The Leadership Shift Every Growing Company Faces with Rachel Wallis, CEO of Wallis Companies & Principal at The Sixth Level

Rachel Wallis is a second-generation business leader, former CEO of Wallis Companies, and founder of The Sixth Level, a leadership and culture consultancy. During her tenure, Wallis Companies grew into a multibillion-dollar enterprise with fuel distribution, convenience retail, and car wash operations across the Midwest. Rachel is also the first woman to serve as President of the Missouri Convenience Store Association and is the co-author of The Sixth Level, a book focused on building thriving, human-centered organizational cultures. Her career spans hands-on operational leadership, large-scale acquisitions, board governance, and now executive coaching and consulting.In this episode, Rachel and Raj explore leadership through the lens of culture, people, and long-term sustainability. Rachel shares insights on mental health and leadership, emphasizing the importance of seeking coaching and support just as one would medical care. The conversation dives deep into the convenience store industry, including data-driven decision-making, branding strategies, and the evolution of gas stations into experiential destinations—highlighted by the growth of Wally’s. Rachel also walks through the strategy and relationship-driven execution behind Wallis Companies’ most successful acquisition, her decision to step away as CEO, and the personal clarity that followed. The latter half of the episode focuses on The Sixth Level framework, its four core principles, and why modern organizations must adapt to what Rachel calls the “human potential era.” The episode closes with reflections on intentional leadership, presence, and integrating work and life with purpose.Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtutWebsite: https://www.sixthlevel.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-wallis-andreassonBook: The Sixth Level00:00 Introduction and Rachel’s background01:51 Childhood and the origin story of Wallis Companies06:31 Growing up in the business and early lessons at home09:23 How the business scaled and the industry shifted over time12:28 Leadership principles: humility, people, and relationships15:06 Organic growth vs acquisitions and pivotal early deals20:01 Real estate strategy and fuel distribution explained23:54 Rachel’s path inside the company and becoming a leader29:48 How Rachel learned: MBA, peer groups, coaches, consultants32:56 Mental health, coaching, and why leaders should seek support34:11 Data, promotions, and “secret sauce” in convenience retail36:36 Convenience stores as destinations and the evolution of the experience37:12 Wally’s: concept, differentiation, and expansion plans42:02 The 2016 acquisition: strategy, relationships, and execution49:03 Stepping away as CEO and transitioning to a new chapter53:12 The Sixth Level: the book, culture flywheel, and core principles01:03:24 Generational engagement, hybrid work, and the future of leadership01:07:18 Closing lesson: intentional leadership and being present01:10:11 Where to find Rachel and learn more about The Sixth LevelThis podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email [email protected] with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/#Leadership #Entrepreneurship#FamilyBusiness#BusinessGrowth#CompanyCulture#ExecutiveLeadership#WomenInBusiness