In this episode of The Sharpen Podcast, Dan Cooper sits down with Zack Nicholson, Executive Director at Minding the Gap, to talk about leadership, service, and what it takes to build trust in schools and communities over time.

Zack shares his journey from entrepreneurship to ministry to nonprofit leadership, along with practical lessons on serving real needs, leading volunteers, and creating lasting impact through consistency and commitment.

Learn more about Minding the Gap here

Connect with Zack Nicholson on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Sharpen Podcast, Drew Hiss sits down with Duane Donner, founder and CEO of Founder Advisors, to talk about what it takes to build a company that is valuable, transferable, and aligned with a larger purpose. Duane shares how early failure, burnout, and a hard reset in both business and life shaped the way he rebuilt his career and eventually grew an M&A advisory firm focused on stewardship, trust, and long-term impact.

Together, Drew and Duane unpack what CEOs and business owners need to understand about succession, deal readiness, valuation, private equity, and leadership depth. The conversation matters for leaders because it reframes transition planning as more than a financial event. It is also a leadership decision about reducing risk, preserving influence, and building something that can last beyond the founder.

• Learn more about Duane Donner and Founder Advisors here
• Connect with Duane on LinkedIn
• Take the Investment Grade Assessment
• Learn more about Abide and Lead Ministry

Interested in learning more about Acumen visit us here.

In this episode of The Sharpen Podcast, Dan Cooper sits down with Clint Overton, founder and managing partner of Boardroom Bullpen, for a conversation about sabbaticals, faith, entrepreneurship, and the role of the trusted advisor. Clint shares how a 21-year career in large organizations, followed by private equity, fractional COO work, and a season of reflection, shaped the way he now helps businesses grow.

Dan and Clint also explore the practical side of leadership, including strategy, organizational structure, execution, and the levers business owners can pull to unlock growth. For CEOs and leaders, the episode offers a grounded perspective on building the right support around the business, identifying what gets in the way, and making smarter decisions about how growth actually happens.

Learn more about Boardroom Bullpen or The Mercury Collective

Connect with Clint on LinkedIn

Listen to Call to The Bullpen Podcast