Encouraging Leaders

Hosted by Marc D Braun

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Episodes

Latest episode

Sep 2025

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Encouraging Leaders: a podcast that exists to remind CEOs and Aspiring CEOs that they are not alone. Each episode features world-class CEOs who've walked your current path and shares practical tools/insights to help you become a better leader in every area of your life. To find out how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: https://calendly.com/marcdbraun/15-minute-ceo-intro-call

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39 recent

September 26, 202527 min

The Ego Evolution: When Leadership Goes from Recognition to Responsibility - Bassel Hamwi

Bassel Hamwi helped launch the Damascus Stock Exchange and discovered that true leadership begins when your ego disappears. In this powerful conversation, Bassel shares the mindset shift that transforms leaders from asking "Can I do this?" to declaring "I'm here, so I have to give back" - and why the future can always be better than the past.In this episode, we discuss:- When leadership becomes about responsibility, not recognition- Why asking for help immediately is wisdom, not weakness- Building systems of support through mentors, coaches, forums, and peer networks- How "you are not alone" becomes the foundation for breakthrough leadership- Finding hope and resilience when everything seems lostP.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

September 12, 202528 min

From CFO to Coach: The Most Important Leadership Transition - Kevin Thompson

Kevin Thompson, leadership coach and former CFO at Cambridge Air Solutions, shares his journey through the most important leadership transition—moving from financial executive to leadership coach.In this episode, we discuss:- How fear and insecurity disguise themselves as self-reliant leadership- The most common coaching goals: managing emotional triggers and creating clear expectations- Using the RACI framework to eliminate decision-making confusion and conflict (http://encouragingleaders.com/racioverview)- Navigating career transitions and the unexpected grief that comes with identity shiftsP.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

August 29, 202531 min

Silent Resistance: Why your AI initiatives are failing and how to fix it - Karin Volo

Karin Volo, CEO and founder of Evoloshen, shares her transformation from culture expert to AI leadership guide. She reveals why AI initiatives fail through "silent resistance" - when teams listen but fail to execute due to lack of trust.In this episode, we discuss:- The AI Leadership Triangle: how technology, culture, and leadership must work together for stability- Overcoming silent resistance by building psychological safety and trust- How AI amplifies existing organizational strengths and weaknesses like a spotlightLearn more about Karin's AI leadership work at https://achievingtheaiadvantage.com/tea/P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

August 15, 202526 min

Commitment-Driven Leadership: Meeting Promises Builds Unshakable Trust - Bob Hendriksen

Bob Hendriksen, Director of Operations at Steelcase, shares how he learned that effective leadership starts with understanding it's "all about the people." Bob discovered that building trust through consistent commitment-keeping and creating space for others to grow transforms both individuals and organizations.In this episode, we discuss:- Learning to delegate and challenge team members rather than doing everything yourself- Finding mentors who teach you think systematically- Managing commitments externally to stay present and trustworthy as a leader- Starting cultural change by listening to what truly frustrates your people and fixing itP.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

August 1, 202536 min

Firing Yourself: How to Grow Leaders Who Replace You - Eric Gilbert

Eric Gilbert, CEO of Innova Furnishings and second-generation owner, shares his journey of learning that effective leadership means getting out of your own way. Through losing major customers, promoting team members into his roles, and navigating family business transitions, Eric discovered that the emotional component of leadership—not just hitting numbers—determines long-term success.In this episode, we discuss:- Why losing a major customer actually created more profitable growth- How "firing yourself" from roles opens opportunities for team development- The importance of realistic timelines—becoming a good CEO takes 3-8 years, not 90 days- Why one-on-one coaching addresses the emotional challenges that advisory boards can'tP.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

July 18, 202536 min

It's Not About Me: The Leadership Shift That Changes Everything - Mark Lee

Mark Lee, a seasoned construction industry leader, shares his journey from self-focused to servant leadership through powerful stories of transformation. With decades of experience turning around company cultures, Mark demonstrates how authentic leadership starts with caring for "the as is" before creating change. His approach centers on leading by example—from moving executive offices to storage rooms to parking in the furthest spot to reinforce safety culture.In this episode, we discuss:- Building trust through appreciating current state before transformation- Leading with actions that align with values rather than just words- Creating cultural change through intentional, visible servant leadership- The critical shift from "me-centered" to "we-centered" leadership philosophyP.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

July 4, 202529 min

From 300% Turnover to Team Excellence: Building Culture That Attracts Talent - Cory Jensen

Cory Jensen, President of Continental Manufacturing, shares how he transformed a struggling Iowa plant from 300% turnover to an award-winning team in just two years. Through daily team meetings, peer recognition systems, and unwavering commitment to three core values, they eliminated temp workers and built a culture so strong that job applicants now line up at their door.In this episode, we discuss:- Creating accountability through daily open forum meetings and transparent metrics- Building values-driven culture with the "Three C's": Character, Collaboration, Commitment- Transforming hiring from external recruiting to internal referrals and promotions- Shifting sales approach from pushy tactics to transparent, relationship-based partnershipsP.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

June 20, 202547 min

The Power of an Abundant Mindset - Ryan Tierney

Ryan Tierney, co-founder of Seating Matters, credits his success to a culture of humility, simplicity, and lifelong learning. From a young age, he and his brothers sought mentorship from top leaders — including Ireland’s richest businessman — instilling a habit of boldly asking for help and learning from the best. This abundance mindset continues to shape how Ryan leads and builds his business.In this episode, we discuss:- Why asking for help and embracing humility is the foundation of effective leadership- How a lean philosophy can be a framework for living a more intentional life- The power of daily rituals and shared learning in building a vibrant culture- Why simplicity attracts and complexity repels in systems and relationshipsCheck it out.P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

June 6, 202545 min

The ROI of Culture: 2X Margins and 18% Growth - Steve Gund

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: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

May 23, 202521 min

Leading with Faith, Fortitude, and Generosity: Nolan Ruiz on Values-Driven Growth

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 growthCheck it out.P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual