“Enjoy the process and don't just focus on the future and the outcomes so much.”

In this episode of Executive Evolution, Craig Anderson sits down with Dan Fahrner, founder and CEO of Shake Up Cocktails and Hi & Mighty Distillery. From touring the country in a van with his band to leading a fast-growing canned cocktail brand, Dan shares how his leadership style evolved across wildly different stages of life. He reflects on lessons from working with creatives, managing part-time ambassadors across multiple states, and building a company around inspiration rather than control. He and Craig explore how casting a clear vision, pivoting with purpose, and aligning team incentives have been key to scaling with intention.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Dan Fahrner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielfahrner/

• Check out Shake Up Cocktails: https://drinkshakeup.com/

• Check out Hi & Mighty Distillery: https://www.drinkhiandmighty.com/

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/

• Sign up for Craig’s Monthly Business Leadership Webinars: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3GDgSdp_RfGqegxIXIbAYg

Key Takeaways:

• Lead with inspiration, not fear, to unlock your team's potential

• Align incentives to drive behavior and reinforce company values

• Stay open to pivoting when new information reveals a better path

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(00:21) Lessons from leadership in a call center

(01:55) Dan’s leadership insights

(06:56) The privileges and challenges of leadership

(14:30) Building Shake Up Cocktails

(19:36) Adapting and pivoting in business

(23:58) Managing a part-time workforce

(28:02) The importance of enjoying the process

“Leadership is influence with purpose and direction and service to others.”

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson speaks with Dr. Lani Jones, Owner and Founder of HBL Advisory Group, about the mindset shifts leaders must make when stepping into positions of influence, regardless of whether they hold the title. Dr. Jones reflects on her early leadership experience training interpreters in a clinical setting, where she learned to own her expertise and communicate with clarity and confidence. She and Craig explore how impostor syndrome can be reframed as a sign of growth, why feedback must be timely and constructive, and how leadership is as much about serving others as it is about direction and decision-making.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Dr. Lani Jones on LinkedIn

• Check out HBL Advisory Group

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

• Subscribe to Craig’s "The Evolving Leader" newsletter

Key Takeaways

• Influence begins before the title—leadership is about showing up with agency

• Give and receive feedback in real-time to build trust and momentum

• Reframe imposter syndrome as part of the growth process, not a flaw

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(00:36) The importance of timely feedback

(02:17) Discussing 'Necessary Endings' by Dr. Henry Cloud

(06:09) Pursuing your leadership crush

(10:28) Keeping the human touch as a leader

(11:21) Early leadership role reflections

(25:55) A nuanced take on imposter syndrome

(32:36) A better way to receive feedback

“True leadership isn’t about doing it all yourself. It’s about helping others rise to the occasion.”

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson talks to Brian Wheeler, the President and Chief Visionary Officer of The Vertical Life, for an insightful conversation about leadership. Brian shares his leadership journey, from high school entrepreneurship to leading a faith-based nonprofit organization focused on developing young leaders. Brian’s story is a testament to the power of vision, humility, and influence in leadership. Brian reflects on key moments of his leadership evolution, including the lessons he learned as a teenager running a pressure washing business, and the ongoing work of leading with purpose in a mission-driven organization. He emphasizes the importance of self-discovery for young leaders and how developing a mindset of service, rather than self-centered ambition, has been crucial to his leadership style.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Brian Wheeler on LinkedIn

• Check out The Vertical Life

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

• Subscribe to Craig’s "The Evolving Leader" newsletter

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is about influence, not age, authority, or title

• Humility as a leader leads to better collaboration and growth

• Faith in your mission fuels motivation and commitment in your team

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(00:30) The importance of vision in leadership

(01:33) Brian’s leadership insights

(07:12) Brian’s early leadership journey

(11:24) Leadership in faith-based organizations

(16:36) The role of humility in leadership