CEO 2 CEO - Conversations with Executive Leaders of The CEO Roundtable

CEO-ROUNDTABLE
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In the official podcast from The CEO Roundtable, Scott Sustacek hosts peer-to-peer conversations about the unique challenges you deal with as a chief executive. From transformational growth to talent to acquisitions and transitioning your business, we explore the big issues that impact businesses with CEOs who have been there, done that, struggled, succeeded, and are here to share their insights.

  1. FEB 5

    Ep 23. Are You Ready for a Board — and Is There a Board Ready for You? – Anne Sample, Navigate Forward – CEO 2 CEO

    Aspirations for a board seat can often be viewed through a glamorous lens — a prestigious, and perhaps cushy, gig as a next step in one’s career. In reality, true board work is very different than anticipated, board readiness is far more nuanced than many realize, and being good at it requires an approach unlike the one that made you successful operating a business.In this episode of CEO 2 CEO, Scott Sustacek sits down with Anne Sample, Owner and CEO of Navigate Forward, to unpack what board readiness and successful service truly means. Anne draws on experience as she explains the mindset shift from operator to governor, the real time commitment involved, and why the first board seat matters so much.   The conversation examines common missteps executives make, how boards evaluate fit, and how this type of search differs from a job search.If you're considering board service as a next chapter, this episode offers candid insights — and maybe an important reality check — on how to approach the journey with clarity and credibility. The CEO Roundtable is comprised of executives representing many fast-growing Minnesota companies who desire to share their ideas, experiences, and insights. Our CEO Roundtable leadership development groups include entrepreneurs interested in growing their companies by leveraging the knowledge of their peers.

    33 min

  2. 12/11/2025

    Ep 22. Stepping Into the Seat: A New CEO’s Candid Debrief – Ann Houser, The Bailey Group – CEO 2 CEO

    Stepping into the CEO seat for the first time can feel like walking into a room where every light switches on at once — the ability to change the trajectory of a company through the decisions made and direction set; the tension between immediate business pressures and long-term strategy; and the surprising duality of feeling connected to the organization and isolation. This episode is a candid conversation with Ann Houser, CEO of The Bailey Group, who went from seasoned HR and coaching leader to owner and board member to first-time chief executive.  Ann reflects on what motivated her to take the reins, why early assumptions quickly gave way to humility and the moment she realized she needed her own community of peers for outside perspectives.  You'll hear her insights on the importance of setting priorities and giving yourself grace to grow in and into the CEO role that will surely resonate. Whether you're a first-time CEO or a seasoned leader, Ann’s candor offers honest insights and valuable reminders that becoming a great CEO is a never ending —and very human—journey for all of us.

    17 min

  3. 10/21/2025

    Ep 21. Supercharging Marketing and Driving Revenue Growth with AI – Nick Archer, Industrial Tool – CEO 2 CEO

    Artificial intelligence is continuously evolving and rapidly redefining how middle-market companies can operate — far beyond the early days of experimentation with ChatGPT. In this episode of CEO 2 CEO, Scott Sustacek sits down with Nick Archer, CEO of Industrial Tool, who shares how he and his leadership team moved beyond cautious Chat GPT use to embed AI into their sales and marketing efforts. What began as tentative exploration became a catalyst for productivity and a differentiator with customers. Nick discusses the turning points that transformed skepticism into strategy — from automating meeting follow-ups and building purpose-driven knowledge bots to creating a data-driven marketing engine that pinpoints real buyer intent. He also outlines a practical game plan any leader can follow to start harnessing AI’s potential within their own organization. It’s an inside look at how a manufacturing company is reshaping its business models through smart, intentional use of technology.

    18 min

  4. 08/26/2025

    Ep 20. The ESOP Secret to Recruiting, Retention...and Growth – Samantha Olinger, Christensen Group – CEO 2 CEO

    What happens when a succession plan is also a growth strategy? Done right, transforming a business into an ESOP doesn’t just secure the future—it reshapes culture, influences recruiting, sparks collaboration, and impacts retention. Sam Olinger, COO of Christensen Group, and host Scott Sustacek dive into what makes ESOPs such a powerful —but often misunderstood—tool for business growth, employee engagement, and long-term stability. From challenges in balancing expectations for transparency to creating all-company moments that build trust, Sam shares real stories of what it takes to turn 100% employee ownership into a culture and growth driver. It’s a candid conversation about leadership, legacy, and the hidden levers that keep employees not just working—but truly invested. Whether you’re curious about ESOPs or simply looking for new ways to engage your people, this conversation reveals why ownership can be a game-changer.

    32 min

  5. 08/07/2025

    Ep 19. Doing Good, Doing Well: Where Purpose and Profit Go Hand in Hand – Teresa Fudenberg, CEO of Storm Creek – CEO 2 CEO

    What happens when a CEO dares to lead with purpose — even when the stakes are high? In this episode, Storm Creek CEO Teresa Fudenberg joins Scott to share the remarkable story behind the reinvention of a brand built on “Doing Good and Doing Well.”  From repurposing millions of plastic bottles to building a culture that attracts mission-driven talent, Teresa opens up about the challenges, pivots, and bold decisions that shaped Storm Creek’s transformation. You’ll hear how a pandemic-era pivot sparked a movement, why sustainability is more than a buzzword, and how a clear, compelling vision can inspire an entire team to rally behind a shared mission.   The transformation of Storm Creek’s brand and culture into a growth engine didn’t just happen — it was fueled by Teresa’s unwavering core values and visionary leadership. As you listen, you’ll see why she was nominated as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.  Whether you’re a CEO, founder, or future-focused leader, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about impact, growth, and the kind of legacy your business can create.

    29 min

  6. 06/19/2025

    Ep 18. Driving Growth Through Recapitalization – John Martin, Chairman of FlutterBee Education Group – CEO 2 CEO

    What if stepping back could actually move your business forward? In this episode of CEO 2 CEO, host Scott Sustacek sits down with John Martin, Chairman of FlutterBee Education Group, for an interesting conversation on how selling a minority stake in his company became the catalyst for compounding value, faster growth, and greater fulfillment. John’s thoughtful and purposeful journey into recapitalization is a must-hear for any founder considering private equity. From choosing the right advisor to navigate the deal process to the selection considerations, John shares what he learned—and what surprised him most—about giving up some control to gain long-term value. This conversation goes beyond dollars and deals. It’s about building something bigger, staying true to your vision, and finding joy in the evolution of your business.If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t grow this alone,” or wondered how to get your business to the next level, this conversation will hit home. The CEO Roundtable is comprised of executives representing many fast-growing Minnesota companies who desire to share their ideas, experiences, and insights. Our CEO Roundtable leadership development groups include entrepreneurs interested in growing their companies by leveraging the knowledge of their peers.

    23 min

  7. 05/01/2025

    Ep 17. Culture: It isn’t a Perk, It’s a Plan – Travis Peterson, Snap Install – CEO 2 CEO

    What does it take to build a company where culture isn’t just talked about—but lived at every level? In this episode of CEO 2 CEO, host Scott Sustacek sits down with Travis Peterson, Founder and CEO of Snap Install, to explore how intentional culture can drive performance, loyalty, and long-term growth.  From his early experience in a toxic workplace to starting his own business to building a team of over 150 employees and 1,200+ contractors, Travis shares candid lessons on hiring for fit with the company, leadership, and staying connected as a founder—even as the company scales. Having evolved from operator to visionary, you’ll hear why he still interviews every candidate, attends team meetings just to listen, and stands behind a “no-a*****e policy”— and, most importantly, why culture at Snap Install isn’t about being perfect, but about being intentional.This episode is perfect for CEOs, founders, and leaders who want to stay rooted in purpose while growing their business (and themselves) from the inside out.

    25 min

  8. 04/04/2025

    Ep 16. More Than a Title: How CEOs Can Build Influence and Impact – Alexis Walsko, Lola Red – CEO 2 CEO

    Thought leadership isn’t just for Fortune 500 executives. It’s for any CEO with expertise, passion, and a story to tell. In this episode of CEO 2 CEO, host Scott Sustacek talks with Alexis Walsko—founder and CEO of Lola Red, a Minneapolis-based PR firm—about how thought leadership can amplify your brand and elevate middle-market companies in surprising ways. From launching a PR agency at 22 to shaping messaging strategies for B2C and B2B brands alike, Alexis brings real stories and sharp insight on leading with visibility, voice, and values. You’ll also learn where to start (hint: LinkedIn), why your influence matters more than you think, and what kombucha, Kyle Rudolph, and Parts Town have in common. Whether you're trying to grow credibility, attract the right audience, or build customer trust, this conversation reveals how CEOs who are an authentic voice of their brand win.

    38 min
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In the official podcast from The CEO Roundtable, Scott Sustacek hosts peer-to-peer conversations about the unique challenges you deal with as a chief executive. From transformational growth to talent to acquisitions and transitioning your business, we explore the big issues that impact businesses with CEOs who have been there, done that, struggled, succeeded, and are here to share their insights.

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