Today, I’m joined by Randy Carr, and we're talking about Scaling a Small Business. Randy is the CEO of World Emblem, the largest Patch, Emblem, and Badge Producer in the world. World Emblem makes patches and emblems for industry leaders like New Era, Cintas, Vestis, Levi’s, RTIC, Perry Ellis, and many others. They have more than 1,200 dedicated employees worldwide and produce a million pieces a day in the US, Mexico, Canada, Europe, and Asia. I’m excited to have him on the show to talk about Scaling a Small Business.

Today, I’m joined by Eric Charran, and we're talking about Succeeding in a Dysfunctional Workplace. Eric is a visionary technology executive, author, and thought leader with over 25 years of experience in transforming global enterprises through digital innovations, data-driven strategies, and AI-driven solutions. Known for his ability to bridge the gap between business objectives and complex technology, Eric has spearheaded transformative initiatives at major organizations, including Microsoft and Capital One, where he served as Chief Architect. He is the author of a brand new book, Have You Ever Had a Boss That…: Succeeding in a Dysfunctional Workplace. In this book, Eric provides actionable strategies to help you cope and excel in even the most dysfunctional environments. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn more about Succeeding in a Dysfunctional Workplace.

Today, I’m joined by Simon Bailey, and we're discussing Resilience at Work. Simon is a researcher, advisor, speaker, and author. He is the world’s leading expert on the subject of brilliance. His groundbreaking research into resilience and brilliance led to his 11th book, Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future. With Disney Institute as his launchpad, he’s left an indelible mark on 2,400 organizations in 54 countries, including American Express, Deloitte, Visa, Signet Jewelers, and Taco Bell. He has also significantly impacted 120,000 professionals who’ve experienced his pioneering courses on the LinkedIn Learning platform. I’m excited to talk to him about Resilience at Work.

Today, I’m joined by John Dailey, and we're talking about Leading a Team of Tough Rugged Bastards. John spent over 20 years in the Marines, mostly in special operations. When the Twin Towers went down, Dailey was in Australia with his platoon. He knew immediately that things would never be the same. He was hand-picked to be a part of Detachment One (Det-1), the USMC’s newly formed special operations command in the early days of the War on Terror. He is the author of Tough Rugged Bastards, where he tells the story of the creation, training, and volatile 2004 Iraq deployment of Task Unit Raider that led to the creation of the Marine Forces Special Operations Command. I am excited to have him on the show to hear more about Leading a Team of Tough Rugged Bastards.

Today, Pam August joined me to talk about how to unlock the potential of your employees. Pam is a sought-after speaker, facilitator, coach, and cocreator with a strong foundation of lifelong learning. She guides organizations, teams, and leaders to unlock existing potential for transformational results. She was the director of culture activation at WestJet, one of Canada’s most admired corporate cultures. Today, she is a trusted partner for high-performance organizations around the world through her firm, Connecting Potential. With deep and diverse experience, she knows what it takes to uncover, align, and activate the best of what organizations already offer and what they can develop into. She is the author of Potential: How to Connect What’s Already There for Exponential Impact, and I’m excited to have her on the show to talk about how to Unlock the Potential of Your Employees.

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Carla Fowler, and we're discussing High Performance Leadership. Carla is an MD, PhD, and elite executive coach. For the last decade, she has been a secret weapon for scores of CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other senior leaders. Carla’s unique approach combines the latest research from performance science with timeless best practices to help top performers level up and achieve their goals. To be a high-performing leader, you need to understand performance science. I’m excited to have Carla here today to learn more about High Performance Leadership.

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Renee Moorefield and we're talking about Thriving Leadership. Renee is a visionary leader and innovator in the field of human-centered leadership. She is CEO and co-founder of Wisdom Works Group, a company that focuses on developing thriving leaders. Her company has worked with many Fortune 500 companies such as Coca-Cola, Barilla, Roche, Booz Allen, Google, Nike, Hyatt, and others. They use a science-based platform called Be Well Lead Well® to help certify and nurture change leaders in every region of the world. I’m excited to have her on the show to talk about Thriving Leadership.

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Philip Ovadia, and we're talking about how to Make Leadership Healthy Again. More than 3,000 heart surgeries taught Dr. Ovadia that good health comes from lifestyle and nutrition, not from surgery. He is now on a mission to help people avoid the operating table by giving them the tools and mindset to never need a heart surgeon. Dr. Ovadia works as an independent cardio-surgeon and runs Ovadia Heart Health, a telehealth practice that focuses on the prevention of heart disease. His latest book, Stay Off My Operating Table, shares the lifestyle principles to prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn more about how to Make Leadership Healthy Again.

Today, I’m joined by John Marvin, and we're discussing Leading with Influence. John is a visionary entrepreneur, acclaimed columnist, and influential leader dedicated to empowering others to unlock their full potential. He is President and CEO of Texas State Optical, where he has cultivated a thriving business network while spearheading initiatives in health and wellness consulting and eye care partnerships. John has spent years studying the transformative power of mindset and the “inner game” in achieving success. I’m excited to have him on the show to talk about leading with influence.

Today, I’m joined by Don Frericks, and we're talking about becoming the best boss ever. Don is a seasoned leadership development expert with over 25 years of experience transforming managers into extraordinary leaders. He is an inspirational executive coach, leadership team developer, facilitator, and executive advisor. Don is the author of Best Boss Ever: Rapidly Develop Yourself Into the Leader Everyone Wants to Follow. In this book, Don explores the critical role that leadership plays in shaping workplace culture, employee engagement, and organizational success. I’m excited to have him on the show to talk about becoming the best boss ever.

Today, I’m joined by Steven Gaffney, and we're discussing Creating Consistently High Achieving Teams. Steven is CEO of the Steven Gaffney Company and is the leading expert on creating Consistently High Achieving Teams(CHAT)®. He has helped leaders and teams from Fortune 500 companies, U.S. government, military organizations, and industry giants such as Amazon, Marriott, Lockheed Martin, and American Express. He is the author of Unconditional Power: Thriving in Any Situation, No Matter How Frustrating, Complex, or Unpredictable. This book provides practical methods for helping leaders tap into their inner power at a moment’s notice. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn more about Creating Consistently High Achieving Teams.

Today, I’m joined by Nick Shaw, and we're discussing how to be Fit For Success. Nick is the Founder and CEO of RP Strength, a multi-million dollar company that helps people achieve their health and fitness goals through evidence-based methods. Nick is an IFBB pro bodybuilder who bootstrapped his company from the ground up, rapidly turning it into a health tech brand with a lifetime revenue of over $100M. He has coached Olympians, Navy SEALs, UFC and CrossFit champions, and world record holders. He is the author of Fit For Success: Lessons On Achievement And Leading Your Best Life. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn how to be Fit For Success.

Today, I’m joined by Aneace Haddad, and we're discussing the topic of Discovering Your Leadership Superpowers. Aneace is a seasoned C-Suite Executive Coach and McKinsey Senior Advisor. He has a wealth of experience and expertise in executive leadership. With over 2,000 hours of certified coaching, impacting over 300 individual senior leaders, and aiding 100 top teams across 15 diverse industries globally, Aneace has become a trusted guide in steering executive teams to new heights. He is also an expert in how midlife challenges can lead to leadership growth and renewal. He is the author of Soaring Beyond Midlife: The Surprisingly Natural Emergence of Leadership Superpowers in Life’s Second Half. I'm excited to have him on the show to learn more about Discovering Your Leadership Superpowers.

Today, I’m joined by Lee Benson, and we're talking about Becoming a Value Creation Leader. Lee is a value creation expert with over 30 years of experience in the business world. He founded and led seven companies, including Able Aerospace, which he grew from two to 500 employees and 2,000 customers in 60 countries. He sold that business in 2016 for 9-figures. He is a two-time bestselling author of Your Most Important Number and Value Creation Kid. I’m excited to have him on the show to talk about Becoming a Value Creation Leader.

Today, I’m joined by Wendi Swanson, and we're discussing Human-Centered Leadership. Wendi is an internationally recognized strategic leadership consultant, facilitator, and program developer. For the last two decades, Wendi has worked with executive leaders to develop high-potential teams and organizational growth strategies. Through authenticity and intentionality, she encourages a human-centered approach to growth and redefines what it means to be a leader. Wendi gets to the root of what’s holding a team back by working directly with management and the frontline to create a model for change and growth at all levels of the organization. Wendi has delivered workshops across the globe for companies like Godiva Chocolate, Best Buy, Yankee Candle, Ashley Furniture, La-Z-Boy, and more. I’m excited to have her on the show to learn more about Human-Centered Leadership.

Today, I’m joined by Lindsay Tsang, and we are discussing the subject of Energizing Employees. Lindsay is the founder of Happy Hires, a company focused on transforming toxic work environments into places where people are energized and inspired by exceptional leadership. With a background as a trained therapist, Lindsay partners with CEOs and owner-operators of small to medium-sized enterprises to excel in leadership. He offers strategic planning, executive coaching, job benchmarking, and dynamic team workshops. Lindsay has a PhD in organizational psychology, specializing in leadership and positive psychology. He is also a certified executive coach through the Center for Executive Coaching. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn more about Energizing Employees.

Today, I’m joined by Cary Prejean, and we're discussing Mastering Financial Leadership. Cary is the President, CEO, and founder of Strategic Business Advisors, and brings over 35 years of expertise to growing businesses. He champions streamlined business practices, simplifying financial insights to just one hour a week for owners. With a degree in accounting and a CPA license, Cary provides real-time cash management dashboards and detailed monthly reports, fostering system-oriented operations. A strategic visionary in long-term planning, he’s guided countless businesses in personal growth, effectiveness, leadership, and team dynamics. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn about Mastering Financial Leadership.

Today, I’m joined by Alexa Chilcutt, and we're discussing Executive Presence. Alexa is the Faculty Lead for the Business Communication Certification Program and the Co-lead for the Academy for Women and Leadership at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School’s Executive Education Program. She is also an Executive Education faculty member for Texas Christian University, delivering leadership training and coaching to corporations and high-potential mid to senior-level leaders. Her professional background was in public relations and advertising. She is the author of several scientific journal articles on team leadership and impression management. She co-authors the book Engineered to Speak: Helping You Create and Deliver Engaging Technical Presentations. I’m excited to have her on the show to discuss Executive Presence.

Today, our guest is Bob Luddy, and we're discussing Educational Entrepreneurship. Bob is the founder of CaptiveAire, St. Thomas More Academy, Franklin Academy, Thales Academy, and Thales College, defines and discusses the "educational entrepreneur." He explains education's role in changing culture, the significance of finding the right people for leadership roles, and the value of persistence in building an organization. At the close of the episode, Bob explains why he wanted to found a college. Making entrepreneurs is, in one sense, impossible, but the conditions for entrepreneurship involve immersion in liberal education and vast experience in business. That's what Bob wants Thales College to be. This special episode with Bob Luddy was originally aired on the The Optimistic Curmudgeon podcast.

Today, I’m joined by Damon Lembi, and we are discussing Why Leadership Requires Lifelong Learning. Damon is a 2x bestselling author and host of The Learn-It-All Podcast. He is also CEO of Learnit – a live learning platform that has upskilled over 2 million people. From his baseball career, Damon brings an athlete’s perspective to leadership. Through his journey, he has gained invaluable insights into what helps organizations grow, how great leaders learn, and why learn-it-all companies outpace their competitors every time. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn more about Why Leadership Requires Lifelong Learning.

Today, I’m joined by Shay Brickhouse, and we're talking about becoming a Leader Worth Following. Shay heads up Landscaping Unlimited, a complete landscaping and hardscaping company based in Eastern NC. He took over this business in 2016 and has been leading in the trenches ever since. A good friend of mine, a former Navy veteran, worked for Shay and called him the best leader he has ever worked for (including his time in the service). I don’t hear that often, so I immediately contacted Shay to get him on the show to learn from his leadership journey and how he became a leader worth following.

Today, I’m joined by Jeremy Jenson, and we're talking about Scaling a $10 Million Business. Jeremy is the Founder & CEO of Encore Search Partners. He is an expert on The Entrepreneurial Operating System and prides himself on building Houston’s largest privately-held Executive Search firm. He is also a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global co-op of over 17,000 entrepreneurs worldwide. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn about Scaling a $10 Million Business.

Today, I’m joined by Elena Grotto and Felicia Joy. We're discussing How to Build an Unstoppable Workplace Culture. Elena is an adjunct professor of strategy at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, where she co-teaches culture as a competitive business advantage. Additionally, she is the executive vice president and group head of Edelman’s business transformation team, working in lockstep with senior decision-makers to stabilize the workforce during periods of significant change. Felicia also co-teaches culture as a competitive business advantage at the Booth School of Business. Additionally, she is the executive vice president of business transformation in Edelman’s corporate advisory practice and the Head of Behavioral Science. She has more than 15 years of experience in qualitative and quantitative research, behavior change strategy, transformation communications, crisis and reputation management, and brand development. Elena and Felicia are co-authors of the new book I Don’t Just Work Here: The New Purpose of Workplace Culture, where they help business leaders face the new realities of business culture. I’m excited to have them on the show to learn How to Build an Unstoppable Workplace Culture.

Today, I’m joined by Markus van Alphen, and we're talking about Becoming an Excellent Leader. Markus is a renowned leadership psychologist and author of more than 15 books in Dutch and English. His most recent books include The Excellent Leader and The More Excellent Leader. His company, The Excellent Organization, helps leaders and individuals worldwide increase workplace and personal relationship effectiveness to transform their environments and succeed. As a restorative practitioner, he is also called in to resolve incidents, initiate conflict resolution, and train others to implement the restorative approach. Markus developed the Observational Listening concept in 2014. I’m excited to have him on the show to discuss Becoming an Excellent Leader.

Today, I’m joined by Tyler Mount, and we're discussing Personal Branding for Business Leaders. Tyler is the founder and CEO of Henry Street Collective, an industry-leading branding and digital strategy agency. He is a celebrated digital strategist who has left an indelible mark on various industries, from Broadway to real estate. His unique marketing approach – focusing on personal brand versus traditional product marketing – has reshaped how businesses think about their brands. I’m excited to have him on the show to learn from his expertise in Personal Branding for Business Leaders.