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/

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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

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/daveosh

Book: https://www.amazon.com/CEO-Potential-Transcend-Organization-Lasting/dp/B0DMMPQFCW

TEDx: 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 Reflections

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

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 job
  
  
• The importance of expanding your role to other corporate function
  
  
• How the leadership propels the company's success
  
  
• The challenges in creating a hybrid remote and in-office post-pandemic
  
  
• How to have clear communication across the organization
  
  
• How to foster an inclusive work environment
  
  
• Creating a diverse workforce improves business performance
  
  
• There is more that unites us than divides us
  
  

Learn 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 empowered
  
  
• How a defining moment can change trajectories in career and life
  
  
• Leading with a sense of urgency to expedite the vision
  
  
• Over-communicate always and even more in a multicultural organization
  
  
• The power of age diversity and what she learned in the "escape room"
  
  
• Inclusiveness happens when we take action on the diverse point of views
  
  
• The 'need to know' gets in the way of high performance
  
  
• The 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 organization
  
  
• Working on the business rather than working in the business
  
  
• Alignment around purpose
  
  
• Being an authentic leader
  
  
• Overcoming the constraints we set in our minds

Learn more:
https://peakactivity.com/
/ peakactivity
/ manishhirapara