Leading In The Dark

What does it take to re-home over 1,100 dogs a year?In this episode of Leading In The Dark, Nick Akers sits down with entrepreneur Kristen Duhr — founder of Home 2 Home Canine Orphanage and multiple dog-centered businesses across the St. Louis region.Kristen shares:How she built a foster network capable of handling 40+ dogs in a single dayThe operational realities of rescue logisticsWhy training dogs is really about training humansThe problem with pain-based training methodsMissouri’s overpopulation challengesHer upcoming 2026 surgical center focused on spay/neuter, dentals, and heartworm treatmentThis conversation goes beyond rescue work.It’s about leadership, discipline, systems, and building scalable compassion.If you care about entrepreneurship, impact, or the intersection of structure and heart — this episode delivers.

In this episode of Leading In The Dark, host Nick Akers sits down with entrepreneur Chris Edwards to unpack a full Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition journey—from corporate finance to consulting, through acquisition, exit, and back to startup life.Chris shares how he acquired a flooring business through a self-funded search, scaled it through operational improvements, and ultimately exited with a remarkable return. More importantly, he opens up about the emotional side of ownership: managing inherited culture, navigating seller dynamics, leading through turnover, and redefining purpose after a successful exit.Now building a new business from scratch, Chris reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy—and why mastering organic growth is critical before the next acquisition.This episode is a must-listen for aspiring searchers, operators, founders, and anyone wrestling with what comes after success.

In this episode of Leading In The Dark, Nick Akers sits down with Garth Fasano, President and Co-Founder of RaYnmaker, to explore a leadership journey shaped by entrepreneurship through acquisition and rapid technological disruption.Garth shares how acquiring a traditional outsourced sales business forced him to confront a hard truth: the core business model was on borrowed time. What followed was a bold decision to pivot—shutting down a call center and rebuilding the company as an AI-powered autonomous sales platform for small businesses.This conversation dives into:What searchers and ETA entrepreneurs often underestimate after closingHow to evaluate risk when technology is changing faster than your timelineWhy small businesses may have a unique advantage in adopting AIThe leadership mindset required to act before disruption becomes inevitableA candid, thoughtful episode for founders, operators, and leaders navigating uncertainty—and deciding when to take their biggest swing.

What does leadership look like when there’s no playbook?In this episode of Leading In The Dark, Nick Akers sits down with Savannah Rush, Managing Partner at Funded Ventures, to explore her journey from engineering at WashU to consulting at McKinsey, earning her MBA at Harvard Business School, and ultimately stepping into the operator seat through entrepreneurship via acquisition (ETA).Savannah shares candid insights on:Why ETA has become one of the most popular paths for MBA graduatesThe realities of owning and operating a small businessLeading teams without industry expertiseBuilding trust after an ownership transitionWhy small towns may offer some of the greatest opportunities for long-term value creationThis conversation pulls back the curtain on leadership in its rawest form — early mornings, imperfect plans, real people, and learning by doing.If you’re curious about entrepreneurship, acquisition, or what it truly means to lead when there’s no manual, this episode is for you.

From Freight Yards to Global Leadership: A Conversation with Robert Mueller of RIM LogisticsIn this episode of Leading In The Dark, host Nick Akers sits down with Robert Mueller, President of RIM Logistics, for an insightful conversation about leadership, legacy, and navigating an industry undergoing immense global change.Robert shares how his family’s multi-generation history in trucking shaped his worldview, why his father launched RIM Logistics at age 46, and how international experience—from England to Hong Kong—became the catalyst that transformed his own career trajectory.This episode explores:• Building a half-billion-dollar company without private equity• The leadership “punches” that force you to grow• What overseas experience teaches you about grit, humility, and perspective• How to protect culture as a strategic advantage• Why today’s emerging leaders must have a plan, seek mentors, and differentiate themselvesIt’s a candid, grounded conversation about real leadership in a challenging era—and what it takes to rise above the noise.Listen now and subscribe for more stories from leaders who found clarity in their darkest moments.

Finding Balance, Buying a Business, and Leading Through Risk | Scott Whitt — Triad Clinical TrialsDescription:In this episode of Leading In The Dark, host Nick Akers sits down with Scott Whitt, Co-Owner & General Manager of Triad Clinical Trials, to explore the uncommon path from Deloitte partner to small-business owner in the clinical research world.Scott shares:What 70-hour consulting weeks taught him — and what they costThe surprising challenges and missteps in buying a healthcare businessWhy due diligence matters more than most buyers realizeHow to balance patient safety, FDA expectations, and commercial pressureThe truth about growth — and why “steady” beats “scalable” for many ownersWhat it takes to lead in high-stakes environments without losing yourselfThis conversation is a masterclass in leadership, operational clarity, and entrepreneurship through acquisition — with honest stories about burnout, family trade-offs, and redefining success on your own terms.🎧 Listen in and learn from Scott’s decade of lessons at the intersection of healthcare, operations, and ownership.

In this episode of Leading In The Dark, Nick Akers sits down with Adam Markley — CEO & Founder of PROX Capital Group — for an unfiltered look at entrepreneurship through acquisition, leadership under pressure, and the realities behind signing multi-million-dollar personal guarantees.Adam shares the unconventional journey that took him from failing out of college…to leading global operations…to acquiring companies across the U.S.…to raising a fund that supports other operators on the same path.Together, Nick and Adam explore:What personal guarantees really meanThe psychology of risk and resilienceWhy some operators succeed — and why others end up in bankruptcyWhat most people overlook in due diligenceHow intrapreneurial environments unlock talentWhy stacking the deck for success matters more than chasing growthHow Adam screens operators and underwrites dealsThe difference between “playing business” and actually running oneAdam also shares his standing offer: helping entrepreneurs evaluate deals so they avoid catastrophic decisions and increase their odds of long-term success.Raw. Honest. Tactical.This is a masterclass for anyone interested in business ownership, leadership, or the human side of high-stakes decision-making.Listen now and learn why no deal is infinitely better than a bad deal.

In this episode of Leading In The Dark, host Nick Akers sits down with Kimberli Wasney, co-founder of Ripple’s Edge Advisors—a firm helping owners grow their companies with the exit in mind.Kimberli brings a unique blend of operational expertise, business development experience, and emotional awareness to the challenges owners face when preparing to step away from their business.Together, they explore:• Why most owners wait too long to think about exit• The difficult process of separating your identity from your company• How to build a brand that stands on its own—not just on the founder• The step-by-step path to getting out of the day-to-day• Why ETA is becoming a powerful option for seller succession• How culture, values, and leadership continuity shape valuation• What owners can do today to increase their multiple by 1.5xKimberli’s insights are tactical, empathetic, and grounded in real-world experience across industries—from tech to law firms to manufacturing.If you’re an entrepreneur, operator, searcher, or future seller, this episode is a must-listen.Listen now and subscribe for more conversations with leaders who are navigating the unknown, building in the dark, and leading through uncertainty.

In this episode, Nick Akers sits down with Katie Schenck, Founder & CEO of Ballyhoo Workshop, a creative communications firm that helps organizations tell their stories through thoughtful, well-crafted employee and investor communication. Katie shares how she built Ballyhoo Workshop from the ground up, balancing creativity and business discipline, leading seasoned creatives in a flexible environment, and evolving through challenges like remote work, brand refreshes, and the rise of AI.If you’ve ever wondered how leaders keep culture alive in creative teams—or how to “work on the business” without losing the human connection—this conversation is for you.

From environmental services tech to hospital CEO to Managing Director & Head of Corporate Healthcare at PNC, Gyasi C. Chisley has led across every layer of a complex industry. In this episode, Gyasi unpacks his “ABCDs” (Advisory, Brand, Clients, Deals), why healthcare must remain high-touch even as AI scales, and how leaders can balance margin and mission without losing either. We dig into revenue cycle realities, talent shortages, building new growth engines, and the simple habit that changes culture: ask better questions.If you operate in high stakes with limited certainty, this conversation is a field guide.

Scott Alexander — From Black Swan to Blueprint: ETA, SBA Reality, and the “People → Process → Tools” PlaybookWhen COVID hit, Scott Alexander (CEO/Owner, JIRUS Micro Marketing) lost 80% of revenue in two weeks—while carrying an SBA-backed personal guarantee. Instead of folding, he pivoted into B2B med-device demand generation and rebuilt bigger than before. In this candid episode, Scott walks through the decisions, frameworks, and hiring practices that actually moved the needle.In this episode:Why he chose Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) over a from-scratch startupThe fine print of SBA 7(a) financing and personal guarantees—risk, reward, and realityCulture change without “yelling leadership”: adults, accountability, and trustHiring with case studies instead of canned interviews (and what he looks for)Unifying marketing + sales into one commercial motion, measured end-to-endThe operating stack: People → Process → Tools (in that order)Guest: Scott Alexander Host: Nick AkersShow: Leading In The Dark — real conversations about leading when the path isn’t lit.Subscribe for more episodes on resilient leadership, ETA, and building systems that survive uncertainty.

Joey Goone: From Kitchen-Table Startup to Mission-Driven Event PowerhouseWhat happens when a small team chooses speed, service, and purpose—then backs it up with world-class execution? In this episode, Nick Akers sits down with Joey Goone, President of Utopia Experience, to unpack the pivot that took his company from niche private events to producing 200+ virtual galas during COVID—raising tens of millions for nonprofits—and on to national conferences, summits, and masterminds.Joey shares the leadership principles behind that journey: hiring for attitude over aptitude, leading with questions, staying radically consistent with content, and refusing to “transactionalize” what should be human. He also explains why he moved away from the default “exit” mentality toward building a forever business that gives back—aiming to fund nonprofit productions each year as the company scales.In this episode:Standing up one of the first virtual galas—in a weekTurning events into storytelling engines (and marketing flywheels)Consistency > hacks: one-to-one and one-to-many done rightCulture, vulnerability, and psychological safety in high-pressure workChoosing impact over optics (and rethinking the “exit” finish line)Guest:Joey Goone, President, Utopia Experience — an event agency producing national conferences, summits, masterminds, and high-impact nonprofit events.Host:Nick Akers, CEO of Inzo Technologies & host of Leading In The Dark.Listen, follow, and leave a review if this episode sparked an idea for your team or your next event.

How do you lead when the stakes are measured in seconds? St. Louis Police Department SWAT Team Leader Mike Flatley joins host Nick Akers to unpack leadership under pressure—from earning a spot on an elite 18-operator unit to guiding Type-A professionals through training, operations, and recovery.In this episode:The unexpected path from business major to law enforcementWhat it really takes to make SWAT (selection, standards, and reps)Planning for hostage-rescue while executing daily search-warrant operationsBuilding trust with former military teammates and “leading from the front”Training with embedded medics and coordinating in complex environmentsManaging risk, stress, and family life—and why small morale moves matterMike’s simple rule for any leader: Do the job no one wants to do.If you lead teams—on the street or in the boardroom—you’ll leave with practical lessons on preparation, humility, and resilience.

Leading In The Dark with host Nick Akers sits down with leaders who’ve navigated uncertainty, change, and growth to share their unfiltered stories of resilience, leadership, and transformation.In this episode, Nick talks with Lauren Herring, CEO of Impact Group, a global career and leadership development company. Lauren shares the journey of transforming her family business into the largest women-owned organization of its kind, her personal leadership lessons, and the power of relationships in career success. From tackling the hidden challenges of corporate relocation to scaling leadership coaching for Fortune 500 companies, Lauren’s story is a masterclass in vision, adaptability, and staying human in an AI-driven world.

In this episode of Leading in the Dark, host Nick Akers sits down with Patricia Bosman, President and CEO of The Haven of Grace—a St. Louis nonprofit dedicated to supporting unhoused pregnant women and their children. Patricia shares her journey from corporate leadership to finding her calling in nonprofit service, leading with empathy, humility, and resilience.She discusses the realities of running a 24/7 shelter, the importance of collaboration across organizations, and the power of community support—even small gifts like $25—that make a real difference. Patricia also opens up about the personal experiences that shape her leadership, from loss and hardship to faith and family.This episode highlights what it means to lead with purpose, compassion, and conviction—especially in the most challenging circumstances.

In this episode of Leading In The Dark, Nick Akers sits down with Jerry Gennaria, President of the St. Louis-based branding and strategic consulting firm Toky. Jerry shares his journey from senior leader to business owner, unpacking the challenges of entrepreneurship through acquisition, the weight of ownership, and how to scale a business without losing the culture and brand reputation that made it successful.Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply passionate about leadership, Jerry’s insights on brand differentiation, employee experience, and strategic growth will leave you inspired.

In this episode of Leading in the Dark, Nick Akers sits down with Leslie K. Gill, President & CEO of Rung for Women, a career accelerator helping women transition into higher-wage industries where they’ve historically been underrepresented. Leslie shares the journey of building Rung from the ground up, her philosophy of collaboration, and how incremental opportunities can transform not just lives but entire communities. This powerful conversation explores leadership, breaking generational cycles of poverty, and why focusing on the "middle" can create lasting change.

In this episode of Leading In The Dark, host Nick Akers sits down with Jennifer Hopper, Chief Information Officer at Save-A-Lot, to explore the power of curiosity, teamwork, and servant leadership.Jennifer shares her journey from IT consulting to the C-suite, how she identifies and develops problem-solvers, and why she believes leaders must create space for others to shine. She also offers insight into managing hybrid workforces, building strong organizational cultures, and the importance of leading with joy.Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, Jennifer’s perspective on staying resilient and empowering others will inspire you.

From Army infantryman to Certified Financial Planner, Ryan Bowman’s story is one of grit, growth, and going for it. In this episode of Leading in the Dark, Ryan shares how two tours in Iraq shaped his leadership philosophy, how his love of learning drove him to pursue both a CFP and an MBA, and why he chose the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition path to launch Terrace Wealth. We talk about building trust, starting smart, and leading with purpose—plus, the surprising origin of a custom set of hand signals in. Whether you're a veteran, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner, this one will hit home.

Shaun Duvall, Founder and Managing Partner of Duvari, joins Leading In The Dark to share his remarkable journey from traditional staffing leadership to building a purpose-driven IT staffing firm rooted in service, self-awareness, and radical empathy. In this candid conversation, Shaun explores the power of vulnerability in leadership, why he designed a company no one would want to buy, and how strength often begins at the end of ourselves. From building internal systems that reward collaboration to sponsoring children across the globe through Unbound, Shaun proves that leading with heart is not just good ethics—it’s good business.

What does it take to build a business from scratch—and sustain it for over 30 years? Josh Allen, founder of Companion Baking, joins Leading In The Dark to talk about entrepreneurship, family legacy, burnout, radical change, and the beauty of bread. From working 20-hour days to transforming waste reduction into a company-wide mission, Josh shares how listening—to your customers, employees, and even your bankers—can fuel sustainable growth. It’s a raw and inspiring look at building something real, one loaf at a time.

In this episode of Leading In The Dark, Nick Akers sits down with Crystal Allen Dallas, founder and Chief Engagement Officer of Excel Business Concepts. Crystal shares her entrepreneurial journey—from her roots in urban planning and community advocacy to launching a PR and marketing firm focused on infrastructure and impact. Learn how she built a purpose-driven business, navigates leadership with grace and grit, and leans into faith, relationships, and service to fuel growth. Her story is full of wisdom on scaling with intention, creating people-first cultures, and why there's no traffic on the extra mile.

Michael Gross, Chief Sales Officer of Gross Mechanical, joins Leading in the Dark to share the story of a third-generation family business thriving in the heart of St. Louis. In this episode, Michael and Nick dive into the evolution of Gross Mechanical—from sweeping floors to scaling one of the largest pipe fabrication shops in the region. They unpack the challenges of generational transitions, the culture of continuous improvement, and the hidden pride behind industrial work. Whether you’re in a family business or fascinated by leadership that builds things you can actually see and touch, this episode offers grounded wisdom and sharp insights.

Organizational psychologist Dr. Rik Nemanick has coached thousands of leaders—but leadership itself is evolving fast. In this episode, Nick Akers explores:• How large language models are transforming employee engagement analysis• A real-world chatbot that helps leaders practice tough feedback conversations• The hidden cost of ignoring self-awareness at the C-suite level• Practical steps to discover (and leverage) what truly motivates your teamAlong the way, Rik shares memorable stories, quick-hit frameworks, and a guiding principle every leader should tattoo on their calendar: Know yourself—then help others do the same.

In this powerful episode, Josh Phillips shares what it means to truly serve. As a St. Louis City firefighter, SWAT medic, rescue instructor, and member of Missouri Task Force One, Josh lives a life defined by grit, discipline, and purpose. From running into burning buildings to deploying for national disasters, his story is one of commitment, courage, and deep respect for the culture and legacy of the fire service. Whether you're a leader navigating high-stakes decisions or simply looking for inspiration, Josh’s humility and tenacity will leave a mark.

In this episode of Leading in the Dark, host Nick Akers sits down with Simon Bailey, CEO of T.-Kartor, a leader in geospatial intelligence and civic mapping solutions supporting the Department of Defense and federal agencies. From humble beginnings as a survey grunt in Florida to running a global company supporting national security and transportation initiatives, Simon shares how he never chased leadership—but always rose when called. They discuss the evolution of geospatial tech, servant leadership, building trust in hybrid workplaces, and how empathy and transparency have shaped Simon’s leadership journey. An inspiring listen for anyone navigating leadership in complex, technical industries

In this episode of Leading in the Dark, Nick Akers is joined by Andrew Cohen, President of Moosylvania, a full-service creative agency with deep roots in family business. Andrew shares his unconventional path to leadership, navigating generational differences with his father, the agency's founder, and building a modern creative culture in a hybrid world. From experiential marketing to employee autonomy to launching an in-house brainstorm game, Andrew offers bold insights on running a business built on creativity, trust, and loyalty. If you've ever worked in a family business—or led through ambiguity—this episode will resonate.

Jared Peno, CEO and Managing Partner of Alliance Technologies, joins Leading In The Dark to share his evolution from hands-on engineer to people-first leader. In this candid conversation, Jared opens up about the challenges of overcoming self-doubt, the shift from micromanaging to empowering, and the intentional culture he’s built over 15 years of growth.He also shares insight into navigating a competitive MSP market, integrating AI into service delivery, and why customer experience—not price—is still the ultimate differentiator.Whether you're a founder, leader, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world inspiration.

In this episode of Leading in the Dark, Nick Akers sits down with Taylor Perry, Managing Director of Acquisitions at Nova Stone Capital. They discuss Taylor's journey through investment banking, private equity, and entrepreneurship, and unpack Nova Stone's unique approach to supporting mid-career professionals through the search fund model. From scaling acquisitions across North America to providing operator-led ownership transitions, this conversation offers an inside look at the evolving world of entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA).

In this episode of Leading in the Dark, Nick Akers reconnects with Alan Bulmer of Hawkins Watts in New Zealand. Alan shares his unconventional leadership journey—from food technologist to operations and sales leader—and how adversity and adaptability shaped his career. He dives into the cultural nuances of New Zealand’s workplace, the power of mentoring, and the company’s unique approach to hiring and developing talent. With wisdom rooted in a Māori proverb—"What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people"—Alan offers a people-first perspective on leadership, growth, and legacy.

In this episode, Nick Akers, President & CEO of Inzo Techolgies, chats with August Felker, CEO and owner of Oberly Risk Strategies. August shares how he built a thriving career in insurance—starting with a traditional search fund acquisition—and how he’s grown Oberly to serve entrepreneurs across the country. They discuss the key points of insurance due diligence, hiring top sales talent, and creating a culture that delivers “fanatical customer service.” Whether you’re in ETA or simply looking for insights on leadership and growth, August’s story offers a valuable blueprint. Tune in for practical tips and candid lessons from a seasoned entrepreneur.

In the premiere episode of Leading in the Dark, host Nick Akers sits down with Brian Wilcox, a seasoned executive, former CFO/COO, and current board member, to discuss leadership, career transitions, and the lessons learned from decades of experience in corporate America. From GE’s intense culture under Jack Welch to scaling Fortitech into a global leader, Brian shares insights on leadership, strategic growth, and the transition from executive to board member. Tune in for a candid conversation about navigating business challenges, fostering a winning culture, and building meaningful professional relationships.

In this episode of Leading in the Dark, Nick Akers sits down with Brian Wolfe, former Kirkland & Ellis partner turned investor, educator, and entrepreneur. Brian shares lessons from his early career at Amazon, his unexpected leap into public education leadership, and his deep experience in private equity and ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition). They explore the realities of buying and scaling small businesses, the importance of relationship-driven leadership, and hard truths from his widely read paper on what ETA investors do and don't do. Whether you're exploring search funds or just curious about strategic pivots in high-performance careers, this conversation is packed with practical insight and wisdom.