When a Break Becomes a Breakthrough: From Sales to CEO at 10Hats

What this episode covers

What if one of the most painful moments in your life became the catalyst for your greatest professional breakthrough? In this episode of Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, Mike sits down with Brian Strong, CEO of 10Hats, to explore a leadership journey shaped by sales, startups, setbacks, and perspective. From selling railroad materials to telecom, founding and exiting a GovTech software company, and ultimately stepping into the CEO role at 10Hats, Brian shares how wearing many hats prepared him to lead with clarity and empathy. Brian opens up about the unexpected injury that forced him to slow down—and ultimately rethink his career path—leading to entrepreneurship and a successful software exit. The conversation dives into why startups are the ultimate leadership classroom, how sales builds the foundation for any executive role, and why aligning technology with real client needs requires trust, perspective, and genuine partnership. This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about titles or ladders—it’s about understanding people, solving real problems, and becoming the kind of leader you’d want to work for.

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