Struggling to find and retain top talent? You're not alone. In this episode of CEOs Unscripted, I sit down with Brandt Hanley from ROI Executive Search to uncover why most mid-market companies are getting hiring ALL WRONG. What You'll Learn: ✅ Why the traditional interview process is fundamentally broken ✅ Cultural fit vs qualifications: What ACTUALLY matters in hiring ✅ The true cost of a bad hire (3-4x annual salary!) ✅ How to create an effective onboarding process that retains talent ✅ Why hiring "mini-me's" destroys innovation and growth ✅ The power of psychographic assessments in talent acquisition ✅ When CEOs should step back from day-to-day operations Book Mentioned: A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future Featured Expert: Brandt Hanley brings 21+ years of executive search experience, previously working with Procter & Gamble and Walt Disney Company across international markets. Perfect for: Mid-market CEOs and founders HR professionals and talent acquisition teams Business leaders struggling with employee retention Companies experiencing rapid growth Anyone responsible for building high-performing teams 💡 The biggest takeaway? Stop hiring for tenure and start hiring for cultural fit and giftedness. In today's market where average tenure is just 4 years, the old rules no longer apply.KEY TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome to CEOs Unscripted 02:30 - Brandt's Background: From P&G to Disney to Executive Search 08:45 - Why Mid-Market CEOs Struggle with Talent Acquisition 12:20 - The Broken Interview Process 15:40 - Cultural Fit vs Qualifications: What Really Matters 19:15 - The Age Discrimination Problem in Hiring 23:50 - Finding Your True Gifts vs Following Passion 27:30 - The Power of Psychographic Assessments 31:45 - The Cost of Impatience in Hiring (3-4x Salary!) 36:20 - Understanding Your Company Culture Before Hiring 40:15 - The MBA Myth: Why Degrees Don't Guarantee Success 43:50 - Hiring for Different Stages of Company Growth 47:25 - The "Mini-Me" Mistake: Why Diversity Matters 52:10 - The Importance of Professional Reference Checks 55:40 - Onboarding: The Missing Link in Talent Retention 58:30 - The Inverted Pyramid Leadership Model 61:45 - Rapid Fire Questions & Final Wisdom 🔔 Subscribe to CEOs Unscripted for bi-weekly conversations with real CEOs sharing unfiltered insights on leadership, growth, and scaling mid-market companies.    

In this compelling episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane Gentry sits down with Letizia Latino, CEO of Neptune USA, to explore the unique challenges of leading in the telecommunications infrastructure industry. From managing the boom-and-bust cycles of wireless construction to championing workforce development through apprenticeships, Letizia shares her unfiltered insights on modern business leadership. What You'll Learn: ✅ Industry Challenges & Innovation: - The "all-you-can-eat buffet or starvation" reality of the telecom industry- How AI and drone technology are revolutionizing tower inspection and engineering- Navigating tariff impacts and supply chain complexities in steel manufacturing- The critical infrastructure behind your cell phone connectivity ✅ Workforce Development & Talent: - Why apprenticeship programs are the future of skilled labor- The untapped potential of hiring military veterans in technical roles- How to retain skilled workers during industry downturns- Breaking the stigma around trade jobs vs. four-year degrees ✅ Leadership Lessons: - Overcoming "we've always done it this way" resistance to change- Managing change initiatives effectively through transition periods- The importance of staying curious and aligned with your values- Balancing family business legacy with personal identity ✅ Change Management Insights: - Why most growth initiatives fail (hint: it's not the strategy)- The critical role of middle managers in executing change- Using AI to predict resistance to organizational change- Communication strategies that actually work ✅ Featured Topics & Keywords: Telecommunications CEO | Women in Leadership | Wireless Infrastructure | Tower Construction | Change Management | Workforce Development | Apprenticeship Programs | Veterans Employment | AI in Business | Drone Technology | Digital Twin Technology | Supply Chain Management | Tariff Impact | Business Strategy | Family Business | CEO Challenges | Trade Jobs | Skills Gap | Construction Industry | 5G Infrastructure | Telecom Innovation | Leadership Development Guest Bio: Letizia Latino is the CEO of Neptune USA, a telecommunications infrastructure company specializing in steel tower manufacturing and engineering services. Born in Venezuela to Italian immigrant parents, Letizia brings an international perspective to business leadership. Before joining the family business, she gained experience at Merrill Lynch and Nortel Networks. She's passionate about workforce development, serves on several FCC committees, and hosts the podcast "Back to Basics: Reconnecting to the Essence of You." Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction & Letizia's International Background05:30 The Path from Corporate to Family Business12:15 The "Buffet or Starvation" Challenge in Telecom18:45 Innovation Through AI & Drone Technology25:20 Change Management & Status Quo Resistance32:10 Tariff Impacts & Manufacturing Challenges38:00 Apprenticeship Programs & Trade Education45:30 Hiring Veterans in Technical Roles52:00 Rapid Fire Questions58:30 Final Thoughts & Future Goals About CEOs Unscripted: CEOs Unscripted is a bi-weekly podcast by mid-market CEOs for mid-market CEOs, hosted by Jane Gentry. Each episode delivers unfiltered, behind-the-scenes conversations about the wins, losses, and real-world strategies of leading and scaling businesses in today's dynamic landscape. Subscribe for more conversations with CEOs who are changing the game. SEO Tags: #CEOPodcast #BusinessLeadership #TelecommunicationsIndustry #ChangeManagement #WorkforceDevelopment #WomenInBusiness #ApprenticeshipPrograms #VeteransEmployment #AIInBusiness #DroneInnovation #ConstructionIndustry #CEOInterview #LeadershipPodcast #BusinessStrategy #FamilyBusiness #TowerConstruction #WirelessInfrastructure #TradeJobs #SkillsGap #BusinessInnovation Category: Business | Entrepreneurship | Leadership | Technology | Telecommunications

What happens when a blue-collar kid from South Jersey transforms into a business-scaling expert? In this episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane Gentry sits down with her longtime mentor and business partner Pat Alacqua to uncover the raw truth about entrepreneurial growth, leadership transformation, and the psychological barriers that keep founders stuck. Pat shares his remarkable journey from working at his grandfather's grocery store to co-founding and scaling a trade show services company (The Nth Degree) into an international operation before successfully exiting in 2001. But this isn't just a success story—it's a masterclass in the messy, challenging reality of business growth. What You'll Learn: - The critical psychological shift from "doer" to leader and why most entrepreneurs struggle with it - How to manage your business by assumptions instead of budgets or checklists - The five distinct phases every company must navigate from startup to enterprise - Why spawning competitor companies from your best employees isn't always bad - The importance of having "one foot in the present and one foot in the future" - Practical strategies for identifying and addressing blind spots in your leadership.Key Insights: ✓ The three psychological barriers preventing delegation: identity, control, and validation ✓ Why "what got you here won't get you there" applies to every growth stage ✓ How to earn the right to keep things simple by first understanding complexity ✓ The power of assumption-based planning in uncertain markets ✓ Why asking the right questions matters more than having all the answersWhether you're a mid-market CEO navigating growth challenges, an entrepreneur struggling to scale, or a business leader looking to avoid common pitfalls, this conversation delivers actionable frameworks you can implement immediately. Book: Obstacles to Opportunity: Transforming Business Challenges into Triumphs https://tinyurl.com/5fr8fhy2 About the Guest: Pat Alacqua is a business growth strategist with over 40 years of experience building, scaling, and exiting companies. After co-founding and growing a trade show services company from startup to international operation, Pat now partners with CEOs to help them navigate the complex transitions from entrepreneur to enterprise leader. About the Host: Jane Gentry brings 20+ years of enterprise consulting experience and firsthand CEO leadership to CEOs Unscripted, creating a space where mid-market leaders share unfiltered stories, practical playbooks, and hard-won wisdom. 🔔 Subscribe to CEOs Unscripted for bi-weekly conversations with founders and executives who've navigated the challenges you're facing. 💬 Join the Conversation: What's your biggest challenge in transitioning from doer to leader? Share in the comments below. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Meet Pat Alacqua 03:15 - Growing up in small business: Early influences and work ethic 07:42 - From concrete business to trade shows: The entrepreneurial journey 12:30 - Navigating union labor and legal battles while scaling 16:45 - Building systems and the art of working ON vs. IN your business 21:20 - The painful reality of becoming the bottleneck in your own business 25:10 - Three psychological barriers to delegation: Identity, control, and validation 30:15 - Understanding business life cycles and the entrepreneur-to-enterprise journey 35:40 - The five phases of business growth every CEO must master 40:25 - Managing by assumptions vs. managing by budgets 45:30 - Solving root cause problems instead of applying band-aids 48:50 - Modeling leadership behavior and developing your team 52:15 - The importance of blind spots and continuous learning 56:40 - Earning the right to keep things simple 01:00:20 - The science and art of building effective systems 01:03:45 - Rapid fire questions: Books, early lessons, and advice for young professionals 01:08:30 - What to do when you get stuck as a leader 01:11:15 - Closing thoughts and key takeaways

Is AI overwhelming your mid-market business? You're not alone. In this unfiltered episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane Gentry sits down with Chris Happ, CEO of Virtuous AI and serial entrepreneur, to break down exactly how mid-market CEOs should approach AI strategy—without the tech jargon or corporate bureaucracy. What You'll Learn: ✅ Why AI is a STRATEGIC initiative, not an IT project ✅ How to identify the right business problem to solve with AI first ✅ The MIT study revealing why 95% of Fortune 500 AI pilots fail ✅ Why mid-market companies have a competitive advantage over enterprise ✅ How to manage AI as a change initiative (and avoid employee resistance) ✅ Real case studies: inventory optimization, workflow automation, and BI transformation ✅ The critical mistake of "bolting on" AI tools that create more silos ✅ How to protect your competitive advantage and proprietary data ✅ Why you should never wait to start experimenting with AI Key Takeaways: 🔹 Start with ONE meaningful business problem (growth, profitability, or retention) 🔹 AI can clean your dirty data BEFORE you even begin analysis 🔹 You don't need a massive budget—nimbleness is your superpower 🔹 Think "revenue per head" metrics (target: $1M per employee) 🔹 Avoid the subscription trap—consolidate around strategic platforms 🔹 Your AI strategy should be owned by the CEO, not delegated to IT Perfect For: Mid-market CEOs, founders, business leaders navigating digital transformation, operations executives, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by the AI landscape. Guest: Chris Happ is the CEO of Virtuous AI and a proven mid-market CEO who has successfully sold multiple companies. He specializes in helping businesses implement AI strategically without the enterprise complexity. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: Why AI is overwhelming mid-market CEOs 2:34 - The MIT study: 95% of Fortune 500 AI pilots fail 5:38 - AI as a change initiative, not just technology 8:59 - Why mid-market CEOs have the advantage 12:33 - Predictive vs deterministic AI explained simply 15:48 - Start with a business problem, not the technology 19:10 - Case study: AI-powered inventory optimization 21:42 - The dirty data problem and how AI solves it 27:09 - Common mistakes and opportunities 33:35 - The subscription model trap killing mid-market budgets 40:18 - AI for business intelligence and real-time reporting 44:44 - Critical cautions: protecting your competitive advantage 49:58 - What happens if you need to switch vendors? 55:32 - Final takeaways and next steps Resources Mentioned: MIT Fortune 500 AI Study Virtuous AI Platform (BAYO - Business Automation Intelligence & Outcomes) 📌 Don't get left behind—subscribe for more candid conversations with CEOs who've been where you are! Hashtags: #AIStrategy #MidMarketCEO #BusinessTransformation #AIForBusiness #CEOPodcast #DigitalTransformation #BusinessAutomation #AIImplementation #LeadershipPodcast #CEOInsights #ArtificialIntelligence #ChangeManagement #BusinessGrowth #VirtuousAI #CEOsUnscripted About CEOs Unscripted: CEOs Unscripted is a bi-weekly podcast by mid-market CEOs, for mid-market CEOs. Host Jane Gentry brings 20+ years of consulting experience and firsthand CEO leadership to deliver unfiltered conversations about what it really takes to lead, grow, and scale a business. No fluff. No jargon. Just real talk that drives real results. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to never miss an episode! 💬 What's your biggest AI challenge? Drop it in the comments below!

Join host Jane Gentry in this compelling episode of CEOs Unscripted as she sits down with Steve Hedrick, CEO of AVN Corporation, for an unfiltered conversation about leadership, empathy, and building successful organizations in today's competitive business landscape. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Leadership Fundamentals - How military experience shapes executive decision-making and resilience - The critical difference between empathy and sympathy in leadership - Why trust is the foundation of high-performing teams - How to simplify complex problems for better communication Scaling and Growth Strategies - Transitioning from large corporations to mid-market companies - Avoiding decision-making bottlenecks while maintaining control - Building organizational nimbleness without sacrificing structure - Creating systems that protect against unnecessary complexity People Development - How to broaden leadership capabilities before promoting team members - The importance of sending employees to top-tier continuing education programs - Why diversity of thought and experience drives better results - Setting conditions for employee success rather than managing failuresNetwork Building and Mentorship - Building a global professional network through relationship-based leadership - The power of having truth-tellers in your inner circle - How YPO Forums provide peer support for CEOs - Maintaining long-term relationships across career transitions Key Takeaways for Mid-Market CEOs: ✓ Trust Your People: Surround yourself with the best talent and empower them to make decisions ✓ Empathy Over Sympathy: Experience challenges with your team rather than just feeling sorry for them ✓ Learn from Losses: Failures provide more valuable lessons than wins ✓ Continuous Learning: Stay curious and invest in your team's development ✓ Simplify Complexity: The best executives can synthesize complex problems into simple solutions ✓ Build Your Tribe: Cultivate relationships with people who will give you honest feedback About the Guest: Steve Hedricks is the CEO of AVN Corporation, a global provider of specialized services to the chemical industry. A West Point graduate with a chemical engineering background, Steve brings unique insights from his military service and extensive experience in both large corporations and mid-market companies. AVN Corporation specializes in solving complex science and technology problems, from R&D through manufacturing scaling. Perfect for: Mid-market CEOs and business leaders - Executives transitioning between company sizes - Leaders looking to improve team performance - Anyone interested in military-to-business leadershiptranslation - Chemical industry professionals and STEM leaders #Leadership #CEOPodcast #BusinessGrowth #MidMarketCEO #ExecutiveLeadership #TeamBuilding #BusinessStrategy #ChemicalIndustry #MilitaryLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment

What does it really take to scale from $60M to $500M without turning your company into a bureaucracy? In this candid conversation, Troy Place (CEO, Place Services Inc.) and host Jane Gentry unpack the unsexy fundamentals behind year-over-year $100M growth: fast decision-making, quality that the customer defines, ruthless focus on profitability, hiring well, and operationalizing culture you can feel. You’ll learn: Why a poor decision beats no decision—and how indecision quietly kills growth The exact fundamentals Troy returns to: sell profitably, deliver consistent quality, hire right people/right seats How PSI applies EOS (the real-world, non-dogmatic version) and a one-page Proven Process Practical ways to operationalize culture (new-hire lunches, values-based reviews, peer “praise cards”) How CEOs avoid becoming the decision bottleneck and build a true decision matrix Why shiny objects (and premature “college-level” process) derail teams still learning basics Building leadership capacity while raising nine kids and aiming for a 100-year company If you’re a mid-market CEO or operator, this is a playbook for durable growth—no fluff, just what works. 📌 Guest: Troy Place, CEO, Place Services Inc. (nationwide commercial & industrial construction; GC + 12 in-house trades)🎙 Host: Jane Gentry — CEOs Unscripted Chapters: 00:00 Growth snapshot: $60M → $500M (2018–2024) & the case for fundamentals02:38 Show intro & why mid-market leadership is lonely03:08 Troy’s backstory: 3rd-gen carpenter → founder during a recession06:17 What PSI does: GC + 12 in-house trade divisions, nationwide08:19 EOS in practice & the one-page Proven Process11:44 Breaking growth ceilings; the single non-negotiable (fundamentals)13:53 The CEO as (former) bottleneck: discipline, accountability & letting teams fix it16:00 Decision rights & empowering without punishing mistakes18:08 “A bad decision > no decision” (and why indecision kills)21:38 The CEO’s job: decisions, fundamentals & culture you can feel25:33 Operationalizing culture: new-hire lunches, values-based reviews30:23 Peer praise cards & reinforcing the right behaviors31:59 Planning for durable growth; learning from outsiders33:42 Bootstrapping leadership: advisors, books, podcasts, Vistage36:16 Growing the leader as the company scales41:43 When EOS goes wrong: college-level process for elementary-level teams44:39 Shiny object syndrome & long-tail costs45:21 The fundamentals: profit first, quality every time, right people/right seats48:50 What he’s reading & advisory boards50:18 Early lessons from dad: “figure it out” mindset51:41 Message to young leaders: learn to grind52:10 Wish I’d done earlier: build an advisor bench53:29 Getting unstuck: borrow other points of view55:21 Motivation: build a 100-year company56:46 WrapBook Referred in the Podcast: https://www.amazon.in/Game-Changing-Advisory-Boards-Leveraging-Sustainable-ebook/dp/B00CJH8DGKHost: Jane Gentry - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janemgentry/Guest: Troy Place - https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-place-3b480242/  

Are you a mid-market CEO struggling with cash flow, talent retention, or decision-making speed? Fortune 100 veteran turned growth company CEO Stacey Tank reveals the exact strategies that transformed her leadership from managing billion-dollar enterprises at GE, Home Depot, and Heineken to scaling a high-growth beauty brand.  KEY TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - From Fortune 100 to Growth CEO 05:30 - Why "Cash is Queen" in Growth Companies 12:45 - The "Aces in Their Places" Talent Strategy 18:20 - Decision Speed: 51-49 vs 95-5 Choices 25:10 - Overcoming the "Know-It-All" Leadership Trap 32:40 - When to Add Process vs Stay Agile 38:15 - 3-Dimensional Innovation Strategy WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Cash Management for Growth: Why Stacey checks cash daily instead of P&L statements. Get specific frameworks for managing cash flow during scaling without debt or investors. Revolutionary Talent Strategy: Real example of hiring an office manager who now runs warehouse, HR, and marketing. Learn why attitude beats credentials and how to create cross-functional collaboration. Decision-Making Mastery: When to make lightning-fast decisions vs. letting situations "ripen." How enterprise complexity (51-49 decisions) differs from growth company clarity (95-5 decisions). Authentic Leadership: Breaking the "Hermione Granger effect" - the need to know everything. How vulnerability and asking for help creates stronger leadership. Smart Process Implementation: Stacey's criteria for when to add structure: when confusion slows teams down and meaningful value is at stake. Innovation Strategy: Product, business model, and supply chain innovation during uncertainty (including China decoupling strategies). STANDOUT INSIGHTS: "You cannot herd cats, but you can move their food" - aligning teams through shared goals How to retain top talent without top-tier compensation The fragility of growth companies vs. enterprise stability Building culture that scales without losing entrepreneurial speed Perfect for: Mid-market CEOs ($10M-$500M revenue), founders scaling startups, enterprise executives considering growth company leadership, business owners struggling with talent retention. Books mentioned in the Episode: Adversity Quotient: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities  What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful About Stacey Tank: CEO of Bespoke Beauty Brands, 20+ years Fortune 100 experience (GE, Home Depot, Heineken), international executive across 6 countries, sits on public, private equity, and family-owned company boards. Subscribe for unfiltered CEO conversations and practical growth strategies. Hit the bell for notifications! #CEOPodcast #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #TalentManagement #CashFlow #MidMarketCEO

In this episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane sits down with Rich Scanlon, Chairman of Sendible and a former NFL linebacker turned successful SaaS CEO. Rich shares his extraordinary journey from the football field to the boardroom, revealing how lessons in discipline, accountability, and high-stakes decision-making shaped his leadership style. Tune in as Rich opens up about: Transitioning from professional sports to business Why athletes and military vets make great hires The power of clarity, trust, and transparency in leadership His biggest hiring mistakes—and how to avoid them How to make bold decisions without perfect information Why every CEO needs a personal outlet (and yes, the gym counts) This conversation is packed with practical wisdom, unexpected laughs, and a whole lot of honesty. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned executive, Rich's story will challenge how you think about leadership, risk, and what it really means to build a winning culture. Timestamps:  Introduction and Welcome - 0:00 Rich Scanlon's Background and Journey - 2:15 Transition from NFL to Business - 5:30 Decision-Making and Risk-Taking - 12:45 Accountability and Team Dynamics - 18:20 Career Development and Flexibility - 25:10 Maintaining Engagement and Trust - 32:00 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts - 40:15 Conclusion and Call to Action - 45:00

What happens when a 39-year-old takes over a family business and inherits employees who are decades older? In this powerful episode of CEOs Unscripted, Jane Gentry sits down with Jim Nooney, who transformed Nooney Controls through the revolutionary power of gratitude and authentic leadership. Jim shares his raw journey from feeling "unsuited" to run his father's business to building a culture where employees genuinely looked forward to coming to work. You'll discover why he believes gratitude is a "superpower" in business, how being debt-free enabled strategic risk-taking, and why asking for forgiveness can actually deepen business relationships. Key Takeaways: Why sincere gratitude (not gifts) transforms workplace dynamics How to establish authority when leading people older than you The hidden costs of employee turnover and how to prevent it Why "no one cares what you know until they know you care" The business case for putting employee wellbeing first Here's a timestamp outline for the episode:  [00:00:00] - Introduction to CEOs Unscripted and guest Jim Nooney.[00:05:00] - Jim's backstory and the founding of Nooney Controls.[00:15:00] - Challenges of taking over a family business.[00:25:00] - The role of gratitude in leadership and business success.[00:35:00] - Building sincere relationships with employees and vendors.[00:45:00] - Key insights on gratitude as a leadership tool.[00:55:00] - The impact of gratitude on company culture and employee engagement.[01:05:00] - Jim's advice for young leaders and aspiring CEOs.[01:15:00] - Closing thoughts and takeaways from the conversation.

What happens when a supply chain expert who built and sold a successful consulting firm realizes the real problem isn't broken processes—it's broken workplaces? In this episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane Gentry sits down with Robert Martichenko, founder of Trail Path Workplace Solutions and former CEO of Lean Core Supply Chain, for an eye-opening conversation about the shift from managing processes to unleashing human potential. After 17 years of helping companies optimize their operations, Robert made a radical pivot: instead of fixing workflows, he's now focused on creating "meaningful employment environments" that tackle the real drivers behind 60-70% turnover rates plaguing frontline workers. Jane and Robert dive deep into why traditional approaches to workforce challenges are failing, the difference between Theory X and Theory Y leadership, and how dignity and meaningful work aren't just nice-to-haves—they're competitive advantages that directly impact your bottom line. 00:00 - Introduction Welcome to CEOs Unscripted with Jane Gentry. 02:15 - Robert's Background Robert shares his journey from struggling in school to founding Lean Core Supply Chain. 10:30 - Building Lean Core Discussing the principles of lean culture and operational excellence. 18:45 - Successful Exit Insights into the process and emotions of selling a company. 25:00 - Transition to Trail Path Robert's shift to focusing on meaningful employment environments. 35:20 - The Meaningful Employment Framework Exploring dignity and meaningful work as core principles. 45:00 - Challenges in Workforce Management Addressing turnover, remote work, and leadership development. 55:30 - Closing Thoughts The importance of community and relationships in business. 58:00 - Rapid Fire Questions Quick insights into Robert's personal and professional life. 01:05:00 - Conclusion Wrap-up and invitation to subscribe to CEOs Unscripted.

What happens when a bartender-turned-restaurant-owner discovers a passion for experiential marketing and becomes the CEO of one of the top exhibit houses in the country? You get Michael McMahon. In this episode, Michael opens up to host, Jane Gentry, about his winding path to leadership, how he cultivated his leadership voice over decades, and what it really means to “get out of the way” as a CEO. Jane and Michael go deep on practical tools for empowering executive teams, navigating change, and leading with intentionality and authenticity. If you’ve ever felt like the bottleneck in your business, this candid, reflective conversation will challenge and inspire you to lead differently.

How do you run a thriving business with your siblings—without losing your sanity or your bottom line? In this episode of CEOs Unscripted, Mark McKenzie, CEO of DocQmax, shares the gritty, inspiring story behind his family’s 50-year journey in the printing industry. From navigating family dynamics and hard conversations to staying innovative through digital disruption, Mark brings honest insight on how to lead with integrity and pivot with confidence.He and host Jane Gentry dive deep into why CEOs must protect the business like a king on a chessboard, how automation and AI are reshaping legacy industries, and the uncomfortable—but necessary—truth about letting go of people who no longer fit. Whether you’re leading a family business or scaling through industry shifts, this conversation will leave you with real-world tactics and refreshing perspective.

In this episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane Gentry sits down with Mike Plaia, CEO of PharmaPoint, for an unscripted masterclass on building culture, embracing servant leadership, and staying bold in the face of adversity.   (05:34)  The GE program that fast-tracked Mike’s business instincts (07:25)  Why Mike tells young professionals to start with structured training (10:26) "Don't be Snapple"—and why (12:31)  A powerful philosophy on servant leadership—and what it really means to serve your team.(15:51)  Defining a vision and adapting it as your business grows (18:46). The role adversity plays in building company culture (21:01)  Jane discusses hiring "climbers" and the  Adversity Quotient by Paul Stoltz(24:45)  Creating a culture where bold ideas—and mistakes—are welcome(30:35)  Why companies can't "camp" and what CEOs miss when they don’t learn from others(35:07)  Redefining hustle—why family-first doesn’t mean less ambition(37:09)  The importance of having a truth-teller by your side.(39:19)  The four-part execution framework (K-O-D-A) Mike used to embed accountability into his culture. (41:33)  Operationalizing ideas; defining the ambiguous to create behavior change(44:31)  Why shared purpose is at the heart of high-performing teams(51:57)  Why humility, mentorship, and vulnerability are essential for growth—especially for CEOs. From personal growth to organizational execution, this conversation goes deep on what it really takes to lead a purpose-driven business in a fast-changing world.

What happens when a 16-year-old managing adults becomes a CEO of a niche manufacturing company? In this candid and inspiring episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane Gentry sits down with John Costello, CEO of Cherry’s Industrial Equipment, for a real conversation about leadership, legacy, and the power of transparency. From navigating a tense business partnership to building a company culture rooted in open-book management and financial literacy, John shares the unfiltered wisdom only earned through decades of gritty experience. Jane and John explore the weight of leadership, how to foster a culture of financial literacy, and why transparency is one of the most overlooked competitive advantages in mid-market companies — all while keeping a sense of humor and humility.  (07:31) The value of teaching financial literacy at home (11:38) The bittersweet buyout story and hard lessons from a forced 50/50 partnership (19:52) John's hard-earned advice for CEOs entering business partnerships — and the questions he wishes he’d asked early on (25:11) Why John embraced open-book management — and how transparency with financials built trust, ownership, and accountability across the team (27:38) Teaching financial literacy to employees as a company benefit and its impact on employees’ personal lives (37:39) How one employee’s idea saved $25K and proved the model works (38:34) Why weekly meetings, forecasting, and cadence are key to strategic execution (40:27) The radical transparency used in their recruiting process (42:23) How leadership evolved under this model — and why it’s working (53:58) Reflections on legacy, transitions, and developing people through culture If you’ve ever questioned how open is too open with your team, or whether your culture really drives performance, this one’s for you.

In this dynamic episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane Gentry sits down with Patrick "Paddy" Gough — retired Marine Corps officer, former aerospace CEO, and founder of Poseidon Consulting — for a candid and insightful conversation on what true leadership looks like. Together, they explore Paddy’s "Seven Cs" of leadership: competence, candor, courage, commitment, consistency, compassion, and communication — and how these principles shape successful teams and enduring cultures. Through stories from the battlefield to the boardroom, Jane and Paddy dive deep into the real challenges CEOs face today: handling toxic employees, fostering collaboration across departments, navigating the growing pains of scaling, and building strategic plans that actually drive results. Paddy’s philosophy of “mission first, people always” resonates powerfully as they discuss why leadership is an attribute, not a title, and why cultivating trust and moral courage is non-negotiable in business. Whether you’re leading a startup or a large enterprise, this conversation is packed with hard-won lessons, real-world examples, and timeless advice to help you lead with greater impact and authenticity.

When your company can’t grow past you, it’s time to grow yourself.From starting a business by accident to scaling multiple companies—and learning some hard lessons along the way—Josh McAfee brings an honest and insightful lens to what it really takes to lead and grow. In this episode, Josh joins Jane Gentry to talk about the mindset shift that transformed him from a high-performing individual contributor into a people-first leader. He shares the story of why his first company plateaued, how he built a radically different kind of partnership in his second, and why emotional intelligence, feedback, and strategic alignment are make-or-break skills for today’s CEOs. Whether you’re a founder, a mid-market executive, or a leader who wants to grow without burning out, this conversation is filled with moments that will challenge and inspire you.  (09:17) How personal growth limitations can cap company success (10:59) How Josh approached partnership differently the second time around (15:01) Creating space for different communication styles in leadership (17:53) Why every CEO needs a circle of influence (22:23) The joy of helping others grow—why leadership is personal for Josh (24:15) What it means to “invest in people” as a scaling CEO (27:37) Leadership blind spots and how honesty keeps you sharp (32:37) Why misalignment in hiring isn’t just a process problem (34:27) Josh’s advice for young leaders: set better goals Josh’s story is a masterclass in humility, growth, and leading with purpose—and a reminder that the best leaders are the ones who never stop learning.

Executing with focus, leading through change, and building unstoppable teams with intention and clarity.What happens when a Navy vet, former sales rep, and self-described “imposter syndrome CEO” becomes one of the most effective growth leaders in private equity? You get Bill Canady—Chairman of OTC Industrial Technologies, CEO of Arrowhead Engineered Products, and author of The 80/20 CEO. In this candid conversation with Jane, Bill shares the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership philosophy, including why the first 100 days in a new role matter, how to build buy-in across your team, and why under-resourcing your strategy is the fastest route to failure. Whether you’re leading a startup or scaling a mid-market company, this episode’s insights will shift how you think about growth, execution, and how to lead when the stakes are high. Episode Highlights: (7:03) How Bill went from small-town roots to leading billion-dollar companies (8:43) What private equity leadership really requires (10:45) How Bill defines the CEO’s job—especially in the first 100 days (17:41) Why the team—not the CEO—must define the strategy (33:22) The trap of under-resourcing great strategies (40:25) How to lead organizational change without losing your people (40:25) The three things every employee needs to stay engaged (40:25) Why leadership is about momentum, not perfection(40:25) The power of real-time visibility through communicationBill’s approach reminds us that great leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about setting a clear vision, enrolling others in the journey, and staying agile when the winds shift. If you’re leading through change or stepping into a bigger role, this episode is your blueprint for doing it with clarity and conviction. Episode Guest:About Bill Canady, Chairman of OTC Industrial Technologies, CEO of Arrowhead Engineered Products, and author of The 80/20 CEO Bill Canady has over 30 years of experience as a global business executive in a variety of industries and markets focused on industrial and consumer products and services. He concentrates on aligning with key stakeholders to set a clear and compelling vision that drives growth, controls cost, and increases profitability. A key to his success is developing strong leaders and management teams while establishing deep relationships. His experience spans global public, private, and sponsor-owned companies. He currently serves as Chairman of OTC Industrial Technologies and CEO of Arrowhead Engineered Products (AEP). Under his leadership, OTC has grown revenues by over 43% and earnings by more than 78%. AEP, headquartered in Blaine, MN, is a leading global supplier of mission-critical aftermarket parts with $1.5 billion in sales across 50+ countries. Bill is also the founder of The 80/20 Institute, which trains leaders to increase asset productivity, improve profitability, and make better decisions across every level of a business. He is a proud veteran of the United States Navy. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn  |  Check out The 80/20 CEO by Bill Canady

#001: From Crisis to Comeback: Leadership Lessons from the Fast-Food Industry with Doug AugustineTurning setbacks into success, the power of vulnerability in leadership, and building a thriving company culture.Imagine stepping into a struggling business at just 26 years old, facing financial turmoil, and being told by corporate leaders that you should walk away. That was the reality for Doug Augustine when he unexpectedly took over his family’s Taco Bell franchise after his father’s sudden passing.Instead of giving up, Doug leaned in—transforming his struggling locations into award-winning stores and scaling the business from seven to 33 restaurants. In this episode, Doug shares his remarkable journey of resilience, the leadership lessons he learned the hard way, and why vulnerability and asking for help are crucial for any CEO. He also dives into the importance of disciplined execution, people development, and how to create a performance-driven culture without sacrificing your team’s well-being. Episode Highlights: (7:03) How Doug took over a failing business at 26 and turned it around (8:43) The mindset shift that transformed his leadership style (10:45) Why vulnerability makes you a stronger CEO—not a weaker one (17:41) The key to scaling a business without losing its culture (33:22) What leaders often get wrong about accountability and performance (40:25) Why his book, When Pigs Fly, is more than just a memoir—it’s a leadership playbookDoug’s story proves that success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about learning how to navigate it. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure about your next move as a leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you approach obstacles and opportunities.