Eric Gilbert, CEO of Innova Furnishings and second-generation owner, shares his journey of learning that effective leadership means getting out of your own way. Through losing major customers, promoting team members into his roles, and navigating family business transitions, Eric discovered that the emotional component of leadership—not just hitting numbers—determines long-term success.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Why losing a major customer actually created more profitable growth

- How "firing yourself" from roles opens opportunities for team development

- The importance of realistic timelines—becoming a good CEO takes 3-8 years, not 90 days

- Why one-on-one coaching addresses the emotional challenges that advisory boards can't

P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: https://calendly.com/marcdbraun/15-minute-ceo-intro-call

Mark Lee, a seasoned construction industry leader, shares his journey from self-focused to servant leadership through powerful stories of transformation. With decades of experience turning around company cultures, Mark demonstrates how authentic leadership starts with caring for "the as is" before creating change. His approach centers on leading by example—from moving executive offices to storage rooms to parking in the furthest spot to reinforce safety culture.In this episode, we discuss:- Building trust through appreciating current state before transformation- Leading with actions that align with values rather than just words- Creating cultural change through intentional, visible servant leadership- The critical shift from "me-centered" to "we-centered" leadership philosophyP.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: https://calendly.com/marcdbraun/15-minute-ceo-intro-call

Cory Jensen, President of Continental Manufacturing, shares how he transformed a struggling Iowa plant from 300% turnover to an award-winning team in just two years. Through daily team meetings, peer recognition systems, and unwavering commitment to three core values, they eliminated temp workers and built a culture so strong that job applicants now line up at their door.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Creating accountability through daily open forum meetings and transparent metrics

- Building values-driven culture with the "Three C's": Character, Collaboration, Commitment

- Transforming hiring from external recruiting to internal referrals and promotions

- Shifting sales approach from pushy tactics to transparent, relationship-based partnerships

P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: https://calendly.com/marcdbraun/15-minute-ceo-intro-call

Ryan Tierney, co-founder of Seating Matters, credits his success to a culture of humility, simplicity, and lifelong learning. From a young age, he and his brothers sought mentorship from top leaders — including Ireland’s richest businessman — instilling a habit of boldly asking for help and learning from the best. This abundance mindset continues to shape how Ryan leads and builds his business.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Why asking for help and embracing humility is the foundation of effective leadership

- How a lean philosophy can be a framework for living a more intentional life

- The power of daily rituals and shared learning in building a vibrant culture

- Why simplicity attracts and complexity repels in systems and relationships

Check it out.

P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: https://calendly.com/marcdbraun/15-minute-ceo-intro-call

Steve Gund, third-generation CEO of The Gund Company, shares his leadership journey shaped by family legacy, humility, and a deep commitment to people-centric culture. With a focus on servant leadership, Steve highlights how trust, intentionality, and developmental systems drive remarkable business outcomes. He speaks candidly about coaching with compassion, transforming company culture through acquisitions, and aligning leadership with human flourishing.

In this episode , we discuss:

• Creating psychologically safe environments for growth, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• How family legacy and intentional culture-building shape generational success.

• The power of humanistic leadership in business transformation.

• The role of leadership as coaching—and how to develop every individual through values-based conversations.

Check it out.

P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: https://calendly.com/marcdbraun/15-minute-ceo-intro-call

Nolan Ruiz, CEO of FF&G McDonald’s franchises, joins the show to share how leading with values like faith, fortitude, and generosity fueled his growth from a handful of restaurants to 33 thriving locations. His story highlights how personal faith, a focus on team empowerment, and a commitment to community can drive both business success and meaningful impact.

In this episode, we discuss:

- How faith, fortitude, and generosity became the pillars of a thriving business

- The leadership lessons learned through rapid expansion and challenges

- Why developing people is central to long-term organizational success

- How embracing courage and humility accelerates personal and business growth

Check it out.

P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: https://calendly.com/marcdbraun/15-minute-ceo-intro-call

Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40, believes leadership is about trust, learning, and helping people grow. In his new book, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It, he shares real stories—some funny, some profound—about building a culture where people love what they do and feel safe being themselves. In this episode, we discuss:• Why psychological safety and trust are the foundation of strong leadership.• How to turn mistakes into valuable learning moments.• The importance of hierarchical values in guiding decision-making.• How a coaching approach fuels engagement and performance.• The role of business leaders in shaping a happier world.Check it out.If you are the kind of dumb-ass who’s ready to lead, you can grab your copy of Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It: https://a.co/d/bjQISmYP.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: https://calendly.com/marcdbraun/15-minute-ceo-intro-call

Joel Goldberg, Emmy-winning broadcaster and author, shares his journey from aspiring sports reporter to a storyteller dedicated to uncovering the human side of leadership, resilience, and dreams. With a deep-rooted curiosity and passion for people, he emphasizes the power of relationships, trust, and small, consistent actions—what he calls "small ball"—in achieving long-term success. His insights remind us that true leadership isn’t about going it alone but about embracing the stories and lessons of those around us.In this episode, we discuss:- How Joel's career evolved from sports reporting to storytelling- The impact of curiosity and human connection in leadership- Why small, daily actions build lasting success- The power of sharing your own story authenticallyCheck it out.P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: https://calendly.com/marcdbraun/15-minute-ceo-intro-call