Mark Fitzmaurice and Juliette Dennett’s journey is a testament to resilience, partnership, and the power of living your values. From humble beginnings in the UK to leading one of Dale Carnegie’s most successful franchises worldwide, their story is about turning passion into purpose—and navigating life’s toughest challenges with grace. Mark got into Dale Carnegie after a breakfast seminar in 1986. A young baker at the time, full of insecurity and imposter syndrome, he enrolled in a leadership program that changed everything. “I saw myself differently,” he recalls. Promotions followed, confidence grew, and by 1990, Mark joined Dale Carnegie full-time—a decision that shaped the next four decades of his life. Juliette entered the business in the mid-90s, drawn by the culture and mission. Together, they built a thriving franchise in Northern England, weathering storms like the 2008 financial crisis and the global pandemic. “When you’ve got skin in the game, you have no choice but to move forward,” Mark says. Their secret? Living in day-tight compartments, focusing on what they could control, and leaning on Dale Carnegie principles like Give honest, sincere appreciation and Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to. Their leadership philosophy was simple yet profound: create an environment where people flourish and serve a purpose bigger than themselves. They modeled authenticity, consistency, and respect—values that shaped a culture of teamwork and trust. “If people can’t see it, they can’t be it,” Mark says. That mindset helped them develop master trainers, groom successors, and leave a legacy that still defines Dale Carnegie’s DNA today.

Nate Rempe’s journey is anything but ordinary. From writing code in grade school to becoming the first non-family CEO of Omaha Steaks in over 100 years, his story is a masterclass in adaptability, courage, and human-centered leadership. In this episode, Nate shares how stepping into uncomfortable situations shaped his rise from CIO to CEO—and why empathy became his greatest leadership advantage. He says, “Empathy is absolutely necessary at the CEO level if you want to win hearts and minds. And if you can’t win hearts and minds, you can’t be successful as a CEO.” You’ll also hear his advice for aspiring leaders: “Before you take the role, you should have been in the role without the title long enough that when you actually get the title, everyone says, ‘Wasn’t Nate already the president?" This conversation is packed with insights on breaking self-imposed limits, building confidence, and creating cultures where people thrive. Tune in to learn why fear is relative, how hobbies can unlock leadership skills, and why the best leaders know when to step forward—and when to let go.

From war-torn Nicaragua to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and purpose. Jose shares how growing up as a refugee shaped his mindset, how West Point taught him the value of followership, and how feedback—given with care and conviction—became the cornerstone of his leadership style. He says, “Making it clear when you're giving the feedback that it is your job and your responsibility as the leader to make that person successful.” This episode is packed with insights on leading through adversity, building trust, and creating environments where people thrive. You’ll hear how a mentor’s tough love led to Dale Carnegie training, and how a single half-marathon sparked a nonprofit that’s changing lives in Nicaragua. Tune in to learn how grit, gratitude, and growth mindset fuel one leader’s journey—and why feedback, humility, and optimism are essential tools for anyone who wants to lead with impact.

Some people chase trends. Adam von Gootkin builds legacies. From selling candy in high school to founding one of the world’s most prestigious gin brands, Adam shares how bold thinking, authentic connection, and a fearless mindset shaped his entrepreneurial journey. He says, “If you don’t have much to lose, then you learn to become bold… either fearless by intention or too stupid to be afraid.” This episode is packed with insights on overcoming fear, embracing awkwardness, and leading with passion. You’ll hear how a single email to a British castle led to a business partnership with royalty, and how Dale Carnegie’s timeless principles helped shape a confident, purpose-driven leader. Tune in to learn how Adam turns vision into reality and why enthusiasm, authenticity, and storytelling are the most underrated tools in leadership.

Rashmi Airan’s story is one of grit, grace, and radical accountability. A former attorney turned ethics advocate, Rashmi shares how a series of missteps led to a federal prison sentence—and how that experience became the foundation for her life’s mission. She says, “I had to lose my freedom to gain freedom,” and her journey is a masterclass in how to rise through struggle with courage and clarity. In this episode, Rashmi introduces her four-step RISE framework—Reframe, Identify, Surrender, and Evolve—and explains how each step helped her rebuild her life and career. She also reflects on the power of vulnerability, the trap of ego, and the importance of surrounding yourself with truth-tellers. One of her most powerful insights: “People are very forgiving of our humanity when we give them the opportunity to see their humanity in us.”

Matt Britton is a trailblazer who’s made a career out of understanding what’s next—especially when it comes to youth culture, digital behavior, and the future of brands. He believes, “Culture moves faster than companies can keep up. If you want to lead, you have to stop reacting and start anticipating.” In this episode, Matt breaks down what it takes to stay relevant in a world of constant disruption. He dives into generational shifts, how AI and automation are changing consumer expectations, and why Gen Z is rewriting the rules of brand loyalty. Matt encourages leaders to stop looking backward and start building for what’s coming. “It needs leaders who are willing to reinvent before they’re forced to.” He says.

John Venhuizen, CEO of Ace Hardware, knows firsthand that business is tough — a constant battle against some of the biggest players out there. But for John, it’s never just about products or profit. It’s about people, relationships, and a deep sense of purpose. In this conversation, John opens up about how Ace’s unique model — combining a powerful global brand with locally owned stores — creates something special that can’t be easily replicated. He talks about the daily grind of leadership, the importance of embracing problems head-on, and why a servant heart is the true competitive edge in today’s tech-driven world. John also gets candid about balancing leadership with life, why humility matters more than titles, and how AI is helping Ace’s frontline heroes serve customers better — all while never losing sight of the human connection that really moves people. If you’re looking for honest, practical leadership advice rooted in real-world experience, this episode is for you.

What does it really take to keep a legacy brand relevant to Gen Z and Gen Alpha? For Brieane Olson, CEO of Pacsun, it’s all about leading with purpose, embracing creativity, and truly listening to your customers. In this open and insightful conversation, Brieane shares how Pacsun has stayed grounded amid shifting trends and digital disruption by staying focused on a clear mission. She dives into how the brand builds lasting love with its community, the role vulnerability plays in her leadership, and how her team has stayed connected and strong for over 15 years. From collaborations with artists and athletes to bold moves like TikTok Shop and the Pacsun Collective, Brieane shows what it means to co-create culture—not just chase trends. At the heart of her leadership style is a simple but powerful approach: “pausing with purpose,” staying curious, and always remembering the bigger “why.”

What happens when a Fortune 20 executive blends sharp strategic thinking with a lifelong learner’s mindset? You get Sowmyanarayan Sampath, Chief Executive of Verizon Consumer. In this wide-ranging conversation, Sampath pulls back the curtain on how he leads one of the world’s largest tech-driven organizations—with clarity, calm, and a deep belief in people. From reshaping careers through AI to building lasting trust in teams, Sampath shares what it means to lead intentionally in a time of rapid change. He opens up about his personal philosophies, including why he thinks in three-year chapters, how karma influences his choices, and why self-discipline and communication are the new power skills. And his take on AI? It’s not something to fear—it’s “borrowing another brain.” He explains how it’s already transforming productivity, reshaping job roles, and giving professionals a chance to grow in entirely new ways.

Some leaders walk into a room and instantly change the energy—and Liz Haberberger is absolutely one of them. Liz is president of Dale Carnegie Missouri, a high-impact leadership coach, and a keynote speaker with a contagious blend of confidence, authenticity, and grit. Her superpower? Helping people see what's possible and empowering them to show up as the best version of themselves. She lives by the belief that “When you said yes to being a leader, you gave up the right to have a bad attitude.” In this episode, Liz shares how that mindset informs her approach to leadership, culture, and performance—and how anyone can build the emotional discipline to lead with intention. Whether she's guiding a Fortune 500 executive or a frontline manager, Liz brings clarity and candor. You'll also hear how her commitment to gratitude journaling and mindset training has helped her “train [her] brain to just look for what’s right instead of what’s wrong.”

Guy Fieri is back! A few months after our first conversation, he returns with even more energy, insight, and straight-talking leadership wisdom. In Part 2 of our episode, Guy dives deeper into what it truly means to stay authentic in a world that often pulls you away from your roots. From building rescue trailers for disaster zones to staying grounded despite massive success, Guy lives by principles that are both timeless and timely. As he reminds us, “If you don’t take the shot, you’re guaranteed to miss.”

Hal Elrod’s story is nothing short of miraculous. At 20, he died for six minutes after a car accident, broke 11 bones, and was told he would never walk again. But Hal didn’t just survive—he thrived. After overcoming incredible odds, including a battle with a rare form of cancer, he now helps others transform their lives through the power of mindset. As Hal says, "I will take 100% ownership for my health and healing for my life, and I will relentlessly research every holistic practice known to man, and I will implement all of them." Now, Hal shares his journey and his framework for success in his bestselling book The Miracle Morning. His approach has helped millions start their days with intention and clarity, and he continues to inspire others to take command of their lives. "The difference between successful and unsuccessful people," Hal says, "is not that they don’t face fear or insecurity. It’s whether they allow those mental and emotional roadblocks to stop them, or push forward despite them."

Anne Mahlum is not just an entrepreneur—she’s a force of nature. From using running to help people experiencing homelessness to scaling one of the fastest-growing boutique fitness brands in the country, she’s built businesses that change lives. But Anne’s story is more than just success—it’s about taking risks, embracing reinvention, and refusing to play by the rules. “We don’t have to live life the way other people expect us to,” she says. Tune in to hear how she built Back on My Feet and [solidcore], why she shared millions from her company’s sale with employees, and what’s next for her in business and life.

Scientific and medical research are critical aspects of our lives and even the economy. And no one knows this better than Dr. Bruce Stillman. Bruce is president and CEO of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. He’s led this distinguished organization by wholeheartedly expressing his belief in what the company stands for. He says, “I think if you believe in the mission we have, which I do, then it's easy to pitch the mission, and if you pitch the mission right, then people can buy into it.” Bruce knows a thing or two about leading people to greatness. Listen out in this episode for his advice concerning the benefits of a flat organization, the paradox of the freedom and restrictions of science, the potential of AI in business and medical systems, and why mentoring is critical to an invested workforce. Bruce says, “We can afford to take a lot of risk, and we can hire people who are risk-takers. And that is the secret, I think.” Discover more of Bruce’s secrets in this eye-opening episode.

Ginni Rometty is someone who has defined herself and her career through intentional action backed by hard work and determination. She says, “It's your attitude, and you control it. You can spend ninety percent of your time reliving the problem and ten percent on the way out of it. Or you can spend ten percent dwelling on the problem and ninety percent about what to do going forward.” Ginni’s episode is packed with amazing advice. She talks about how intentional practice can produce brilliance, why it’s selfish when leaders aren’t role models, and what it means to become an “Olympic learner.” Ginni wants to see others succeed, saying, “Don't worry about not having every step planned out . . . I didn't. My view was [to] do a great job and the next thing will open itself up.” Tune in for this and other shining nuggets of Ginni’s wisdom.

Guy Fieri is arguably one of the most recognizable and well-known chefs in the culinary TV and restaurant world, and he owes it all to How to Win Friends and Influence People. Guy brings his whole self to everything he does, not worrying about anything standing in his way. Of his doubters, he says, “There may have been people deterring [me], but I don't really listen to that stuff. I pay attention to the things that are positive.” Guy has plenty of stories on this episode, as well as invaluable advice for anyone wanting to get along with others (which, let’s face it, is everyone in the workplace). From his early experience with Dale Carnegie’s teachings to his time on reality TV, Guy has built a brand of empathy, understanding, and genuine curiosity for others’ stories. He tackles life head-on, saying, “Empower yourself to engage in the situation, and at least be standing up taking the punches versus hiding in the corner laying down.” Learn plenty more from Guy when you tune in to this amazing and riotously funny episode.

This episode of the Take Command podcast comes with a twist—Joe (our usual host) is our interviewee! He sat down with Dr. Greg Story, president of Dale Carnegie Training in Tokyo. Among a plethora of exciting topics, Joe brings up the idea of trust, a concept he discussed with Richard Edelman on another podcast episode. Joe says, “At the end of the day, it does come down to believability. Do people do what they say they're going to do? Do they care? How do they follow through?” In this episode, Joe gives plenty of examples and advice on how to win friends and clients in business and why believability all comes down to human relationships.

Jason Buechel had a big task ahead of him when he started at Whole Foods: Consolidate thirteen distinct regions of teams into a system where individualization remained but could be scaled efficiently. His successes led him from the CTO/CIO position to COO in 2017 (when Amazon acquired Whole Foods), and now he leads as CEO. This journey has come with plenty of lessons. In this episode of the Take Command podcast, Jason discusses his style of servant leadership and what he’s learned while leading his teams through major changes. Everything he does is motivated by the idea that “our goal is ultimately not just how do we serve customers today, tomorrow, five years, ten years from now? But we want to change this entire industry so we can make sure that this is protected for future generations.” Tune in to hear why you shouldn’t dismiss things that you may not fully understand, why getting real-time feedback after you put solutions out there is important, and why you should always put your own name on the list.

On this episode of the Take Command podcast, Joe hosts Penny Zenker—a TEDx and keynote speaker, bestselling author twice over, and a self-proclaimed “focusologist.” What does that mean? To Penny, it means being present and conscious in the moment. “I believe that we've lost connection, and so we need to relearn and recommit to focus,” she says. But we’re living in a world where everything is “pushed” toward us and wants immediate attention. She says, “Let's move and be intentional to pull it when we want it. If we leave it where we're in the push world, then we're at the mercy and the interruptions of anything and everything.” Penny also walks listeners through four critical questions from her new book The Reset Mindset that will help them regain focus. Catch this episode to learn all about why we should ask ourselves “What’s next?”, what the gatekeepers are that help protect our focus, and what an -ologist really is.

Bob Chapman is a visionary who grew a small company through thick and thin to become a $3.6 billion powerhouse. But he knows that wouldn’t have been possible without the people surrounding him, and those people need to be cared for. He says, “Seventy-four percent of all illnesses are chronic. The biggest cause of chronic illnesses is stress. And the biggest cause of stress is work. We are destroying people.” That’s why Bob shares all his human-focused leadership insight in this episode of the Take Command podcast. “We can all say, ‘The government needs to do this, the new president needs to do that.’ But what are we doing to create the kind of world where our children, our friends, our family have a chance to be who they're intended to be?” Bob encourages all leaders to start measuring success by the way they touch the lives of people, from employees to customers to suppliers and more. Listen in as Bob and Joe discuss the history of Barry-Wehmiller, the importance of a foundational business plan, and why putting people first is the secret to success.