Create the Future

In this episode of Create the Future, your host Rick Williams interviews Desiree Martinez, Founder of The Kast Agency.Desiree shares her journey from early social media marketing to making a pivotal decision: shifting her business from chasing rapid growth to focusing on sustainable, values-driven strategies. She discusses adapting to industry changes, especially the rise of AI and the renewed need for human connection. Desiree emphasizes the importance of community, emotional intelligence, and seeking support when making tough decisions, offering practical insights for leaders navigating uncertainty and change.Check out Desiree's work HERE.Connect with Desiree on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode, host Rick Williams and guest Dusty Holcomb, Founder and CEO of Arcqus Group, engage in a thoughtful discussion on effective leadership, focusing on decision-making, vulnerability, and self-leadership.They share personal stories and practical strategies, highlighting the importance of seeking diverse perspectives, managing fear, and separating self-worth from outcomes. The conversation emphasizes authentic vulnerability, the value of mentorship, and the need for clear decision-making processes. Listeners gain actionable insights on leading oneself, fostering trust, and building aligned teams, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills.Check out Dusty's work HERE. Connect with Dusty on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, host Rick Williams interviews leadership coach and author Paul Thornton. Paul shares his journey from corporate HR leader to college professor and prolific writer.He recounts a pivotal lesson from coaching hockey: enforcing accountability by leaving late players behind, despite their importance to the team. The discussion explores the challenges of leadership, the importance of living by one’s values, and how sports foster discipline and growth. Paul emphasizes that effective leaders make tough decisions, prioritize team standards, and consistently align actions with their core beliefs.Connect with Paul on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, your host Rick Williams interviews Nick Jain, Co-Founder of Eagle Rock CFO. Nick shares his experience leading a mid-sized, founder-led software company through a pivotal transition to professional management. He discusses implementing data-driven decision-making, shifting company culture, and the importance of financial clarity. Nick also reflects on learning from failure, balancing execution with empathy, and launching his new AI-powered CFO venture. The conversation offers practical insights for leaders facing tough decisions and organizational change.Check out Nick's work HERE.Connect with Nick on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, your host Rick Williams interviews executive coach Kim Sawyer, Founder & Principal of The Wealth Source, about pivotal decisions throughout his life and career.Kim recounts his journey from adventurous travels and military service to entrepreneurship and executive coaching. He shares how his decision-making evolved from impulsive choices to a structured process involving mentors and self-reflection. Kim also discusses adapting his business during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing resilience, mindset shifts, and proactive career management. The episode offers practical insights for leaders facing uncertainty and highlights the value of learning from setbacks and embracing change.Check out Kim's work HERE.Connect with Kim on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, host Rick Williams interviews Terence Chatmon, President & CEO of Victorious Family.Terence shares his journey from corporate leadership at Johnson & Johnson and Coca-Cola to leading a nonprofit that empowers parents. He discusses making values-driven decisions, the importance of conviction and purpose, and how his experiences shaped his leadership. Terence emphasizes the lasting impact of investing in others, especially as a parent, and offers advice to "love well," highlighting the foundational role of love in raising confident, resilient children.Check out Terence's work HERE.Connect with Terence on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, host Rick Williams interviews John Walsh, Founder & CEO of Endera, a specialty automaker producing electric buses for government use.John shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his start in private equity to founding Endera at 25, and discusses building his team, validating product-market fit, and scaling operations. He emphasizes the importance of honest company culture, strategic decision-making, and leveraging advisors. John also offers insights into the electric vehicle industry and Endera’s unique approach to growth and competition in a challenging market.Check out John's work HERE.Connect with John on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, your host Rick Williams interviews George Dubec, Business Consultant at Ultimate Networking.George, an author and entrepreneur known as "the ultimate networker," shares his journey from a corporate career at General Motors to entrepreneurship, highlighting pivotal decisions, the value of networking, and lessons learned from risk-taking. The conversation covers George’s ventures in business, writing, and entertainment, his approach to decision-making, and his vision for collaborative leadership. The episode offers practical advice on leadership, adaptability, and building meaningful connections, concluding with George’s bold plan to form an expert-led group for the 2028 presidential race.Check out George's work HERE.Connect with George on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, your host Rick Williams interviews Frances West, a veteran technology executive and founder of FrancesWest & Co.Frances shares her journey, focusing on her challenging decision to lead IBM’s expansion in China during the 1990s. She discusses navigating cultural differences, adapting her leadership style, and the importance of authentic inclusion. The conversation highlights lessons on cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and courage in leadership, offering practical insights for listeners aiming to grow as effective, inclusive leaders in a global context.Check out Frances's work HERE.Connect with Frances on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, your host Rick Williams interviews Jim Carlough, a leadership identity architect.Jim recounts a difficult experience from 2002 when he had to lead a major staff reduction at a tech company. He shares how he maintained trust by promising advance notice, training, and job search support for affected employees. Jim emphasizes the importance of empathy, transparency, and integrity in leadership, reflecting on the emotional challenges and the lasting positive impact his approach had on his team during a time of significant change.Check out Jim's work HERE.Connect with Jim on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, host Rick Williams interviews brand strategist Larry Gulko.Larry shares his unconventional journey from engineering to branding, emphasizing the importance of building a unique brand identity and making tough leadership decisions. He recounts starting his agency, Brand New Day, from scratch, the value of persistence, and the courage to leave unfulfilling clients, even prestigious ones, to protect company culture. Larry offers insights on brand loyalty, the power of storytelling, and why brands must resonate emotionally with consumers to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.Check out Larry's work HERE.Connect with Larry on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, your host Rick Williams interviews Bob Howard, Founder of Magic Talent Solutions.Bob shares his journey from Marine Corps leadership to navigating the cutthroat world of recruiting agencies, ultimately founding his own company to foster teamwork and fair practices. The conversation explores leadership styles, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of accountability, emotional resilience, and supportive relationships in making tough decisions. Bob’s story offers practical insights for leaders seeking to build collaborative, values-driven organizations and highlights the courage required to embrace change and uncertainty.Check out Bob's work HERE.Connect with Bob on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of the Create the Future podcast, host Rick Williams interviews Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder and CEO of Mavens and Moguls.Paige shares her journey from investment banking to leading successful marketing teams at Fortune 500 companies and startups. She discusses tough leadership decisions, including letting go of valued employees who couldn’t adapt to growth and firing a high-paying but toxic client. Paige emphasizes the importance of authenticity, values-driven leadership, and building a business around clients and colleagues who align with your principles. The episode offers candid insights into navigating difficult choices as a leader.Check out Paige's work HERE.Connect with Paige on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of the "Create the Future Podcast," host Rick Williams interviews Peggy Sullivan, Productivity Strategist, Keynote Speaker, and Creator of the Busy–Busting Framework.They discuss overcoming "time poverty," aligning work with personal values, and practical strategies for productivity and happiness. Peggy shares her career journey, the importance of micro-steps, and the value of courage and support. The conversation highlights women’s unique leadership contributions, emotional intelligence, and the need for gender equity in leadership roles. Listeners gain actionable insights on decision-making, embracing challenges, and fostering inclusive, purpose-driven workplaces.Check out Peggy Sullivan's work HERE.Connect with Peggy Sullivan on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, host Rick Williams interviews Aasha LaCount, emotional intelligence expert and CEO of BeyondEQ International.Aasha shares how personal and professional crises—including losing her home and business setbacks—led her to pivot from online courses to working with corporate leaders on trauma and burnout. She discusses the importance of self-trust, emotional intelligence, and redefining success beyond money. The conversation explores decision-making, resilience, and the courage to embrace change, offering valuable insights for leaders navigating uncertainty and transformation.Check out Aasha LaCount's work HERE.Connect with Aasha LaCount on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In this episode of the Create the Future podcast, host Rick Williams interviews Dr. Sage Breslin, a psychologist and transformation coach.Sage shares her journey of leaving an unhealthy marriage and overcoming cancer, which inspired her to pivot from trauma recovery to empowering female leaders affected by toxic relationships through her Rose System. She discusses the challenges of rebuilding her business, the importance of soul-driven work, and the role of therapy, coaching, and trusted advisors in making difficult decisions. Sage’s story highlights resilience, purposeful leadership, and the power of personal transformation.Check out Dr. Sage Breslin's work HERE.Connect with Dr. Sage Breslin on LinkedIn HERE.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

In the inaugural episode of Create the Future, Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence interviews the creator and host of the show, Rick Williams. Rick is a keynote speaker, author, and board member. In this episode, Rick introduces the podcast’s mission: exploring how leaders make tough decisions that shape the future and build legacies. Rick also discusses the importance of mastering decision-making, outlines the podcast’s focus on real leadership stories, and shares his professional background as the founder and Managing Director of Williams Advisory Partners. The episode invites leaders to share their experiences and offers listeners practical insights to improve their own decision-making skills, setting the stage for future conversations with leaders from diverse backgrounds.Check out Rick's book HERE.Check out Rick's work at his website HERE. Connect with Rick on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.