
Rocket Fuel
Every outstanding entrepreneurial business has a common element that has launched it to success. It has a Visionary who sees the big picture, thinks about the future, and is energized by challenge and risk. It also has an Integrator™, someone who works behind the scenes making sure the business plan is faithfully executed and does the backbreaking work of making the Visionary’s dreams a concrete reality. On their own, these two types of leaders have potential, but together they form an essential dynamic relationship that propels their business to new levels of greatness – we call that Rocket Fuel™. Join real and raw conversations with the world’s top entrepreneurial duos as they talk about their journey to getting more of what they want from their business. Hosted by Mark C. Winters, Visionary and co-author of Rocket Fuel.
Latest episodes

Mar 20, 2025 • 48min
How Death & Co Turned Crisis into Opportunity | David Kaplan and Alex Day
David Kaplan, founder of the renowned cocktail institution Death & Co., and Alex Day, its operational wizard, delve into the trials and triumphs of their hospitality journey. They share how redefining their partnership roles as 'visionary' and 'integrator' transformed their communication and collaboration. The duo candidly discusses the emotional challenges faced during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability. They also reflect on their friendship's evolution and the art of blending skills in a cocktail business, all while having fun over their favorite drinks.

11 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 49min
The 20-Year Friendship Fueling This Company’s Success | Meg Carpenter and Katie Johnson
Meg Carpenter, CEO of Ficomm Partners, co-founded the company in 2012, while Katie Johnson, the President, boasts over 20 years in communication strategies. They discuss the profound impact of core values on business success and the delicate balance of friendship in professional partnerships. Topics include integrating personal identity with leadership, enhancing workplace culture, and navigating the complexities of team dynamics. Their journey illustrates how trust and shared values can transform both a company and personal relationships.

Feb 20, 2025 • 47min
Aligning Mission and Strategy: A Nonprofit’s Journey | Scott Wollaston and Sarah Bridges
Scott Wollaston and Sarah Bridges of NC Fusion reveal how EOS® helped them boost efficiency and refine their Visionary/Integrator™ dynamics.

Feb 6, 2025 • 51min
From Wrong Seats to Rocket Fuel: How Two Leaders Found Their Perfect Roles | Jonathan Reynolds and Scott Seefeld
Jonathan Reynolds, CEO of Titus Talent Strategies, and Scott Seefeld, its President, dive into their transformative journey of swapping leadership roles. They discuss the dynamics between Visionaries and Integrators, emphasizing collaboration and communication. Personal anecdotes reveal how they balance innovative strategies with operational stability. The idea of sabbaticals is introduced as a means to foster personal growth and trust in leadership. They also explore a unique hiring framework that prioritizes a candidate's multifaceted nature, enhancing company culture.

Jan 23, 2025 • 29min
Implementing EOS® When Bootstrapping a Startup | Jen Vellenga and Jennifer Rettele-Thomas
Jen Vellenga and Jennifer Rettele-Thomas of Voice First World share their experience of self-implementing EOS® in their startup.

Jan 9, 2025 • 38min
Transforming a 23-Year Partnership into a Visionary and Integrator™ Relationship | Thomas Tona and Janira Aleszczyk
Thomas Tona, a seasoned trial attorney and founder of TonaLaw, teams up with Janira Aleszczyk, the firm’s integrator and legal administrator. They discuss transforming a 23-year partnership through emotional intelligence and the EOS® framework. The duo highlights how personal growth and community support from the Integrator Mastery Forum have enhanced their roles. They delve into the critical importance of trust, effective communication, and collaborative strategies that drive success in their professional relationship.

Dec 19, 2024 • 40min
The Power of Process: How EOS® Transformed a Family Business | Brenda Endres Barker and Brian Wirtz
Brenda Barker and Brian Wirtz of Barker and Sons Plumbing & Rooter discuss the challenges and benefits of working with a fractional Integrator™.

Dec 5, 2024 • 39min
Slowing Down to Speed Up in Leadership | Mark O’Donnell and Kelly Knight
Mark O’Donnell and Kelly Knight, EOS® Worldwide’s Visionary/Integrator™ Duo, share their journey to achieving transformative leadership dynamics.

Nov 14, 2024 • 31min
The Power of Roles: Insights into Visionary/Integrator™ Dynamics | Raphael Lei and Mervin Lei
Raphael and Mervin Lei of Winneram International share their journey of implementing EOS® and navigating the dynamics of a family-run business.

Oct 31, 2024 • 44min
Unlocking Your Visionary/Integrator™ Superpowers | Jeni Bukolt and Jessica Blackshaw
Jeni Bukolt and Jessica Blackshaw of HAVEN Creative share how culture, candid conversations, and alignment helped drive their business growth.
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