The Steward Chair

Chat With Leaders Media
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The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores business leadership as stewardship – the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well. Through deep, candid conversations with CEOs, Presidents and Founders that have stood the test of time, we unpack the challenges, decisions, and strategies that define values-driven leadership. This is a space for leaders who recognize that success is about more than personal achievement – it’s about leaving a lasting, positive impact on their organizations and communities. Each episode provides real-world insights on how to navigate key business decisions while maintaining ethical integrity, long-term sustainability, and a legacy-driven mindset. This show is produced in collaboration between Chat With Leaders Media and End of the Line Productions. 

  1. Brad Herrmann and Hai Nguyen

    23 APR

    Brad Herrmann and Hai Nguyen

    In this episode of The Steward Chair, Brad Herrmann and Hai Nguyen, Co-founders of Text-Em-All, share their journey of rewriting the SaaS success script by prioritizing greatness over growth and people over profit. They explore how an audacious 100-year vision and the transition to an employee ownership trust drive meaningful, long-term success. We discuss the intentional process of leaders defining "enough," the creation of an employee-driven culture code, and how shared ownership acts as a "silo buster" for political friction. This conversation provides actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and building an organization that remains a joy to do business with. Key Takeaways Defining "Enough" as a Leadership Prerequisite: Transitioning to an employee ownership trust requires founders to confront personal concepts of security and scarcity to determine what financial outcome is "enough" to safeguard the company's future. Institutionalizing Culture Through Documentation: Moving beyond oral legend to a written "Culture Code" allows a company to hire, coach, and even fire based on shared values like authenticity, compassion, and shared excellence. Shared Ownership as a Unifying Factor: Employee ownership aligns the entire team around the company's ultimate bottom line, ensuring that business decisions and product development are driven by the best ideas rather than internal politics . Resources Mentioned Visit Text-Em-All: https://www.text-em-all.com/ Follow Brad Herrmann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradherrmann/ Follow Hai Nguyen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hainguyen/ Follow Text-Em-All on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/textemall/ Twitter / X: https://x.com/textemall Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/textemall/ Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    54 min
  2. Jason Dressel

    8 APR

    Jason Dressel

    In this episode of The Steward Chair, Jason Dressel, CEO at History Factory , shares his journey of helping iconic brands mine their heritage to drive future performance, exploring how preserving corporate memory drives meaningful, long-term success. We discuss the $1 trillion cost of corporate amnesia , the launch of the AI platform Chronicle , and why a leader’s most profound obligation is to be the ultimate steward of their organization’s story, providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact. Key Takeaways The risks of corporate amnesia and strategic drift: Losing institutional knowledge during leadership transitions and rapid growth costs enterprises an estimated $1 trillion in wasted productivity. How successful companies balance heritage and innovation: Long-term resilience requires leaders to stay tethered to their organization's unique "superpower" while remaining agile enough to navigate modern technological disruption. The role of AI in preserving institutional knowledge: Specialized AI acts as a "truth engine" by grounding data in verified, handcrafted sources to eliminate hallucinations and provide a clear trail back to original historical evidence. Resources Mentioned Visit: https://www.historyfactory.com/staff/jason-dressel/ Follow Shane on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/jason-dressel-1634484/ Follow History Factor on social media at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/history-factory/ Twitter / X: https://x.com/historyfactory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehistoryfactory/?hl=en Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38 min
  3. John Newland

    25 MAR

    John Newland

    In this episode of The Steward Chair, John Newland, CEO at JOMA Construction, shares his journey of transitioning from a small home-flipping operation to a 100% employee-owned firm, exploring how the Greek concept of eudaimonia drives meaningful, long-term success. We discuss the philosophy of "getting better before getting bigger," the rigorous process of empower every team member, the establishment of the ESOP, and how true legacy is built by elevating others to lead the organization forward.   Key Takeaways The Power of Eudaimonia: Integrating a guiding principle of "human flourishing" and contentment into the daily operations and client interactions of a construction business. Democratizing Ownership: Why JOMA chose a 100% ESOP model to ensure all stakeholders benefit from the company's success without taking on individual financial risk. Leadership as Presence: Utilizing daily affirmations and personal poise to remain grounded and "fully present" within the inherent chaos of the business world.   Resources Mentioned Visit https://jomaconstruction.com/ Follow John Newland on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnewland/ Follow JOMA Construction on social media: Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/jomaconstruction Facebook: facebook.com/jomaconstruction YouTube: youtube.com/jomaconstruction Instagram: instagram.com/jomaconstruction Subscribe to JOMA’s mailing list at http://jomaconstruction.com/learn/jomail-archive   Join the Conversation The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 min
  4. Enrique Alvarez

    25 FEB

    Enrique Alvarez

    In this episode of The Steward Chair, Enrique Alvarez shares his journey as a business leader, exploring how embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and empowering teams drives meaningful, long-term success. We discuss how creating a culture of transparency, shared learning, and problem-solving helps organizations grow stronger—providing practical takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact. Key Takeaways Facing challenges and making mistakes is part of the job—and growth comes from how we resolve problems. Openly sharing experiences and failures strengthens teams and accelerates learning. Continuous improvement is a collective effort built on trust, collaboration, and accountability. Resources Mentioned Visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/vector-global-logistics/. Follow Enrique on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enrique-alvarez-64332a2/ Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
  5. Maria Thacker Goethe

    4 FEB

    Maria Thacker Goethe

    In this episode of The Steward Chair, Maria Thacker Goethe, President and CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, shares her journey of transitioning from a dedicated "number two" to leading a massive ecosystem through a global pandemic. We explore how a commitment to mission and the guidance of mentors drives meaningful, long-term success even when the original plan is upended. We discuss the critical role of a connector in the life sciences sector, the importance of "work-life harmony" over balance, and why true stewardship means preparing the next generation to lead. This conversation provides actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact. Key Takeaways Purpose Over Tactics: In times of crisis, your "North Star" must be your organizational purpose, allowing your tactics to remain nimble and adaptive. The Responsibility of Mentorship: Leadership is a societal responsibility; investing time in the next generation is essential because no leader is "here forever". Embracing "Ready Enough": You don’t have to feel fully ready to step into a leadership seat; surrounding yourself with a community that believes in you is the key to moving forward through fear. Resources Mentioned Visit https://www.galifesciences.org/ Follow Maria on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariathacker/ Join the Georgia Life Sciences mailing list at: https://www.galifesciences.org/join-the-mailing-list  Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn @ChatWithLeaders. Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min
  6. Jared Meyers

    21 JAN

    Jared Meyers

    In this episode of The Steward Chair, Jared Meyers, Founder & CEO of andCo, shares his journey of aligning personal values with professional leadership, exploring how authenticity in business drives meaningful, long-term success. We discuss the often-overlooked emotional costs of inauthentic leadership, why financial outcomes alone are an incomplete measure of success, and how balancing personal identity with professional responsibility leads to healthier leaders and more resilient organizations. Key Takeaways When leaders act differently in business than they do in life, there is an emotional cost that impacts well-being and fulfillment. Authenticity at work restores energy, clarity, and purpose, leading to stronger leadership and healthier cultures. True stewardship requires balancing personal identity with professional responsibility, not separating the two. Resources Mentioned Follow Jared Meyers on social media at LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-meyers/ Follow andCo  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/andcohospitality/ Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn @ChatWithLeaders. Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min
  7. Year in Review: Choosing Care Over Convenience

    24/12/2025

    Year in Review: Choosing Care Over Convenience

    In this episode of The Steward Chair, Producer Thomas Mastrototaro and Lead Editor Daniel Mastrototaro reflect on the past year of conversations with business leaders who exemplify stewardship in action, exploring how choosing care over convenience drives meaningful, long-term success. They discuss key themes that emerged across the year, including why care in leadership costs something, how patience and time shape healthy organizations, and the importance of finding meaning in work while empowering people and communities. These reflections provide practical insight and encouragement for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and lasting impact. Key Takeaways Care over convenience is a common theme among leaders. Care costs something; it requires sacrifice. Care builds people, and places.  Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min
  8. Masami Sato

    11/12/2025

    Masami Sato

    In this episode of The Steward Chair, Masami Sato, Founder & CEO of B1G1, shares her journey from an introverted backpacker to leading a global giving movement, exploring how the power of small, daily acts of kindness drives meaningful, long-term success. We discuss the philosophy of "business as usual" becoming a force for good, the importance of expanding our "family circle," and how integrating micro-impacts can transform company culture. This episode is full of actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact. Key Takeaways The Power of Small: Masami explains how small, consistent contributions—like giving access to water for every cup of coffee sold—can collectively solve massive global challenges. The "Bee" Philosophy of Business: Just as bees pollinate flowers while collecting nectar, businesses can benefit their own growth while naturally enriching the global ecosystem through their daily operations. Expanding the Family Circle: Masami challenges leaders to widen their definition of "family" to include the global community, moving from a mindset of separation to one of connection and collaboration. Resources Mentioned Visit https://b1g1.com/  Follow Masami Sato on social media at LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/masamisato/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sato.masami  Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    42 min
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About

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores business leadership as stewardship – the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well. Through deep, candid conversations with CEOs, Presidents and Founders that have stood the test of time, we unpack the challenges, decisions, and strategies that define values-driven leadership. This is a space for leaders who recognize that success is about more than personal achievement – it’s about leaving a lasting, positive impact on their organizations and communities. Each episode provides real-world insights on how to navigate key business decisions while maintaining ethical integrity, long-term sustainability, and a legacy-driven mindset. This show is produced in collaboration between Chat With Leaders Media and End of the Line Productions. 

Information

  • Creator
    Chat With Leaders Media
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Chat With Leaders Media
  • Show Website
    The Steward Chair