Leadership Levers

What happens after the deal closes - when the business is no longer yours?In this episode of Leadership Levers, Mike Tracy, founder of Omni HRM, reflects on what comes next after leading and selling a business built over 30+ years.Unlike many founders who treat the exit as a finish line, Mike approached it differently - intentionally designing a multi-year transition to prepare for what came next.But even with planning, the reality of stepping away brought unexpected challenges.Mike shares:Why planning an “off-ramp” before the exit is critical The emotional challenge of watching new owners run your business differently Why relationships and networks don’t turn off after a sale What he missed most and still misses about leading a team How he re-engaged his time through mentoring, boards, and giving back Why purpose, health, and structure matter more than ever post-exit. For owners thinking or approaching a transition, this conversation is a reminder: the exit is not the end of leadership...it’s the beginning of a new chapter that requires just as much intention as building the business itself.We'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What happens when leadership capacity becomes the limiting factor in growth?In this episode of Leadership Levers, Logan Yanovac, CEO and co-founder of the Founder Readiness Institute, shares how gaps in leadership development — not strategy — are often the root cause of underperformance in both startups and middle-market companies. Drawing from a career in private equity, venture capital, and impact investing, Logan explains why most organizations fail to measure what matters most: a leader’s ability to manage complexity, pressure, and decision-making over time.As she built her own company, Logan encountered this challenge firsthand — realizing that even with strong networks and a clear vision, missing process and infrastructure can slow growth quickly.Logan walks through:Why leadership capacity — not strategy — often determines business outcomesHow early process gaps, especially in sales and lead generation, create growth constraintsThe importance of building systems before relying on networksWhy founders must recognize and act quickly on operational gapsHow stress and pressure test whether culture is real or theoreticalThe overlooked need for manager coaching — and why it’s a systemic issue across organizations. For leaders building and scaling organizations, this conversation is a reminder: performance challenges rarely start in the numbers — they start in leadership capacity, process discipline, and the ability to operate under pressure.We'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What causes performance to break down across an organization — even when you have good people in place?In this episode of Leadership Levers, Jon Dario, founder of Retail Management Formula and CEO of Edison Properties, shares how inconsistent execution across 250+ locations exposed a critical leadership gap: without clear standards, every team creates its own version of success.Drawing from decades of experience in retail and multi-location operations, John explains why culture starts with people — but performance depends on clarity.John walks through:Why people are the foundation, but process determines consistencyHow inconsistent execution creates volatility in results and engagementThe power of defining a clear “pyramid of standards” across the organizationWhy leadership teams must align on priorities before expecting executionHow daily routines reinforce culture and operational disciplineThe mindset shift from blaming people to guiding them toward success. For leaders managing growth, scale, or multi-location teams, this conversation is a reminder: performance doesn’t fail because people don’t care — it fails when leaders don’t define what success looks like.We'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What happens when you hire great people, but still don’t get great results?In this episode of Leadership Levers, Andrew Abraham, CEO and co-founder of Heybuddy, shares how early hiring mistakes forced him to confront a hard truth: talent doesn’t compensate for missing process.As a young founder building a customer-consciousness platform for CPG and e-commerce brands, Andrew initially believed people were the most critical lever. But after scaling too quickly without operational clarity, he realized something deeper — even star players fail without structure and clear leadership direction. Andrew walks through:Why process — not people — was the real bottleneck in early growthHow direct accountability starts with the leader, not the teamThe difference between hiring talent and aligning personnel to the missionWhy servant leadership creates cultural gravityHis belief that entrepreneurship is a deeply spiritual journey — and why leaders must listen to their hearts as much as their metrics. For leaders building in high-growth environments, this conversation is a reminder: sustainable performance isn’t built on charisma or hiring velocity — it’s built on clarity, alignment, and systems that allow great people to win.We'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What happens when a former Wall Street banker trades skyscrapers for a garage — and builds a mission-driven investment bank from scratch?In this episode of Leadership Levers, Matt Plooster, Founder & CEO of Bridgepoint Investment Banking, shares the remarkable journey that took him from billion-dollar transactions at Deutsche Bank to launching a boutique firm with a simple belief: people and culture aren’t just part of the business — they ARE the business.Matt’s story is anything but typical. A small-town Nebraskan who once walked on to play football at the University of Nebraska, he later found himself on Wall Street working on some of the largest private equity deals in the world. But purpose — not prestige — pulled him home.In this conversation, Matt opens up about the cultural principles that define Bridgepoint and how investing deeply in people has become his firm’s most important competitive edge.Matt walks through:Why culture is the only sustainable differentiator in high-performance service industriesThe leadership tension between scaling fast and protecting standardsWhy most people problems are really clarity and accountability problemsThe investment resources Bridgepoint makes in its people — from success coaches to supportive chaplainsHow mission, purpose, and trust strengthen both the work and the financial outcomesWhy gratitude and perspective matter more as the stakes get higher. For leaders navigating growth, hiring or culture drift, Matt’s story is a reminder that the real engine of performance isn’t strategy or capital — it’s people who believe in what they’re building together.We'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What happens when a leader avoids the hard people decisions—and everyone else quietly lowers their standards to match?In this episode of Leadership Levers, Mike Walrod, founder of Incite Business Strategies and longtime fractional integrator of EOS shares why accountability is one of the most powerful cultural signals a leader sends.With over 30 years in operations and executive roles, Mike has seen the same pattern across organizations - people issues ignored at the top become performance issues everywhere else.Through EOS’s “right person, right seat” framework, Mike helps leadership teams confront misalignment, rebuild trust, and reset expectations—often for the first time in years. And when leaders finally raise the bar, the culture responds almost immediately.Mike walks through:Why people issues must be fixed before processesHow one misaligned leader creates a ripple effect across culture and moraleWhy employees watch what leaders tolerate—not what they sayHow communication breakdowns fuel organizational driftWhy resetting standards begins with honest, direct conversations. Mike also shares how fractional integrators help teams rebuild trust, alignment, and clarity by reigniting honest conversations—often the first candid conversation the team has had in years.For leaders navigating team dysfunction, misalignment, or cultural stagnation, this episode is a reminder that accountability isn’t punitive—it's cultural stewardship. And culture changes the moment leaders decide to raise the bar again.We'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What happens when your culture functions like a power grid — and one small disconnect shuts down momentum across the organization?In this episode of Leadership Levers, Chip Higgins, founder of Bizzics and a former 40-year banker, explores why culture and process failures create more organizational heat, friction, and performance stalls than any financial constraint ever could.After decades advising owner-managed businesses, Chip noticed a pattern: companies rarely fail from lack of capital — they fail from lack of energy. Drawing from concepts in his book The Bizzics Way, Chip explains how culture acts as the “power grid” of an organization, conducting the energy needed for alignment, velocity, and execution.Chip walks through:Why culture acts as an energy system — not a slogan or morale boosterHow one small breakdown in communication or process can cripple momentumWhy systems fail when people aren’t included early in the designThe hidden “heat” created when automation solves compliance but undermines executionHow local ownership can transform process redesign into cultural strength rather than cultural erosion. For leaders navigating automation, growth, system rollouts, or operational change, Chip’s insights offer a simple idea: momentum requires energy — and energy only flows through a culture built for connection, clarity, and ownership.We'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What happens when empowered leadership goes unchecked - and everyone "starts running with scissors?"In this episode of Leadership Levers, Joshua Miller, Founder & Principal of Remarkable Foods, shares how his food service consulting work revealed a hidden leadership trap - giving too much freedom without clear frameworks.Joshua’s journey started with scrambled eggs at age eight and evolved into executive leadership in the food service industry. Today, he helps organizations turn chaos into clarity by building cultures where process and empowerment work together.A great real-world example - a client’s well-meaning efforts to empower leaders & managers led to confusion, overlapping innovations, and operational slowdown. Joshua stepped in to help realign, but there was a turning point - a discovery process that surfaced surprising insights through confidential, one-on-one interviews - showing that even in dysfunction, the team deeply respected their leaders, wanted to improve and drive growth. Joshua walks through:Why process - not people - was a real problem in this leadership challengeThe downside of innovation without alignment or structureHow linear thinking can be a leadership asset or a liabilityWhy psychological safety and clear feedback loops drive better outcomesHis reminder that leading others well starts with treating them how you'd want to be led. For leaders navigating complex teams or culture drift, this episode offers practical insight into how empowered leadership and intentional process can unlock performance.We'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What happens when rapid growth exposes cracks in your structure - and you decide to rebuild from the inside out?In this episode of Leadership Levers, Jimi Gibson, VP of Brand Communications at Thrive Agency, shares how his team preserved culture while scaling fast - and what marketing and magic have in common.Jimi's leadership journey spans from graphic designer to creative director to executive leader. Along the way, he’s stayed focused on what matters most: culture, communication, and connection. At Thrive, where industry turnover can reach 50%, his team maintains a voluntary turnover rate of just 5% - a direct result of intentional culture-building and leadership decisions.When a hierarchical structure started to crumble under the weight of growth, Jimi led the company through a major transformation, shifting to a matrix model. Their approach included an “alpha team,” a communications plan that invited team feedback, and a strong commitment to protecting trust and continuity.Why setting clear expectations - and setting realistic expectations about the difficulty of change - was essential to success.Jimi also breaks down his magic-to-marketing framework that taps into core human neurological responses - to drive better connection and communication.We cover:How Thrive maintained stability while transforming operationsWhy matrix teams helped restore trust and clarity internallyThe neuroscience behind compelling messaging—and what magicians know that marketers forgetHow clear expectations and structured pilots kept their culture strong during changeFor agency leaders, marketing executives or any team navigating growth and restructuring, this conversation is full of insight - and a reminder that the best culture strategies are the ones that stick when pressure hits.We'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What happens when leaders stop pretending and start leading with vulnerability?In this episode of Leadership Levers, Tucker Graves, CEO and co-founder of Pineapple Academy, shares how his content training company unexpectedly pivoted into the world of SaaS - and the leadership lessons that came with it.With roots in a multi-generational family business, Tucker brings a grounded perspective on culture, growth, and people. When faced with the challenge of running a company they weren’t fully equipped to lead, Tucker and his co-founder didn’t fake expertise - they asked for help. That simple act of vulnerability became a cultural foundation, transforming how they built the team and tackled growth.Tucker walks through:The real impact of process gaps when scaling a companyHow embracing vulnerability helped align their team and cultureWhy honesty builds trust faster than pretending to have all the answersThe performance formula that guides his decisions - investments come from growth, and growth comes from people.For leaders navigating unfamiliar terrain or high-impact growth, this episode is a reminder that admitting what you don’t know might be your greatest leadership strength.We'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Is bigger always better?In this episode of Leadership Levers, we sit down with David Mandel, Managing Partner at Emerging Ventures Capital, to explore how culture, capital, and leadership collide in high-growth environments.David shares his journey from aspiring AI researcher in the 1980s to serial entrepreneur and now venture investor - offering a rare, full-circle view of leadership evolution. Having built and exited four underwriting and finance businesses, he’s experienced firsthand how culture can make or break a company, no matter how strong the financials.His biggest lesson? “We allowed profits to come first.” David recounts a moment when rapid growth overwhelmed his team and degraded performance - serving as a cautionary tale for today’s “scale at all costs” startup mindset. The stress of tripling business volume without the capacity to support it became a cultural breaking point.Now, as a venture capitalist, he advises founders to be intentional - question growth goals, hire people who match your values, and focus on execution over ego. His cultural formula is simple—but often overlooked: “Hire the best people, let them do their job, and get out of their way!"Whether you’re scaling a startup or leading inside a mature organization, this episode challenges conventional thinking - and reminds us that sustainable growth starts with culture and people, not capital.We'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

The relationship between organizational culture and business success has never been more critical - or more complex. How can today’s leaders strengthen culture in ways that drive performance and connection, especially across remote and hybrid teams?In this Leadership Levers episode, we sit down with Charles Windsor, CEO of Oakwood Systems Group and TalentPort Inc, to unpack the connection between culture, performance, and leadership in professional services.Drawing on 40 years of consulting experience, Charles shares practical lessons on how culture evolves - and why it must be intentionally cultivated, especially in a hybrid world. He explains why culture isn’t just atmosphere - it’s the framework that gives people purpose, fuels innovation, and drives profit.The conversation takes an interesting turn as Charles details his approach to remote hiring, emphasizing that distributed employees must “put two feet into the business.” He shares the criteria his team uses to evaluate remote fit and how those cultural cues can make or break employee engagement.Charles shares his philosophy of hiring for attitude over aptitude, why he interviews every candidate, and how his company’s values - risk-taking, community, mindset, and humor - shape performance from the inside out.His message to leaders is clear - culture is a leadership responsibility, and communication is its most powerful tool. “How do you walk the floor digitally?” he asks. The answer, he argues, determines whether your team is simply working - or truly thriving.We'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What does it take to build a winning culture - on the court and in the office?Highlights CoveredWhy process and mindset matter more than resultsHow a “Pyramid of Success” model shaped team performance at KUThe hidden cost of one bad actor on a high-performing teamLeadership takeaway - be a star in your role, even if it’s behind the scenesMindset principle: Live life in the hills and valleys, not at the peaks or the bottom SummaryThis episode explores the parallels between elite athletics and business—showing how mindset, culture, and role clarity can determine the difference between mediocrity and momentum.Will Gladhart is joined by Chris Teahan, financial advisor at Merrill Wealth Management and former University of Kansas basketball player and NCAA national champion. Drawing from his time competing at the highest level of college athletics, Chris shares how the lessons of team culture, role clarity, and mindset resilience have shaped his approach to business and leadership.At Kansas, Chris and his teammates were taught to focus less on results and more on the “bottom half” of their Pyramid of Success - thinking right, acting right, and speaking right. That internal process, he explains, is where culture lives. Chris illustrates how one toxic influence can derail even the best team, using a memorable “ice cream analogy” shared by Coach Bill Self - one bad ingredient spoils the whole. The solution? Clear expectations, shared values, and alignment around a common goal.Today, in a demanding role where he regularly approaches high-net-worth individuals decades his senior, Chris reflects on the mindset that keeps him grounded - living in the hills and valleys instead of the highs or lows. For leaders and teammates alike, he emphasizes the power of owning your role, leading with intention, and staying even-keeled through both rejection and success.Connect with Chris on LinkedInWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What happens when you shift from a culture of “can’t” to a culture of “can”?Highlights CoveredHow a new leader used the first 90 days to map change across an entire organizationThe power of listening, documenting, and acting to build trust and momentumWhy transitioning from a mindset of “can’t” to “can” unlocks empowerment, innovation, and accountabilityReal-world example - a $150 sponsorship request turned into a catalyst for a cultural shift across the organizationLeadership takeaway- empowerment creates efficiency - and frees up leadership to leadSummaryThis episode explores how intentional leadership, rooted in listening and empowerment, can transform a team paralyzed by limitation into one fueled by possibility.Will Gladhart is joined by Jeff Huff, CEO & President of Krucial Rapid Response, a former for-profit, turned nonprofit focused on healthcare and disaster relief staffing. With a diverse background that includes time in the Navy, leadership roles at FedEx and Pensify, and entrepreneurial ventures at Restoration Emporium KC, Jeff shares how his varied experience shaped a leadership approach rooted in action, listening, and empowerment.When Jeff joined Krucial, the organization was stuck in a culture of “can’t.” Employees lacked decision-making power, departments operated without budgets, and innovation was stifled. In his first 90 days as the new leader - Jeff implemented a structured approach - what he calls his “9 D’s” - to identify strengths, gaps, and early wins. Through observation and intentionally connecting with staff at ever level, he helped the organization transition from a reactive mindset to a forward-looking culture where people felt equipped and trusted to lead.One turning point came when a team member hesitantly requested a $150 sponsorship for an event. Instead of denying it or micromanaging, Jeff empowered the team to own the decision, ushering in a broader shift toward autonomy, resource ownership, and accountability. That moment, he reflects, was symbolic of a much larger transformation.Jeff’s story is a case study in how intentional leadership - grounded in listening, structure, and trust - can rebuild a culture from the inside out. His advice to fellow leaders is simple but powerful - empower your people so you can lead with vision.Connect with Jeff on LinkedInWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Is your next level of growth a process problem or a people problem?Highlights CoveredHow a three-tier, national franchise model adds complexity to culture alignmentThe difference between handing out handbooks and living your missionWhy the right senior hire is often the real unlock for growthHow Covid forced consistent, system-wide communication and culture buy-inLeadership takeaway - most plateaus aren’t solved with how - they’re solved with who!SummaryThis episode offers practical insights on scaling culture, leading remotely, and making the people investments that matter most.Will Gladhart is joined by Adam Povlitz, CEO and President of Anago Cleaning Systems, a national commercial cleaning franchise with a unique three-tier model. With experience in both corporate finance and entrepreneurship, Adam shares how a shift from IBM analyst to franchise owner gave him the grounded leadership perspective he brings to the business today.Adam reflects on the challenges of leading culture across a multi-layered franchise system - corporate team, master franchisees, and unit-level operators - many of whom he rarely sees in person. Especially during Covid, Adam and his team built a cadence of twice-weekly, system-wide communication to create clarity, encourage feedback, and drive alignment in real time - not just once a year at an annual meeting.He also shares one of the most important lessons of his leadership journey - growth isn’t always about refining the process. Often, it’s about finding the right person to get the organization to the next level. For Adam, progress has almost always come down to a “who,” not a “how.”Connect with Adam on LinkedInWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What happens when the market isn’t the problem - but the messenger is? Highlights CoveredWhy product strategy often turns into culture therapyA case study - success metrics masked a deeper cultural breakdownHow fear of leadership can quietly derail executionLeadership takeaway: Start every meeting with “How are you doing today?”SummaryThis episode reveals how behind every market-facing issue - there may be a deeper cultural disconnect - and how the right questions can break the gridlock and unlock performance.Will Gladhart is joined by Eric Boromisa, Managing Partner at Numbers & Letters Advisory - whose strategic consulting work often uncovers more than just product misalignment - it reveals hidden cultural roadblocks.With years of experience helping companies develop an idea into reality, typically in tech, healthcare, wellness, corporate governance - he has a global leadership lens shaped by years of working in San Francisco and Berlin, Germany. Eric shares a compelling case study of an industry association that, despite thriving on paper, couldn’t execute basic marketing campaigns. The root issue? Fear and miscommunication. Through careful diagnosis, cross-functional collaboration, and CEO engagement, Eric helped the organization address the cultural friction that was stalling growth.This episode explores how leaders can treat organizational misalignment not just with strategy, but with empathy.  Eric offers one deceptively simple, but powerful practice - always start with the person. His advice reminds us that trust, not just process, is the foundation for performance.Connect with Eric on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What would you do if your organization faced a media firestorm, financial setbacks, and internal culture challenges—all at the same time?In this episode of Leadership Levers, Rich Schaus, Executive Director at Gospel Rescue Mission, shares his firsthand experience leading through crisis and rebuilding trust - both within his team and the broader community.Following a wave of public scrutiny from an embezzlement scandal and declining donations, Rich took a bold approach: radical transparency, direct engagement, and a commitment to culture-driven leadership.By addressing the crisis head-on - involving staff, donors, and board members in the solution process - his organization emerged stronger and more resilient. His unique approach not only resolved immediate concerns but also laid the foundation for a thriving, mission-driven culture.Rich’s story underscores the challenge of aligning an organization’s mission to the moment, expanding beyond basic staff needs to provide essential services like job training, mental health support, and addiction recovery, all aimed at empowering individuals toward stable living.With over two decades of leadership in the nonprofit sector, Rich offers invaluable insights for leaders navigating organizational change. Connect with Rich on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Would you like to discover the secrets behind fostering a thriving & engaged workplace culture? In this episode, we sit down with Brian Waldron, President & CEO of Dort Financial Credit Union, to discuss how leadership actions directly impact employee engagement, culture, and organizational performance.Brian shares his leadership journey - from starting as a teller in college to leading a $2.3 billion credit union - and his lessons on building a culture of empowerment, fostering leadership development, and aligning people, processes, and profits to drive long-term success.Tune in to hear actionable insights on:*The role of leadership in shaping employee engagement & retention*How cultural alignment impacts financial performance & customer experience*Strategies for empowering employees & creating internal growth opportunitiesWith over two decades of experience in the credit union industry, Brian discusses the importance of understanding diverse employee backgrounds to cultivate an inclusive culture. He also emphasizes the need to anticipate financial trends to safeguard a positive work environment, offering actionable strategies for leaders at any stage. This episode is a must-listen for leaders seeking to create a values-driven workplace where open dialogue, employee satisfaction, and cultural alignment drive performance and success.Connect with Brian on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Curious how fostering trust, alignment, and growth opportunities can help leaders tackle talent challenges in high-growth organizations?In this Leadership Levers Podcast episode, Jim Tolbert, CEO of Adelante Education Group, Chancellor of Universidad Santander USA & the Managing Director at PL3, shares his journey from investment banking to leading education-focused organizations. Drawing on his extensive experience, Jim emphasizes the critical role of culture in driving organizational performance and aligning teams around shared values.Jim highlights the challenges of attracting, retaining, and developing talent in high-growth environments, particularly in PortCo & people-centric industries. He explains how leaders must assess whether team members can grow alongside the organization and make tough decisions when they cannot.One of Jim's key strategies is fostering a visible and transparent leadership style. By regularly visiting locations, communicating directly with teams, and sharing clear organizational priorities, he continues to grow a culture of trust and alignment that boosts performance and morale.The conversation concludes with insights into PL3’s work, which brings analytics and data-driven approaches to evaluating leadership teams in private equity-backed companies. Jim shares how this innovative focus is addressing a critical gap in leadership selection and development, driving success in high-performing organizations.Connect with Jim on LILearn more about the Performance Leadership Learning Lab - PL3We'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

How do you create a culture that attracts top talent and inspires them to stay and thrive?In this Leadership Levers Podcast episode, Stephen Wills, CEO of Knoxville Pediatric Associates, explores the pivotal role of culture in overcoming organizational challenges and enhancing performance.Stephen shares his unique journey from journalism major to healthcare management, emphasizing how networking and adaptability shaped his career path. His leadership philosophy centers on learning from others, as demonstrated by his approach to transitioning into a role previously held for three decades by a predecessor.Stephen discusses challenges in recruiting and retaining talent in healthcare - particularly in the post-pandemic era. He shares how non-monetary incentives, like enhanced PTO and a strong 401(k) plan, help attract and retain staff, with word-of-mouth referrals playing a key role.As a relatively new CEO at KPA, Stephen highlights that he focused on listening to long-tenured employees to understand what works and what needs improvement - a collaborative approach that helped build trust and align leadership and teams with his vision.This episode highlights leadership adaptability, employee connectivity, and using culture as a strategic advantage - offering practical insights for addressing workforce challenges.Connect with Stephen on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Can being a 'business artist' spark improvisation and creativity to ignite innovation and transform how you lead and cultivate culture?In this episode of the Leadership Levers, we are joined by Adam Boggs, CEO of Meahana.io and author of The Business Artist, to discuss the intersection of culture, creativity, and organizational growth. Adam shares insights from his extensive experience consulting for major corporations like SAP, Google, and Salesforce - highlighting that people-related issues often account for 90% of organizational friction. He emphasizes that misalignments in values, communication breakdowns, and lack of trust can derail even the most well-conceived strategies. Transitioning to his role as a startup CEO, Adam discusses the necessity of redefining decision-making processes and workflows to foster agility and innovation - moving away from traditional corporate methodologies.Adam emphasizes that culture exists in every organization - whether intentional or not - and underscores the importance of inclusivity, shared values and resilience in building healthy workplaces. Reflecting on his book - The Business Artist - he advocates for embracing one's unique style and creativity in the business realm. He critiques the tendency to create "avatars of human beings and human performance," urging leaders to allow individual expression rather than enforcing rigid corporate scripts. He advocates for leaders to foster a balance between structure and improvisation, likening culture to jazz - dynamic, collaborative, and constantly evolving. He challenges leaders to focus on cultivating environments where creativity thrives, encouraging employees to adapt and contribute authentically.Adam closes by reminding leaders that culture is not static, but ever-changing, shaped by the people and ideas within an organization. By nurturing a culture of trust, adaptability and shared purpose - leaders can create workplaces that drive performance and innovation while celebrating the unique contributions of every team member.This episode explores how intentional culture-building, creative leadership, innovation, and dynamic collaboration can drive performance, align teams, and empower organizations to thrive when addressing rapid change.Connect with Adam on LIGet Adam's Book - The Business Artist: A Human Approach to Sales, Storytelling, and Creativity in a Data-Driven WorldWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Is your organization prepared to turn a crisis into an opportunity while protecting its reputation and driving performance?In this episode of the Leadership Levers, we sit down with Stephanie Craig, President of Kith.co, to explore the critical importance of crisis preparation and reputation management for organizations. Stephanie shares her unique background, from growing up in Canada’s Arctic to working in both US and Canadian politics - how these experiences shaped her ability to navigate high-pressure situations and help leaders do the same! Stephanie emphasizes that a strong organizational culture and open communication are key to mitigating crises. She shares how leadership teams that prioritize collaboration, avoid information silos, and align on shared values are better equipped to respond to challenges swiftly and strategically. She highlights the direct link between crisis preparation and organizational reputation - noting that reputation often accounts for a significant portion of a company’s value.Through real-world examples, Stephanie illustrates how clear communication and proactive planning can turn a potential crisis into a positive outcome, as seen with a government contractor’s payroll issue. Conversely, she shares how miscommunication between departments, such as in the Disney arbitration case, can lead to reputational damage.Stephanie concludes with actionable advice for corporate leaders and private equity professionals - treat crisis preparation as a necessity, not an option. She encourages leaders to invest in processes and protections that safeguard their organization’s reputation, fostering resilience and long-term success.Connect with Stephanie on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Want to strengthen workplace culture and organizational performance by developing active listening skills, building shared intelligence, and improving intentional communication?In this episode of the Leadership Levers, we are joined by Brant Lingle, Process and Strategic Consultant at Scott Hackman Ventures, to explore the intersection of leadership, culture, and performance. Brant shares his passion for simplifying leaders’ lives by focusing on people-centric strategies, leadership development, and fostering emotional intelligence within organizations.Brant emphasizes the critical role of a healthy workplace culture in retaining top talent, enhancing productivity, and driving profitability. Drawing from his experiences as a consultant and leader, he highlights how addressing process and communication gaps can significantly improve organizational outcomes. By practicing what they preach, his team uses tools and assessments to identify and address internal gaps, showcasing how thoughtful strategies can transform workplace dynamics.A key takeaway from Brant’s interview is the power of active listening as a leadership skill. He illustrates how active listening fosters trust, collaboration, and engagement within teams - turning toxic environments into productive and supportive spaces. By valuing shared intelligence and creating a culture of inclusivity, leaders can build environments where employees thrive and contribute meaningfully to organizational goals.Brant concludes with a powerful reminder that leaders’ words and actions shape culture. He urges leaders to be mindful of the messages they convey through their communication and behaviors, reinforcing the importance of intentionality in cultivating a thriving workplace. This episode offers actionable insights for leaders seeking to strengthen culture, improve performance, and drive sustainable growth.Connect with Brant on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What if nonprofits could break free from traditional constraints to achieve greater impact through visionary leadership and a strong performance-driven culture?In this episode, Nicole Lawson, CEO and President of Orchards Children's Services, shares her journey of leading an organization that serves over 8,500 children with the support of a dedicated 350-member team. With a background in behavioral healthcare, Nicole brings a unique perspective to nonprofit leadership - challenging outdated norms and redefining what success looks like in this sector.Nicole dives into the importance of fostering a resilient organizational culture, emphasizing the connection between internal dynamics, external perceptions, and mission fulfillment. She candidly discusses the need for competitive wages in nonprofits and highlights how balancing people, processes, and profit can sustain long-term success. Her innovative strategies show how reinvesting in staff and building a culture of positivity and accountability can drive meaningful change.Tune in to learn how Nicole's visionary approach is reshaping the nonprofit narrative and inspiring leaders across sectors to rethink what’s possible.Connect with Nicole on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Can lessons from a family business and EOS principles transform your leadership and drive organizational performance?In this episode of Leadership Levers, Kyle Danner, CEO of Kyle Danner Consulting and a Professional EOS Implementer, shares his journey from managing the complexities of a family business to guiding organizations in building thriving cultures. Drawing from his personal experience in the family business & succession planning sector, Kyle explores how family business dynamics shape leadership strategies and organizational success.Kyle highlights the importance of aligning leadership teams with a clear vision and fostering open communication to overcome challenges and drive success. His practical advice, rooted in real-world examples, is valuable for leaders across multiple industries.This episode reveals how intentional culture-building lays the foundation for sustained growth. Kyle’s insights offer actionable lessons for creating cohesive, high-performing teams.Connect with Kyle on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Can a strongly aligned culture and focused financial performance drive sustainable growth at your organization? In this episode of Leadership Levers, we explore this with Lindsay Guzowski, CEO and founder of The Crucible.Lindsay highlights her journey from private equity deal-making to developing a leadership assessment tool tailored for the Private Equity (PE) sector, drawing on her background in quantitative sociology. Her data-driven approach clarifies leadership strengths and gaps, meeting a crucial need in performance evaluation for PE-backed companies.Lindsay shares the challenges of balancing cultural values with financial and performance goals at her company - where fostering curiosity, precision, and innovation can sometimes compete with the demands of a growing business. She spotlights how her team navigates a 'double-edged sword' of prioritizing culture and research initiatives without sacrificing financial results by aligning their values with strategic objectives.With practical advice and real-world examples, Lindsay emphasizes the power of intentional culture-building as a foundation for profitable, high-performing businesses. Tune in to learn how proactive, balanced culture-building can drive organizational performance and financial success in a competitive landscape.Connect with Lindsay on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Curious how a +25-year banking veteran turned personal homeowner frustrations into a thriving business —  and why she believes a strong company culture is the key to success?Discover the remarkable journey of Diane Carney, Founder & CEO of FI Home Services Inc - who transitioned from a 25-year banking career to the role of successful entrepreneur & leader!  You'll hear how her struggles with home maintenance inspired her to build a company dedicated to helping others maintain their homes efficiently - so they could enjoy their home. Diane shares invaluable insights on creating a healthy organizational culture, explaining how happy employees lead to greater productivity and enhanced client engagement & satisfaction. Through an engaging anecdote about hiring a salesperson, Diane highlights the necessity of aligning job roles with the company's mission, ensuring that processes serve the organization's vision rather than becoming task-oriented routines.As we converse, Diane offers crucial advice for aspiring C-suite leaders and CEOs, emphasizing the power of seeking collaboration and support. By involving others and fostering a sense of ownership, leaders can drive their business toward success and profitability. Diane passionately argues that overcoming the fear of not having all the answers and embracing teamwork can lead to more effective leadership. Tune in to uncover Diane's roadmap for building a thriving company culture and effective leadership strategies that promise growth and success.Connect with Diane on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Have you wondered how morale & alignment can be the bedrock of combat effectiveness and business success? Join us as we explore the power of transformative leadership with Retired US Navy Captain Rick Hoffman, CEO of Orion Solutions LLC. Drawing from his remarkable career in both the military and business worlds, Captain Rick shares invaluable lessons on building resilient, mission-driven teams.Captain Rick recounts his experience revitalizing the USS Way City into a combat-ready force after 9/11, translating those lessons to his work with executives to elevate alignment and efficiency in today’s business landscape. His approach offers a roadmap to cultivating a culture rooted in trust, transparency, and strategic focus.In this conversation, we delve into the balance between leadership and management, emphasizing creating unified, strategically aligned teams. Captain Rick speaks candidly on today's business challenges - advocating for a culture that supports merit-based and purpose-driven work environments. His stories highlight the power of enduring relationships and teamwork, illustrating how clear communication and prioritized goals can drive success in both naval and corporate environments. Don’t miss these actionable insights from a leader who’s mastered the art of aligning teams for peak performance.Connect with Rick on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What if merging two competing organization's divisions could lead to remarkable growth, employee alignment, and financial success? In this episode, Thomas Fondren, CEO of Advanced Orthopedics of Oklahoma, shares his journey - unifying a recently merged organization and leaning into a a patient-first approach. He discusses the importance of a cohesive culture, aligning communication across the team, and bridging gaps between different business units to drive growth and success - highlighting the transformative power of consistent leadership and clear, shared values.Whether you're a leader looking to strengthen your organizational culture or just curious about effective leadership strategies, this episode offers invaluable insights that you won't want to miss.Connect with Thomas on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Can real-world experience and intentional culture transform your leadership approach and drive sustainable success? In this episode, Justin Clarke, Founder & CEO of F-Staff On Demand, shares his journey from a 19-year-old entrepreneur to leading a successful staffing agency for commercial truck drivers. He shares his candid reflections on why real-world experience trumps academic theory - inspiration for budding entrepreneurs to take bold steps.Justin highlights the vital importance of building an intentional culture, making thoughtful hiring decisions, and actively listening and engaging with employees. He shares how infusing fun into the workplace keeps teams motivated and aligned, unlocking the limitless potential of people when they are nurtured and empowered.Whether you're navigating the complexities of people, process, or profits, Justin's wisdom on prioritizing people will resonate with leaders striving for long-term prosperity. Don't miss this episode packed with actionable insights and transformative ideas from a seasoned CEO who’s been in the trenches.Connect with Justin on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Are you leading with the power of 'Listen, Learn, Lead' or are you missing the keys to unlocking your employees' true performance potential?In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Polanin, CEO of Alaka'i Leadership Group and retired Navy Captain, reveals how the 'L3 Principle - Listen, Learn, Lead - can transform leadership and drive meaningful cultural change in any organization.With 30+ years in the US Navy, specializing in explosive ordnance disposal, Joe brings a wealth of experience leading teams in high-stakes situations. He shares how these intense military experiences honed his understanding of team dynamics and leadership - which he now applies to help organizations achieve their strategic & financial goals.You'll gain actionable insights into addressing significant challenges of organizational change - from aligning vision and strategy to inspiring your workforce. Tune in for a compelling discussion that promises to equip you with the tools to foster a cohesive, motivated team and accelerate your organizational vision. Connect with Joe on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Ready to harness the power of culture to turn your organization into a high-performing team & an unstoppable force for success?In this episode, David Anderson, CEO & Founder of DWA Leadership, shares his journey from government roles to entrepreneurship and executive leadership. David emphasizes the critical role of building high-performing teams and fostering a healthy, evolving culture to drive business success. He discusses the importance of intentional culture - how leaders need to adapt as their companies grow, and the challenges of managing people, processes, and profits to maximize potential.He highlights the disconnect that exists between leadership’s perception of culture and the reality experienced by employees, stressing the need for constant communication and feedback.He dives into the challenges and opportunities of managing a multi-generational workforce, revealing how leadership is like chemistry - requiring constant adjustments for optimal team dynamics and sustained growth.David also notes the value of psychological safety, servant leadership, and the benefits of empowering influencers within the organization to shape and sustain a winning culture.Get ready to explore the intricacies of evolving roles within organizations and why clear, consistent communication from leaders is crucial. David's practical advice and strategies serve as a reminder of the impact culture has on cultivating performance, growth, and overall success.Connect with David on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Ready to discover how firefighting lessons from the frontlines can transform your leadership and build a culture of trust, preparedness, and high performance?In this episode, Nick Bonstell, President & CEO of Miss Dig 811, shares his journey from career firefighter to leading Michigan's excavation safety one-call system. His transition from being a firefighter to executive leadership taught him the critical value of prevention over reaction. In emergency services, success often comes from proactive measures that prevent crises before they happen - a lesson he carries into his current role at MissDig811. He emphasizes that his experience in the fire service instilled in him the importance of trust, servant leadership and creating a strong, mission-driven culture - principles that he now applies to leading organizations in both public and private sectors."If you can actively create an environment of psychological safety, where people feel safe to voice their concerns and try new things, you’re not just building a team - you’re creating a culture that drives innovation, engagement, and ultimately, success."Nick discusses the challenges of organizational change, especially in aligning people and processes, and shares actionable insights on how leaders can empower their teams by fostering an environment where everyone feels safe to speak up, make decisions, and contribute to the organization’s mission. Join us for an enriching conversation packed with practical lessons for leaders across all sectors, designed to inspire and elevate your leadership game.Connect with Nick on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Is your culture iceberg melting - and no one sees it but you?Join us with Burt Rosen, CEO and founder of Hold On to Hope, as he shares his insights on rebuilding organizational culture and improving employee performance.Drawing from his transformative work at Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries (KARM), Burt reveals the powerful link between a healthy work environment and mission success. He tackled financial and cultural crises head-on, inspired by leaders like Tom Pratt, to create a space where employees felt safe, heard, and valued. Walking around the organization, listening to staff needs, and asking questions helped Burt identify the challenges of cultural rot and lack of staff performance - created from a culture of fear and inaction - discovering he had to meet the challenges head-on and take dramatic steps. Discover the performance impact of his "Iceberg Dialogues" strategy - developed from Our Iceberg is Melting by John Kotter - and the crucial role of core leadership in steering and driving positive change. Inspired by Patrick Lencioni's Death by Meeting, Burt highlights the urgency of cultural transformation, prioritizing values, and making tough decisions for the greater good - which drives down into who is being served, customer satisfaction, and talent retention/ attraction. This episode is packed with actionable strategies for continuous cultural assessment and reinforcement, including a discussion of "necessary endings" to create a thriving workplace. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises practical tools for leading and sustaining cultural change in your organization.Connect with Burt on LIHold on To Hope Website & Support ResourcesWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

How do you transform an organization's culture to create a thriving environment that energizes employees, attracts future leaders, and advances the organization's mission?Lidia Soto-Harmon, the President/ CEO of the Student Conservation Association (SCA), joins us to share her insights and experiences. Growing up in Central and South America and leading the largest Girl Scout Council in the U.S., Lidia offers a wealth of diverse knowledge on leadership strategies for connecting with and building impactful experiences for youthDive into Lidia's journey as the new SCA leader and learn how the SCA is engaging young people in hands-on conservation efforts nationwide, collaborating with key partners like the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. Lidia discusses the crucial role of trust and a learning mindset in building a healthy workplace culture. She explores the challenges of driving cultural change with a 200+ remote team, emphasizing that culture is a lived experience for leaders, not just words.Lidia's firsthand experiences highlight the transformational impact of engaging youth in conservation and the power of action-based leadership. Join us for an enlightening discussion on leadership, cultural transformation, and the vital role youth plays in preserving public spaces for future generations.Connect with Lidia on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What if you could lead with purpose and create a thriving community at your company? Join us as we sit down with Mark Mears, founder and Chief Growth Officer of LEAF Growth Ventures. With 35+ years of experience, Mark shares his vision for transforming organizational culture into a true community.Episode HighlightsPurpose-Driven LeadershipLeaders can align their purpose with the organization's mission to inspire and motivate employeesPurpose-driven leadership leads to higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction.Creating Meaningful Work EnvironmentsOrganizations can focus on creating environments where employees find meaning in their workMeaningful work contributes to overall job satisfaction and higher productivity.Aligning Personal and Organizational PurposeLeaders must understand their own purpose and how it aligns with the organizational goalsThis alignment helps in creating a cohesive and motivated team.Strategies for Fostering a Culture of PurposeEncourage open communication and transparency within the organizationProvide opportunities for employees to connect their work to the larger organizational missionRecognize and celebrate achievements that align with the organizational purpose.Impact on PerformanceHistorically - purpose-driven organizations tend to perform better financially and have lower employee turnover ratesEmployees who feel connected to the organization's purpose go above and beyond in their assigned roles.Leadership DevelopmentInvesting in leadership development programs that focus on purpose can yield significant benefitsLeaders who understand and embody the organization's purpose can effectively guide and inspire their teams.Mark’s ExperiencesMark shares anecdotes from his career where purpose-driven leadership made a tangible difference in organizational outcomes.He highlights the role of continuous learning and adaptation in maintaining a purpose-driven approach.Tune in to learn how to create a nurturing environment and community of culture where every team member can flourish.Connect with Mark on LIBook - The Purposeful Growth Revolution: 4 Ways to Grow from Leader to Legacy BuilderPurposeful Growth Revolution AssessmentWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Is your organization merely surviving OR growing and thriving?  Join us on this episode where you'll discover opportunities to master workplace culture and identify your 'immutable values' with our guest, Shawn Kincaid, President/ Founder of Aspire Business Development. With two+ decades of experience driving business growth, Shawn takes us through his journey from the high-paced corridors of Accenture and Sprint PCS to leaving corporate to build his own successful company. He highlights the pivotal role culture plays in employee engagement and overall company financial performance. Sean shares insights from his personal experiences, explaining why engaged employees are more productive and contribute significantly to performance & organizational growth. An avid reader, Shawn shares his thoughts on excerpts from Mike Michalowicz's  The Pumpkin Plan - which introduces the concept of 'immutable laws' as a leader's core values. These are principles so essential that violating them means letting go of the person - be it an employee, client, customer or vendor. To identify these laws, Shawn suggests leaders observe and jot down emotions - note what triggers anger or happiness and track those reactions over a few months to see patterns and crystallize their own 'immutable laws.' Tune in to gain several strategies for fostering a positive workplace culture that not only retains talent but also drives financial performance - critical elements for building a strong & healthy company culture. Connect with Shawn on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

What does it take to cultivate a thriving workplace culture and identify team members' strengths that help the company excel? Join us on this episode of Leadership Levers as we chat with Marc Shaffer, CFO of Searcy Financial Services. With years of experience building & driving organizational and financial success, Marc shares his journey and the transformative impact of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. Drawing inspiration from their company's use of the StregnthFinder Behavioural Index, Marc discusses how aligning individual talents with company goals can lead to a more engaged and productive team. He recounts a successful cultural shift at Searcy, emphasizing the importance of understanding employees' adaptability and helping them find their 'right fit.'  Marc offers actionable insights and practical advice on overcoming challenges leaders often face during cultural change or fast company growth. If you're committed to strengthening your workplace culture, this conversation delivers strategies and real-world examples that can help you take action! Tune in for a deep dive into building a healthy and thriving work environment from a seasoned leader.Connect with Marc on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Ever wonder how the pulse and energy of a company's culture can make or break its success? Sarah Martin, CEO/ Founder of Epic Events, joins us to unravel the the challenges behind creating her company's thriving, energetic and culture-centric environment. Sarah orchestrates a symphony of positivity, possibility, and productivity - sharing her compelling journey through the unpredictable terrains of entrepreneurship - and the challenges of retooling an events-centric organization in the midst of 2020! We don't just talk about creating awe-inspiring events on a budget - we're uncovering how to unlock the power of a workplace culture that attracts talent and clients who crave an epic experience. For leaders seeking to navigate the choppy waters of team alignment and cultural cohesion - listen as we trade insights on the delicate art of mentoring, the bold moves needed to maintain harmony, and the subtle yet profound impact a leader's demeanor and actions can imprint on their workforce. Sarah doesn't just lead a company; she steers a community, empowered by shared values and a vision that turns every challenge into a stepping stone. If transforming your organization's culture is your quest, consider this your roadmap.Connect with Sarah on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

If you make people visible, they will make your culture valuable! Our guest is Billy Ray Taylor, CEO of LinkedXL and author of The Winning Link. He joins us to chat about how the physical presence and actions of the leader outweigh material gifts or billboard slogans in establishing meaningful connections with any workforce. In his journey from the factory floor to the executive suite then business owner, Billy Ray discovered critical culture tenants built on helping all employees feel a strong sense of belonging, commitment to the company, and job accountability/ ownership - all elements of a healthy culture!  Billy Ray discusses his experience as a young leader when he struggled to implement cultural change -  attempting to make changes "to the people, not with the people." He learned quickly that providing the reasons for change with structure, clarity, specificity, next steps and continuously requesting feedback from staff - changes occurred "with people;" employees felt empowered to help facilitate critical next steps.    Tune in to discover the secrets behind creating a workplace where employees don't just show up — they belong and help implement change. Connect with Billy Ray on LinkedInBook on Amazon: The Winning Link -A Proven Process to Define, Align, and Execute Strategy at Every LevelWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Are you struggling to develop or align company culture in a high-growth, M&A or VC-backed business environment? Jim Tolbert, CEO of Adelante Education Group joins us to provide his thoughts on how to drive employee motivation, build trust, deliver customer service success, and laser-focus decision-making across any business landscape. From Wharton School of Business to Morgan Stanley M&A to McKinsey & Company, then entrepreneurial ventures in post-secondary, for-profit education — Jim has key advice for leaders to help them unpack the complexities of nurturing a culture that empowers employees to excel in high-growth and rapidly changing environments. Jim shares the challenges faced while steering a rapidly growing organization, emphasizing the delicate balance between expansion and maintaining the company's core values. We also explore what strategies helped Jim cultivate a motivated team to ensure integrity remained at the heart of his culture - even in the most challenging scenarios.He provides crucial lessons for venture capitalists, angel investors, CEOs, and any high-stakes leaders entrusted with delivering ROI on organizational performance, retaining talent, and boosting bottom-line revenue.   This episode is for leaders seeking to foster a robust, employee-centered culture that stands the test of time and delivers growth.Connect with Jim on LinkedInWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Are you concerned that removing a top performer, despite their disruption to your company culture may negatively impact your bottom line? The outcome may surprise you! Discover the core principles of developing a strong company culture with Tom Ragen, CEO of Color Communications. Tom shares his views on developing the building blocks of a positive company culture, emphasizing the necessity of communication, continuous learning, and well-structured reward systems. Tom shares a critical leadership lesson - leading by example and valuing cultural fit over individual performance. Exiting a top performer who was assigned to a top revenue-generating customer was a difficult move - several years later, the company is reaping the reward of that leadership decision with stronger sales, enhanced employee performance and improved staff collaboration.  This episode with Tom is a testament to how the actions and behavior of a leader resonate throughout an entire organization and team. We touch on a few culture strategies that leaders can immediately take action on, such as nurturing teams toward resilience and collective success. You don't want to miss this critical conversation. Connect with Tom on LinkedInWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Ever wonder how external and internal business forces shape an organization's culture and affect its bottom-line success?  We sit down with Craig Mason, CEO of Raise Health, as we delve deep into a handful of workplace culture challenges. With his extensive experience spanning over a decade and a half in the health tech landscape, Craig offers valuable insights into why fostering a healthy culture is critical and that a thriving culture serves as the key to employee fulfillment and connectivity, boosting the long-term success and sustainability of the organization. Craig shares how external factors, such as market trends, industry regulations, and societal norms, constantly exert pressure and influence on an organization. Meanwhile, internal dynamics, including leadership style, employee behaviors, and organizational structure, shape how these external forces are interpreted and responded to within the company. A leader's understanding of this intricate dance can prove invaluable to strengthening and evolving an organization's culture.Craig recounts the trials of steering cultural shifts, especially after a visionary founder's passing—when the organization's identity is most vulnerable. He walks us through overcoming resistance to change and recognizing the distinct microcultures that thrive within a company. For leaders and change-makers seeking pathways through similar terrain, Craig's experience serves as a guide, emphasizing the power of strategic communication and  clarity of the company's core mission. Join us in discussing strategies to cultivate a workplace where people don't just work—they thrive.Connect with Craig on LinkedInWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Tired of being on the Leadership Training hamster wheel - constantly throwing dollars at Learning & Development and not getting an ROI on Culture? Seeking a fresh approach?In this conversation with Cynthia Kyriazis, The Culture Think Tank's Chief Experience Officer, we discuss leadership behaviors' role in creating a workplace culture that focuses on strengthening performance and creating a Return On Culture (ROC)!In today's competitive landscape, where attracting and retaining top talent is a constant challenge, the sense of connectivity employees feel within an organization can make or break its success; hence our dive into the crucial elements of crafting a resilient organizational culture. Cynthia doesn't just talk the talk; she shares her journey of stepping out of retirement to work for The Culture Think Tank - to answer leaders' tough questions on how to define and prove ROC and the benefits it delivers in terms of productivity, performance, recruitment/ retention and to the company bottom line. We touch on the challenges leaders encounter when working on cultural change and the importance of a strategic, continuous approach that includes the art of listening, empathy, and taking immediate action on employee feedback & staff expressed needs. If you're ready to elevate your culture game and are curious how your leadership efforts can contribute to ROC and a vibrant workplace culture, let this episode be your jumping-off point. Connect with Cynthia on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Seeking to build a culture rooted in Trust that delivers positive outcomes at all levels of your organization - from employee well being to customer loyalty? Trust is a valuable organizational commodity - tune in for a conversation that may redefine how you lead and build trust in your organization. Cory Scheer, CEO & Founder of TrustCentric Consulting and author of Closing the Trust Gap, joins us for this episode.   Cory unpacks the core principles of nurturing trust within all levels of an organization - drawing on insights from his book. By understanding the 'structure of trust'—which includes competency, problem-solving, communication and care—leaders can begin to bridge the gap between internal and external customer & employee satisfaction.Cory points out it is not about maintaining the status quo; it's about propelling your organization forward with strategic planning and a keen understanding of the frameworks that foster growth - including regular 'check-ins' with employees vs the 'standard yearly engagement survey'. Whether you're steering a new venture or looking to re-engage your current team, this episode provides a handful of strategies leaders can implement to create a Trust environment where employees flourish, the company reaps the benefits. Connect with Cory on LIFind out more about Cory's Book - Closing the Trust Gap: Taking Action on What Matters Most for Leaders, Teams, and OrganizationsWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Is the establishment of a flourishing company culture a luxury for leadership or the fundamental cornerstone of a sustainable business?Discover the roadmap for cultivating a flourishing workplace culture with Rachel Keck, Founder of Mosaic-Collaborative, our final guest on Season 1 of the Leadership Levers podcast! Rachel, a fellow leader, executive coach, and customer service experience expert sits at the intersection of customer service and culture - she unveils the journey that led her to establish Mosaic-Collaborative during the pandemic. She shares her insights on why creating a robust workplace culture is not just a luxury,  but the bedrock of sustaining a business. For any leaders guiding a startup or managing a mid-sized company, our conversation is a wealth of actionable wisdom on how to foster a culture that attracts talent, retains it and excels in driving exceptional customer service.Rachel addresses the complexities of steering cultural change, especially in mid-market companies, where the stakes and challenges are uniquely intertwined. She stresses the necessity for deliberate action and dedication to see genuine cultural transformation, which can often take up to three years to materialize fully. It's a marathon, not a sprint!Rachel's candid observations on maintaining culture as a strategic focus, despite the whirlwind of market shifts and unexpected events, make this episode an indispensable listen for those committed to nurturing a culture that endures and flourishes amidst change.This episode is a roadmap for leaders seeking to anchor culture change firmly as part of their next steps & organizational priorities. Connect with Rachel Keck on LinkedInWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Can workplace culture, well-being, and the creation of a human-centric environment truly impact business goals, talent recruitment, and financial objectives? You bet! Develop strategies for transforming workplace culture by listening to Judy Ryan, CEO of LifeWork Systems, as we delve into the impact of how believing in the potential of others impacts organizational success. Our conversation traverses the challenges of leadership in cultural change, highlighting how embracing psychology methods and shunning autocratic tendencies can empower individuals, managers & leaders - enriching the entire company. Judy's insights shed light on the symbiotic relationship between personal well-being and business goals, illustrating that the cultivation of a human-centric environment is not merely an act of kindness, but a strategic move for attracting top talent and driving bottom-line results. We discuss real-world examples where the disconnect between knowing and doing is stark, such as the unproductive plague of office gossip and how proper application of training can address such issues. Tune in for an episode packed with valuable wisdom for anyone looking to strengthen culture and leadership initiatives within their organization.Connect with Judy Ryan on LinkedInWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Tune in for a masterclass on nurturing vibrant workplace cultures - with tasty outcomes! Listen as we chat with Isaac Lee Collins, the innovative leader behind Yogurtini KC and Streamlined Profit Academy. We uncover the pivotal moments from his launch into the business-sphere with little foundational knowledge to creating a flourishing food retail empire. There are hard-learned lessons Isaac has garnered through a myriad of triumphs and trials - discover how his strategic expertise shaped his successes in the ever-evolving world of food service. Isaac distills the essence of nurturing a thriving work environment into three core elements: open communication, a well-defined hierarchy, and clear pathways for career progression. As Isaac shares his journey of managing multiple Yogurtini locations and fostering culture by mentoring up-and-coming business talents, get ready to absorb a wealth of actionable advice that will inspire and empower your leadership style.Connect with Isaac Lee Collins on LinkedInWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Curious why some businesses thrive and prosper - others do not? We sit down with Paul Fioravanti, CEO of QORVAL Partners, for a dialogue on workplace culture. Paul, with his wealth of portfolio management experience, unravels how the subtle nuances of leadership can significantly impact the well-being of employees and, by extension, the financial health of an organization. We review strategies leaders can employ to spark a cultural change, from the power of town hall meetings to the simple act of respect. Leadership isn't about direction; it's about connection. This episode gives ideas how to cultivate a work environment that's not only positive, but incredibly productive.We touch on the complex terrain of distressed acquisitions, an area where Paul's expertise shines. The conversation pivots to the considerations and risks that come with high-stakes investment decisions, a particularly poignant topic for strategic and financial buyers amidst a landscape of ambitious forecasts. This episode isn't just a discussion; it is indispensable advice for leaders and Venture Captial / Angel  investors alike. Connnect with Paul Fioravanti on LinkedInWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections. 

Create a thriving workplace culture that attracts top talent! Tune in for a valuable conversation that provides a roadmap for leaders and managers eager to foster a company culture where employees don't just survive—they thrive. Karen Hughey, CEO of Nucleus Learning and KRHR, shares her expertise in working to transform company culture. With  two+ decades in human resources, L&D and training, Karen highlights the pivotal role senior leadership plays in cultivating a supportive environment. This episode also includes her strategies from Fortune 100 companies that have proven to boost employee retention, satisfaction and develop top-notch customer service.Karen candidly discusses her hands-on experiences and helps leaders discover how to navigate the complexities of change within their organization - from manager communication to role clarity. She emphasizes the importance of effective communication and the human component of change management. Connect with Karen Hughey on LIWe'd love your feedback on how we can improve - send us a Text!!Seeking to align your culture, boost performance & impact your bottom line? Let’s chat—no sales, just real talk about your challenges. Not ready? Join our PL3 Community for free insights & connections.