Clarity Under Pressure — Steve Stagner

In this episode of The Long Game, Josh Sparks sits down with Steve Stagner, Executive Chairman at Infinity Home Services and former CEO of Mattress Firm, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, growth, and what it takes to build something that lasts.Steve reflects on decades of experience leading companies through multiple growth cycles, economic downturns, and moments of real uncertainty. He shares how leadership must evolve as organizations scale, why clarity becomes more important than optimism in hard seasons, and how culture is built and protected over time.Josh and Steve discuss the shift from founder-led organizations to leader-led systems, the importance of trust and accountability, and why great leaders focus on stewardship rather than short-term wins. They also talk about transparency in difficult moments, learning through mistakes, and creating environments where people can grow and take ownership.This conversation is grounded in practical experience and long-term thinking. It’s about staying steady under pressure, simplifying what matters most, and making decisions today that will still hold up years from now.The Long Game is hosted by Josh Sparks, Founder and Chairman of Infinity Home Services. Each episode features real conversations with leaders focused on building strong teams, durable cultures, and businesses designed to endure.Subscribe for more episodes and conversations like this one.