Leaders & Legacies

Gary Wilbers is the founder of Ascend Business Strategies and a seasoned entrepreneur. Gary shares valuable lessons on leadership, adaptability, and building a resilient business that can withstand the tests of time and technology.Gary reflects on his career, starting from his early days in the mobile phone industry to establishing and scaling his businesses. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability in leadership, noting that a rigid approach can often hinder growth. By fostering a culture of innovation and flexibility, Gary successfully navigated numerous industry changes and challenges.Throughout the conversation, Gary stresses the significance of mentoring and coaching in his development as a leader. He credits much of his success to the insights and guidance received from mentors and coaches who encouraged him to think beyond conventional business practices.Listeners will also gain insights into the importance of creating a positive company culture that not only drives business success but also creates lasting legacies. Gary's commitment to his community and his involvement in initiatives like the Special Olympics illustrate how businesses can play a crucial role in societal enrichment.Want to learn more about Gary Wilbers' work? Check out their website at https://goascend.biz/.Connect with Gary Wilbers on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/garywilbers/.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Matthew Davis, an attorney and entrepreneur known for his transformative approach to business law. Davis shares his journey of leading his law firm, Davis Business Law, to achieve over 1,000% growth in eight years, focusing on empowering businesses to tackle vulnerabilities and seize opportunities.Throughout the conversation, Davis emphasizes the importance of understanding legal intricacies for business success. He offers practical advice on engaging with attorneys and the legal system to safeguard and advance business interests effectively. His insights are particularly valuable for small to medium-sized enterprises looking to navigate the complex legal landscape without compromising on growth or values.Davis also highlights his unique approach to internal culture and marketing, which attracts like-minded professionals to his firm. His strategies not only ensure compliance and protection for his clients but also foster a supportive and productive working environment for his team.Want to learn more about Matthew's work? Check out their website at https://davisbusinesslaw.com/.Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewneilldavis/.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Richard Walsh, a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background, shares his journey and insights on leadership, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Walsh, a former Marine and sculptor turned business coach, discusses his transition from military service to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the critical role of adaptability and perseverance in overcoming business challenges.Richard recounts the early days of his entrepreneurial career, highlighting a pivotal moment when he transformed a simple landscaping job into a lucrative business opportunity, which eventually led him to become a renowned creator of custom water features and steel sculptures. However, the 2008 financial crisis tested his resilience, leading to profound lessons about the importance of building a sustainable business beyond mere profitability.Throughout the interview, Richard emphasizes the value of mentorship, the necessity of learning from failures, and the importance of strategic planning. He shares anecdotes from his coaching career, where he helps business owners scale and improve their operations, advocating for a visionary approach to leadership that empowers both individuals and teams.Walsh's story is not just about personal success; it's a testament to the impact of authentic leadership on communities and industries. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and build meaningful, resilient enterprises.Want to learn more about Richard Walsh's work? Check out his website at https://www.sharpenthespearcoaching.com.Connect with Richard Walsh on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-walsh-866ab237/.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Danny Nathan, founder and CEO of Apollo21 Ventures, discusses the critical elements of leadership that foster innovation. Nathan shares his transformative journey from advertising to spearheading Apollo21 Ventures, where he assists established companies in breaking through stagnation to discover new growth avenues.Throughout the discussion, Nathan emphasizes the importance of a learning-focused culture over mere execution, highlighting how innovation often takes a backseat due to risk aversion and efficiency-driven mindsets in large corporations. He explains that true innovation requires a shift towards accepting initial costs and failures as part of the process, aiming for long-term, significant returns.The conversation also touches on notable failures in corporate history, such as Nokia and Kodak, serving as stark reminders of what can happen when companies fail to adapt and innovate. Nathan’s insights provide a blueprint for leaders to rethink their strategies and embrace a more dynamic approach to business leadership.Want to learn more about Danny's work? Check out their website at https://apollo21.io.Connect with Danny on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/amongmany.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Scott Springer is the operational genius and founder of Chelwood Consulting Group. Scott's career, originating from his time at the Naval Academy and subsequent roles in manufacturing, exemplifies transformative leadership. He discusses his pivotal role in rescuing failing operations, emphasizing the importance of aligning people, processes, and equipment to achieve success.Scott shares vivid anecdotes from his experiences, including turning one of North America's worst-performing plants into a model of efficiency and safety. His approach blends rigorous process management with a deep commitment to employee training and empowerment, revealing that most operational failures stem from inadequate processes rather than people's failures.Listeners will gain insights into how systematic, thoughtful leadership can result in astonishing growth and operational excellence, as evidenced by Scott's story of driving a company to achieve five years of consecutive 100% growth.Want to learn more about Scott's work? Check out their website at https://chelwoodgroup.com/.Connect with Scott on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/springer-scott/.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Rich Brooks is a veteran in the digital marketing realm and the president of flyte New Media. Brooks shares his profound insights on the intersection of neuromarketing and digital strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer behavior to optimize marketing efforts.Rich discusses the evolution of his agency and the significant role of neuromarketing in today’s marketing landscape. He delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies like AI and blockchain in marketing. Highlighting his upcoming Agents of Change conference, Rich invites listeners to explore the future of digital marketing through expert-led sessions.Want to learn more about Rich's work? Check out their website at https://takeflyte.com.Connect with Rich on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/therichbrooks.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Chad Hufford, founder of Veritas Wealth Management, gives a thought-provoking dialogue about the intersection of leadership and lifelong learning. Chad, a prolific reader, impresses upon listeners the profound impact of reading on leadership skills and personal growth. He reads over 120 books annually, drawing from a variety of genres to enrich his understanding and application of leadership principles.Throughout the conversation, Chad introduces the concept of "intellectual obesity," warning against the dangers of information hoarding without application. He stresses the importance of executing ideas and learning through action, challenging the paralysis that can come from over-planning and perfectionism. His insights emphasize that true leadership is demonstrated through courage and the willingness to implement imperfect ideas in pursuit of continuous improvement.Key highlights from the podcast include:Leadership through learning: Chad advocates for a model of leadership that values continuous intellectual engagement and practical application.Overcoming intellectual obesity: He encourages leaders to move from knowledge accumulation to action, highlighting the necessity of applying what one learns.The courage to execute: Discussing the balance of fear and action, Chad believes in pushing forward with ideas to see real-world results, thereby fostering a cycle of learning and adapting.Want to learn more about Chad Hufford's work? Check out their website at https://www.veritasalaska.com.Connect with Chad Hufford on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-hufford-066208100/.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

John Burdett, CEO of Fast Slow Motion, explores the deeper aspects of leadership and business growth. John shares his transformational journey from a results-driven entrepreneur to a purpose-oriented leader, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey over just the destination.John candidly discusses the challenges and realizations that reshaped his approach to business and life. He stresses that true success isn't about financial gain alone but about making impactful relationships and maintaining integrity in leadership. The conversation dives into the importance of setting the right goals and the dangers of sacrificing personal relationships for business achievements.Listeners will gain insights into the philosophy of "doing business the right way," as John highlights how leaders can achieve excellence without compromising their values or relationships. His story is a powerful reminder that the path to genuine fulfillment lies in serving others and building a business that thrives on mutual respect and collective success.Want to learn more about John's work? Check out their website at https://www.fastslowmotion.com/.Connect with John on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jburdett/.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

In this transformative episode, Kyle Maynard, the first quad-amputee to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro without prosthetics, shares profound insights on leadership and overcoming challenges. Born without arms or legs, Maynard's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and a no-excuses mindset, as detailed in his book "No Excuses."Maynard’s life story is not just about physical conquests; it’s a narrative that reshapes our understanding of limits. He discusses the pivotal role of his family and mentors who refused to let him surrender to adversity, highlighting that the real challenge is often a battle of the mind. This episode delves deep into strategies for enduring failure and coming out stronger, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and incremental progress in personal and professional realms.Listeners will discover how to cultivate resilience, why every setback is a setup for a comeback, and how leading by example can profoundly impact others. Maynard's experiences offer invaluable lessons in not just surviving but thriving through life’s trials, making this a must-listen for anyone facing their own mountains.Want to learn more about Kyle's work? Check out their website at https://www.kyle-maynard.com.Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylemaynard.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

In a profound episode of the "Leaders and Legacies" podcast, hosted by Craig Andrews, leadership and social media strategies took center stage with guest Katie Brinkley. Craig opened with a personal story of survival and resilience, highlighting his team’s dedication during his critical health crisis, underscoring the real impact of strong leadership. Katie Brinkley, founder of Next Step Social Communications and a social media strategist who ironically dislikes social media, shared her innovative "less is more" approach to digital engagement. Her strategy focuses on impactful, minimalistic posting, emphasizing quality over quantity to drive real business results.Throughout the discussion, Katie emphasized the effectiveness of her four-post strategy, designed to maximize reach without overwhelming content creators or their audience. She elaborated on the importance of understanding audience needs and crafting messages that resonate on different platforms, using tailored strategies for platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn.Want to learn more about Katie's work? Check out their website at https://www.nextstepsocialcommunications.com/.Connect with Katie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley/.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.