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

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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

Brian Osborne, CEO of Christy Industrial Holdings, shares how he transitioned from a control-driven leader to one who empowers others to succeed beyond him. He discusses pivotal moments that reshaped his leadership, the power of feedback, and why alignment with ownership is key to long-term success. His story proves that letting go of control and building strong teams leads to greater business and personal growth. Brian’s journey is a powerful reminder that true leadership isn’t about control—it’s about trust, development, and building a team that can thrive without you.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Learning to lead without being the bottleneck
• The value of feedback and having the courage to listen
• Why alignment with ownership drives business success
• Building a thriving workplace culture rooted in trust
• Coaching and developing leaders to step up

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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

Tom LaMantia, former CEO and current Chairman of the Board at Clemco Holdings, explores the transformative power of humility, the bravery required to accept and act on feedback, and the profound impact of leadership that values people over personal accolades. By shifting his mindset from personal achievement to servant leadership, he cultivated a workplace culture rooted in trust, alignment, and shared purpose. After all, true success isn’t measured by being the best in the world, but by striving to be the best for the world.

In this episode, we discuss:

- How embracing servant leadership transformed Tom’s career

- The role of feedback as a gift in leadership growth

- Building a strong workplace culture through values, principles, and behaviors

- Why alignment and engagement drive long-term success

- The importance of leading with courage, trust, and purpose

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

Chris Kerckhoff, President and CEO of Plancorp, joins the show to share how breaking conventional leadership norms and embracing innovation have fueled his company’s success. By challenging traditional thinking, fostering a culture of accountability, and continuously improving processes, Chris has led Plancorp’s expansion from managing $1 billion to over $7.5 billion in assets. He highlights why questioning the status quo, trusting your team, and making strategic adjustments are key to sustainable leadership growth.In this episode, we discuss:- Why breaking traditional leadership rules sparks innovation and drives success- How small, continuous improvements lead to lasting transformation- The power of questioning industry norms to uncover better solutions- How trusting and empowering your team leads to smarter decision-making- Lessons from an 11-year journey in strategic succession planningCheck 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

Gary Peterson, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply Chain at OC Tanner, joins the show to share how reimagining workflows and empowering employees transformed his organization. Gary and his team reduced lead times from 28 days to just 20 minutes—while fostering a culture of engagement and continuous improvement. Through his journey, he highlights the power of listening, embracing humility, and leading with trust.

In this episode, we discuss:

- How restructuring workflows can dramatically improve efficiency and quality

- The role of humility and vulnerability in leadership growth

- Why listening to employees fosters innovation and problem-solving

- The impact of continuous improvement on workplace culture

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