PODCAST · business
Pull the Chute - Grow your People, Grow your Company Podcast
by Jeff Sesol and Janna Landry
The goal of this podcast is to interview business owners and/or C-level executives to get an understanding of how they built their culture, what worked, what failed, and what tips can they give new and upcoming business owners. Our goal over the next ten years is to help as many small to medium-sized businesses get to the next level by growing their people, which will grow their company. Through coaching and transformational leadership, Pull the Chute can guide company leaders to invest time to get to know their people and understand their roles, goals, and challenges to provide learning & growth opportunities - ultimately helping their people be the best they can be.
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Your People Don’t Just Want a Paycheck. They Want to Feel VALUED Featuring Alex Grande
Send us Fan MailGreat cultures aren’t built by compensation alone.They’re built when people feel seen, heard, valued, and appreciated.In this episode of Pull The Chute, Jeff and Janna sit down with Alex Grande, co-founder and CEO of Recognize, to talk about the power of employee recognition and how leaders can use it to strengthen culture, engagement, and retention.One of the biggest takeaways?👉 Recognition shouldn’t be something you do once a year. It should become part of how you lead.Celebrate the wins.Call out the effort.Connect recognition to your values.And most importantly—make people feel like they matter.Because sometimes, a simple “I see what you’re doing, and I appreciate it” can have more impact than you realize.
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CEOs Aren't Supposed To Have All The Answers Featuring Mark McFatridge
Send us Fan MailThe CEO seat can be lonely.You’re expected to have the answers, make the decisions, carry the vision, and keep everyone else moving forward.But here’s the truth: CEOs aren’t supposed to have all the answers.In this episode of Pull The Chute, Mark shares why having a trusted circle of peers can make such a powerful difference.From getting out of the weeds to navigating people challenges, growth, AI, and the personal pressures that come with leadership, the right peer group gives CEOs something they often don’t have: a room where they can be completely honest.Because sometimes, the greatest value isn’t someone telling you what to do.It’s hearing, “I’ve been there too.”You don’t have to lead alone.
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Your Business Doesn’t Need More Hustle. It Needs More Structure Featuring Erik Dodier
Send us Fan MailGrowth without structure creates chaos.One of the biggest challenges founders face is carrying too much of the business themselves—sales, finance, operations, quality, decisions, and everything in between.In this episode of Pull the Chute, Eric Dodier explains how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helped his company create clarity, accountability, and traction.The framework centers around six key components:🔹 Vision🔹 People🔹 Data🔹 Issues🔹 Processes🔹 TractionAnd the goal isn't simply to grow a bigger company.It's to build a healthier business—and ultimately, a better life.
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Inclusion Isn't About Special Treatment Featuring Celeste Warren
Send us Fan MailLeadership isn't measured by how many people follow you—it's measured by how many people feel they belong because of you.In this episode of Pull the Chute Podcast, Celeste Warren shares why diversity, equity, and inclusion aren't just HR initiatives—they're leadership fundamentals.One of the biggest takeaways: Inclusion isn't about giving some people more. It's about removing barriers so everyone has the opportunity to contribute.When leaders intentionally create environments where every voice is heard, organizations become more innovative, collaborative, and resilient.Ask yourself: Who on your team hasn't had the chance to be heard?Sometimes, one invitation to speak can unlock your team's next great idea.
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Change Your Life by Just 1% Featuring Mikael Avatar
Send us Fan MailSometimes we think we need to make massive changes to transform our lives.But what if all it takes is 1%?In this inspiring episode of Pull the Chute Podcast, Paralympic World Record Holder and life coach Mikael Avatar shares how resilience isn't about ignoring obstacles—it's about choosing purpose every single day.One message stood out:"Most people aren't stuck because they can't change. They're stuck because they're living on autopilot."Whether you're leading a business, raising a family, or navigating your own challenges, lasting transformation begins with one intentional step.✨ Ask yourself today:• What gives me energy?• What brings me joy?• What's the next 1% I can improve?Because small daily actions create extraordinary results over time.
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Beyond The Title: Leadership Isn't a Title—It's Action Featuring Sean Goodwin
Send us Fan MailAnyone can have a leadership title. Not everyone earns leadership influence.In this episode of Beyond The Title, Sean Goodwin reminds us that leadership isn't about authority—it's about action.Here are a few standout lessons:💡 Great leaders adapt to different personalities.💡 Delegate to develop others, not just to lighten your workload.💡 Own the failures and celebrate your team's wins.💡 Leadership is something you practice every day—not something a promotion gives you.One quote that perfectly captures the episode:"Don't seek the title. Go out and be a leader."Leadership is built through consistency, humility, and helping others succeed.What's one lesson that's shaped the way you lead?
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Your Brand Isn't What You Say It Is Featuring Joshua Altman
Send us Fan MailYour brand is more than your logo. It's every interaction people have with your business.In this episode of Pull the Chute Podcast, Joshua Altman shares why communication isn't just about marketing—it's about building trust at every level of your organization.One of the biggest takeaways:People don't buy from companies they simply know—they buy from companies they trust.Whether it's what customers read, see, hear, or experience, every touchpoint influences how your brand is perceived.And perhaps the biggest lesson of all?✨ Authenticity beats perfection.You don't need the most polished content—you need consistent, honest communication that aligns your team and connects with your audience.
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Beyond The Title: The Best Leaders Don’t Chase Recognition—They Build People Featuring Travis McDowell
Send us Fan MailGreat companies aren't built by great products alone—they're built by great people.In this episode of Beyond The Title, Travis McDowell shares how leading a third-generation family business taught him that culture always comes before results.Some of the biggest takeaways:✨ Hire for character, train for skill.✨ Invest in your employees beyond their job descriptions.✨ Great leaders own the failures and share the victories.✨ When people feel valued, they perform at their best.Leadership isn't about having the biggest title—it's about creating an environment where others can grow.
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Leadership Isn't About Doing More. It's About Removing Friction Featuring Jimmy Burroughes
Send us Fan MailLeadership doesn't become easier because you work harder. It becomes easier when you remove what's getting in the way.In this episode of Pull the Chute, Jimmy Burrows shares why the biggest challenge for leaders isn't a lack of knowledge—it's performance friction.One of the most powerful takeaways:When everything is a priority, nothing is.Instead of overwhelming leaders with more frameworks, Jimmy's Simplify to Amplify approach focuses on:✅ Creating clarity✅ Solving the right problems✅ Building habits that lastAnother standout moment was his warning about the phrase "I'll just...""I'll just work a little later.""I'll just answer emails on Sunday.""I'll just push through."Those small decisions often become the first signs of burnout.If you're leading a team, growing a business, or simply trying to become a better leader, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.
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Stop Wearing Every Hat in Your Business Featuring Adam Spector
Send us Fan MailMost entrepreneurs don't fail because they lack passion.They fail because they're overwhelmed by everything that comes after starting the business.Payroll. HR. Bookkeeping. Compliance. Endless admin work.These tasks are necessary—but they shouldn't consume the time meant for growing your business.One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation with Adam Spector is this:Your time is your most valuable investment.Every hour spent on low-value tasks is an hour you're not spending with customers, building your vision, creating new opportunities, or even with your family.Great leaders don't try to do everything—they learn what to delegate, what to automate, and where they create the greatest impact.
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Your Best Employees Don't Need Better Titles... They Need Better Leadership Development Featuring Shruti Rustagi
Send us Fan MailAre we investing enough in the people who keep organizations moving?Middle managers are often expected to execute strategy, lead teams, navigate change, and adapt to new technologies—all while receiving the least amount of coaching and development.In this episode of Pull the Chute, leadership coach Shruti Rustagi shares why developing middle managers is one of the smartest investments an organization can make.💡 Key takeaways:• Leadership development should extend beyond the C-suite.• AI isn't replacing leaders—it rewards those who continue learning and adapting.• Emotional intelligence, executive communication, and influence are becoming essential leadership skills.• Organizations that invest in their people build stronger cultures and retain top talent.One quote that stood out:"When the winds of change blow, some build windows. Others build windmills."The question is… what are you building?
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Are You Building the Business... or Chasing Validation? Featuring Mike Brcic
Send us Fan MailSuccess isn't always the finish line.In this episode of Pull the Chute, Mike Brcic shares how building a thriving global business eventually led him to an unexpected realization: he wasn't chasing purpose anymore—he was chasing validation.The conversation explores why so many entrepreneurs experience burnout after years of growth, how our need for control can hold us back, and why the most meaningful journey begins when we stop asking, "How can I build more?" and start asking, "Who am I becoming?"If you've ever felt successful on paper but disconnected inside, this episode is for you.
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The Best Podcasts Don't Sell. They Serve Featuring Roger Nairn
Send us Fan MailThe best podcasts don't feel like advertisements—they feel like conversations worth having.In this episode of Pull the Chute, Roger Nairn, Co-Founder & CEO of JAR Podcast Solutions, shares why the most successful podcasts focus less on promoting a brand and more on delivering value to the audience.One of the biggest takeaways?👉 Every podcast should have a purpose. Whether it's educating, inspiring, building trust, or creating community, your audience should leave every episode with something meaningful.The conversation also dives into: ✨ Why storytelling beats selling ✨ How brands can create deeper audience engagement ✨ The role of AI in content creation ✨ Why authenticity will always outperform perfectionIn a world flooded with content, the creators who consistently provide value are the ones people remember.
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Retail Isn’t Dying—It’s Evolving Featuring Jon Dario
Send us Fan MailRetail isn't disappearing—it's transforming.In this episode of Pull the Chute, Jon Dario shares why today's retail leaders face more complexity than ever: more technology, more data, higher customer expectations, and the constant pressure to execute consistently.One takeaway stood out:People want to succeed. Great leaders create the environment where they can.Whether you work in retail, lead a team, or run a business, this conversation is packed with practical leadership insights—from improving frontline execution to building a culture of accountability through Focus, Follow-Up, and Feedback.The best customer experience will always start with great leadership.
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Your Brain Was Never Meant to Hold Everything Featuring Lisa Woodruff
Send us Fan MailYour brain isn't designed to remember everything—it was designed to think.In this episode of Pull the Chute, Lisa Woodruff shares why so many people feel mentally exhausted today.The biggest challenge isn't just the physical work of running a home—it's the invisible mental load: • Keeping track of schedules • Managing endless apps and notifications • Remembering hundreds of small tasks • Constantly switching between responsibilitiesOne of her simplest yet most powerful tips?✍️ Get it out of your head.Write your tasks down, organize them, and stop expecting your brain to act like a storage device. When you free your mind from remembering everything, you create more space to focus, be present, and make better decisions.Sometimes productivity isn't about doing more—it's about carrying less.
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Building a Startup Isn't the Hard Part... Building a Business That Lasts Is Featuring Maximus Lih
Send us Fan MailGrowing a startup isn't just about raising capital—it's about building leaders, systems, and a business that can scale.In this episode of Pull the Chute Podcast, startup coach Maximus Lih shares why founders often become the biggest bottleneck in their own companies, how to build teams that scale with your business, and why AI should amplify people—not replace them.One of the biggest takeaways?Building a product, building a company, and building a business are three completely different challenges.The best leaders know when to let go, trust their team, and create systems that prevent problems instead of constantly putting out fires.
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Success Isn't Instant. It's Built One Day at a Time Featuring Benjamin Chen
Send us Fan MailEveryone wants success—but very few are willing to embrace the process it requires.In this episode of Pull the Chute Podcast, entrepreneur, martial artist, and author Benjamin Chen shares timeless lessons from over four decades of martial arts and years of building successful businesses.One lesson stood out:Success isn't about doing something extraordinary once. It's about consistently showing up.Benjamin introduces the idea of building your "silence muscle"—training yourself to pause before reacting so you can make better decisions under pressure.He also reminds us to focus our energy on what we can actually control instead of worrying about every possible outcome.And perhaps the simplest, yet most powerful lesson:Mastery doesn't come from talent—it comes from consistency.Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or improving yourself, the formula is the same:👉 Keep showing up. 👉 Keep learning. 👉 Keep growing.Because the biggest breakthroughs are rarely instant—they're earned one day at a time.
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The Best Leaders Don't Have All the Answers Featuring Honor Jensen
Send us Fan MailMany leaders believe they're expected to have all the answers.But what if the most effective leaders are the ones who ask the best questions?In this episode of Pull the Chute Podcast, leadership coach Honor Jensen shares why leadership isn't about fixing every problem for your team—it's about helping people think critically, build confidence, and discover their own solutions.One of the biggest takeaways:✨ Stop answering every question. Start asking better ones.When leaders shift from giving directions to coaching conversations, they create teams that are more engaged, more capable, and more confident.Another powerful reminder:The skills that got you where you are today won't necessarily take you where you want to go next. Growth requires letting go of old habits, trusting your people, and creating an environment where learning—even through failure—is safe.Great leaders don't create followers.They create more leaders.
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You Don't Need a Million Views. You Need the Right People Watching Featuring Jake Isham
Send us Fan MailEveryone wants to go viral.But what if you don't need a million views to grow your business?In this episode of Pull the Chute Podcast, filmmaker and creative strategist Jake Isham reminds us that successful marketing isn't about reaching everyone—it's about connecting with the right people.One of the biggest takeaways:✨ Tell stories instead of selling. ✨ Speak to one person, not the crowd. ✨ Focus on the audience you want to serve—not on chasing viral numbers.For entrepreneurs, personal brands, and leaders, your experiences are often your greatest competitive advantage. The stories that feel "ordinary" to you may be the exact stories your audience needs to hear.
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AI Won't Replace Great Leaders, It Will Expose Them Featuring Jeremy Hass
Send us Fan MailArtificial Intelligence isn't here to replace great leaders—it’s here to make them more effective.In this episode of Pull the Chute Podcast, Jeremy Haas shares a refreshing perspective on AI: it's not about choosing between people and technology—it's about using both together.One analogy stood out:Treat AI like an entry-level employee. It's incredibly capable, but it still needs clear direction, context, and leadership. When used correctly, AI can take over repetitive tasks so your team can spend more time on strategy, creativity, and meaningful work.The leaders who thrive won't be the ones who resist AI or blindly trust it—they'll be the ones who learn how to lead alongside it.
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What If the Secret to Better Leadership... Is PLAY? Featuring Tiffany Yvonne
Send us Fan MailLeadership isn't about eliminating pressure—it's about learning how to perform through it without losing yourself.In this episode of Pull the Chute, Tiffany Bond shares why success should feel just as good as it looks. From corporate boardrooms to competitive sports, the same leadership principles apply: create clarity, embrace accountability, know your purpose, and never lose the joy that brought you here.One of the biggest takeaways?"If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right."High performance and happiness aren't opposites—they're partners.
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Stop Copying Success. Start Crafting It Featuring Zack Tomlin
Send us Fan MailEvery business wants to stand out—but too many are following the same playbook.In this episode of Pull the Chute, Zack Tomlin shares why he sees business as a craft, not just a science or an art. Great organizations aren't built by copying competitors or chasing trends—they're built on clear principles, aligned leadership, and intentional decision-making.One insight that stood out: If your leadership team doesn't share the same beliefs, they'll never make the same decisions.Alignment creates momentum. Confusion creates friction.If you're building a business, leading a team, or simply looking to become a stronger leader, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom you won't want to miss.
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Hiring Full-Time Isn't Always the Smartest Move Featuring Burke Autrey
Send us Fan MailFor years, businesses have followed the same hiring formula:Need leadership? Hire someone full-time.But what if there's a better way?In this episode of Pull The Chute Podcast, Burke Autrey shares why more companies are turning to fractional leadership—bringing in experienced executives who provide strategic direction without the need for a full-time role.The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping technology leadership and why organizations need leaders who can guide change—not just manage it.One takeaway stood out:Leadership isn't measured by how many hours someone works. It's measured by the value they create.Sometimes, the smartest investment isn't adding another full-time salary.It's bringing in the right expertise exactly when your business needs it.
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Beyond The Title: You Don't Have to Be an Extrovert to Be a Great Leader Featuring Ramya Nagarajan
Send us Fan MailOne of the biggest myths about leadership?You have to be the loudest person in the room.In this episode of Beyond The Title, Ramya Nagarajan shares her journey from software engineer to engineering director—and proves that leadership isn't reserved for extroverts.It's built through small, intentional steps outside your comfort zone.Whether it's leading your first project, mentoring a teammate, speaking up in a meeting, or asking a coach for guidance, every small step adds up.Leadership isn't about changing who you are.It's about becoming more of who you're capable of being.💬 What's one thing you've done recently that pushed you outside your comfort zone?
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You Can't Lead Others Well If you're constantly running on empty Featuring Danielle Bennett
Send us Fan MailLeadership isn't measured by how much pressure you can handle.It's measured by how well you help others succeed—even in the middle of that pressure.In this episode of Pull The Chute Podcast, Danielle Bennett shares how her experiences in the military, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship shaped one powerful belief:Leadership starts from the inside out.Before you can build a high-performing team, you have to understand how you lead, communicate, and respond under pressure.When leaders create clarity, build trust, and invest in people—not just performance—they create teams that thrive without burning out.Because at the heart of every successful organization isn't just a great strategy.It's people.
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Beyond The Title: Your Title Doesn't Inspire People... The way you treat them does Featuring Subbu Parameswaran
Send us Fan MailLeadership isn't about having the biggest title in the room.It's about creating an environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued.In this episode of Beyond The Title, Subbu Parameswaran shares why authentic leadership starts with humility, gratitude, and a genuine commitment to people.One message stood out:People don't follow titles—they follow trust.That trust is built when leaders listen, stay true to their values, own their mistakes, and refuse to compromise their integrity for short-term success.At the end of the day, your greatest leadership legacy won't be your position.It will be the impact you had on the people around you.
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Your Pitch Isn't Losing...Your connection is Featuring Michael Clark
Send us Fan MailA great idea isn't always enough.The best product doesn't always win.The most qualified person doesn't always get the opportunity.Why?Because people don't invest in ideas first.They invest in people.In this episode of Pull The Chute Podcast, Michael Clark shares why authentic communication, preparation, and confidence are the real keys to delivering a memorable pitch.Whether you're speaking to an investor, leading your team, meeting a client, or interviewing for your next opportunity, your ability to connect matters just as much as your expertise.One of the biggest takeaways?Confidence isn't about being the loudest person in the room.It's about being prepared enough that your passion naturally shines through.
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Is Your Business Growing... Featuring Brooke Dukes
Send us Fan MailOne of the biggest leadership traps isn't a lack of talent.It's believing that everything has to go through you.In this episode of Pull The Chute Podcast, Brooke Dukes explains why so many founders unknowingly become the biggest obstacle to their company's growth.At first, doing everything yourself is necessary.But as your business grows, that same habit can quietly become your biggest limitation.The leaders who scale successfully don't make every decision.They build systems.They develop people.They create clarity so their teams can confidently move forward without waiting for approval.The question isn't:"Can I do this better?"It's:"Should I be the one doing it at all?"That's where real leadership begins.
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Your Mind Needs Training... Featuring Shalin Desai
Send us Fan MailLeadership isn't only about strategy, communication, or making tough decisions.It's also about managing your own state of mind.In this episode of Pull The Chute Podcast, Shalin Desai shares how intentional breathing can become a practical tool for reducing stress, improving focus, and leading with greater clarity.One insight stood out:Every emotion has a breathing pattern.When stress speeds up your breathing, slowing your breath can help calm your mind.In a world that constantly pushes us to move faster, one of the most powerful leadership habits might be the simplest:Pause.Breathe.Respond—don't react.Because the leaders who create calm within themselves are better equipped to create confidence in everyone around them.
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Great Ideas Don't Build Great Businesses Featuring Robert Eskridge
Send us Fan MailMany entrepreneurs believe success starts with a brilliant idea.But here's the truth:Ideas are everywhere.The businesses that succeed are the ones that solve meaningful problems for real people.In this episode of Pull The Chute Podcast, Robert Eskridge shares a powerful reminder:Innovation isn't about inventing something new for the sake of being different.It's about creating something customers truly value.He also highlights another key lesson for leaders:Never stop learning.The organizations that continue to innovate are the ones that invest in developing their people, sharpening their skills, and staying focused on what matters most—the customer.
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Working Hard Isn't Enough Featuring Esther Stanhope
Send us Fan MailBeing great at your job is only part of the equation.If people don't see your value, hear your ideas, or understand your impact, you could be missing opportunities you've already earned.In this episode of Pull the Chute Podcast, communication expert Esther Stanhope shares a powerful reminder:Technical brilliance alone doesn't guarantee recognition.The professionals who grow aren't always the loudest.They're the ones who learn to communicate with authenticity, tell meaningful stories, and connect with their audience.You don't need to become someone else to stand out.You simply need to become more visible as the person you already are.
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Your Business Isn't Stuck... Featuring Chris Clearfield
Send us Fan MailMost entrepreneurs believe their next breakthrough will come from hiring the right person.But what if the real breakthrough starts with changing how you lead?In this episode of Pull The Chute Podcast, leadership coach Chris Clearfield explains why so many business owners stay stuck—not because of a lack of talent, but because they continue repeating the same leadership patterns that helped them build the business in the first place.The leaders who scale successfully don't solve every problem themselves.They create systems, empower their teams, and shift from reacting to intentionally leading.The question isn't:"What's wrong with my team?"It's:"What patterns am I reinforcing every day?"That single mindset shift can change the future of your business.
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AI Isn't the Enemy Featuring Christopher Rhyss Edwards
Send us Fan MailArtificial Intelligence is changing the way we work—but it doesn't have to replace what makes us human.In this episode of Pull The Chute Podcast, Christopher Rhyss Edwards shares an important perspective:AI is neither good nor bad. It's simply a tool.Like any tool, its impact depends on the person using it.The leaders who thrive won't be the ones resisting AI.They'll be the ones who learn how to use it responsibly—to automate repetitive tasks, uncover new ideas, and make better decisions—while still relying on human judgment, empathy, and creativity.Technology should enhance people, not replace them.
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Stop Chasing New Customers Featuring Vance Morris
Send us Fan MailMost businesses spend their time chasing the next customer.But the companies that grow consistently know a different secret:Keep the customers you already have.In this episode of Pull The Chute Podcast, customer experience expert Vance Morris shares why memorable experiences—not discounts—create loyal customers who come back and bring others with them.From a thoughtful welcome to a handwritten thank-you note, it's often the smallest gestures that make the biggest impact.The question isn't:"How do I get more customers?"It's:"What would make my current customers rave about my business?"That's where long-term growth begins.
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AI Won't Replace Great Employees... Featuring Juan Garcia Fernandez
Send us Fan MailAI is creating a lot of uncertainty in today's workplace.But maybe we're asking the wrong question.Instead of asking:"Will AI replace jobs?"Maybe we should ask:"How will our jobs evolve because of AI?"In this episode of Pull The Chute Podcast, entrepreneur Juan Garcia Fernandez shares how his company has grown rapidly by embracing AI—not to eliminate people, but to help them do more meaningful work.The biggest lesson?Great leaders don't use technology to replace talent.They use it to remove repetitive work, improve productivity, and give people the freedom to focus on what humans do best: thinking, solving problems, building trust, and creating value.The future isn't about competing with AI.It's about learning how to lead alongside it.
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Will AI Replace Your Job? Featuring Oliver Rikken
Send us Fan MailEvery time AI comes up, one question dominates the conversation:"Will it replace people?"In this episode of Pull The Chute Podcast, Oliver Rikken shares a different perspective.The goal isn't to eliminate humans—it's to eliminate repetitive work.Imagine your team spending less time on administrative tasks and more time solving problems, creating ideas, and building relationships.The organizations that thrive won't simply automate everything.They'll combine the speed of AI with the creativity, judgment, and leadership that only people can provide.The future isn't AI vs. Humans.It's AI working alongside Humans.
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Want to Own a Business Someday? Featuring Reed Nyffeler
Send us Fan MailEveryone wants to own a business.But very few people prepare themselves to actually become great owners.In this episode of Pull The Chute, Reed Nyffeler shares a simple framework that every aspiring entrepreneur should remember:✅ Own your job.✅ Learn alongside an owner.✅ Take ownership of your life before expecting to lead a business.Leadership isn't about having a title—it's about taking responsibility long before anyone asks you to.Which step do you think is the hardest?
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Most teams don’t fail because of strategy. They fail because of missed moments Featuring Chris Dyer
Send us Fan MailMost leaders focus on systems, KPIs, and strategy.But the real differentiator in high-performing teams is something far simpler—and far harder to measure:moments.In this episode of Pull the Chute Podcast, we break down how great leaders:Recognize critical human moments at workBuild radical transparency without chaosCreate psychological safety that actually drives performanceAnd use a simple daily question that changes how teams communicateBecause when people feel safe, seen, and informed—performance follows.
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Why Most People Never Build Wealth (Even When They Invest) Featuring Wes Rowlands
Send us Fan MailMost people think wealth is built by picking the right investments.But the real answer is far less exciting—and far more powerful:It starts with how you make money, how you structure your decisions, and whether you’ve actually automated discipline into your financial system.In this episode, we break down a simple but brutally effective framework:Make money. Save money. Grow it. Protect it. Repeat.No hype. No shortcuts. Just fundamentals that actually compound.
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Cannabis Is NOT What You Think It Is Featuring David Belsky
Send us Fan MailMost people still think cannabis is just dispensaries and growers.The reality? It’s a multi-billion-dollar, highly regulated, corporate-level industry that requires CEOs, CFOs, operators, and executives who can handle extreme complexity.In this episode, we break down: ✔ Why cannabis is closer to big ag + CPG than most people think ✔ The real hiring challenges inside the industry ✔ Why leadership experience often matters more than industry background ✔ And how the entire ecosystem is evolving state by stateIf you care about business, leadership, or emerging industries—you’ll want to hear this one.
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Your Business Isn't Ready To Sell...And You May Not Even Know It Featuring Mark Hartmann
Send us Fan MailMost business owners don’t lose value at the finish line.They lose it years before they even decide to sell.In this episode of Pull the Chute Podcast, we break down what it really takes to prepare a business for exit—and why most owners are completely unprepared without realizing it.From valuation myths to financial cleanup to owner dependency, the difference between a strong exit and a forced exit is rarely timing.It’s preparation.If you’re a business owner, here’s the truth: 👉 Every business will exit—either on your terms or the market’s terms.The question is which one you’re building for.
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Beyond The Title: What Great Leaders Do When No One Is Watching Featuring David Rennard
Send us Fan MailWhat does it really mean to go beyond your title?In this episode of Beyond the Title, we sit down with David Renard—who went from restaurant management to building learning & development from scratch inside a software holding group.We talk about:• Why hiring is the most critical leadership decision• How AI is reshaping what “fast execution” looks like• Why strategy is more about thinking than data crunching• And how great leaders operate with autonomy, not controlThe biggest shift?Leaders are no longer judged by effort—but by how effectively they set benchmarks in a world where AI changes the pace of everything.
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THE BEST TEAMS DON’T THINK ALIKE. They think in DIFFERENT ROLES Featuring Carl Walsh
Send us Fan MailMost teams don’t fail because of talent.They fail because they’re only hearing part of the conversation.In this episode of Pull the Chute Podcast, we explore a powerful idea: different people don’t just “work differently”—they think differently.Some see risk. Some see opportunity. Some see systems. Some see people. Some see execution. Some see purpose.The problem isn’t having different perspectives.The problem is when those perspectives clash instead of connect.When leaders learn how to integrate those thinking styles instead of suppressing them, everything changes:better decisions, fewer blind spots, and stronger teams.Because the goal isn’t everyone thinking the same…It’s everyone thinking together.
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Beyond The Title: Leadership isn’t just a role — it’s what you do when no one is watching Featuring Justin Evans
Send us Fan MailLeadership isn’t defined by your job title — it’s defined by what you do beyond it.In this episode of Beyond the Title, we explored the journey of a manufacturing leader whose impact extends far beyond operations — into public service, food sustainability, and community transformation.From aerospace production floors to 24/7 food access systems, one theme stayed consistent:real leadership is about people, not position.We talked about the shift from technical expert to servant leader, and what it really takes to:• Let go of control• Build trust before it’s earned• Develop people instead of managing tasks• And stay accountable while staying humanIf you’re a leader navigating that same transition — this one will hit home.
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Stop Being The Hero. Start Being The Guide Featuring Atiba de Souza
Send us Fan MailMost leaders don’t realize it—but they’re trapped in a role they created themselves.The “superhero leader” feels responsible for everything: fixing problems, making decisions, stepping in, taking over.But over time, that identity becomes the ceiling.In this episode of Pull the Chute Podcast, we break down a powerful shift: 👉 From being the hero… to becoming the guide.Because leadership isn’t about having all the answers.It’s about asking better questions, building ownership, and letting your team step into their role as the hero of the story.When you change the role you play in your business, you change everything.
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What does great leadership look like beyond the job title Featuring Kristian Kiraly
Send us Fan MailGreat teams don’t happen by accident — especially in remote, multicultural environments.In this episode of Pull the Chute Podcast, we explored what modern leadership really looks like when:• your team spans countries• your calendar is always full• and “management” is no longer enoughThe biggest shift?From controlling tasks → to building ownership.From systems → to trust and communication.From titles → to real leadership behavior.Because at the end of the day, leadership isn’t what you say it is — it’s what your team experiences daily.
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What if your “high performer” isn’t actually performing Featuring Chris Hallberg
Send us Fan MailMost companies don’t struggle with effort—they struggle with visibility.In this episode of Pull the Sheet Podcast, we break down what actually drives team performance:Not assumptions. Not personality. Not “gut feel.”But systems that make performance visible.From trust builders vs trust destroyers, to EOS frameworks, to red/green performance tracking—this conversation exposes why most leadership problems are actually clarity problems.If you’re leading a team, scaling a business, or fixing broken accountability… this one hits differently.
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244
Your CEO Might Be the Bottleneck (And Not Even Know It) Featuring Carol Schultz
Send us Fan MailMost businesses don’t struggle because of a lack of talent.They struggle because leaders become the center of every decision. 👀In this episode of Pull the Chute Podcast, Carol Schultz breaks down:✨ Why CEOs need a Chief of Staff✨ The hidden communication gaps killing team performance✨ Why founders get stuck in operations✨ The real reason hiring keeps failingOne quote that stood out:“Communication is the lowest common denominator around a company’s success or failure.”If your team feels misaligned, overwhelmed, or stuck — this episode is worth the listen.
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243
Your Team Doesn’t Need Another Boss. They Need a Leader Who Understands Them Featuring Preston Zeller
Send us Fan MailMost leaders focus on performance. Great leaders focus on people.One of the biggest takeaways from this podcast episode? Empathy isn’t soft — it’s strategic.When leaders take time to understand their team beyond the job title, everything changes:✔️ Trust improves✔️ Communication gets stronger✔️ Teams become more engaged✔️ People actually feel like they belongSometimes, leadership starts with something as simple as asking:“How are you really doing?”Because people don’t want to feel managed.They want to feel understood.
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242
5 hard truths entrepreneurs NEED to hear from someone who built a $190M company by age 33 Featuring Garren Hilow
Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to build a successful business? 👀In our latest podcast episode, entrepreneur Garren Hilow shares the lessons behind building and selling a company for $190M at just 33 years old — and spoiler alert: success isn’t just about having a good idea.Some of the biggest takeaways:✅ Start with solving a problem, not just a cool idea✅ Don’t build a business that only works when YOU work✅ Protect your control when growing your business✅ Success means being rich in more than just moneyOne line that stood out:“You’re only capable of what you think you can do — or less.”If you’re dreaming about starting a business, growing one, or simply taking control of your future, this episode is packed with real talk and practical lessons.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The goal of this podcast is to interview business owners and/or C-level executives to get an understanding of how they built their culture, what worked, what failed, and what tips can they give new and upcoming business owners. Our goal over the next ten years is to help as many small to medium-sized businesses get to the next level by growing their people, which will grow their company. Through coaching and transformational leadership, Pull the Chute can guide company leaders to invest time to get to know their people and understand their roles, goals, and challenges to provide learning & growth opportunities - ultimately helping their people be the best they can be.
HOSTED BY
Jeff Sesol and Janna Landry
CATEGORIES
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