The CEOpeek Show

What does leadership look like when “normal” no longer exists?Daria Leshchenko, CEO and Managing Partner of SupportYourApp, leads a global organization across rapidly changing environments while continuing to scale an international business and distributed teams around the world.Taking over the company at just 21, Daria scaled it into a multinational operation with over 1,200 people across 8 global hubs, serving more than 250 clients in over 30 countries. Along the way, she co-founded additional ventures in AI data and talent solutions, building a portfolio of fast-growing companies.In this conversation, Daria and Dave Osh explore what it takes to lead when uncertainty becomes constant, how to build resilient global teams, and why mindset becomes one of the most important leadership tools in rapidly changing environments.Daria shares how she approaches leadership as a game, how she maintains momentum through complexity and pressure, and why adaptability, emotional intelligence, and perspective are essential in today’s world.This episode is about resilience, perspective, and redefining what leadership means when the environment is constantly evolving.About Daria LeshchenkoDaria Leshchenko is CEO and Managing Partner of SupportYourApp, a global Support-as-a-Service company providing technical support and CX solutions to fast-growing businesses worldwide. She took over the company at age 21 and scaled it into a multinational organization with over 1,200 team members across 8 hubs and clients in more than 30 countries.Daria is also the co-founder of Label Your Data and Outstaff Your Team, and was named to Inc.’s 200 Female Founders list in 2023. A passionate advocate for innovation and emotional intelligence, she is a frequent contributor to major global publications and a speaker at international conferences.About Dave OshDave Osh is the founder of Varlinx and a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential and creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. His conversations surface practical, human strategies leaders can use tomorrow. Dave is the author of The CEO Potential: Transcend Self, Team and Organization for Lasting Success in the New Age of AI, and is known for his TED talk, Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World.

What quietly destroys teams inside otherwise successful companies?Not bad strategy.Not market pressure.But something much closer to home.Anthony Romano has spent more than 15 years leading growth and transformation across the real estate finance and mortgage technology industries. Today, he serves as CEO of CREtelligent, a commercial real estate due diligence and risk management firm he joined to lead its strategic and digital transformation.Throughout his leadership journey—from executive roles at CoreLogic and First American Financial to building companies of his own—Anthony has seen a consistent pattern: organizations struggle not because they lack strategy, but because their culture allows internal competition to erode trust.In this conversation, Anthony and host Dave Osh explore the leadership behaviors that shape culture—and why the most successful organizations create environments where people support each other rather than compete internally.Anthony also shares a personal reflection from his own family life that unexpectedly shaped how he thinks about teamwork, trust, and leadership.Why it matters:Strategy may define direction, but culture determines whether people actually move together.In this episode, we discuss:Why internal competition quietly weakens organizationsHow leaders unintentionally create cultural frictionThe connection between trust, alignment, and performanceWhy the strongest teams operate with mutual support rather than rivalryAbout Anthony RomanoAnthony Romano is the CEO of CREtelligent, a commercial real estate due diligence and risk management firm. A veteran of the real estate finance and mortgage technology sectors, he previously served as Chief Revenue Officer at First American Financial and Executive Vice President at CoreLogic. Earlier in his career, Anthony co-founded CustomerLink Systems, a CRM technology platform, and was named an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 Bay Area Award finalist.About Dave OshDave Osh is the founder of Varlinx and a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential and creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. His conversations surface practical, human strategies leaders can use tomorrow. Dave is the author of The CEO Potential: Transcend Self, Team and Organization for Lasting Success in the New Age of AI, and is known for his TED talk, Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World.

What does it really mean to lead with authenticity, especially when everything you say and do could be scrutinized?Krista Snelling, CEO and Chairman of West Coast Community Bank, has spent nearly three decades in banking and leadership. In an industry built on trust, regulation, and reputation, she has learned that leadership isn’t about managing perception—it’s about consistency of character.In this conversation, Krista and Dave Osh explore the reality of leading under constant visibility, why integrity is not situational, and how small daily decisions shape long-term credibility. We also discuss the pressure leaders face to “perform” the role, and why authenticity is not a soft concept—but a strategic necessity.Krista shares insights from her journey from CFO to CEO, how she navigates high-stakes leadership with clarity and discipline, and why doing the right thing consistently eliminates the need to manage optics later.This episode is a reminder that leadership is always on display—and that trust is built long before it’s tested.About Krista SnellingKrista Snelling is Chairman and CEO of West Coast Community Bank, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in banking, finance, and executive leadership. She previously served as COO and CFO of Five Star Bank and has been recognized multiple times by American Banker and the Silicon Valley Business Journal for her impact in the industry. Krista serves on the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank’s Home Office Board and holds degrees in economics from the University of the Pacific and UC Davis.About Dave OshDave Osh is the founder of Varlinx and a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential and creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. His conversations surface practical, human strategies leaders can use tomorrow. Dave is the author of The CEO Potential: Transcend Self, Team and Organization for Lasting Success in the New Age of AI, and is known for his TED talk, Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World.

What if the very thing that got you promoted is the thing that now limits your leadership?When Conor Bagnell stepped into the top role at MHK, part of the Hearst Health network, he did what high performers do — he provided answers. When his team asked for alignment, he went away, built the strategy himself, and brought it back.What he got in return wasn’t momentum. It was silence.That moment forced a deeper realization: at the enterprise level, leadership isn’t about being right. It’s about building shared ownership.In this episode, Conor and I explore the shift from expert to enterprise leader, why premature clarity can undermine alignment, and how productive disagreement strengthens executive teams. We also unpack how meditation shaped his self-awareness, why new CEOs should resist the urge to make immediate decisions, and how trust grows when leaders create space rather than control outcomes.If you’ve built your career on being the smartest person in the room, this conversation may challenge you.About Conor BagnellConor Bagnell is President of MHK, part of the Hearst Health network, where he leads strategy and operations in the healthcare technology space. With a background in engineering and product leadership, he has spent over 15 years serving health plans and provider organizations, focused on innovation, alignment, and customer impact.About the HostDave Osh is the founder of Varlinx and a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential and creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. His conversations surface practical, human strategies leaders can use tomorrow. Dave is the author of The CEO Potential: Transcend Self, Team and Organization for Lasting Success in the New Age of AI, and is known for his TED talk, Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World.

What if the moments that hurt the most are the ones that quietly shape you into the leader you become?Keith Miller doesn’t define his leadership by success. He defines it by recovery.In this episode, Keith reflects on the setbacks that tested him — the operational missteps, the financial pressures, and the hard lessons that forced him to grow faster than he wanted to. Instead of hiding those moments, he explains how they strengthened his judgment, sharpened his instincts, and deepened his commitment to servant leadership.We explore what it takes to build loyalty in a high-growth organization, how to choose the right capital partners, why silos quietly destroy performance, and how resilience is built in real time — not in hindsight.This is a conversation about discipline. About humility. And about understanding that failure, when faced directly, becomes an advantage.About the GuestKeith Miller serves as President of Partnerships for Dentists (P4D). With more than 28 years of executive experience across retail and retail healthcare, Keith has built and scaled high-growth platforms through disciplined execution and a servant leadership culture.Before joining P4D, he served as President of Legacy ER & Urgent Care, tripling the company’s size through strategic acquisitions and building the infrastructure for continued expansion.About the HostDave Osh is the founder of Varlinx and a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential and creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. His conversations surface practical, human strategies leaders can use tomorrow. Dave is the author of The CEO Potential: Transcend Self, Team and Organization for Lasting Success in the New Age of AI, and is known for his TED talk, Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World.

What happens when playing it safe starts costing more than taking the risk?Ernesto Aguilar has spent more than three decades leading through complexity—scaling firms, integrating acquisitions, and making decisions where certainty was never guaranteed. In this conversation, Ernesto reflects on the moments when caution felt responsible—but courage turned out to be essential.We talk about fear not as something to eliminate, but as something to work with. Ernesto shares how experience, loss, and long-term perspective reshaped the way he approaches leadership, growth, and responsibility—not just to the business, but to the people inside it.This episode explores why meaningful progress often requires discomfort, how regret quietly accumulates when leaders delay hard choices, and why courage becomes clearer with time—even if it never gets easier.Ernesto spoke about leading without false confidence, building an employee-centric culture in a fast-growing organization, and why integration—not expansion alone—is the real work of growth.About the guestErnesto Aguilar is the CEO of Ardurra Group, Inc., a national architectural and engineering consulting firm. A seasoned Professional Engineer with over 30 years of experience, Ernesto brings deep expertise across operations, business development, project delivery, and M&A integration within the AE industry. As CEO, he leads Ardurra’s organic and acquisitive growth strategy with a sharp focus on culture, quality, and long-term value creation—drawing from his experience leading private, public, and private equity-backed organizations.About the HostDave Osh is the founder of Varlinx and a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential and creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. His conversations surface practical, human strategies leaders can use tomorrow. Dave is the author of The CEO Potential: Transcend Self, Team and Organization for Lasting Success in the New Age of AI, and is known for his TED talk, Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World.

Some leadership lessons don’t come from wins—they come from the moments that test who you are when things don’t go as planned.Travis Hess has spent more than 15 years leading global commerce organizations, advising boards, scaling businesses, and navigating high-stakes transitions. Today, as CEO of Commerce, he carries responsibility for a global platform and thousands of customers. But in this conversation, Travis doesn’t focus on playbooks or success stories.Instead, he speaks candidly about adversity, vulnerability, and the reality that “bad stuff happens”—even at the highest levels. We explore why being yourself as a leader requires real vulnerability, how pushing through difficult moments shapes long-term success, and why resilience matters more than polish when the pressure is on.Dave sat down with Travis to unpack what’s hard about leadership that rarely gets said out loud—how identity, adversity, and perseverance intersect when the stakes are real. This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t forged in comfort, but in the moments we don’t get to avoid.Throughout the conversation, Travis and Dave explore what it really takes to lead through adversity, and why vulnerability is often the difference between short-term survival and lasting success.About the guestTravis Hess is the CEO of Commerce, where he leads global operations and growth for the commerce platform. He joined the company in 2024 after senior leadership roles at Accenture, where he led direct-to-consumer commerce and global partnerships. Travis has also served as CEO of BVA and EVP at The Stable, advising and scaling some of the world’s leading ecommerce brands. He has been recognized as one of Signifyd’s 30 Most Influential in Ecommerce and serves on multiple partner advisory boards. Travis lives in Austin with his two children.About the HostDave Osh is the founder of Varlinx and a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential and creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. His conversations surface practical, human strategies leaders can use tomorrow. Dave is the author of The CEO Potential: Transcend Self, Team and Organization for Lasting Success in the New Age of AI, and is known for his TED talk, Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World.

You can survive a bad deal. You can even recover from a failed strategy. But some leadership mistakes don’t announce themselves—and they don’t fade quietly.Norman Radow knows this firsthand. As the Founder and CEO of The RADCO Companies, Norman has led more than 150 real estate turnarounds, transforming distressed assets into thriving communities and building one of the most respected multifamily investment and management platforms in the industry. But in this conversation, he goes beyond transactions and trophies.Norman reflects candidly on the harder lessons of leadership—how people decisions compound over time, why trust is far more fragile than capital, and how success can blind even experienced CEOs to the moments that matter most. We explore what it takes to lead after mistakes, how to resist becoming anchored to past wins, and why humility—not confidence—is often the real edge.Dave Osh sat down with Norman to talk about rebuilding neighborhoods, rebuilding trust, and the internal discipline required to stay adaptable after decades at the top. This episode is a reminder that legacy isn’t built by avoiding failure—but by how leaders respond when it shows up. Throughout the conversation, Norman and host Dave Osh explore leadership through the lens of experience—what only time, failure, and responsibility can teach.About the guestNorman Radow is the Founder and CEO of The RADCO Companies, a real estate investment, development, and management firm established in 1994. Under his leadership, RADCO has completed more than 150 successful projects, including the landmark redevelopment that became Atlanta’s Four Seasons Hotel. Since 2011, RADCO has acquired 88 apartment communities totaling more than 28,000 units and built RADCO Residential, a best-in-class multifamily management platform. Norman is a former real estate attorney, a widely recognized industry voice, and a longtime advocate for social equity and education.About the HostDave Osh is the founder of Varlinx and a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential and creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. His conversations surface practical, human strategies leaders can use tomorrow. Dave is the author of The CEO Potential: Transcend Self, Team and Organization for Lasting Success in the New Age of AI, and is known for his TED talk, Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World.

What happens when the numbers are strong—but leadership still feels off course?Jay Brown, CEO of David Weekley Homes, has led at the highest levels of business, doubling the size of an S&P 500 company while building a culture rooted in trust, transparency, and people-first performance. In this conversation, Jay challenges a quiet leadership trap: when metrics pull our attention downward, leaders can lose sight of where they’re actually going.Jay shares how great leadership requires lifting your gaze beyond dashboards and near-term motion to the horizon—where purpose, direction, and long-term impact live. We explore why metrics are necessary but insufficient, how culture becomes a strategic advantage, and what it takes to lead with clarity when pressure is high and complexity is constant.Why this matters:In a world obsessed with measurement, Jay offers a grounded reminder: movement isn’t the same as progress. Leaders who don’t regularly zoom out risk steering well—toward the wrong destination.About the Guest:Jay Brown is the CEO of David Weekley Homes and a former CEO of Crown Castle, where he led the company through significant growth while cultivating a high-performance, people-centered culture. Known for his focus on employee engagement, transparency, and trust, Jay brings a rare blend of operational rigor and human leadership to every role he takes.About the Host:Dave Osh is the founder of Varlinx and a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential and creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. His conversations surface practical, human strategies leaders can use tomorrow. Dave is the author of The CEO Potential: Transcend Self, Team and Organization for Lasting Success in the New Age of AI, and is known for his TED talk, Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World.

What if leadership didn’t end when the workday was over?In this episode, Jordan Smith, the CEO of Jet Dental, challenges one of the most comfortable myths in leadership: that work and life can be cleanly separated. Drawing on lived experience and deep reflection, Jordan explores how the quality of a leader’s day at work doesn’t stay at work—it ripples into families, relationships, and the lives of people far beyond the office walls.In a powerful moment inspired by Clayton Christensen’s work, Jordan shares how fulfillment, purpose, and challenge at work directly shape who leaders become at home. We unpack why leadership is never neutral, how disengagement quietly spreads, and why the real cost of poor leadership often shows up where no one is measuring it.This conversation goes beyond tactics and performance. It’s about responsibility, presence, and the unseen weight leaders carry—whether they acknowledge it or not.Why this matters:If you’re leading people, your impact doesn’t stop with outcomes and metrics. Jordan’s perspective reframes leadership as a human force—one that shapes energy, behavior, and connection long after the meetings end.About the Guest:Jordan Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Jet Dental, a mobile dental service that brings quality dental care directly to workplaces across the U.S. With over a decade of experience in healthcare, Jordan has built and scaled sales teams, secured enterprise partnerships, and helped make dental care more accessible, convenient, and human-centered.About the Host:Dave Osh is the founder of Varlinx and a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential and creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. His conversations surface practical, human strategies leaders can use tomorrow. Dave is the author of The CEO Potential: Transcend Self, Team and Organization for Lasting Success in the New Age of AI, and is known for his TED talk, Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World.

What happens when leadership stops being theoretical and becomes deeply personal?Lance Loveday, CEO of Closed Loop, didn’t grow into a stronger leader through a new strategy or framework. His transformation came through life itself. After losing his father, Lance found that grief reshaped how he showed up—not just as a person, but as a CEO. What emerged was a deeper commitment to his values, greater emotional clarity, and a steadier, more grounded way of leading.In this deeply human conversation, Lance shares how personal loss changed his relationship with authority, control, and decision-making. We explore why leadership maturity often comes from experiences we would never choose, how values become non-negotiable under pressure, and what it truly means to lead with strength that isn’t performative.Together, we talk about the inner work leaders rarely discuss—grief, perspective, humility—and how those experiences can sharpen judgment rather than weaken it. This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t shaped only in boardrooms, but in moments that test who we are when the titles fall away.Why this matters:If you’re leading through uncertainty, personal challenge, or quiet transformation, Lance’s story offers a powerful reframe: resilience isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about becoming more aligned with what truly matters.Lance Loveday is the CEO of Closed Loop and a seasoned marketing leader with 25 years of experience helping companies grow. He’s worked with teams at PayPal, Netflix, and Facebook, advised CMOs and startups, helped take companies public, and built a successful advertising agency. Over his career, Lance has overseen more than $2B in ad spend and brings a grounded, operator’s perspective to scaling businesses.Dave Osh is the founder of Varlinx and a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential and creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. His conversations surface practical, human strategies leaders can use tomorrow. Dave is the author of The CEO Potential: Transcend Self, Team and Organization for Lasting Success in the New Age of AI, and is known for his TED talk Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World.

What happens when a CEO builds a culture where disagreement isn’t a threat — it’s a requirement?Lisa Rosenthal, CEO of Mayvin, leads with unapologetic transparency. She invites dissent, celebrates challenge, and believes alignment is only possible when people are willing to say the uncomfortable things out loud. In her world, “conflict” isn’t chaos — it’s clarity. And she pushes her teams to embrace it through a simple rule: disagree twice, then commit.In our conversation, Lisa shares the leadership moments that shaped her no-filters philosophy, how she learned to love productive friction, and why “nice” cultures often collapse under the weight of unspoken truths. She also explains how she coaches managers to practice radical candor, how she eliminates drama by setting clear boundaries for debate, and why telling someone they’re wrong can be the greatest act of respect.If you’ve ever wondered how to build a team that moves fast, trusts deeply, and argues well, Lisa’s playbook — truth first, alignment second — is a masterclass in modern leadership.Lisa Rosenthal is the CEO and co-founder of Mayvin. Through her focus on innovation in corporate culture and strategic leadership, Mayvin has achieved significant growth by penetrating new and emerging markets through a diversified client base CONUS and OCONUS. Prior to starting Mayvin, she provided analytic, management, and operations support to DoD, DOE, the Intelligence Community, etc. etc.She has an MBA and a BA from American University and is a lifelong learner. In her free time, she also co-runs an Angel Fund, LeVel Up Ventures, with her business partner (Victor) and Pangea Foundation, a non-profit supporting numerous causes, with her real-life partner (Matt).Lisa loves being part of the global community and proudly serves on the Florida Atlantic University Advisory Board, the Truist DC Advisory Board, the American University Entrepreneurship Council, the Kogod Advisory Board, Women in Homeland Security, etc. etc.Lisa has an addiction to obtaining new “unique” skills, certifications, and experiences – everything from Scuba to Wine, from Life Coach to Medicinal Plants, from Archery to Conflict Management, from Angel Investing to Nutrition.  The list just gets weirder “more diverse” the older she gets.Dave Osh sat down with Lisa to explore how candor, conflict, and psychological safety shape strong leadership — and why avoiding tension is the fastest way to slow a company down.Dave Osh is the founder of Varlinx and a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential and creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. His conversations surface practical, human strategies leaders can use tomorrow. Dave is the author of The CEO Potential: Transcend Self, Team and Organization for Lasting Success in the New Age of AI, and is known for his TED talk Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World.

What if the trait that once got you in trouble became your greatest leadership asset?What do you do when your entire industry changes overnight?When AI upended the search world, Phillip Thune, CEO of Adthena, faced a leadership crucible few CEOs ever encounter: transform the company’s core business or risk being left behind.In this gripping conversation, Philip shares how he and his team spent a thousand hours debating, redefining, and ultimately reinventing their company’s future in just two months. Guided by an extraordinary board and a culture of transparency, Athena pivoted 80% of its product and tech focus toward AI-powered search—and turned existential fear into unprecedented opportunity.Philip also opens up about the hidden art of working with your board instead of managing it, how to replace a beloved founder without breaking the company’s soul, and why authenticity—not bravado—is the real mark of leadership in times of disruption.Why it matters: In a world where change is constant and speed is survival, Philip’s story is a masterclass in adaptive leadership—how to steady the ship when the map itself is being rewrittenPhillip Thune is the CEO of Adthena, a global SaaS company that helps advertisers understand and optimize competitive search performance. With 25+ years in digital marketing and tech, Philip has led multiple growth-stage companies through transformation, bringing operational discipline and cultural empathy to every organization he’s touched. 

What happens when the very experience that built your success starts blinding you to better choices today?JP Hamel didn’t become CEO overnight. After 17+ years at N2—rising from franchisee to CRO, President, and now CEO—he’s seen the full loop: trying, failing, trying again, and learning when to let go of what used to work. In this candid conversation, JP shares how long-tenured leaders can use history as a guide without becoming attached to it—and why isolating tests (instead of hard left turns) protects the company’s “soul” while raising performance.We dig into servant leadership’s double edge (support vs. over-involvement), telling the truth even when it’s unpopular, and the strange but useful metric a mentor gave him: Would your team choose you over their share of your salary? JP also reveals what a cover band taught him about energy, introversion, and leading from the front without needing the spotlight—plus why parenting and leadership are the same job in different rooms.Why it matters: If you’ve led long enough to have “greatest hits,” you also carry old defaults. JP’s playbook—test in small lanes, keep the culture’s heartbeat, and tell the truth—helps you evolve without breaking what makes your organization special.About the guest:JP Hamel is the CEO of N2, where he’s spent more than 17 years across multiple roles, from franchisee to CRO, President, and CEO. N2 operates a franchise model supported by an internal team (approx. 350 employees) and hundreds of franchisees. JP also fronts a cover band, “Two Fifths Crazy,” which—surprisingly—shaped his views on energy management and leadership presence.With host Dave Osh:I sat down with JP to explore how to preserve what works, elevate what doesn’t, and lead with servant-hearted clarity without over-enabling the team.For more about N2 and JP’s :https://n2co.com/Thttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-hamel-5970402/About Dave OshDave Osh is a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential, creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. He leads large-scale leadership transformation programs that drive meaningful change for individuals, teams, organizations, and society.Company website: https://www.varlinx.com/Personal website: https://www.daveosh.com/LinkedIn: /daveoshBook: https://www.amazon.com/CEO-Potential-Transcend-Organization-Lasting/dp/B0DMMPQFCWTEDx: Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World…

What if the trait that once got you in trouble became your greatest leadership asset?Denny LeCompte, the CEO of Portnox, has built his leadership philosophy on a foundation of unfiltered transparency. He owns his mistakes in company-wide emails, actively invites dissent, and aligns his teams by always sharing the complete picture. A former cognitive psychology PhD turned tech leader, Denny reveals how embracing “the opposite of a poker face” can fuel trust, improve retention, and boost performance—all without the drama.In this conversation with Dave Osh, Denny shares the defining moments that shaped his approach. He discusses trading performative “niceness” for genuine care, creating an environment where it's safe to disagree (rather than making hollow promises), and using his own self-awareness to set healthier expectations for his teams. We also explore how to achieve alignment without theatrics, why “more money” is a poor motivator for pursuing management, and what it truly takes to maintain a strong culture as a startup scales.Why it matters: Leaders don't need more slogans about empathy; they need practical ways to make candid debate both safe and productive. Denny’s playbook offers a clear guide on how to achieve exactly that.Denny LeCompte is the CEO of Portnox, a company he has led for four years through rapid growth and a transition to a globally distributed team. Drawing on his background as a cognitive psychologist, Denny applies a science-informed perspective to decision-making and bias, writes weekly reflections for his company, and champions a culture where challenging the boss is not just allowed, but encouraged.https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennylecompte/https://www.portnox.com/ ⏰ Timestamps (placeholders)00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections00:38 Welcome to CEO Peak with Denny LeCompte01:17 Transparency and Leadership Philosophy04:35 Authenticity and Vulnerability in Leadership08:12 Creating a Safe and Open Work Environment16:59 Handling Conflict and Building a Cohesive Team22:20 Understanding Team Motivations22:33 Addressing Interdepartmental Tensions23:28 Promoting Problem-Solving Conversations25:15 Empathy and Alignment in Leadership26:28 The Importance of Open Communication27:41 Balancing Team Dynamics35:24 Avoiding Unproductive Drama39:52 Personal Growth and Leadership41:51 Parenting Lessons and Patience44:31 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsDave Osh is a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential and creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. His conversations surface practical, human strategies leaders can use tomorrow.Company website: https://www.varlinx.com/Personal website: https://www.daveosh.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveosh/ Book: The CEO Potential: Transcend Self, Team and Organization for Lasting Success in the New Age of AI https://www.amazon.com/CEO-Potential-Transcend-Organization-Lasting/dp/B0DMMPQFCW TEDx: Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World - https://youtu.be/UhCBv9MX-ks 

What if delivering ‘good enough’—openly and together—created better outcomes than chasing perfect in silence?Felipe Cornejo, CEO and founder of Devsu, leads teams across Ecuador and the U.S., serving clients throughout the Americas. Early on, a live ESPN launch nearly went sideways when performance tests were missed—and the team hesitated to surface the risk. That moment catalyzed a leadership stance Felipe holds to this day: radical transparency with clients and teams, paired with a pragmatic bias for progress over perfection.In this conversation, Felipe shares how he bridges U.S.–LATAM culture with intentional nuance, why he treats micromanagement as a temporary teaching tool (not a personality), and how he measures his own leadership by the outcomes his teams achieve together. He opens up about decision-making traps (hello, analysis paralysis), his reflective “retro” practice, and the discipline of building an institution that outlasts any single leader.Why it matters: In a world moving faster than our planning cycles, leaders win by telling the truth early, aligning on a shared goal, and iterating toward it—together.-------------------------------Felipe Cornejo is the CEO and founder of Devsu, a software development firm operating between Quito and Orlando, serving clients across the U.S. and Latin America. An engineer by training, Felipe is known for his calm, pragmatic leadership and a company culture of continuous learning and improvement.https://www.linkedin.com/in/felipecornejo/ https://devsu.com/Dave Osh is a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential, creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. He leads large-scale leadership transformation programs that drive meaningful change for individuals, teams, organizations, and society.Company website: https://www.varlinx.com/Personal website: https://www.daveosh.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveoshBook: https://www.amazon.com/CEO-Potential-Transcend-Organization-Lasting/dp/B0DMMPQFCWTEDx: https://youtu.be/UhCBv9MX-ks

What if the fastest turnaround move isn’t a strategy deck—but a calendar full of one-to-ones?Dylan Serota didn’t start as CEO. After co-founding Terminal inside the Atomic venture studio and serving as Chief Strategy Officer, he stepped into the top job during a brutal reset—RIFs, salary cuts, and a near refounding. His first act: meet every single employee one-on-one to rebuild trust, alignment, and momentum.In this conversation, Dylan shares the inflection points of moving from “influencing strategy” to owning the call, how he eliminates low-stakes battles to focus on conflict where it matters, and why he runs the business by focusing on inputs over outcomes—execute the right plays, and “the score takes care of itself.” He also breaks down his cadence with the board (metrics pre-reads + a 2-page memo) to maintain high-trust governance and low-tax oversight. And as a father of three, he reflects on how his family has reshaped his time, humility, and approach to listening at work.Why it matters: If you’re leading through uncertainty, Dylan’s team-first playbook—skip-levels, time-boxed debates, clear CEO decisions with rationale, and relentless focus on controllables—helps you earn commitment and move faster with fewer regrets.What we cover: co-founder dynamics inside a venture studio, leading in “wartime,” turning conflict into alignment, triggers and information flow, and building a board relationship on transparency rather than window dressing.About the guest: Dylan Serota is the Co-Founder and CEO of Terminal. Before becoming CEO, he served as Chief Strategy Officer and helped build the company after formative years at Eventbrite. Dylan led Terminal through a major reset by putting the team first, operating with decisive, data-driven focus, and rebuilding for profitable growth.About the Host: Dave Osh is a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential, creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. He leads large-scale leadership transformation programs that drive meaningful change for individuals, teams, organizations, and society.Company website: https://www.varlinx.com/ Personal website: https://www.daveosh.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveosh/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/CEO-Potential-... TEDx: Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World  

Do CEOs really need to control everything—or is that the fastest way to kill innovation?Chad Hesters, President & CEO of Boyden, learned early in his career—first as a U.S. Naval Intelligence officer and later in the corporate world—that the most effective leaders are not autocrats at the top of the pyramid. Instead, the best leaders empower others, build trust, and create organizations where accountability and innovation thrive.In this episode, Chad shares with me how his military experiences shaped his philosophy that leaders must “eat last,” why fear suffocates potential, and how creating a safe space for people to take risks leads to stronger organizations. We dive into the balance between accountability and grace, the tension between short-term outcomes and long-term leadership development, and what it truly means to be a servant leader.Chad Hesters is the President & CEO of Boyden and a member of its Board of Directors. With decades of global experience in leadership advisory, he is dedicated to transforming organizations by developing the next generation of leaders.For more about Chad Hesters and Boyden, visit:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadhesters/https://www.boyden.com/_____________________________________________Dave Osh is a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential, creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. He leads large-scale leadership transformation programs that drive meaningful change for individuals, teams, organizations, and society.Company website: https://www.varlinx.com/Personal website: https://www.daveosh.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveoshBook: https://www.amazon.com/CEO-Potential-Transcend-Organization-Lasting/dp/B0DMMPQFCWTEDx: https://youtu.be/UhCBv9MX-ks

The most trusted leaders aren’t the ones who avoid conflict—they’re the ones who step into it with courage and clarity.Marc Zionts has built an extraordinary international career, leading companies across Israel, India, Japan, China, and beyond. As the CEO of SundaySky, he believes that leadership means making the hard calls, being radically transparent, and fostering trust through direct, honest communication. But Marc’s perspective isn’t only shaped by boardrooms—it’s grounded in a life well-lived with over 35 years of marriage, four kind adult children, and the discipline of competitive cycling.In this conversation, Marc and I unpack the uncomfortable truth that many leaders avoid: difficult conversations are the very foundation of trust. He shares how prioritizing clarity can accelerate decision-making, strengthen teams, and foster alignment—even when it means facing short-term discomfort. We explore the mindset shifts that allow leaders to navigate high-stakes situations, balance competing priorities, and remain grounded through personal discipline and intentional living.Marc Zionts is the CEO of SundaySky, where he leads with a philosophy that blends directness, global perspective, and human connection.For more about Marc Zionts and SundaySky, visit:https://sundaysky.com/Dave Osh is a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential, creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. He leads large-scale leadership transformation programs that drive meaningful change for individuals, teams, organizations, and society.Company website: https://www.varlinx.com/Personal website: https://www.daveosh.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveoshBook: https://www.amazon.com/CEO-Potential-Transcend-Organization-Lasting/dp/B0DMMPQFCWTEDx: https://youtu.be/UhCBv9MX-ks

What if the secret to true leadership isn't chasing outcomes but embracing genuine service?Ben Kessler discovered the core of his leadership philosophy at a surprisingly young age when his father taught him that true joy emerges from serving others. From nearly becoming a Catholic priest to navigating the challenging world of McKinsey consulting and eventually becoming CEO of 66degrees, Ben’s diverse journey underscores the profound power of intentional human connection and selfless leadership.In this engaging conversation, Ben reveals to me why the deepest joy often arises from a paradox: being both selfishly committed to personal growth and selflessly dedicated to serving others. We explore the critical difference between momentary pleasure and lasting joy, why true presence in relationships is transformative, and how balancing clear expectations with genuine empathy shapes highly effective leaders.Join us as we discuss why cultivating inner growth is essential for outward success, how intentional presence elevates both personal and professional relationships, and the irreplaceable role authentic human connections play, even in the age of AI.Ben Kessler is the CEO of 66degrees, dedicated to leadership through authentic service, intentionality, and deep human connection.For more about Ben Kessler and 66degrees, visit: https://66degrees.com/⏰ Timestamps  00:00 Introduction to Ben Kessler 02:06 The Joy of Serving Others 04:39 Selfishness as Strength 07:36 The Paradox of Service 09:35 Balancing Outcomes and Relationships 13:55 Intentional Presence in Leadership 16:23 The Power of Authentic Feedback 19:50 Fully Present Moments 21:50 From Priesthood to McKinsey 26:07 Intellectual Curiosity vs. Practical Service 30:31 Parenting and Leadership 36:21 Playing the Long Game 39:54 Human Leadership in the AI Era 42:28 Authentic Connections vs. AI 44:34 Closing Thoughts and ReflectionsDave Osh is a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential, creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. He leads large-scale leadership transformation programs that drive meaningful change for individuals, teams, organizations, and society.Company website: https://www.varlinx.com/ Personal website: https://www.daveosh.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveosh Book: https://www.amazon.com/CEO-Potential-Transcend-Organization-Lasting/dp/B0DMMPQFCW TEDx: https://youtu.be/UhCBv9MX-ks

What happens when your deepest personal tragedy reshapes your purpose and transforms your approach to leadership?Harry Bruell spent 25 years passionately leading conservation efforts, growing small regional programs into a nationwide movement. But in 2016, the unimaginable happened—Harry lost his 14-year-old daughter to suicide. This profound loss became a pivotal turning point, compelling Harry to shift his life's mission toward helping individuals facing mental health challenges and disabilities.In this deeply personal conversation, Harry shares with me how his family’s tragedy taught him powerful lessons on empathy, the illusion of control, and the critical role vulnerability plays in authentic leadership. We explore why true leadership isn't about being in control, but about harnessing everyone's unique abilities and insights.Harry Bruell is the President & CEO of PathPoint, an organization that annually supports over 2,400 individuals with mental health diagnoses and developmental disabilities across California. With three decades of nonprofit leadership experience and a powerful personal connection to his mission, Harry has become a transformative voice in advocacy, resilience, and compassionate leadership.Join us as we discuss navigating personal grief in leadership, why empathy and vulnerability are essential in today's organizations, and how leaders can inspire meaningful change in the toughest circumstances.For more about Harry Bruell and PathPoint, check out: https://www.pathpoint.org/Dave Osh is a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential, creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. He leads large-scale leadership transformation programs that drive meaningful change for individuals, teams, organizations, and society.Company website: https://www.varlinx.com/ Personal website: https://www.daveosh.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveosh Book: https://www.amazon.com/CEO-Potential-Transcend-Organization-Lasting/dp/B0DMMPQFCW TEDx: https://youtu.be/UhCBv9MX-ks

We've all had difficult bosses, but what happens when your first boss is straight out of Hollywood’s worst nightmares?Brian Underhill started his career under a toxic boss who screamed, cursed, and threw objects at him, leading Brian to question everything about work and leadership. Instead of breaking him, this experience inspired Brian to become obsessed with transforming the way leaders lead. Today, he’s the Founder & CEO of CoachSource, the world’s largest executive coaching provider, helping thousands of leaders achieve measurable, lasting change.I sat down with Brian to discover how he transformed his early career trauma into groundbreaking insights, why anxiety often fuels toxic leadership, and how mastering coaching skills can redefine the way we lead.For more about Brian Underhill and CoachSource, check out:https://cs.coachsource.com/Dave Osh is a transformation catalyst dedicated to evolving leadership potential, creating a ripple effect of unity in our divided world. He leads large-scale leadership transformation programs that drive meaningful change for individuals, teams, organizations, and society.Company website: https://www.varlinx.com/Personal website: https://www.daveosh.com/LinkedIn:   / daveosh  Book: https://www.amazon.com/CEO-Potential-...TEDx:    • Overcoming Bias to Unite Our Divided World...  

In this revealing interview, Wynne Nowland, Bradley & Parker CEO, shares her simple, yet powerful worldview of expansive and united leadership.Bradley & Parker is a premier insurance, risk management, and financial services firm founded in 1939 in Long Island, New York. With more than 15,000 clients, including publicly traded companies with complex global insurance programs and the largest software framework company for autonomous systems, Bradley & Parker is one of the largest privately held insurance companies in the United States, underwriting in excess of $100 million in insurance premiums annually. Wynne Joined Bradley & Parker 34 years and 9 months ago. She was promoted from Executive Vice President to CEO 4.5 years ago, and shortly after, she came out as transgender.Wynne insights:The positive effect of longevity on the jobThe importance of expanding your role to other corporate function How the leadership propels the company's successThe challenges in creating a hybrid remote and in-office post-pandemicHow to have clear communication across the organizationHow to foster an inclusive work environmentCreating a diverse workforce improves business performanceThere is more that unites us than divides usLearn more about Wynne Nowland at   / wnowland  Learn more about Bradley & Parker at https://bradley-parker.com/

In this insightful interview, Paula Schneider, Susan G. Komen CEO, reveals the leadership lessons she learned from leading global organizations.Susan G. Komen is a global movement that, over 30 years, has led the way in funding $3 billion in groundbreaking research, community health initiatives, and advocacy programs in local communities across the U.S. and in more than 30 countries, serving millions of people.Paula joined Komen three and a half years ago, after serving as president and CEO of American Apparel, the largest apparel manufacturer in the United States with 260 retail stores globally; CEO of Delta Galil Premium Brands; and president at Warnaco Swimwear Group.Among Paula's insights:How to empower your team when you are not physically empoweredHow a defining moment can change trajectories in career and lifeLeading with a sense of urgency to expedite the visionOver-communicate always and even more in a multicultural organizationThe power of age diversity and what she learned in the "escape room"Inclusiveness happens when we take action on the diverse point of viewsThe 'need to know' gets in the way of high performanceThe CEO, as a statesman, should you get involved in social justice? Learn more about Paula at   / paula-schneider-6322661a  Learn about Susan G. Komen at https://www.komen.org/

In this video, Manish Hirapara shares the leadership strategies that helped him scale PeakActivity to more than 200 employees.PeakActivity is a digital strategy and implementation company that partners with businesses to accelerate growth through e-commerce, Digital Marketing, and Technology solutions. Topics discussed:Transforming from a scrappy startup to a high-performing organizationWorking on the business rather than working in the businessAlignment around purposeBeing an authentic leaderOvercoming the constraints we set in our mindsLearn more:https://peakactivity.com/  / peakactivity    / manishhirapara  

In this discerning interview, Andrew Pass, the CEO of A Pass Educational Group, shares the magic of empowerment by having a double bottom line.A Pass Educational Group develops customized educational content, from designing courses to creating assessments, for K-12, higher education, and corporate clients. Prior to founding A Pass Educational Group, Andrew completed advanced doctoral work in Curriculum, Teaching, and Educational Policy at Michigan State University. He started his career as an elementary school teacher and continued teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in topics such as educational technology, or ed-tech, at Michigan State University.Among Andrew's insights:Empower employees by aligning their higher purpose and inner voiceAccept diverse points of viewEncourage critical thinkingDevelop and promote leaders from withinLearn more about Andrew at   / andrewpass  Learn more about A Pass Educational Group at https://apasseducation.com/

In this thought-provoking interview, Nathan Stooke the CEO of Wisper Internet, a company that provides fast, reliable internet services to rural communities where other providers don't, shares the leadership lessons learned during the pandemic year leading the growth from 71 to 187 employees.Nathan founded Wisper Internet 18 years ago when a friend didn’t have Internet access at his business. Nathan Stooke accepted the challenge. It took a little research, a few maxed-out credit cards, and hard work, and Wisper Internet was born to bridge the gap in rural America with fast internet. Some of Nathan's insights:The changing needs of the leadership team in hyper-growthThe power of executive coaching to expose blind spotsHow to balance the individuals and  the teamHow framework helps to navigate uncharted territoriesFrom CEO by default to CEO by choiceDeveloping agile mindsetLosing efficiency to get things doneLearn more about Nathan at   / nathan-stooke-76028b1  Learn more about Wisper Internet at https://wisperisp.com/

In this fascinating interview, Kevin Jones, the CEO of Celero Commerce, which provides payment processing services, business management software, and data intelligence on a single holistic platform, discusses the leadership challenges and solutions for leading high growth through Mergers and Acquisitions.Celero’s leadership team has completed 6 acquisitions since its inception. That's untypical for a young company. Among Kevin's insights:The need to have a strong core leadership team Culture fit as a prerequisite for an acquisitionHow culture evolves as the company absorbs new culturesThe shift from culture-fit to culture-blendTransparent communication as a key leadership styleHow to run business-as-usual concurrently with M&A activityThe importance of leveraging efficiencies to scale up quicklyKevin founded Celero in 2018, and 2.5 years later, it’s the 16th largest non-bank payment processor in the United States, serving more than 25,000 businesses.He began his fin-tech career at Chase Paymentech. He is the former President of SignaPay, and former CEO of Anovia Payments, which he led to a successful exit.Learn more about Celero Commerce at https://www.celerocommerce.com/Learn more about Kevin Jones at   / kevingjones  

In this insightful interview, Matt Powell, the CEO of Moroch, an independent, integrated marketing agency based in Dallas, shares his 20-year journey from media planner to CEO and offers valuable insights about career, work, and life.Among his insights:How to fight through a career wallHow to  have a tough conversation with an employerAre you running from something or towards something?The shift from the C-suite peer group to the CEO roleAcknowledging the elephant in the room accelerates teamworkHow to quickly come together as a teamA leadership team is a soccer team vs. a basketball teamThe mistake of hiring leaders like usMulti-generational leadership impact on the organizationMatt Joined Moroch almost 20 years ago as a media planner. In his first week, Matt was sent to observe at his first client meeting. But when his boss didn’t make her flight, he presented the agency’s media plan himself.Matt’s been stepping up ever since solving media puzzles for some of the largest companies. He is an evangelist for new platforms and technologies and he describes himself as “constantly evolving.” With dozens of offices across the United States, Moroch has the ability to work with clients such as McDonald's, Six Flags, Planet Fitness, Disney, Midas, Visionworks, and Baylor Healthcare System, among others.Moroch’s integration model includes expertise in creative, digital, social media, planning, analytics, media, multicultural, experiential, and PR, all under one roof, working together on behalf of over 100 brands.Learn more about mat at   / matt-powell-89335b3  Learn more about Moroch at https://moroch.com/

In this discerning interview, Brady Harris, the CEO of Dwolla, a FinTech company that develops payment gateway software to transform the way innovative businesses move money, shares his simple yet powerful framework for delegation.Brady's 5 steps to stewardship delegation: 1. Establishing results, goals, and outcomes2. Setting guidelines to accomplish these outcomes3. Providing the resources necessary to be successful4. Holding people accountable for the outcomes mutually agreed on5. Clarifying the consequences of the accountability Brady has some additional insights about:"Leadership is more so about organizing the collective genius and less about having the answer yourself"The similarities between leadership and parenthoodHow to drive alignment and buy-in in teamsBrady joined Dwolla a year ago after serving as the president of PayScape for almost three years. Before that, he scaled the corporate ladder over more than 16 years from various sales positions to the president of Elliott Management Group.Brady has two bachelor's degrees in International Economic Studies and in Russian. He has a Master's degree in International Affairs and Global Enterprise.Learn more about Brady at   / brady-harris  Learn more about Dwolla at https://www.dwolla.com/

In this 'free-dive' interview, Ben Gaddis, CEO of T3, an innovation firm that helps brands create value for consumers first and then build messaging around that value, explains how embracing irrationality drives innovation in business. Some of Ben's insights:Irrationality is closely linked to new ideasInnovation goes against hard-wired habits  and short-term needs (quarterly earnings)How to trick your brain to allow crazy ideasInnovation is about removing the constants from an industryThe impact of fear on innovationHow one-degree decisions drive innovation without negative impact on legacy businessThe 3-step innovation process: Identify the constants, develop an irrational vision, and make one-degree decisions every day to keep you on the path to that irrational vision.How to create a ripple effect of innovation in an organizationFocusing on innovation, Ben sets the vision for T3 to help clients build Useful Brands through a culture driven by collaboration, prototyping, and making cool stuff happen. He oversees all T3 offices in  Austin, Atlanta, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle.Ben has helped craft innovation, marketing, and loyalty strategies for 7-Eleven, Staples, UPS, Allstate, Coca-Cola, Sprite, and other clients.He launched T3’s Innovation Labs to help clients take an agile approach to conceptualize and bring new tech, digital experiences, and products to market. He also created T3 Ventures, which invests in and provides consulting and services to early-stage startups.Ben also serves as a Techstars mentor, a Wired contributor, and a frequent speaker at events.Learn more about Ben at   / bengaddis  Learn more about T3 at https://www.t-3.com/Ben invites you to pay what you like to download Embracing Irrationality: How crazy thinking can save your career, your company, and possibly the world.He wants to empower as many people as possible to start applying this mindset and methodology in their communities. All proceeds go to charity to support work during this crisis. Get the book at bengaddis.com

Carmela Castellano-Garcia, California Primary Care Association CEO, reveals some of the strategies she has been applying for 23 years to develop the next generation of leaders.Here are some of the strategies she mentioned:Create career paths for people to move up within the organizationFocus on internal leadership development for the C-SuiteAdopting and implementing a diversity policyEncouraging independent and creative thinkingMotivate women to take a proactive and bold approach to their careersHow women can take bold steps to take initiativesLeading with purpose and visionCarmela has been committed to advancing multicultural health policy issues for nearly 30 years, focusing on areas such as cultural and linguistic competency in healthcare delivery, ensuring the viability of safety net providers, healthcare reform, and access to care for vulnerable populations. Primary Care Association (CPCA), overseeing a membership association of approximately 1,370 nonprofits, community clinics, and health centers (CCHCs) which serve nearly 7.4 million patients a year.  Prior to joining CPCA, Carmela served as the Founder and Executive Director of the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC), a healthcare policy and advocacy organization seeking to improve access to health and human services for California’s Latino population. She was the Executive Director in 1992-1997 and she served as the Volunteer Executive Director in 2011, wherein she played a leadership role in ensuring the continued vitality of the organization.Carmela’s legal background includes six years as a Staff Attorney and Managing Attorney with Public Advocates, Inc., a public interest law firm in San Francisco. Ms. Castellano-Garcia has litigated in the areas of employment discrimination, insurance redlining, and ensuring access to the information superhighway for California’s minority, low-income populations.Carmela is a founder and continues to serve on the Board of the California Health Information Partnership and Services Organization (CalHIPSO), the Regional Extension Center for California. She also sits on the Board of the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC), and the National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP). She also serves on several advisory boards, including the Insure the Uninsured Project (ITUP), the California Program on Access to Care (CPAC), and the Health Initiative of the Americas (HIA).Learn more about Carmela at    / carmela-castellano-garcia-a719001  Learn more about the CPCA at https://www.cpca.org/

In this insightful interview, Scott Francis, CEO of BP3, an award-winning automation provider with offices in Austin, Denver, London, Amsterdam, and Lisbon, shares his journey from co-founder and CTO to CEO, lessons learned from growing the company, and his unique approach to hiring and developing talent. Some of his insights are:How to balance the technical skills and business skillsHow to adjust the type of employees you hire to the growth rateThe right mix of experienced and non-experienced employeesFree flow communication across reporting linesHow to replace a formal hierarchical structure with more meaningful and fulfilling development.Let inexperienced leaders lead experienced leadersHow to create a culture of continuous learningThe CEO doesn’t have anyone to “outsource” the stressScott co-founded BP3 in 2007. He served as the CTO for the first 4 years, and 5 years ago, he transitioned into the CEO role, succeeding his co-founder Lance Gibbs.Scott also serves as the President of The Magellan International School Board. This is an IB school with immersion in Spanish and Mandarin where Scott’s 6 and 9 years old kids go.Learn more about Scott at   / sfrancisatx  BP3 helps streamline and automate processes that drive everything from customer experience to employee productivity in some of the world’s most respected brands - such as Lilly, Charter, Wells Fargo, and others.Learn more about BP3 at https://www.bp-3.com/

In this episode of CEOpeek, Dave interviews Tom Salonek, Founder and CEO of Intertech, a Minneapolis-St. Paul-based software consulting and education company.  Dave and Tom discuss employee engagement. When an organization has high engagement, employees give extra discretionary effort in their jobs, staying, and referring prospective employees and customers.  Also, organizations with high engagement are more profitable and have more productive and less absent employees. Dave and Tom discuss the core parts of employee engagement, including:•  Alignment with goals•  Teamwork•  Co-worker trust•  Manager effectiveness and trust in senior leaders•  Job satisfaction•   Feeling valued•   Benefits and pay Throughout the conversation, Tom shares specific, actionable ways for leaders to increase employee engagement. While Tom Salonek started his career as a developer, he now leads his firm. Tom completed executive education programs in leadership at the Harvard Business School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His undergraduate degree is in Quantitative Methods from the University of St. Thomas, where he later returned as an instructor at the Graduate School of Business Management Center. Over a decade ago, Tom founded the Intertech Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families with critically ill children and awards an annual university STEM scholarship. Tom was named one of 40 under 40 by The Business Journal and the Business Builder of the Year by Upsize Magazine. He has written three books and over 100 articles on business, leadership, and technology. Intertech has won over 50 awards, including being named one of the Best 30 Employers in Tech by Fortune Magazine and one of the Top 10 Consulting firms in America by Consulting Magazine. Trusted by some of the world's top organizations, Intertech has helped NASA, 3M, Intel, Microsoft, British Petroleum, and the United States Air Force, Army, and Navy as they've pivoted to new technologies.Learn more about Tom at:   / tomsalonek    Learn more about Intertech at: https://www.intertech.com/  Get the book The 100: Building Blocks for Business Leadership at: https://www.amazon.com/100-Building-B...

In this inspiring interview, Ron Scheese, Andesa Services CEO, a provider of integrated solutions to life insurance and annuity carriers and producers, shares his unique leadership philosophy.Ron continuously contributes to the body of work around leadership and he is working on an upcoming leadership book.Some of Ron's insights:Finding your purpose and aligning your professional and life purposeLeverage strengths to pursue the purpose using a StrengthsFinderMaximize strength to fulfill your purposePlanning is an emergent processStarting and failing fastLeadership means to outgrow the professional domain into 'people first'.See the whole ecosystem - employees, families, customers, and supplier stakeholdersMatch leadership style to the situation. Servant leadership is the default mode, but in crisis, sometimes there is a place for command and control to make urgent decisions The benefits of an employee-owned companyRon was promoted to CEO 10 years ago after serving for almost 5 years as the company’s CFO. Prior to Andesa, Ron had a career in corporate finance after a few years as an audit manager for Ernst and Young.Learn more about Andesa Services at https://andesaservices.com/Learn about Ron at   / ronscheese  

Stuart Frankel, Narrative Science CEO, shares the leadership lessons he learned over the last 11 years since he founded the company. Some of Stuart's insights:Prepare to play the long gameEmbrace the ups and downsDon't treat problems equallyDifferentiate existential from non-existential decisionsEmpower the team to move the business forwardExecutives should prioritize their team of peers over the team that reports to themKeep asking for that context until you find itHave a healthy skepticism in data analysis to eliminate data biasesConflict is sometimes necessary to get the team on the same pageGet clarity about the final decision made before leaving the roomIdentify the wrong assumptions that lead to a bad decision.Narrative Science creates software that writes stories from data to drive understanding and results. In its artificial intelligence, power technology automatically turns data into easy-to-understand reports, transforms statistics into stories, and converts numbers into knowledge.Prior to Narrative Science, Stuart was the president of the performance division of DoubleClick and was a member of DoubleClick’s senior management team, where the company was sold to Google. He started his career as a lawyer and a CPA.Learn about Narrative Science at https://narrativescience.com/Learn about Stuart Frankel at   / stuart-frankel-aa63b6  

Reid Carr, the CEO of Red Door Interactive, shares the leadership philosophy that has helped him shape and grow the company over the last 19 years. Among Reid's insights:How to balance long-term sustainability with short-term needsHow to operate within a world of chaosHow to create a  100% jerk-free workplaceHow to hire talent that balances confidence with humilityRed Door Interactive is a fiercely independent full-service marketing and advertising agency. It helps brands effectively, efficiently, and emotionally deliver their stories to the audiences through full-funnel marketing programs. Red Door Interactive balances brand building with a performance marketing strategy,y with execution, and technology with the talent to help their clients win. Reid co-founded Red Door Interactive 19 years ago. Next month is the 19th anniversary in downtown San Diego, California. Since then, Red Door Interactive has grown into one of the largest independent agencies in the country, representing some well-known brands such as ASICS, Nissan, Intuit, Bosch, and many more. Reid won multiple awards, such as the Most Admired CEO 40 Under 40. And the agency won the Best Places to Work 14 years in a row. Learn more about Red Door Interactive: https://www.reddoor.biz/Learn more about Reid Carr:   / reidcarr  Reid's TEDx talk 100% jerk-free workplace:    • 100% jerk-free workplace: Reid Carr at TED...  

Arman Eshraghi, the CEO of Qrvey, shares his entrepreneurship and leadership lessons from founding and growing tech companies. Arman is truly a serial entrepreneur. Qrvey is the 4th company he founded. Qrvey simplifies business analytics on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and moves analytics beyond just visualizations by offering an all-in-one cloud-native platform for making your data collection, analytics, and automation fully self-service.Some of his team members worked with Arman on a startup 20 years ago. That reflects on his leadership capability to attract talent and to stay connected over many years.  According to Arman, the team is the greatest enabler for some of the most critical goals of an early-stage startup, such as identifying product-market fit, executing growth plans, and attracting capital.

In this inspirational interview, André Chapman, the founder and CEO of Unity Care, shares his purposeful journey and leadership foundation that has driven his move from high-tech to nonprofit. Unity Care is a California-based nonprofit organization that provides safe, stable, and affordable housing for youth and young adults as they age out of foster care and provides them with the supportive services they need to achieve self-sufficiency. André left his lucrative Silicon Valley career in high-tech sales to start Unity Care and fulfill his mission to advance and evolve foster care of young adults. 25 years since its inception, Unity Care has served thousands of foster children and families, while stimulating revolutionary improvements in foster care and public education.Some of André's insights:The executive team should be as diverse as the community it serves. Engage communities outside the organization.Give permission to your staff to go deeper and question how the leaders show up.Learn more about Unity Care at https://www.unitycare.org/

In this fascinating interview, Sanjeev Kumar, the CEO of Skience, a digital transformation platform for broker-dealers and Registered Investment Advisors that provides wealth managers with an efficient way to unify their technology and increase their productivity, shares the lessons he has learned growing the company to 200 employees strong.Some of Sanjeev's insights: Reinvent yourself to stay relevant.Choose partners based on the ecosystem they have created.Working unconventionally during the pandemic.Leveraging technology in innovative ways. Looking at how behavior is changing in the target market.Integrate solutions from the wider ecosystem to create innovative offerings.Collaboration as a foundation for innovation.Agility applies not just to product development but to the organization. Identify and stick to the core strengths of different teams.Sanjeev founded Skience in 2001 with $400, lots of patience, determination, and passion for leveraging technology to solve business problems. Without borrowing or getting investors on board, he and his team have grown the company to more than 200 employees with offices in Herndon, Virginia, and Bangalore, India.Sanjeev likes hiking and biking, and he also participates in fundraising bike rides each year to sponsor education for children who would not have the funds to go to school otherwise.Learn more about Skience at https://www.skience.com/.Connect with Sanjeev at   / sanjeevsk  

In this inspiring interview, Kunal Chopra, the CEO of Kaspien, a NASDAQ-listed company that grew from a third-party Amazon seller into a robust e-commerce platform, shares the leadership principles that enable him to thrive in a fast-growing, highly complex, and technology-driven business environment. Here are a few of Kunal's individual and team principles:1. Being a lifelong learner and applying the theory learned to work.2. Keep a constant loop of absorbing information and giving back.3. Integrate work and life.4. Bring your whole self to work.5. Everyone should become a well-rounded person and think like a CEO.6. Create partnerships as a core principle.7. Make decisions based on data.8. Innovate on behalf of your customers9. Believe in the power of diversity and inclusion. 10. Embed the principles and framework into employee journeys.Kaspien offers an expanding suite of proprietary software and leading services. It consistently delivers secure and sustainable growth for both established and emerging brands across e-commerce marketplaces.Prior to Kaspien, Kunal served as a senior executive at Microsoft, Amazon, and Groupon. He managed up to $800MM P&L with 500 direct and indirect employees. Kunal grew up in Mumbai, India, and after finishing his Bachelor's in Computer Engineering from the University of Mumbai, came to the United States to do his Master's in Computer Science.Kunal authored 5 books: Searchability, Get what you’re worth, Promotionary, From Average to Executive, and Start with A Vision and End with a Job Offer. You can find them at https://kunal-chopra.comLearn more about Kaspien at https://www.kaspien.com/Connect with Kunal at   / kunalchopra28  

In this insightful interview, Rob Castaneda, CEO of ServiceRocket, a Silicon Valley-based company transforming how fast-growing software businesses engage with their customers for effective implementations, shares his leadership philosophy and guiding principles.Key highlights include:Viewing service as an art form, where beauty lies in the details and nuances.Rob’s unique application of the Yerkes-Dodson law to find the balance of optimal anxiety.Incorporating emotions into the check-in process to build trust and connection.The CEO’s role in fostering an emotionally safe environment for teams.Empowering leaders to help individuals improve and achieve greatness.Why CEOs must evolve alongside their growing companies.The value of peer networks and mentorship for leadership development.The importance of being accessible and approachable as a leader.Recognizing patterns and signals as a CEO and designing strategies around them.ServiceRocket specializes in helping software companies and their customers maximize the value of their software. Its innovative cloud-based platform offers an integrated suite of products and services, including training, support, implementation, and tools.Rob Castaneda discovered his passion for technology and training at just 17, working on the Sydney helpdesk for a Silicon Valley software company. Within three years, he had gained hands-on experience across multiple departments, including pre-sales, training, support, and R\&D.In 2000, Rob moved to Silicon Valley to join a startup, where he co-authored several publications on Enterprise Java. The following year, he founded ServiceRocket, headquartered in Palo Alto, California. Over the years, the company has grown to over 240 employees worldwide, with offices in the U.S., Australia, Chile, and Malaysia.Rob’s leadership philosophy, rooted in teamwork and knowledge-sharing, has been instrumental in building a globally successful, bootstrapped company, achieving this without venture capital funding. His achievements have earned him recognition as one of Silicon Valley’s Top 40 under 40 leaders.  Read his full story at https://www.servicerocket.com/aboutConnect with Rob at   / robertcastaneda  

In this insightful interview, Dan Vetras, CEO of Kollective, the leading independent provider of enterprise content delivery networking infrastructure that leverages existing network infrastructure to deliver content faster, more reliably, and with less bandwidth.Some of Dan's Insights:How to cooperate with people from different backgrounds, different thinking. The 3 D’s in sports that apply to leadership: Dedication, Discipline, and Desire. Play to win as a team without being the individual superstar.Communicate consistently with humility.How important is accessibility and transparency for the CEO?Continuous communication creates the team's camaraderie. CEOs should learn and listen before making dramatic changes in the first 90 days.EQ is as important, if not even more, than IQ.International expansion for a company is what diversification is for an investment portfolio. It mitigates risks!Trust is a crucial factor when recruiting the first international leaders.Building an international presence requires the CEO's presence for the foreign team. How to keep your cultural edge.Dan is actively involved in understanding the needs of Kollective’s global customer base, building a world-class team, and driving an agile and innovative culture. He has 30 years of successful experience in business and technology leadership, including three previous CEO positions at Visible Technologies, Talisma, and Captura, as well as executive sales positions at IBM and Lotus.Find more about Dan and Kollective at:  / dan-vetras-45166b11  https://kollective.com/

In this insightful interview, Inna Kuznetsova, CEO of 1010data, a premier provider of cross-enterprise data analytics solutions, shares her expertise on building and leading high-performing teams.Key Takeaways from Inna:Navigating relationships with the board effectively.Cultivating trust to foster productive debate.Encouraging employee mobility between teams for growth.Handling difficult conversations while preserving relationships.The CEO’s role in not just hiring star talent but integrating them into the leadership team.Viewing the CEO as an orchestra conductor, orchestrating harmony among team members.Holding people accountable without creating a culture of fear.Advocating for women to take more risks in climbing the corporate ladder.Gaining valuable insights into the CEO role by serving on other company boards.Inna took the helm at 1010data during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her impressive career includes serving as President and COO of INTTRA, the largest digital network and analytics provider for the ocean shipping industry, Chief Commercial Officer of CEVA Logistics, and Global VP of Marketing & Sales for Systems Software at IBM, where she spent 19 years in various global roles.Currently, Inna also serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the board of Global Ports Investments. A sought-after speaker on technology-driven innovation, she is the author of two bestselling career books in Russia.About 1010data:1010data empowers businesses to adapt to market changes and make data-driven decisions with confidence. Trusted by industry leaders like Dollar General, Sam’s Club, Family Dollar, Procter & Gamble, Bank of America, and JP Morgan, 1010data is a key partner for top retail, CPG, and financial companies.Discover more about Inna Kuznetsova and 1010data:https://1010data.com/  / ikuznetsova  

In this thought-provoking interview, Hannah Kain, President and CEO of ALOM, a Silicon Valley-based global supply chain company, makes the case for a results-driven business balanced with care and empathy for the employees. Hannah's highlights:Overcome gender disparity in the organization. Promote a sense of ownership to generate stronger commitments to achieve results. Remove systemic blocks for women leaders. Navigate the women's narrow bandwidth for behavioral change Gender equality for stretch assignments Hannah Kain founded  ALOM in 1997. ALOM operates out of 19 global locations to support its Fortune 500 customers in the technology, automotive, medical, financial, and utility/energy sectors with brand-enhancing supply chain management services and solutions.Hannah was born in Denmark and immigrated to the US in 1990. She taught at Copenhagen Business School and holds three university degrees.Hannah is a Board member of the National Association of Manufacturers and a former 2 term board member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). She serves on the Advisory Council of Heritage Bank of Commerce and The Michelle R. Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford University. Kain is a member of the exclusive invitation-only Committee of 200 for executive women.She has received numerous awards, including SDCE 2020 Supply Chain Pro-to-Know, 2019 WBEC-Pacific Pinnacle Award, 2017 Gold Woman of the Year in Manufacturing Stevie Award, been named a 2017 Connected World Magazine Women of M2M / IoT honoree, and won the 2017 Silver Stevie Award for best global woman-owned business. She has been honored as a Top 25 Champion of Diversity in STEM, won the Manufacturing Institute STEP Ahead Award, the YWCA Tribute to Women Award, inducted into the Silicon Valley Capitol Club wall of fame, won the global Vistage Leadership Award, and named a WBENC Business Star.ALOM has earned numerous quality certifications, including ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO 14001, TL 9000 and DMSCA CMP Level 3.0.Learn more about Alom at https://alom.com and about Hanna at   / hannahkain  

Morten Brøgger, Wire CEO, shares his vast experience leading multinational and multicultural teams around the world.Based in San Francisco, Morten is the CEO of Wire, an enterprise-grade, end-to-end encrypted collaboration platform. He has over 20 years’ experience in the technology industry, as well as extensive go-to-market and SaaS experience spanning both the U.S. and European markets. Most recently, Morten was the CEO at Huddle, a content collaboration platform serving large professional services firms as well as the UK and U.S. governments. His previous experience includes leadership roles at Syniverse, MACH, Sunrise Switzerland, TDC Denmark, and ATEA.

Carlo Brayda, Gorilla Corporation CEO, shares his secret sauce for building a multinational corporation. In this deep dive conversation, Carlo explains:How empathy leads to cultural diversityHow authenticity bridges cultural differencesHow a sense of purpose lifts consciousness and closes cultural gapsHow vulnerability and authenticity build strong relationships within remote teamsFounded by Mr. Tortora Brayda in 1992, Gorilla Corporation is a leading provider of services and technologies in IT channel and partnership strategy. With headquarters in San Francisco, USA, and local offices in EMEA and APAC regions, Carlo has grown and expanded Gorilla’s businesses with customers on all continents. With decades of experience, Carlo is leading his team working with large global businesses, organizations, and governments. The teams build and enhance their clients' channel and partner relations, structure and technology, with extraordinary success, resulting in as much as $5Billion for large enterprise businesses.Learn more at www.gorillaict.com and www.tortorabrayda.org

In this interview, Ryan Prosser, CEO of Very, shares the story of building a stronger company culture by focusing on language in the workplace. Ryan loves building awesome teams, growing companies, racing mountain bikes, reading presidential bio's, and being with his family. Very is a fully-distributed IoT engineering firm, partnering with clients to build systems for smart manufacturing, smart energy & utilities, consumer electronics, and connected wellness.

Jeff is a seasoned healthcare entrepreneur with extensive global experience in the life sciences industry. He co-founded Providence Medical Technology in 2008 and has been serving as its CEO and a member of the Board of Directors since the company’s inception. Over the years, Jeff has played a pivotal role in shaping Providence’s success, spearheading every financing round and leading efforts in product development, clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and commercialization. His leadership is driven by the company’s core Purpose: “To build a passionate team that delivers innovative spinal technology to help patients enjoy pain-free lives.”In addition to his work at Providence, Jeff has co-founded several other ventures, including Pacific Surgical (a Philippines-based distributorship), Thayer Intellectual Property (focused on extremities medical devices), Kolum Inc. (spinal implants), and GreenLight Medical (hospital procurement software). These ventures reflect his commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation and collaboration.Before founding Providence, Jeff held key leadership roles in sales and operations at some of the healthcare industry’s most prominent companies, including Medtronic, Kyphon, DePuy Spine, Cardinal Health, and AstraZeneca.Jeff earned his AB in Organizational and Behavioral Management from Brown University, where he developed the foundational skills that continue to drive his entrepreneurial vision and leadership.

Doug Ricket is the founder and CEO of PayJoy, an innovative technology solution that offers fair credit to people with no credit history in the US, Mexico, and India. PayJoy makes smartphones more affordable, allowing everyone to join the modern connected world. It solves a huge paradox: half the world's population today lacks access to finance, yet they purchase $1 trillion of electronics, either using cash or through predatory lending. PayJoy changes that.Doug holds a B.S. Computer Science and Engineering from MIT, Master of Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT, and MBA from Stanford.