The 5 People Who Taught Dan Sitner Leadership, Faith, Love and How to Live Better

S05 EP04 Dan Sitner The 5 People Who Taught Dan Sitner Leadership, Faith, Love and How to Live Better   In this warm and deeply reflective episode of People Are Everything, Julia Duthie speaks with Dan Sitner from Portland, Oregon, about the five people and influences that have shaped his life, leadership, values and faith. From a funny early exchange about Portland geography and American weather, the conversation quickly opens into something much deeper: family, service, work ethic, kindness, spiritual belief and the simple but powerful question, “How can I be better?” Dan shares moving stories about his parents, grandparents, siblings, his wife, a formative boss called Keith, two influential company leaders, and his faith in Jesus Christ. Julia responds with genuine curiosity and emotion throughout, especially when Dan reflects on his mother’s extraordinary strength at the end of her life, his father’s quiet stoicism, and the idea that leadership is not about the leader — it is about helping others succeed.   Highlights Why Dan believes “people are everything” Portland, Oregon vs Portland, Maine — and Julia’s geography confusion The question that can transform relationships: “How can I be better?” Dan’s childhood in post-war America and the values that shaped him His mother’s courage, grace and “living funeral” His father’s quiet steadiness and one visible tear How Dan’s wife modelled kindness, service and selfless giving The mentor who saw potential in him before he saw it himself How leadership training changed an entire company culture Why faith became Dan’s moral compass The difference between managing people and helping people succeed Julia’s reflection on the podcast as a growing legacy of human stories   Dan Sitner’s 5 Most Influential People / Influences His family — parents, grandparents and siblings Dan credits his family with giving him love, stability, work ethic, faith, discipline and a deep understanding of how environment shapes a person. His wife His best friend of nearly 39 years, she has taught him selfless giving, kindness, service, love of nature and the importance of shared experiences. Keith — his former boss and mentor Keith believed in Dan, taught him how to run a business, introduced him to Japanese culture and helped open the door to Dan’s career path. The President and COO of his beverage distribution company These two leaders invested in Dan’s professional growth and modelled leadership that develops people, follows up properly and changes culture. His faith in Jesus Christ Dan describes faith as his moral compass, a source of peace, community, accountability and a guiding force in how he lives and leads. Hosted by Julia Duthie. Learn more about your host, get Julia's book here: https://loom.ly/DxZH3GU   Full episode available now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.   Watch or Listen on your favourite podcast platform: Youtube: https://loom.ly/nb-WD3Q Apple: https://loom.ly/EgwKsWk Spotify: https://loom.ly/GHo0lEo 📲 Follow us on socials: https://loom.ly/gJuJlLQ To find out more or contact Dan use the links below:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-sitner-8a264542/ https://www.clearpurposecoach.com/   Thank you, People Are Everything