Episodes
153
Dec. 20, 2023
Episode 153: Mastering Risk: Lessons from a COO’s Journey
In today’s episode, Mike talks with Rebecca Illsley, the Chief Operating Officer of Thermacell Repellents. Rebecca shares her journey and experiences in leadership, strategic growth, and mastering the art of risk-taking. With a rich background in Consumer-Packaged Goods, Supply Chain, and Operations, she provides valuable insights into effective decision-making and the importance of embracing risks in leadership. Listeners will learn from Rebecca’s experiences at Thermacell and her previous ro...
152
Dec. 14, 2023
Episode 152: Harnessing HR Strategy for Organizational Growth with Josh Ewell
In today’s episode, Mike talks with Josh Ewell, a seasoned HR leader with extensive experience in fostering organizational growth through strategic HR practices. Josh, with his unique insights from a 20-year career in the US Navy and current role as the Director of HR at LSINC, delves into the critical role of HR in shaping the future of organizations. Josh highlights the importance of creating meaningful relationships, fostering personal and professional development, and solving complex challe...
151
Dec. 6, 2023
Episode 151: The Joshua Principle: Empowering Change in Healthcare
In today’s episode of ‘Get Unstuck and On Target’, Mike talks with Echo Vanderwal, co-founder of The Luke Commission. They explore the organization’s journey from a small team to a major healthcare provider in Eswatini, managing over 280,000 patient visits annually and conducting extensive outreach programs. Echo shares the challenges and successes of scaling a compassionate healthcare organization, discussing cultural barriers, the establishment of consistent healthcare programs like hip repla...
150
Nov. 30, 2023
Episode 150: Overcoming Your Inner Critic to Step Into Leadership
In today’s milestone 150th episode, Mike talks with leadership coach Rob Kalwarowsky about getting leaders unstuck from limiting mindsets. Rob explains common reasons leaders self-sabotage, feel like imposters, or become destructive bosses. He shares his personal journey overcoming depression and burnout to find purpose. Listeners will learn simple but profound tactics to better understand your core beliefs, release past trauma, and lead from a place of confidence and clarity. Rob Kalwarowsky...
149
Nov. 22, 2023
Episode 149: Staying Humble as a Leader During Rapid Growth
In today’s episode, Mike talks with Pete Srodoski, COO of Publishing.com and author of the book “Lead with Empathy.” Pete explains his journey from retail management to small business and lessons learned about compassionate leadership. He shares how transparency, humility and empathy create engaged teams, even remotely. Listeners will learn how caring for employees, building trust, and inspiring from afar are critical for culture and performance. Hear Pete’s perspective on retail’s hidden lead...
148
Nov. 15, 2023
Episode 148: Amanda’s Formula: Passion Plus Risk Equals Growth
In today’s episode, Mike speaks with Amanda Windsor-White, president of Rugby ATL, who is currently transitioning after the club was sold. Amanda shares lessons from leading a sports startup, handling confidential information, and supporting her team during change. She offers advice for taking career risks, getting unstuck, and charting new directions. Amanda Windsor-White’s Bio Amanda Windsor-White is the president of business operations for Rugby ATL in Major League Rugby. She has over 15 ye...
147
Nov. 8, 2023
Episode 147: Navigating Change and Enhancing Business Growth with Tyler Young
In today’s episode, Mike talks with Tyler Young, CEO of VersiTech, about building a strong company culture and staying focused as a leader. Tyler explains how leading with vulnerability enables transparent communication and support for employees. He shares insights on maintaining motivation after achieving goals, pursuing new opportunities, and balancing work with family. Listeners will learn Tyler’s approach to getting unstuck, supporting people, shaping culture from the top down, and keys to...
146
Nov. 1, 2023
Episode 146: Addressing Leadership Blind Spots to Get Unstuck
In this episode, Mike O’Neill talks with Antonio Garrido, founder of My Daily Leadership, about unlocking your potential as an elite leader. Antonio shares insights on leadership blind spots, the power of journaling, and taking extreme ownership as a CEO. Learn how self-awareness is key to getting unstuck, why having a coach matters, and how Antonio helps leaders reach their full potential. Antonio Garrido’s Bio Antonio Garrido is the founder of My Daily Leadership, with a mission to inspire o...
145
Oct. 25, 2023
Episode 145: Demystifying Franchises: Expert Advice for Potential Buyers
In today’s episode, Mike talks with Jerry Bird, a franchise consultant with over 14 years of experience helping clients find the right franchise opportunities. Jerry explains the pros and cons of buying a franchise versus starting a business or acquiring an existing business. He shares how his company educates clients, evaluates their goals and abilities, and matches them with franchises that are the best fit. Listeners will learn how the franchise model sets entrepreneurs up for success, what...
144
Oct. 18, 2023
Episode 144: Unlocking AI’s Potential for Data-Driven Real Estate
In today’s episode, Mike talks with Shobit Gupta, co-founder and CEO of MapZot, a company that uses generative AI to recommend optimal real estate locations for retailers. Shobit explains how MapZot has built specialized AI models for different brands that can analyze thousands of data points to identify new sites with up to 90% confidence. He shares key lessons on controlled growth, gathering user feedback, and building a collaborative team culture. Listeners will learn how generative AI work...
143
Oct. 12, 2023
Episode 143: The ROI of Investing in Your People: A CEO’s Perspective
In today’s episode, Mike talks with Len Finkle, CEO of Profisee, a master data management company. Len helps leaders understand why employee engagement is a top indicator of sustainable growth and how to create a highly engaged workforce. Len Finkle’s Bio Len Finkle is a senior executive with over 25 years of experience leading high-growth B2B software companies. As CEO of Profisee, he grew the company’s revenues by over 50% annually and achieved a top 1% employee engagement score, ultimately l...
142
Oct. 4, 2023
Episode 142: The Labor Movement is on the Rise, and NLRB is Leading the Way
In today’s episode, Mike talks with Dan Gilmore, an experienced labor and employment attorney. Dan helps his clients understand the changing legal landscape around unions and organizing. He’s the founder of Squire Strategies, where he advises employers on staying union-free through better communication and engagement with employees. Dan shares insights from his 30+ year career representing management. Dan Gilmore’s Bio After serving as a Judge Advocate in the United States Marine Corps, I join...
141
Sept. 27, 2023
Episode 141: Leadership Lessons from Disaster Zones
In today’s episode, Mike talks with former UPS VP Craig Arnold about disaster response logistics. Craig shares how UPS built partnerships with nonprofits to distribute aid globally, and why embracing failure, egoless collaboration, and humility enabled success. Lessons like involving wider teams beyond leadership apply directly to business partnerships, leadership, and teamwork. Craig Arnold’s Bio I worked for UPS from 1987 to 2022. I retired and then joined Swoop Aero. My team designs and man...
140
Sept. 20, 2023
Episode 140: The Power of Imperfect Ideas
In today’s episode, Mike talks with Dr. Brett Jacobsen. As CEO of Mount Vernon School and Ventures, Brett helps organizations learn how to innovate. He believes learning can provide a competitive advantage over culture and strategy. Brett provides tactics like isolating ideas to small teams, creating parallel tracks, and constantly asking “help me see what you see” to spur momentum. Tune in to pick up tangible tips for getting your team unstuck. Dr. Brett Jacobsen’s Bio Entering his 15th year, ...
139
Sept. 14, 2023
Episode 139: Peer Groups for Senior Leaders Provide Support & Perspective
In today’s episode, Mike talks with Ted Konechne, President of the East Region for AIS. AIS offers inspection and engineering services for home builders, helping them speed up construction without compromising quality. Ted shares how he focuses on connecting personally with employees during mergers, being curious about regional differences, and celebrating small wins daily to drive accountability and momentum. Ted Konechne’s Bio Ted Konechne is the President of the East Region for ARCXIS, an i...
138
Sept. 6, 2023
Episode 138: Leading Through Change With Curiosity And Wins
In today’s episode, Mike talks with Ted Konechne, President of the East Region for AIS. AIS offers inspection and engineering services for home builders, helping them speed up construction without compromising quality. Ted shares how he focuses on connecting personally with employees during mergers, being curious about regional differences, and celebrating small wins daily to drive accountability and momentum. Ted Konechne’s Bio Ted Konechne is the President of the East Region for ARCXIS, an i...
137
Aug. 30, 2023
Episode 137: From Corporate HR Exec to Business Owner: Learning to Adapt
In today’s episode, Mike talks with Monte McDowell, the owner of ARCpoint Labs of Atlanta, a lab testing and services company. Monte helps his clients with workplace drug testing, DNA-based tests, and clinical lab services. He leverages nearly 30 years of HR experience to provide consultation around health, drug screening, and safety. Mike and Monte discuss the transition from corporate HR executive to business owner, including the ups and downs. Monte shares lessons on adapting expertise to a ...
136
Aug. 23, 2023
Episode 136: Trust-Fueled Growth & Delegation: Unlocking Your Business Potential
In today’s episode, Mike talks with Steve Fisher, a founding partner of Strategy Partners Group. Steve helps his clients get “unstuck” from short-term tactical thinking and make the transition to long-term strategic planning and growth. He discusses the importance of having a written, structured growth plan with metrics, and how to delegate parts of the plan effectively while still holding people accountable. Steve also talks about the role trust plays in executing strategy, especially in merge...
135
Aug. 17, 2023
Episode 135: Cracking the Marketing Code: Boost ROI with Data-Driven Insights
In this enlightening episode, Mike sits down with marketing guru Michael Wolfe, the brains behind Bottom Line Analytics. With a knack for turning data into captivating stories, Michael reveals how he helps clients revolutionize their marketing strategies for a better ROI. Get ready to unravel the mystery behind effective marketing and discover how a single sandwich sparked a sales explosion for a major brand. Dive into the numbers, anecdotes, and insights that will change the way you approach y...
134
Aug. 9, 2023
Episode 134: Unlocking Boardroom Wisdom: Navigating Leadership and Transformation
In this captivating episode, Mike dives into an insightful conversation with Eric McCarthey, a seasoned boardroom virtuoso. Eric brings his wealth of experience as a strategic leader, offering invaluable insights into the dynamics of successful boards and transformational leadership. With a remarkable career spanning leadership roles and board positions, Eric sheds light on the inner workings of board committees, the essence of the duty of care and loyalty, and the power of cultivating a kind a...
133
Aug. 2, 2023
Episode 133: Podcasting Tips: Authenticity, Repurposing Content, and Getting Unstuck
In today’s episode, Mike O’Neill dives into the world of podcasting with Jason Croft, a seasoned podcasting expert and founder of Media Leads. Jason shares valuable insights on authenticity, repurposing content, and how to overcome challenges in the podcasting journey. Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation! Jason Croft’s Bio In his 30+ years in media, Jason Croft has worked around the globe creating professional content in wide-ranging roles and projects from producing award-winning movi...
132
July 26, 2023
Episode 132: Unlocking the Power of Soulful Listening
In today’s episode, Mike O’Neill engages in a captivating conversation with Terri Lonowski, a renowned expert in soulful listening and communication. Terri shares her insights on the power of active listening combined with empathy, highlighting the transformative potential it holds for personal and professional growth. Discover the five elements of soulful listening, the importance of self-care and self-discovery, and the impact of inspired action. Join us as Terri unveils the secrets to cultiv...
131
July 19, 2023
Episode 131: Unleashing Tenacity: The Power of Curiosity and Service in Sales
In today’s episode, Mike chats with Kevin Juza, an expert in sales and leadership. Kevin shares valuable insights on how curiosity and serving others are the keys to sales success. He emphasizes the importance of setting ambitious goals, being tenacious, and empowering your team. Tune in to gain practical strategies and a fresh perspective on sales leadership. Kevin Juza’s Bio My name is Kevin Juza. I started my career in operations and management in the financial services industry. In 2008, m...
130
July 13, 2023
Episode 130: Building Lasting Businesses: Unleashing the Power of Teams and Dreams
In today’s episode, Mike O’Neill sits down with Tim Kenny, founder of Kenny and Kenny, a family CPA firm. Tim shares valuable insights on building businesses that last and the importance of prioritizing long-term success. Tim’s expertise lies in working with owners and management to create thriving businesses that work for them. He emphasizes the significance of embracing a long-term mindset and putting the team first. Through his experience, he has seen the transformative power of becoming a t...