What if the CEO archetype we've been sold, dominant, cold, relentless, is the very thing killing innovation, empathy, and longevity in business?

In this powerful episode of Warm-Blooded Founders, host Chris Sherrick welcomes Eric Gardner and Tom Gegax, co-creators of the gripping documentary Confessions of a CEO (available on Amazon Prime). Together, they unpack decades of personal and professional experience to explore what happens when leadership breaks you before it builds you, and how to come back stronger, softer, and more sustainable.

Tom shares his journey from toxic executive at Tires Plus to spiritual and emotional transformation after a crash that nearly cost him everything: his health, his marriage, his company. Through therapy, self-work, and a complete rethinking of leadership, he rebuilt not just a more successful company, but a more meaningful life. Eric, a seasoned television producer and former Bravo showrunner, brings his own lens on burnout, ethics, and choosing storytelling with purpose over prestige.

The episode dives into:

→ What it means to lead with a “warm-blooded” mindset: emotionally intelligent, human-centered, and values-aligned

→ How Tom integrated wellness, coaching, and profit-sharing to transform his team culture, and drive better business results

→ The personal reckonings that shaped both Eric’s and Tom’s careers, including tough calls, toxic workplaces, and creative rebirths

→ A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Confessions of a CEO, a film that blends documentary and thriller to reveal the raw truth behind success stories

→ A call to action for modern founders: build with heart, play the long game, and stop chasing short-term ego boosts in exchange for lasting impact

Through humor, honesty, and hard-won insights, Eric and Tom make a compelling case for why today’s leaders need to evolve or get left behind. They challenge the outdated “my way or the highway” model and offer a new blueprint rooted in humility, community, and strategic emotional intelligence.

Whether you’re a founder burned out by hustle culture, a corporate leader questioning your legacy, or someone simply craving more humanity in business, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable wisdom.

Watch the film → Just type “CEO” into Amazon Prime search.

Learn more → confessionsofaceomovie.com