The Journey To CEO Success

In this episode of 'The Journey to CEO Success', Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, engages with ⁠Lonni Kieffer⁠ and Lyndon Lattie, co-founders of SmartCert. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a technology platform that streamlines documentation processes in highly regulated industries. The conversation explores their entrepreneurial journey, the dynamics of working as a married couple, and the importance of communication and flexibility in both business and personal life. The episode concludes with valuable insights on achieving joy and success in leadership.Key TakeawaysSmartCert was founded to eliminate paper documentation issues in supply chains.Balancing work and personal life is crucial for success.Business flexibility allows for more opportunities and less stress.Success is defined by solving bigger industry problems.

William Cason, President of The Cason Group, didn't join his father's company right out of college, and that honesty alone tells you everything about who he is. In this conversation with Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, William opens up about the spiritual journey that eventually led him to the family business, what it looks like to run a 200-person company with faith at the center, and why he believes culture and purpose aren't soft concepts; they're the business strategy.William leads The Cason Group, a wholesale insurance brokerage founded in 1991 that serves agents and brokers throughout the Southeast. Under his leadership, the company has set a bold 10-year goal: to organically double twice, from $26M to $100M, while remaining privately held, because, as William puts it, whoever owns the company owns the why.Key Takeaways:Define your purpose before you climb. William keeps his personal purpose statement on his desk - "I'll be a focused, accountable man of God who loves and leads by serving my family and others" - as a daily compass. His advice: make sure you're not leaning your ladder against the wrong building.Celebrating is a skill, and it's okay to need help with it. William admits celebration is one of his biggest weaknesses. His solution: build systems and ask trusted people to surface those moments for him. Humble leadership means knowing your blind spots and filling them.Daily disciplines build the foundation. Morning time in Scripture, exercise five to six days a week, 10,000 steps, and daily self-measurement. William tracks what matters, so small adjustments stay small.Culture grows best organically. The Cason Group's 10-year vision is to be "a bigger and brighter light", the best place to work, and the best at what they do, because William believes performance and people are inseparable.Working with family is a calling, not just a convenience. William and his brother run separate entities under a shared family holding company, and it works because the why is shared.

In this episode of the Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, sits down with Jamie Koff, President and Founder of Fabric to Finish, Inc. Jamie shares her journey from a family legacy in fashion to creating a full-service solution for emerging designers. The conversation explores themes of passion, entrepreneurship, networking, and the importance of self-awareness in business. Jamie emphasizes the significance of understanding one's core customers and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in the industry. Key Takeaways Self-awareness is key in identifying the right customers.Bad experiences can lead to valuable lessons.Work-life balance is essential for joy in business.Trusting your gut can guide you in decision-making.The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs.

In this engaging conversation, Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, sits down with Eva Kosinovic, co-founder and CEO of Circle 29, about the journey to CEO success. They explore the challenges of digital transformation, the importance of resilience and joy in leadership, and the necessity of being present in the moment. Eva shares her insights on navigating change, empowering teams, and the significance of building relationships that foster joy and success in both personal and professional life.Key Takeaways: Transformation should not come at the cost of employee well-being.Understanding the human element is crucial in change management.Active listening is key to empowering individuals during transformation.Embracing curiosity can lead to personal and professional growth.Success should be defined by joy, not just achievements.

In this episode of the Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, sits down with Karen Norheim, CEO of American Crane and Equipment Corp. They explore Karen's journey in the family business, her passion for manufacturing, and the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in leadership. Karen shares her mantra, 'Always Lift, Never Quit,' and discusses the challenges of navigating a family business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Key TakeawaysFinding passion in work can lead to a fulfilling career.Emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness.STEM skills are essential in modern manufacturing.

In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, sits down with Wes Matthews, Co-Founder and CEO of Stealth Consulting. They explore the challenges entrepreneurs face, particularly in execution versus strategy, the importance of self-awareness and reflection, and the need to prioritize personal values alongside business goals. Wes shares his journey from building a successful marketing agency to creating a consulting firm focused on helping others execute their visions effectively. Key Takeaways:Execution is often the hardest part for entrepreneurs.Self-awareness is crucial for personal and professional growth.Prioritizing personal values can lead to a more balanced life.Investing in oneself is not selfish but necessary for growth.Alignment within a team is key to successful execution.

AI is changing executive search. But technology alone isn’t the advantage; discernment is.In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, sits down with Greg Gerson, of Fusion Search Partners to explore how modern search firms are blending senior-partner judgment with advanced AI to make smarter C-suite decisions.They also shift gears to something just as important: How to live a more joyful and successful life as a CEO.Greg shares why flexibility, curiosity, and disciplined hard work often lead to outcomes better than the ones you originally designed. The most effective leaders don’t cling rigidly to the plan; they evolve it.Key Takeaways:Common hiring mistakes include focusing too much on resumes.A strong company culture is vital for attracting talent.The right core customers enhance business value.If you're building a leadership team or building a life, this conversation will challenge how you think about both.

Too many CEOs move from milestone to milestone without ever stopping to acknowledge the win.In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Brad Copeland, President of FileBank, shares why slowing down, celebrating progress, and having fun with your team isn’t a distraction from results; it’s a catalyst for them.Brad talks about the pressure leaders feel to constantly chase the next goal, the next launch, or the next EBITDA target, and why that mindset can quietly drain both joy and momentum. He explains how creating a culture where people feel like they’ve built something together leads to stronger engagement, better performance, and more sustainable success.If you’re a CEO looking to build results and enjoy the journey along the way, this conversation is a powerful reminder to pause, celebrate, and lead with intention.

In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, sits down with Chris Stegner, CEO of Very Big Things, to explore what truly drives a joyful and successful leadership journey.Together, they discuss how purpose often reveals itself through the things that come naturally to you, why joy comes from aligning expectations with reality, and the critical difference between fun and lasting happiness. This conversation offers practical insights for leaders who want greater clarity, stronger teams, and more fulfillment, at work and at home.

In this episode, Patrick Thean sits down with Founder and CEO of The Center for Conscious Living and Fulfillment Chris Yonker to explore the two disciplines most leaders overlook:• intentionally prioritizing family time • seeking outside perspective to see what you can’t see alone.Chris shares why the most fulfilled CEOs schedule personal time first, build life rhythms just like business plans, and even document everything from vacations to how many nights they sit at the dinner table together.Then, he goes deeper on the invisible challenges leaders face — and why every high-performer needs a coach, advisor, or therapist to expose blind spots and accelerate growth.A tactical and meaningful conversation for leaders who want success at work and at home.

Patrick Thean, Co-Founder of Rhythm Systems, sits down with Noah Manyika, Co-Founder and CEO of Kitchen Copilot, to explore two powerful truths that shaped his journey:Success begins with personal ownershipFamily is the fuel that sustains itFrom studying by candlelight in colonial Rhodesia to leading with intention today, Noah shares how refusing to make excuses and investing deeply in the people who love you creates leaders who endure, grow, and elevate everyone around them.

What does it really take to lead with kindness while holding people accountable, especially as organizations grow more complex?In this episode of Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, sits down with Michael Mutterer, CEO of Silver Cross Hospital, to talk candidly about the leadership shifts required to scale without losing culture, standards, or trust.Michael shares lessons from leading in healthcare, including:Why kindness and accountability are not oppositesThe moment leaders must stop jumping in to fix everythingHow stepping back, without lowering standards, creates stronger teamsWhat it takes to build leaders instead of dependence on the CEOThis conversation is a grounded look at the real journey CEOs face as they move from problem-solver to leader-builder—and why clarity, trust, and discipline matter more as you scale.

Julie Copeland, CEO of Arbill, knows firsthand the pressure that comes with stepping into a family business. At first, she led the company as her father had, out of deep respect for his legacy and the team he built. But when crisis hit, Julie realized that what got them here wouldn’t get them there. In this episode, she shares how she let go of guilt, claimed her own vision, and transformed Arbill into the company it is today. A powerful conversation for anyone carrying the weight of legacy while trying to lead in their own way.

In this episode of The Journey To CEO Success, Patrick Thean sits down with Charlie Malouf, CEO of Broad River Retail, for a raw and insightful conversation about leading through crisis, shifting mindset, and building a company where people can thrive.Charlie shares the pivotal moment when Broad River Retail was on the brink of collapse, and the bold decisions that sparked one of the most impressive turnarounds in the retail industry. He breaks down the leadership disciplines that made the difference, simplifying the business, aligning leaders around a unified strategy, and rebuilding a culture rooted in ownership and accountability.But the transformation didn’t stop there. Charlie opens up about how he rewired a zero-sum, scarcity-driven mindset into an abundance mindset that fuels innovation, trust, and long-term growth. And he explains why investing in clear career paths and stronger compensation for Broad River’s “Memory Makers” became one of the most important strategic decisions of his career.If you’re a CEO navigating complexity, culture challenges, or growth limitations, this episode delivers a powerful roadmap for turning clarity, mindset, and people into your greatest competitive advantage.

In this episode, Patrick sits down with Sasha Dichter, Co-founder and CEO of 60 Decibels, for a conversation that’s part mindset shift and part look into the future.Sasha shares his “Month of Yes” experiment, a forcing function to break his default patterns. What he learned wasn’t about convenience; it was about awareness, generosity, and what changes when you disrupt your automatic habits.Patrick and Sasha dug into Sasha’s natural pull toward AI and why he sees it as an opportunity, not something to fear. His favorite 2025 use case? AI as your personal physical therapist.A thought-provoking episode about challenging defaults, embracing new tools, and leading with curiosity.

Why do so many leaders struggle to let go? In this episode, Patrick Thean talks with Dan Crane, Founder of Crane Counsel, about the fear and mindset that keep CEOs holding on too tightly, and what happens when you finally trust your team to lead.They also explore how bringing joy back into your work can transform not just your results, but your entire approach to leadership.

Culture doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built every day by what you tolerate and how you appreciate.In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success Podcast, Sean Farrell, CEO of QDS, Inc., joins Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, to share how intentional leadership shapes culture from the inside out. From holding the line on standards to celebrating people in meaningful ways, Sean explains why every decision a leader makes sends a message to their team, their customers, and themselves.Sean opens up about:Why people pay attention to what you tolerate (and how that defines your culture)How personalized, thoughtful recognition can be more impactful than cash bonusesThe power of consistency and authenticity in leading a growing organizationIf you’re building a culture where people feel seen, valued, and accountable - this conversation will challenge and inspire how you lead.

When Shannon Coomes, started as an engineer, she never imagined she’d one day be leading one of the top fire protection companies in the country. As President of Hill Fire Protection LLC, Shannon shares how she built confidence in rooms where she was often the only woman, the lessons that shaped her leadership journey, and her advice for young women entering male-dominated fields.In this conversation with The Journey to CEO Success host Patrick Thean, Shannon reminds us that leadership isn’t about changing who you are, it’s about staying grounded in your values, listening, and leading with curiosity.

Every leader faces moments where the path forward isn’t clear - inflection points that force us to choose between staying comfortable or stepping into something bigger.In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean sits down with Dominic Rapini, CEO of Queralt, Inc., to unpack how great leaders recognize these pivotal moments and act decisively even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.Dominic shares how he’s learned to leverage mistakes as accelerators, not setbacks, and why building a culture that learns fast and never repeats errors is one of the greatest competitive advantages a leader can create.They discuss:How to identify when it’s truly time to pivot, in your career or your businessWhy waiting for perfect clarity is a trapThe mindset shift leaders must make around failure and experimentationHow purpose and long-term mission guide better decisions under pressureWhether you’re navigating a personal crossroads or leading your team through one, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about timing, risk, and resilience.

If you could sit down with your younger self from 20 years ago, what would you say?In this candid and insightful episode of The Journey to CEO Success, host Patrick Thean sits down with Bob Denison, President of Denison Yachting, to rewind the clock and unpack the mistakes, mindset shifts, and defining lessons that shaped his leadership journey.Whether you're just starting your leadership journey or reflecting on your own 20-year rewind, Bob’s story is a powerful reminder that wisdom isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.

On this episode of The Journey to CEO Success Podcast, Patrick Thean sat down with Greg Horejs, President of CAGE Civil Engineering, Inc., to talk about two themes that every leader should be thinking about.First, the power of sabbaticals - why giving your team space to step away and recharge can spark creativity, deepen loyalty, and strengthen performance.Second, the importance of mission and purpose - how staying anchored to your true north brings clarity to decisions, alignment to teams, and sustainability to growth.This conversation is a reminder that success isn’t just about pushing harder; it’s about leading with intention.Catch the episode on Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and YouTube.

In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean sits down with Eric Schenker, CEO of Coolcore, to discuss how passion can fuel career success and why writing down your goals is a game-changer. Eric shares his personal journey of aligning passion with purpose, lessons learned in leading Coolcore, and the discipline behind turning vision into action. Whether you’re leading a team or charting your own path, this conversation will inspire you to connect what you love with what you do and commit your goals to writing to unlock your next level of success.

In this episode, Patrick sits down with Drew Golin, COO of DealerFLEX, to explore two powerful themes that have shaped his leadership journey: the importance of expressing gratitude to the people who influence our lives, and the lessons on teamwork and ownership carried over from sports into business.Drew shares personal stories of mentors and teammates who left lasting marks on his life, and how simple acts of gratitude can strengthen relationships and inspire teams. He also unpacks the parallels between athletics and leadership, where accountability, trust, and shared goals define success.Whether you’re leading a company or coaching a team, this conversation is a reminder that great execution isn’t just about strategy; it’s about people, connection, and ownership.

What role does passion really play in building a successful career and a fulfilling life?In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean sits down with Warren Johnson, CEO of Scribe-X, to explore how finding your true passion can shape your career path, fuel resilience, and drive long-term success. Warren shares his own journey of aligning purpose with work, why passion is more than just motivation, and how leaders can harness it to inspire their teams and elevate performance.Whether you’re still searching for your “why” or looking to reignite your energy in your current role, this conversation will spark new ways of thinking about what truly drives success.

In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean talks with Mike Whitehead, CEO of Intentional Leadership, about two powerful shifts that shaped his leadership: moving beyond dualistic “either/or” thinking and starting each day with gratitude.Mike shares how letting go of rigid categories opened him up to feedback, new perspectives, and a deeper connection with others. He also explains how his simple morning gratitude practice has helped him stay centered, resilient, and joyful, even in the face of challenges.Together, they dive into:Why real breakthroughs start with being open to feedback, perspective, and blind spotsHow non-dualistic thinking can expand your leadership and personal growthThe daily gratitude practice that grounds Mike’s leadership and brings clarity at the start of every dayThis is a conversation about mindset, growth, and leading with intention, one that will inspire you to rethink how you show up as a leader and as a person.

In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean sits down with Phil Buchy, CEO of Legion Brewing, to explore the values that have shaped his entrepreneurial path.From embracing openness in leadership to prioritizing genuine human connection to staying rooted in passion through the highs and lows, Phil shares how these principles have fueled Legion Brewing’s growth and culture.This candid conversation offers insights for leaders and entrepreneurs who want to build something lasting, lead with heart, and stay inspired in the face of challenges.Listen now and learn how to infuse openness, connection, and passion into your own leadership journey.

Selling a business is one of the biggest decisions a founder will ever make, and it’s not just a financial one. In this episode, Kevon Saber, CEO of Legacy Outcomes, joins Patrick Thean to explore the emotional complexities that come with letting go of something you’ve built.Together, they discuss how to avoid regret, stay rooted in your values, and navigate the deeply personal transition of selling a business. Whether you're thinking about an exit or simply preparing for the long game, this conversation offers clarity, perspective, and hard-earned wisdom.

In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Michael Grande, President & CEO of Vancord, joins Patrick Thean to explore what it really takes to lead through change, with patience, intentional progress, and a people-first mindset.Michael shares hard-earned insights on:How to embrace career transitions and find joy in the unknownWhy employee feedback is essential for continuous improvementThe underrated value of patience in driving lasting leadership impactIf you're navigating change, building culture, or striving to grow as a leader, this episode will resonate.Available now on Apple, iHeartRadio, and Spotify.

What does it take to lead a family business across five generations, and still keep growing?In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, I sit down with Adria and Aaron Bagshaw of WH Bagshaw, the oldest pin manufacturer in America, to talk about legacy, reinvention, and leadership through change.We explore how they've navigated modern challenges while honoring 150+ years of history, and how they balance tradition with innovation to lead into the next era.This one’s packed with wisdom for any leader focused on sustaining success while embracing the future.

From one embroidery machine to 1 million patches a day, Randy Carr⁠, President & CEO of ⁠World Emblem™⁠.shares how he scaled a family business into the world’s largest patch producer.Listen as Melissa Verzwyvelt Saunders and I sit down with Randy Carr, CEO & President, World Emblem, the ‘World’s Largest Patch Producer’. Randy took over his dad’s business in 1993 and grew the company from one embroidery machine to having the most embroidery machines in the world— 4,250 to be exact.For over thirty years, World Emblem has been the “go-to” for emblems and patches for sports headwear, footwear, garments, and other apparel, with an output of 1 million emblems a day—50% of which are made and shipped on the same day. Customers include Cintas, Levi’s, Perry Ellis, among many others.

Want to become the brand your customers can’t live without? It’s not just about what you sell - it’s how you make people feel. Join special guest John R. DiJulius III, Chief Revolution Officer at The The DiJulius Group, on the next episode of The Journey to CEO Success hosted by Patrick Thean. John reveals how world-class brands win loyalty for life by creating unforgettable customer experiences that make competitors irrelevant.

Listen as Melissa Saunders and I sit down with our guest, Manny Ohonme, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Samaritans Feet International. Manny grew up in Nigeria and received his very first pair of shoes at the age of nine from a stranger he calls a “Good Samaritan.” That moment sparked a journey that led to a college basketball scholarship in the U.S., a successful career in tech, and ultimately, a life devoted to service and impact.

In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean sits down with serial entrepreneur Colin Campbell, Founder of Startup Club, to explore the raw truth behind launching and growing multiple ventures. From crushing failures to successful exits, Colin shares the mindset shifts, hard-won lessons, and powerful frameworks that helped him start, scale, exit, and repeat. If you’ve ever wondered how to bounce back stronger and build smarter, this is a must-listen.

True leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about having the courage to face your fears. Pedro Cons, CEO of Adelante Healthcare, shares how embracing vulnerability became the key to building a confident, empowered team.On this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean and Melissa Saunders sit down with Pedro Cons, CEO of Adelante Healthcare, to explore the power of vulnerability in leadership. Pedro opens up about the fears he had to overcome on his path to becoming a stronger, more intentional leader and how that transformation sparked a culture of trust, empowerment, and purpose across his organization. If you're a leader striving to grow through challenge and lead with authenticity, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

What if your greatest leadership strength isn’t control, but flexibility? In this episode, leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry shares how adaptable leaders drive growth, clarity, and long-term success in an ever-changing world.They explore how rigid leadership styles can limit growth, the importance of adapting to context, and how to balance outcomes with relationships. Kevin also reveals how small “speed bumps” in your routine can lead to greater clarity, joy, and long-term success.From growing up on a Michigan farm to helping global leaders rethink how they lead, Kevin’s journey is packed with insight, humor, and practical takeaways.Whether you're a seasoned CEO or just stepping into leadership, this episode is your reminder: flexibility isn’t weakness—it’s a strength.

Can writing a bold letter land you your dream role or change the entire course of your career? In this episode, Paul Pirkle, President & COO of Midwest Ground Covers, shares how confidence, mentorship, and marathon-worthy endurance shaped his rise to leadership.What do baseball slumps, million-dollar mistakes, and marathon miles have to do with becoming a successful President & COO? Quite a bit, according to Paul Pirkle. In this candid conversation with host Patrick Thean and co-host Melissa Saunders, Paul shares his winding journey through multiple industries, the inflection points that defined his leadership path, and how building bridges not just businesses, has become his personal mission. From learning to trust his gut to running companies and literal races, this episode is full of lessons on resilience, intentionality, and leadership that last.

What does it take to grow a $100M business without losing your purpose or yourself? In this powerful episode, former CEO and current Executive Director Mimi Crawford of Crayex Corporation shares how she scaled her family company with trust, curiosity, and a people-first mindset.With over three decades of leadership experience, Mimi shares the story of transforming her family business from $28M to $100M in revenue — all while staying grounded in purpose, culture, and people.She opens up about lessons from her father, the power of curiosity in leadership, and how trust, collaboration, and vulnerability helped her lead through change. Mimi also shares candid insights on self-care, coaching, and what it truly takes to build a business — and a life — that lasts.This episode is packed with wisdom for leaders navigating growth, legacy, and the pursuit of a joyful journey.

What happens when you pair entrepreneurial grit with a relentless focus on people and purpose? Stuart Bentley, co-founder of triOS College, shares how a 30+ year business partnership transformed the lives of thousands through career-focused education and bold leadership.In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick and Melissa sit down with Stuart Bentley, Co-Founder of triOS College and one of Canada's leaders in adult career education. Stuart shares his remarkable journey from paperboy to CEO, the secrets behind maintaining a successful business partnership for over three decades, and the power of aligning education with job outcomes. You'll hear lessons on mentorship, scaling with purpose, adapting through disruption, and why trust, not just vision, is the foundation of long-term success. Tune in for practical wisdom and a refreshing dose of humility from a leader who’s still building, still learning, and still making an impact.

What do Alice in Wonderland and digital medical imaging have in common? Join us as Dave Cook, CEO of InsiteOne, shares his remarkable journey—from selling one of the world’s largest SaaS imaging companies to reclaiming its leadership and reigniting its culture.In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Melissa and Patrick sit down with Dave Cook, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and the current CEO of InsiteOne, which manages over 40 billion digital medical images. Dave opens up about what he learned navigating commodity markets, how he built (and rebuilt) his company, and why knowing where you're headed—Cheshire Cat-style is the secret to a joyful and successful CEO journey. Packed with lessons on resilience, ownership, and building lasting company culture, this is one episode every entrepreneur should hear.

What do no-failure industries, third-generation leadership, and bold decision-making have in common? Today’s guest, Tanya DiSalvo, lives at the intersection of all three.In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, hosts Melissa Saunders and Patrick Thean sit down with Tanya DiSalvo—CEO of Criterion Tool, a precision machine shop serving mission-critical industries like aerospace, medical devices, and weapons systems. From her unexpected path back to the family business to taking over from her father and navigating tough leadership lessons, Tanya brings candor, wit, and wisdom to the table.You’ll hear:How she “mailed her dad her resume” to get hiredWhat it’s like working for (and eventually buying out) a parentWhy “no decision” is often the worst decisionHow she’s building a joyful workplace where fun is a core valuePacked with real-life insights from a woman leading in a male-dominated industry, this episode is a masterclass in grit, growth, and generational leadership done right.

Trying to sell to “mid-market tech companies” or “CFOs”? That’s not a core customer, it’s a segment. In this episode, Patrick breaks down how identifying the real person behind the purchase decision is the turning point from struggling to scaling.In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean shares the critical lesson he learned the hard way: real growth starts when you deeply understand your core customer, not just their company size or title, but their mindset, pain points, and goals. From early failures knocking on doors to building a company that ranked #151 on the Inc. 500 list, Patrick unpacks how defining your core customer with clarity transforms product, service, and scale. If you’ve been selling to “segments,” this episode is your wake-up call.

As your company grows, your people must grow with it or risk falling behind. In this episode, Patrick Thean shares how to renew your team, elevate leadership, and future-proof your people ecosystem so your culture and results scale together.In Part 2 of our conversation on building a strong people ecosystem, Patrick and Melissa dive deeper into how to evaluate your current team, avoid the trap of tolerating high-performing culture killers, and proactively design your future organization. Learn how the right leaders, investors, board members, and even coaches can make or break your growth potential, and why ongoing development isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s your responsibility as a CEO.

Before you focus on growth, you need the right people in the right seats. In this episode, Patrick Thean breaks down how strong leaders, aligned teams, and a thriving culture create a company that scales and sustains.Patrick dives into one of the most critical elements of business success: your people ecosystem. From hiring A-players to dealing with poor leadership and designing your future org chart, Patrick shares practical strategies for increasing return on payroll, improving team engagement, and building a workplace people actually want to be part of. Don’t miss this powerful reminder: culture isn't soft—it's your competitive edge.

What if your culture could help you win the talent war and outperform bigger competitors? In this episode, Patrick Thean shares how to intentionally design culture and mindset to attract A-players, drive collaboration, and create a true competitive edge.Get ready to dive deep into why culture isn't just a feel-good concept, it's a strategic lever. From onboarding misalignments to quiet quitting, Patrick illustrates how behavior, mindsets, and core values shape your company’s success (or failure). Learn how to spot culture mismatches early, how to build values people actually live by, and why designing a culture of collaboration can be the ultimate multiplier for your business. Packed with real stories and practical tips, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership and culture in today's workplace.

What if the biggest thing holding your company back is you? In this episode, Patrick Thean shares the five essential habits every CEO must master to keep leveling up because your business can’t grow faster than you do.In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean and co-host Melissa Saunders explore what it really means to “level up” as a leader. Drawing on insights from Chapter 6 of Patrick’s bestselling book, "The Journey To CEO Success," they unpack the five key habits for scaling yourself as your business grows from effective delegation and regular self-reflection to uncovering blind spots, asking for feedback, and working with a coach. Patrick also breaks down why leading a business is like playing a video game - each new level comes with tougher challenges, faster decisions, and higher stakes.If you're ready to keep pace with your company’s growth and avoid being the bottleneck, this episode is your roadmap.

Think your team is aligned just because you all agree on the goal? In this episode, Patrick shares why the how matters even more than the what, and how a detour on a road trip with his wife became the perfect metaphor for leadership misalignment.In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick unpacks one of the most overlooked causes of execution failure: lack of alignment on the how. From cross-functional project delays to spicy conversations that unlock progress, Patrick shares real stories, practical tools, and leadership mindsets that help CEOs drive clarity, accountability, and results. Whether you're leading a company or on a road trip, you’ll walk away with a clearer path to success and a few laughs along the way.

Ever woken up at 2 a.m. with that gut feeling something's wrong at work, even when all the reports say you're fine? In this episode, Patrick Thean shares how to build an early warning system using the right leading indicators to spot trouble before it hits.We dive into Chapter 7 of Patrick’s bestselling book, "The Journey To CEO Success," to explore the power of early warning systems. From cold-sweat wake-up calls to preventing train wrecks, Patrick shares how identifying the right leading indicators, not just lagging results, can help you protect your team, customers, and company’s future. You’ll hear real examples of dashboards that work and learn how culture plays a key role in encouraging transparency. If you're leading a growing company and want to avoid costly surprises, this episode is your blueprint for proactive leadership.

Curiosity isn’t just for kids - it’s a leadership superpower. In this episode, we dive into how staying genuinely curious can help you lead better, listen deeper, and replace fear with growth.What do toddlers, top-performing CEOs, and transformative leaders have in common? Curiosity. Join Patrick Thean and Melissa Saunders as they explore Chapter 6 of "The Journey to CEO Success", revealing why curiosity leads to stronger teams, better decision-making, and a more joyful leadership journey. Learn how to stop “doing” curious and start being curious — whether you’re hiring, coaching, or navigating tough conversations. Packed with real-world stories, practical examples, and a few laughs, this episode will inspire you to ask better questions, listen more deeply, and grow intentionally.