This episode shows how to align purpose with performance — and win the right way.-----Follow Jed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedalexanderberger/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Nov 4, 202515 min

Ep 404The ICEE CEO’s Secret that Became a Billion-Dollar Leadership Strategy (Dan Fachner, CEO J&J Snack Foods)

It started with a freezer then and became a billion-dollar lesson.Dan Fachner, CEO of J&J Snack Foods — the company behind ICEE, Slush Puppie, and Dippin’ Dots — posted a video on LinkedIn that immediately caught my attention......he gets emotional while expressing gratitude to his team for their hard work and dedication. You can see how much he truly cares about his people, and I knew right then I wanted to have a deeper conversation with him.You see, Dan began his career delivering and servicing ICEE machines. That humble start shaped everything about how he leads today.His guiding principle...Care for people first.That simple mindset turned a frozen drink into a billion-dollar leadership strategy—built on empathy, communication, and trust.You're going to love this interview beause it will remind you that real leadership isn’t about hierarchy or authority—it’s about humility, gratitude, and care.If you lead a team, run a company, or aspire to do both, Dan’s story will shift how you think about leadership.🎧 The ICEE CEO’s Secret that Became a Billion-Dollar Leadership Strategy-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Oct 27, 202513 min

Ep 403Jeff Bezos’ 5-Second Rule That’s Powering AI (ActiveCampaign's Chai Atreya, Chief Product Officer)

Bezos' Law - Chai Atreya, Chief Product Officer at ActiveCampaign, once helped build Amazon Alexa under Jeff Bezos.During one internal review, Bezos made a single comment — short, specific, and completely unexpected — that changed everything.He looked at the team and said:“I want Alexa to respond in under five seconds.”That one sentence forced every engineer to rethink what “great” really meant.They reimagined the architecture, redesigned the systems — and eventually, brought response times even lower.That’s "Bezos' Law":The tighter the constraint, the bigger the breakthrough.I was honestly in awe hearing how that single challenge reshaped Amazon’s design culture — and even more amazed at how Chai is now weaving that same mindset into ActiveCampaign’s AI to help small and midsize businesses scale faster, smarter, and simpler.It’s inspiring stuff — and it’ll change how you think about innovation, leadership, and speed.🎧 Hear the full story on the interview — it’s one of those “I’ll never build the same way again” moments.Your Turn: Have you ever had one short, sharp lesson from a leader that completely changed how you think or work?-----Follow Chai on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atreya/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Oct 19, 202513 min

Ep 402They Said I Wasn’t Ready — So I Became the CEO (SmartBear's Dan Faulkner)

He didn’t say he was ready. He proved it quietly.When I sat down with Dan Faulkner, CEO of SmartBear, he told me he was once passed over for a leadership role because he “hadn’t done it before.”The cruelest ceiling isn’t glass — it’s being boxed in by your own expertise.Being great at something… and never trusted with more.Instead of waiting for permission, Dan built his own readiness.He studied marketing at night.He learned product and finance from scratch.He said yes to the jobs no one thought he could handle.That rejection didn’t end his path — it defined it.He stopped asking for chances and started creating them.“You’re the steward of your own career,” he told me.“If you’re not driving it, you’re going to get the default.”Sometimes the most powerful motivation isn’t belief from others —it’s the doubt they hand you.Ever been told you weren’t ready?What did you do next?-----Follow Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielfaulkner/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Oct 13, 202548 min

Ep 401He Led Troops in Combat — Now He Leads Billion-Dollar Companies (Lance Olmsted, President of Copperleaf, an IFS company)

Leadership Under FireHe Led Troops in Combat — Now He Leads Billion-Dollar CompaniesI first met Lance Olmsted, now President of IFS Copperleaf, expecting a story about discipline and precision.What I didn’t expect was how deeply human it would be.Lance served as a U.S. Marine. He learned to lead in the most uncertain environments imaginable — where hesitation could cost lives AND empathy wasn’t optional.That’s right...empathy.And you’ll never forget why when you hear his story.Those lessons stayed with him and became a positive guiding force.Today, he’s guiding global teams and helping industries use AI to make smarter, faster decisions.Before that, he helped drive a $1 billion unicorn exit by applying the same mindset that got his Marines home safe:✅ Focus on the mission, not the noise.✅ Act fast and adapt faster.✅ Build trust before you need it.✅ Lead with empathy, even under fire.His story is proof that military leadership still works — not because it’s rigid, but because it’s built on resilience, clarity, and purpose.Leadership isn’t about power — it’s about people. What’s your take?-----Follow Lance on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-olmsted-98708568/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Oct 8, 202531 min

Ep 400AI Playbook Turns $2M into $134M - CEO, Invisible's Matt Fitzpatrick

Leaders Miss ThisMatthew Fitzpatrick, CEO of Invisible Technologies—the #2 fastest-growing AI company in America—leads with a principle many overlook:AI may power the future, but people give it purpose.What makes Matt’s leadership stand out isn’t the speed of growth—it’s the intentionality behind it.He reminds us that real progress doesn’t come from louder voices or faster code.It comes from people.From listening.From slowing down long enough to get it right.Here are a few principles he shared that every leader—AI or not—can use:🔹 “The loudest voice is often, if not always, wrong.” Quiet thinkers find the biggest breakthroughs.🔹 Hire great people, then trust them to listen deeply to customers.🔹 Bad data at scale isn’t innovation—it’s chaos.His boldest move as CEO?Removing layers of hierarchy so 380+ people can think and act like owners.This isn’t just about AI.It’s about leading with integrity, empathy, and purpose—when the pace of change feels relentless.👉 How do you keep leadership human in an AI-driven world?-----Follow Matt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-fitzpatrick-97b62722/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Oct 6, 202542 min

Ep 399Hidden Cost of Leading a $5B Global Company - COO Genpact Americas Jakub Vanek

Sacrifice No One SeesJakub Vanek, Chief Operating Officer at Genpact Americas, has moved six times across four countries while scaling teams of thousands inside a $5B global organization.He admits the hidden cost of leadership isn’t just jet lag or late nights in the office—it’s missing his wife’s birthday, missing holidays, and asking himself the same question many ambitious professionals face: Family or Career?But here’s the opportunity: Jakub learned that the real measure of leadership isn’t the title or the miles traveled—it’s the relationships you keep along the way.“Sooner or later, this executive position will stop… Just keep those relationships.”That reminder hit me hard. The choice doesn't have to be family or career—that’s the trap. Real leadership is designing a path where both thrive together.👉 What have you learned about protecting what matters while chasing your career?-----Follow Jakub on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubvanekeurope/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Sep 29, 202532 min

Ep 398From Setback to $200M Success (COO Playbook) - Andelyn Biosciences', Cyrill Kellerhals

Under Pressure, Leaders RiseWhen I spoke with Cyrill Kellerhals, COO of Andelyn Biosciences, I was struck by how calm and grounded he was while describing some of the toughest leadership moments of his career.At Novartis, one of the industry’s legendary companies, he encountered the kind of regulatory challenge that every leader dreads — a moment that could define the company’s future.Instead of panicking, he led his team through it and turned it into a success.Later, he carried those lessons into scaling a $34M operation and building a $200M biopharma facility. But what impressed me most wasn’t the numbers — it was the way he talked about leading with humility, purpose, and service to his people.His story is a reminder that real leadership isn’t about avoiding pressure. It’s about how you show up when the stakes are highest.-----Follow Cyril: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrill-k-82a73152/Lean more about Andelyn Biosciences: https://www.andelynbio.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Sep 22, 202522 min

Ep 397How a Submarine Officer’s Biggest Mistake Taught Him Calm CEO Leadership - AeroPost's Camilo Rueda

Most leaders say they want transparency.But when the pressure’s on, many unintentionally create cultures where people hide mistakes.Camilo Rueda — CEO of Aeropost and former U.S. Navy Submarine Officer — learned this lesson the hard way, thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface.As a young officer, one bad call almost ended his career. In that moment, he had two choices:👉 Hide the mistake and hope it stayed buried👉 Or raise his hand, take ownership, and face the consequencesHe chose ownership.It cost him in the short term — but it built the trust and resilience that later fueled his journey from the Navy to McKinsey to CEO.What struck me most in our conversation was this:“Real ownership isn’t solving everything yourself. It’s raising problems early, so you can solve them together.”That mindset shift changes everything.It turns mistakes into momentum, and pressure into perspective.💭 When leaders say “Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions,” does it actually push teams to chase the “perfect” answer — and wait too long to speak up?-----Follow Camilo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camilo-rueda-5a62669/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Sep 3, 202540 min

Ep 396I Turned a Garage Door Company Into a Tech Powerhouse (14M+ Users) - CEO Jeff Meredith, Chamberlain Group

Real leadership begins the moment your team starts to doubt you.Jeff Meredith, CEO of Chamberlain Group, has lived that moment. He took a 70-year-old garage door company and transformed it into a global tech powerhouse with 14M+ connected users. But as Jeff shared with me, the toughest part wasn’t the technology or the strategy—it was earning back his team’s trust in the middle of massive change.That resonated deeply with me. Because when the ground shifts under your feet, no business model or innovation will save you if your people stop believing.Jeff opened up about the leadership mistake that nearly cost him his team—and the exact steps he used to win them back. His story is a reminder that transformation isn’t just about vision; it’s about belief.If you’re leading through uncertainty, Jeff’s example proves one thing: no leader succeeds alone.-----Follow Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-meredith-90a744112/Learn more about Chamberlain: https://www.chamberlain.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Aug 27, 202536 min

Ep 395I Used One Number to Transform My Entire Company (Amy Martin, TruWest CMO)

Erase silos. Unite the company. Rebuild trust—fast.When I first heard Amy Martin, CMO at TruWest Holdings, talk about her “One Number” strategy the TURNAROUND stopped me in my tracks.She didn’t know if leaders would embrace it… or fight to protect their own KPIs.But once it landed, everything changed:-True C-suite alignment-Faster growth-A culture of shared accountabilityInstead of sales and marketing chasing different goals, they now share the exact same revenue target.In our conversation, Amy shares how she:-Won buy-in without causing whiplash-Turned resistance into trust-Built teams that row in the same directionIf your teams are working hard but not together, this is one you don’t want to miss.-----Follow Amy on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyallenmartin/Learn more about TruWest: https://truwestholdings.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Aug 25, 202537 min

Ep 394I Turned a Struggling Startup Into the Backbone of AI (400k+ Engineers)- CEO Revelo, Lucas Mendes

Everyone tells their teams to “use AI.”But as Lucas Mendes (CEO of Revelo) told me, that almost never works.Employees don’t resist because they’re lazy.They resist because new tools feel intimidating, misunderstood, or disconnected from what really matters in their day-to-day.That’s where leadership comes in.Lucas shared how he turned an almost-failing startup into the backbone of AI — a network of 400k+ engineers powering the world’s top tech companies.But more importantly, he revealed how to get teams to actually change how they work — even when the future feels uncertain.If you’ve ever given a directive and wondered why nothing changed, this episode is for you.🎥 I Turned a Failing Startup Into the Backbone of AI (400k+ Engineers)-----Follow Lucas on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmzmendes/Learn more about Revelo - https://www.revelo.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Aug 21, 202529 min

Ep 394I Scaled Dropbox to $1 Billion (President Amplitude, Thomas Hansen)

Thomas Neergaard Hansen — President of Amplitude and former Microsoft and Dropbox executive — proved to me that even the most hard-earned leadership skills aren’t always enough.He’s led billion-dollar teams, navigated career reinventions, and even learned leadership lessons on a windsurfing board. In this episode, he opens up about the next leadership superpower every leader needs to survive — and thrive — in today’s AI-driven world.You'll discover:-Why the “career ladder” is gone for good-The daily habit he uses to stay ahead with his own team-How AI is shifting what makes a great leader-Why the best CEOs embrace what they don’t know-What windsurfing taught him about business risk and resilienceThis isn’t theory — it’s real, hard-won insight from the front lines of leadership.Only the leaders who adapt will last...-----Follow Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasneergaardhansen/Learn more about Amplitude: https://amplitude.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Aug 12, 202539 min

Ep 393How is Legoland Building Elite Teams? (Fmr. President Legoland Florida, Franceen Gonzalez)

Running a theme park isn’t just rides and fun.It’s about leading elite teams that deliver with precision, creativity, and resilience—day in and day out.In this episode of Lead the Team, I sit down with Franceen Gonzales, Former President of Legoland Florida Resort—one of the hidden geniuses behind its success.We cover:- A strategy to inspire peak performance under relentless pressure.- The blueprint for orchestrating thousands of moving parts—and people—flawlessly.- The meeting structure that keeps teams performing at elite levels every day.Whether you lead engineers, creatives, or front-line teams, you’ll walk away with leadership lessons you can put to work immediately.So tell me—what’s one leadership habit that keeps your team winning?-----Follow Franceen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franceengonzales/Plan your next trip to Legoland: https://www.legoland.com/florida/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Aug 6, 202549 min

Ep 392Why Losing Makes You a Better Leader (CEO of Cyara, Rishi Rana)

Some Lessons You Only Learn After FailingRishi Rana—CEO of Cyara and former global product leader at Microsoft—shares the leadership lesson you just can’t learn in a classroom.His career has been incredible having shared the stage with Bill Gates. Tripled revenue in a brutal turnaround. Led global teams under immense pressure.But what stands most in our interview?...how he talks openly about the missteps—failed launches, fractured teams, moments where it could’ve all fallen apart.It's a message for any leader trying to stay steady in the storm.He shares:✅ How to rebuild trust when things go sideways.✅ The key to making clear decisions in the middle of chaos.✅ A strategy to get teams focused on outcomes—not noise.If you’re navigating complexity and want to lead with more clarity, grit, and impact—this for you. Out now on Lead the Team: CEO-tested tools and strategies to lead your team better!👉 Ever had a leadership moment that nearly broke you—but shaped you instead?-----Follow Rishi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishi-rana-2397a9/Learn more about Cyara: https://cyara.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Aug 3, 202536 min

Ep 391Trust AI? Can Leaders Really. (CEO Aprimo, Erik Huddleston)

If you’re not leading AI… it’s already leading you.Erik Huddleston, CEO of Aprimo and a 6-time exited founder, breaks down what every modern leader needs to understand about scaling with AI—before it’s too late.If you're leading a team and feeling the pressure of speed, complexity, and rising expectations… his message is for you."AI can produce more in a day than your entire team can in a year."That sounds like progress—until your message, culture, and brand start spinning out of control. Find out what most leaders overlook when adopting AI, and how to build the systems, guardrails, and leadership mindset to move fast without breaking trust.Whether you’re running a Fortune 500 division or building a company from scratch, this conversation will challenge how you lead—and give you real tools to scale your team, protect your brand, and lead with purpose.You’ll learn:→ How to lead when AI is moving faster than your org chart.→ Why scaling content isn’t the hard part—governance is.→ What it really means to “scale with control”.→ How to become the leader your team needs in uncertain times.Move from overwhelmed…to undeniably clear about what do next with AI within your organization.-----Follow Erik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehuddleston/Learn more about Aprimo: https://www.aprimo.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Jul 27, 202534 min

Ep 390(Ingram Micro) The Doubt that Drives Fear-President Global Platform, Sanjib Sahoo

When Ingram Micro Got TestedSanjib Sahoo, President of Ingram Micro’s Global Platform Group, was already preparing to lead under pressure—long before the headlines.Before the headlines.Before the cyberattack.Before the world was watching…When we recorded this conversation, none of us knew what was coming. But what Sanjib shared then feels even more powerful now.You'll hear the bold transformation he's driving inside a $48B tech giant that touches nearly 90% of the world’s population—and the personal transformation leaders must go through to meet the moment.“Doubt isn’t the enemy,” he told me. “It’s often the proof you’re doing something meaningful.”He doesn't interpret fear as a sign to back down—but a signal you’re on the right track...And when the pressure hits, how do you stay grounded—especially when everyone’s watching to see if you’ll crack or lead?This isn’t a crisis interview.It’s a real, unfiltered look at what leadership actually takes—when everything’s on the line.Recorded before the headlines.Proven after.🎧 Listen now on Lead the Top (a top 2% podcast)—and rethink boldness, fear, and what it means to lead under pressure..---Follow Sanjib on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjibsahoodigital/Learn more about Ingram Micro: https://www.ingrammicro.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Jul 24, 202537 min

Ep 389Future-Proof Your Team (CEO OnLogic, Sean Larkin)

Complacency costs growth.Sean Larkin, CEO of OnLogic, learned that lesson the hard way—just because your company is scaling doesn’t mean your people automatically will too.This really stuck with me......the same strengths that drive today’s success often become tomorrow’s roadblocks.He breaks out a 6-point professional development plan that’s as original as it is practical. It’s a must-hear for any leader who wants their team to keep up with the pace of change.You'll also discover:👉 The subtle early signs your team’s falling behind.👉 Why your best people may struggle to scale.👉 How to help high performers keep evolving.👉 What it really takes to lead when the speed (and growth) never slow down.If you think your team is “probably” ready for what’s next… this one’s for you.🎧 Episode’s live now.Because scaling isn’t about working harder. It’s about thinking smarter.-----Follow Sean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-larkin-nacd-dc-0517439/Learn more about OnLogic: https://www.onlogic.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Jul 20, 202540 min

Ep 393How Authenticity Earns You Instant Respect (CEO Ryan Stana, RWS Global)

He had the talent to chase Broadway fame. But he saw something even bigger.Instead of staying in the spotlight, Ryan Stana, CEO of RWS Global, decided to build an entire world behind the scenes—one that now creates over a MILLION unforgettable moments every single day:🚢 Cruise ships🎢 Theme parks🎭 Broadway🏟️ Stadiums🌍 Seven offices around the worldHe wasn’t in it for the credit. He was in it to change the game.And the way he did it? By staying true to who he was.“Follow your dream, and the respect will come.”That line stuck with me.This conversation is memorable for me, because it’s such a powerful reminder: you don’t have to prove yourself to everyone. You just have to build something that matters.In the episode, Ryan shares:• Why authenticity earns respect faster than ego.• How to scale creativity without losing your vision.• The power of listening to every voice at the table.• The framework that keeps 8,000+ creatives aligned.• And the bold decisions that shaped his entire journey.If you’ve ever wondered how to lead without chasing approval of your team, stakeholders and even your customers...this is worth a listen.-----Follow Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanstana/Learn more about RWS Global: https://www.rwsglobal.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Jul 5, 202535 min

Ep 392CEO of the #2 Coffee Chain in the World (Costa Coffe's Philippe Schaillee)

☕ Bold taste. Bold leadership.Leading a global coffee powerhouse is no small feat—especially when your brand ranks among the world’s most influential:🌎 Over 4,100 stores across 37 countries👥 More than 20,000 employees worldwide🥤 Thousands of innovative self-serve Costa Express machines🏆 #2 largest coffeehouse chain globally 🇬🇧 #1 coffee chain in the UK, with over 2,700 outlets and a 26% market share.🎙️ In my recent conversation with Philippe Schaillee, CEO of Costa Coffee, we explored:-How a single setback nearly ended his career—and why he now calls it his greatest gift-The surprising reason not all coffee companies are winning hearts (and what Costa does differently)-What happens when your boldest ideas come from the last place you expectIf you lead big teams or big brands, this episode is a masterclass in clarity, resilience, and influence.-----Follow Philippe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-schaillee-40196b1/Learn more about Costa Coffee - https://www.us.costacoffee.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Jun 30, 202536 min

Ep 391The Cirque du Soleil Comeback - Duncan Fisher, Chief Show Operatations Officer

Cirque du Soleil fell—then made a HUGE comeback that no one saw coming. Enter Duncan Fisher, Chief Show Operations Officer.One of the world’s most iconic entertainment brands.Gone.Zero revenue. 5,000+ employees let go.Bankrupt.But instead of folding, they reimagined everything.🔥 8 touring shows relaunched in just 18 months🔥 Empowered teams operating 24/7 across the globe🔥 Purpose-driven execution: entertain the worldDuncan Fisher led the charge—and his story is wild.This episode has it all:🎙️ A last-minute phone call from the U.S. Secret Service🎙️ A presidential speech that almost didn’t happen🎙️ 600 trucks packed and shipped across continents🎙️ And a leadership philosophy forged under circus tents, spotlights, and survivalWant a masterclass in operational grit and brand resurrection?🎧 Listen in.This one will change the way you lead.-----Follow Duncan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-fisher-0964863b/Book your next Cirque Du Soleil show: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Jun 25, 202552 min

Ep 390The Robot-Powered Future is Here - CEO Brain Corp, David Pinn

The Robot-Powered Future Is Here.When David Pinn, Brain Corp, stepped in as CEO —the company behind the world’s largest autonomous mobile robot fleet—he didn’t just scale innovation......he scaled belief.They've unleashed the power of 40,000 robots around the world...250 billion square feet cleaned and scanned $190 million raised.One big lesson?Change management and leadership is at the very foundation of effective technology.From Sam's club warehouse floors to NASA’s launchpads, BrainOS-powered robots are transforming how the world works today and tomorrow. You'll find out that their success has less to do with hardware and more to do with humans.Here’s what you’ll discover:- Why being too expert stifles innovation.- The game that always boost human and robot activity.- What will really drive ROI in the future.- Why curiosity—not code—is your most important leadership trait.This is a story that every innovator needs to hear.Listen to this if you lead people, work with tech, or just want to understand where the future is going (fast).-----Follow David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpinn/Learn more about Brain Corp: https://www.braincorp.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Jun 23, 202538 min

Ep 391"Make Skullcandy Win Again" - CEO Skullcandy Brian Garofalow

Skullcandy… he reimagined it.First week on the job at Skullcandy, Brian Garofalow scheduled a meeting called:“Teach Brian how headphones work.”Not a tech guy.Not an audio engineer.But a punk-rock marketer turned Silicon Valley founder turned private equity turnaround pro—And the new CEO of Skullcandy.What happened next?He did the unthinkable...🔥 Partnered with Bose—the supposed enemy.🔥 Reintroduced Skullcandy to the world with a surprise drop in NYC.🔥 Built a skate-ramp-in-the-office culture that people actually want to work in.🔥 Launched the best-reviewed product in years… in just 4 weeks.Oh—and he’s worn the same green sweater every day for 7 years to reduce decision fatigue.(Steve Jobs would be proud.)This episode is a masterclass in brand resurrection, strategic risk, and leadership that doesn't try to fit in.💬 What brand do you think is overdue for a Skullcandy-style comeback?-----Follow Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-garofalow-02b7bb2/Check out Skullcandy's latest new products: https://www.skullcandy.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Jun 14, 202543 min

Ep 390Chaos is Fuel - CEO of TekniPlex, Eldon Schaffer

“We eat chaos for breakfast.”That’s the mindset Eldon Schaffer, CEO of TekniPlex, instills across 9,000 employees in 13 countries.On his first day, they lost one of their top five customers.Instead of blaming or panicking, Eldon...rallied the team to innovate fast— launching a new product and outpacing the competition in just 150 days.Since then, they’ve doubled the business and led a sustainability revolution—one egg carton and coffee pod at a time.🧠 200 Materials Science Experts 🧃 Billions of packaging components🌎 Unseen, but everywhereHere’s what stood out:• “Failure is not fatal.”• “Comfort zone kills growth.”• “Strategy is who does what.”• “Diversity drives better decisions.”• “Own it. Fix it.”🎧 Hear the full story on Lead the Team—a masterclass in leadership under pressure, fast decision-making, and what it really means to get everyone rowing in the same direction.💬 What’s your favorite leadership mantra?-----Follow Eldon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eldonwschaffer/Learn more about TekniPlex: https://tekni-plex.com/en-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Jun 9, 202538 min

Ep 389Let’s Retire Retirement - Derek Coburn, Bestelling Author

What if everything you believed about retirement… was wrong?Discover vital insights from Derek Coburn—author, wealth advisor, entrepreneur, co-founder of CADRE, an exclusive “un-networking” community for top business leaders, and now of the bold new book, Let’s Retire Retirement.He challenges the outdated notion that your best years come after your career ends. Instead, he argues that meaning, purpose, and growth shouldn’t be delayed—they should be designed into your life now.We unpack:-Why traditional retirement is broken.-The dangers of waiting to live fully.-How to architect a life that blends success and significance.If you’ve ever thought “I’ll do that when I retire”… this episode will make you rethink everything.-----Check out Derek's incredible and timely book here: https://www.derekcoburn.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Jun 4, 202544 min

Ep 388"Failure Built Me" - COO Consoldated Communications/Fidium Fiber's - Gaurav Juneja

What if failure unlocks everything?COO Gaurav Juneja didn’t climb the ladder—he took the hard route no one wanted… and built the ladder himself.He failed early. He raised his hand for the toughest projects. He switched industries. He even coached squash at Harvard before becoming COO of a national fiber infrastructure company (Consolidated Communications/Fidium Fiber)🎧 Discover Gaurav's empowering ideas and strategies around:A “resume mindset” nearly held him back—and how he replaced it with a legacy mindset.The career move that didn’t work out… but built relationships that did.His mantra—“Stay calm in the eye of the storm”—guides how he leads under pressure.And why success isn’t about the title… it’s about leaving things better than you found them.Whether you’re leading a company or just trying to figure out your next move—this conversation is a blueprint for transforming uncertainty into growth.👇 What’s one lesson you learned from something not going your way?-----Follow Gaurav Juneja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaurav-juneja-30787733/Learn more about Fidium Fiiber: https://www.fidiumfiber.com/Learn more about Consolidated Communications: https://www.consolidated.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Jun 3, 202538 min

Ep 387Big Tuna Fights Back - Chicken of the Sea President, Andy Mecs

How do you revive a 100-year-old brand… without playing it safe?Andy Mecs, President of Chicken of the Sea, didn’t just inherit a legacy—he reshaped it.But not by chasing trends.Not by copying the competition.And definitely not by playing defense.Instead, he made a series of bold moves that most would’ve avoided—And in the process, turned a fading favorite into a rising force.In this episode, you’ll hear:The unexpected career moment that changed everythingHow he rebuilt trust—and a team—during the Great ResignationWhy zigging while others zag became his leadership edge🎧 What happened inside Chicken of the Sea is bigger than tuna.💬 What’s a time you bet on a harder path… and it paid off?-----Follow Andy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-mecs-b132486/Learn more about Chicken of the Sea: https://chickenofthesea.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

May 27, 202538 min

Ep 386Telling Doesn't Work - COO of Carolina Handling, Joe Perkins

Warehouse Unrest. 3 AM. T-shirt soaked in sweat. Alone.That’s where Joe Perkins, now COO of Carolina Handling, found himself early in his career —after pushing team productivity too far, too fast.💥 His team walked out.But instead of doubling down, Joe went back in—this time with humility.Together, they rewrote the rules. Built a new plan. And blew past the goals he thought were impossible.Joe went from player to coach, from telling to asking, and from forklift seller to logistics innovator.You’ll learn:🚫 Why “telling” doesn’t work🧠 How to get teams to own strategy💪 The 2 traits every employee needs🎯 Why goal-setting needs to evolve—or fail📬 And why his team now sends him postcards of their dreams“Pour into your people.”That’s Joe’s mantra—and after this conversation, you’ll never forget it.💬 What’s one lesson that changed the way you lead?-----Follow Joe on LinkedIn: Learn more about Carolina Handling: https://www.carolinahandling.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

May 22, 202551 min

Ep 385Leadership Flex - CEO, Kӧrber Business Area Supply Chain, Americas, Ananta Islam

Flex. Adapt. Win.That’s the playbook for Ananta Islam, CEO at Körber Supply Chain Americas, who’s scaling a global operation with one mission:Build teams that trust, strategies that empower, and a culture that moves at the speed of change.Here’s what stood out in our conversation:👉 Why leadership must flex across generations—even down to emojis👉 The underrated power of self-awareness (and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you)👉 Turning strategy into a daily practice, not a dusty PDF.👉 Every company needs to “Find Their A”—and what that really means.What’s one belief or behavior you had to flex to become a better leader?-----Follow Ananta on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ananta-islam-89580aaa/Lean more about Körber: Körber Group website: https://www.koerber.com/en/Körber Business Area Supply Chain: https://koerber-supplychain.com/Körber LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/k%C3%B6rber/Körber Business Area Supply Chain LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/koerber-supply-chain/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

May 19, 202531 min

Ep 384Lives Saved 📡 - ClearPath, Inc, President Nicole Robinson

Lifeline in a War Zone 📡Nicole Robinson, President of DataPath, shares the harrowing moment when her team’s satellite system—the world’s largest fleet of defense-certified terminals—helped civilians escape to safety.......in the middle of a war. ⚠️ This wasn’t luck. It was leadership.And for Nicole and her team, saving lives isn’t a one-time story—it’s the mission. Every.Single. Day.Imagine being stranded in the middle of a jungle. A desert. A ship at sea.No cell towers. No Wi-Fi.But the mission can’t wait—and lives are on the line.That’s where Nicole and her team come in—building invisible lifelines that deliver connection, hope, and survival.In this episode:✅ The satellite launch that changed everything.✅ How one employee’s awakening redefined impact.✅ Why real leadership starts by challenging culture.If you believe leadership is about more than metrics—if you believe purpose drives performance—this one’s for you.Have you ever lead in a crisis?🎙️ Check it out now on Lead the Team podcast, ranked in the top 2% globally-----Follow Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-robinson-a7a825b/Learn more about DataPath: https://datapath.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

May 15, 202533 min

Ep 383Chef Mike Lata - FIG and The Ordinary (James Beard Award-Winner)

🍴 CHEF’S FIRE.Talent gets you started.Obsession takes you further.But it’s fire and vision that forges a true chef.Mike Lata, James Beard Award-winning chef and founder of Charleston’s celebrated FIG and The Ordinary, didn’t just build restaurants —...he's built a legacy grounded in passion, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence.In this conversation, Mike shares what few ever see behind the plate:🔥 The brutal early years most don't survive.🔥 The moment he considered quitting — and what pushed him through.🔥 The deep personal standards that light every dish, every service, every dream.This isn’t just about food.It’s about craft.Vision.Heart.And the fire it takes to build something that lasts.-----Follow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikelataEat at his incredible restaurants:FIG - https://eatatfig.com/The Ordinary - https://eattheordinary.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

May 12, 20251h 9m

Ep 382Mission Within - President and CEO of Archrock, Brad Childers

Some leaders manage.Some leaders survive.A rare few — power the world.Brad Childers, President and CEO of Archrock, doesn’t just lead a company.He fuels the infrastructure that powers modern life — keeping energy flowing when the world needs it most.With over a decade as CEO and a 30-year career at the intersection of energy, innovation, and strategy, Brad has a deep conviction about the role energy plays in liberating humanity from darkness, cold, and toil — and a sharp eye for what’s next.In this conversation, Brad shares the real story behind leadership:⚡ How to relieve the hidden weight the leaders carry.⚡ The faith that keeps you moving.⚡ A step to win the Future.If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to lead when everything’s on the line — this episode will change how you see leadership — and the power behind the modern world.-----Follow Brad and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-childers-7363955/Learn More about Archrock: https://www.archrock.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

May 8, 202538 min

Ep 381Beat Giants - President of Accruent, Richard Leurig

💥 Ever felt like the underdog… and wondered if you could actually win?Richard Leurig, President of Accruent, built an entire career out of beating industry titans — with speed, clarity, and purpose.✅ Outlasted the mortgage meltdown✅ Scaled MoneyGram in a federal crisis✅ Built “The Better Everyday Way”In this bold episode, he shares how to lead through chaos, simplify to grow, and turn setbacks into superpowers.🎧 Listen now — and get the playbook for underdog victories.👇Question for you: When’s a time being the underdog actually gave you an edge?-----Follow RIchard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkleurig/Learn more about Accruent: https://www.accruent.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

May 5, 202532 min

Ep 380Rise Again - CEO of Experity, Dr. David Stern

What happens when a doctor, raised to save lives, suddenly finds himself in the high-stakes world of business with no playbook to guide him?Dr. David Stern, CEO of Experity, opens up about his journey from the fast-paced world of urgent care to leading a tech company that serves thousands of clinics across the country. But his isn’t just a story of business success—it’s a story of raw determination, personal growth, and leadership forged in the fires of crisis.Dr. Stern reflects on the pivotal moments that nearly broke him—like the federal investigation that threatened everything he built. How did he pull through the darkest times? What lessons did he learn as he transformed from a physician into the leader his company desperately needed?In this powerful conversation, Dr. Stern shares the advice he would give to his younger self, how he rewired his approach to leadership, and the humbling truth he discovered when everything seemed lost.This isn’t just about business—it’s about resilience, the courage to pivot, and the heart it takes to lead when the stakes are highest.-----Followed David on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/urgentcaredoc/Learn more about Experity - https://www.experityhealth.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

May 1, 202534 min

Ep 379The Hard Conversation - Ovik Health, President and EVP, Shri Parikh

The Hard ConversationWhat if your biggest leadership breakthrough, started with a brutally honest performance review?Well Shri Parikh, didn’t just turn around an underperforming team member—he changed that person’s life. And in return? That person incredibly mentored his teenage son through one of the most difficult chapters of his life. The result? A lifelong bond… and a leader reborn.Shri is the President and Executive Vice President of Ovik Health, a subsidiary of the legendary Milliken & Company—recognized for over 160 years of innovation and values-driven impact across the globe.He reveals how purpose, performance, and personal values come together to shape the kind of leader who builds trust that transcends the workplace.If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with more heart, more impact, and more legacy… then Shri's message is for you.Let's go!-----Follow Shri - www.linkedin.com/in/shri-parikh-a462244Learn more about Ovik Health and Milliken - https://www.milliken.com/en-us-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Apr 28, 202533 min

Ep 378Calm Crushes Choas - CEO of Odyssey Logistics, Hans Stig Moller

What if your biggest leadership advantage… was knowing when to say less?Today’s guest is Hans Stig Moller, CEO of Odyssey Logistics—a global logistics powerhouse that moves freight across 130 countries. But here’s the twist: Hans doesn’t lead with volume. He leads with calm. Curiosity. And radical humility.Raised in Denmark, shaped by gritty experience in the shipping yards, and guided by a deeply people-first mindset, Hans opens up about what it really takes to earn trust at scale—without burning out or losing yourself in the title.In this episode, you’ll hear how a moment behind the scenes in accounting forever changed how Hans views “leading by example”… how a career setback turned into an MBA on steroids… and why he believes listening—truly listening—is one of the most underrated executive skills.We also go deep on how he tracks his time like a venture investment, why he says AI is transforming logistics quarter by quarter, and how his Danish roots still shape every boardroom and town hall he steps into.If you’re leading a team, navigating growth, or just trying to become a more grounded, strategic version of yourself—this one will hit home.-----Follow Hans on LiinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-stig-moller/Learn more about Oddessy Logistics: https://odysseylogistics.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Apr 21, 202541 min

Ep 377Line in the Sand - COO Wedgewood, Stan Howell

Where do you draw the line as a leader?Stan Howell, a pharmaceutical powerhouse with 25+ years at giants like Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Novartis, shares a powerful message.He's now risen to the corner office as COO at Wedgewood holding true to his personal values and guiding principles.Wedgewood is the largest US veterinary compounding pharmacy, serving over 70,000 vets and one million animals yearly. He didn't have some grand plan; he chose to seize the opportunities and learned along the way. Stan's journey from a packaging line to leading global operations is packed with unexpected turns and powerful lessons in leadership, discipline, and the criticality of passion. Learn how he navigated massive industry shifts and why he believes authentic communication is the only communication that truly resonates. You'll also Discover-A Surprising Key to Accelerating Your Career -Why Motivation is Overrated in Leadership -An Unexpected Downside of Becoming Indispensable -How to Craft a Communication Strategy That Works -A Simple 3-Word Blueprint for True Leadership -----What are your non-negotiable principles in your career?-----Follow Stan on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-howell/Learn more about Wedgewood: https://www.wedgewood.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Apr 10, 202539 min

Ep 376Empathy Builds Empires - CEO of Accanto Health, Tom Britton

Powerful Healing ForceDr. Tom Britton, CEO of Accanto Health, shares how his personal experience with addiction and recovery has shaped his approach to leadership. He's powerfully leveraged it to build a thriving culture at Accanto Health, the parent company of the Emily Program and Gather Behavioral Health. They focus on treating those impacted by eating disorders and other behavioral heath challenges.You'll find how they effectively offer compassion and evidence-based care across a broad organization.He opens up about the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way, offering a powerful example of how leaders can turn personal struggles into sources of strength and inspiration.   You'll Also Discover:How to Overcome Challenges with ResilienceA Strategy for Building High-Performing TeamsWhy Leading with Empathy MattersA Step to Creating a Thriving CultureAn Unexpected Approach to Leadership Development-----Do you you think empathy is important for leaders?-----Follow Dr. Tom Britton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tom-britton-4021611a/Learn more about Accanto Health here: https://accanto.com/-----Connect with the Host, #1 bestselling author Ben FanningSpeaking and Training inquiresSubscribe to my Youtube channelLinkedInInstagramTwitter

Apr 7, 202532 min