Escape the CEO Doom Loop

Glen Dall & John Ninkovich
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Escape the CEO Doom Loop is built for CEOs and leadership teams ready to grow. Each episode delivers practical insights, real-world stories, and tools you can use today to lead with clarity and scale with confidence. We spotlight what’s working—and what’s not—for leaders navigating growth, building culture, and driving accountability.  It’s more than a podcast—it’s a gateway to The CEO Playbook and the next step in becoming the leader your business needs next.

  1. DEC 9

    Episode 13: Carl Saunders on Doubling Revenue, Tripling Profit, and Rebuilding Trust

    Carl Saunders was stuck. Four years of flat revenue. Flat profit. Eighty to one hundred hour weeks. Two top performers asking, “Where is the opportunity here?” Most CEOs know that moment. Few know how to climb out. In this episode, Carl shares how he broke the cycle that was burning him out and stalling the company. His story moves from overwork and fear-driven leadership to a system that transformed the business: daily huddles, transparency, servant leadership, real accountability, and a team that delivered without him in the center. Within four years, Vorum doubled revenue, tripled profitability, and sold the company with a six-month earn-out because the team was running the business, not Carl. If you’re a CEO who feels stuck, this is the roadmap. What You’ll Learn• The Doom Loop defined Flat growth, overwork, and top talent questioning their future. • Why founders stay stuck Fear of failure, over-involvement, “hero mode,” and the belief that effort equals value. • The exact tools Carl used to turn it around Daily huddles Radical transparency Servant leadership one-on-ones • Proof of transformation Revenue doubled. Profitability tripled. Earn-out reduced from two years to six months. • What goes into the CEO Playbook Stop wearing 80-hour weeks like a badge. Lean into personal change. Make accountability visible. Coach your leaders, don’t rescue them. Don’t try to do this alone. • A 30-day roadmap to break the Doom Loop Simple steps any CEO can start now. About Carl SaundersFormer CEO of Vorum, a global medical technology innovator in custom orthopedic devices. Now a full-time Metronomics coach helping CEOs escape the patterns he once lived through. Chapters00:00 Cold Open 00:45 Introduction 02:00 Carl’s Doom Loop Moment 08:00 Why CEOs Get Stuck 12:00 Tools That Break the Loop 22:00 Transformation and Results 28:00 Carl’s CEO Playbook 33:00 Coachability and Resistance 36:00 A CEO’s First 30 Days 39:00 Recap and Close Resources and LinksDownload the free CEO Playbook The frameworks Carl used. The same tools we teach. Subscribe to Escape the CEO Doom Loop Real stories, real systems, straight from CEOs who’ve done the work. About the ShowEscape the CEO Doom Loop is for CEOs and leadership teams ready to grow with clarity, momentum, and purpose. Hosted by Glen Dall and John Ninkovich, each episode brings you practical tools and real-world stories from leaders who’ve built strong companies without sacrificing their sanity. Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gGJHsNT9 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gDywEfuc YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gcNmQvA4 #EscapeTheCEODoomLoop #CEOLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #Metronomics #LeadershipSystems #GetUnstuck #CEOPlaybook Send us a text

    37 min

  2. NOV 25

    Episode 12: How Ego, Crisis & Coaching Rebuilt Matt Dion's Leadership

    In this episode of Escape the CEO Doom Loop, hosts Glen Dall and John Ninkovich sit down with former tech CEO turned coach Matt Dion. Matt shares his unfiltered story of success, burnout, and reinvention through the 2008 financial crisis. He explains how ego and overwork trapped him in a cycle of stress — and how mentorship, structure, and self-awareness helped him escape it. Whether you’re a founder, CEO, or executive looking to lead without losing yourself, this conversation offers real-world wisdom on building teams, embracing conflict, and leading with purpose. Watch now to learn how clarity and courage create freedom. Chapters:  00:00 – Intro & Show Opening  02:17 – Meet Matt Dion: From Tech Startups to CEO  05:10 – The First Rise and Fall  07:11 – Ego and the 2008 Crash  09:50 – Burnout & Hitting Bottom  11:00 – Discovering Coaching and Frameworks  16:47 – Lessons from The Motive  19:02 – Building A-Player Teams  25:18 – From Ego to Purpose  27:19 – Conflict as Data  39:33 – Freedom Through Courage  40:22 – Closing Thoughts & Takeaways Send us a text

    56 min

  3. NOV 11

    Episode 11: Pressure Is a Privilege: Josh Barney on Family Business Leadership

    In this episode of Escape the CEO Doom Loop, Glen Dall and John Ninkovich sit down with Josh Barney, Vice President of JJ Barney Construction. A former attorney who left the courtroom for concrete, Josh shares the story of joining his fourth-generation family business, the challenges of stepping into a future CEO role, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Josh reflects on transitioning leadership from his father, building a dream team, and why he believes construction is a people business. From honoring his great-grandfather’s legacy to shaping a modern company culture, this conversation explores faith, family, and the real meaning of leadership. Watch now to hear how Josh plans to avoid the CEO Doom Loop and what advice he has for leaders carrying the weight of legacy and growth. Chapters:  [00:00:00] Introduction & Setup  [00:03:30] Welcome Josh Barney  [00:04:14] The History of JJ Barney Construction  [00:10:27] Leaving Law for the Family Business  [00:17:41] Building Leadership & Structure  [00:23:24] Challenges of Delegation and Change  [00:40:22] Faith, Family, and Legacy  [00:44:01] Fear, Pressure, and Privilege  [00:46:18] Three Keys to Avoid the CEO Doom Loop  [00:49:25] Closing Thoughts Send us a text

    41 min

  4. OCT 28

    Episode 10: From Millions Lost to Millions Gained: Richard Bryan’s Story

    At 28 years old, Richard Bryan was thrown into the CEO seat of his family’s 100-year-old car dealership group — a business losing millions and on the brink of collapse. With 400 employees and 16 family shareholders depending on him, survival became the only goal. In this episode of Escape the CEO Doom Loop, Richard shares how he led under immense pressure, the pivotal role his mentor “Frank” played, and the leadership lessons he carries into his work today as a Metronomics coach. From firing C players to building an A-team, Richard’s story is a raw look at what it takes to lead through a crisis. If you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or leader navigating growth and uncertainty, Richard’s journey will challenge and inspire you. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders escaping the Doom Loop. Chapters: [00:00:00] Intro & Guest Welcome [00:06:01] Becoming CEO at 28 [00:07:46] Defining Success as Survival [00:12:00] Six Months of Cash Left [00:13:38] Finding Frank the Mentor [00:18:00] Hard Decisions: Closures & Layoffs [00:29:42] Building an A-Team [00:36:19] From Survival to Growth Vision [00:43:28] Transition to Coaching [00:50:00] Leadership Lessons for CEOs Send us a text

    50 min

  5. OCT 7

    Episode 9: The CEO Shift: From Doer to Leader - Shawn Verlinden, Auch Construction

    In this episode of Escape the CEO Doom Loop, hosts Glen Dall and John Ninkovich sit down with Shawn Verlinden, CEO of Auch Construction. Shawn shares his journey from project manager to CEO of a 100+ year-old construction firm, and how building leadership rhythms transformed his company’s culture and growth trajectory. Shawn explains how letting go of daily tasks was the best move he made, how daily huddles created trust and speed across the company, and why coaching and accountability drive momentum. From his first year as CEO, Shawn’s insights are practical, candid, and deeply human — lessons every leader can use. If you’re a CEO struggling with growth challenges, this episode will give you practical strategies to lead with clarity, courage, and discipline. Subscribe for more conversations with real-world CEOs. Chapters:  [00:00:00] Intro & Guest Welcome  [00:01:00] Shawn’s background in construction  [00:03:00] The CEO Doom Loop explained  [00:07:00] Building a cohesive leadership team  [00:13:00] First year as CEO: lessons learned  [00:17:00] Letting go of projects to lead the company  [00:20:00] Shifting from operations to strategy  [00:27:00] Coaching, huddles, and momentum  [00:34:00] Shawn’s leadership philosophy & vision  [00:42:40] Closing Send us a text

    35 min

  6. SEP 9

    Episode 8: Burnout, Bad Hires & Bulldozing Through the Doom Loop with Anthony Stayman

    Burnout, Bad Hires & Bulldozing Through the Doom Loop What happens when you hit rock bottom in the CEO seat—8 figures in debt, team trust eroding, and no clear way out? In this episode, Glen Dall and John Ninkovich sit down with Anthony Stayman, who shares the brutal truth of trying to do it all—CEO, head of sales, firefighter—and what finally helped him escape the Doom Loop. They unpack: What $8M in debt teaches you about leadershipWhy hiring the “smartest person in the room” can backfireThe hidden cost of bulldozing through burnoutHow coaching helped rebuild momentum without selling the company Subscribe for real stories, not theory. Full episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gGJHsNT9 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gDywEfuc YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gcNmQvA4 #LeadershipPodcast #CEOStories #ExecutiveCoaching #BurnoutRecovery #APlayerTeams #EscapeTheCEODoomLoop Send us a text

    45 min

  7. AUG 26

    Episode 7: Leading a Legacy Without Losing Yourself with Matt McDonell

    What does it really take to lead a century-old family business into its next era of growth, without losing yourself in the process? In this episode, Glen Dall and John Ninkovich sit down with Matt McDonell, CEO of MJS Packaging, to explore his journey from family member on the sidelines to full-time sales leader and, ultimately, CEO.  Matt opens up about the weight of leadership, the discipline of strategic planning, the loneliness that often comes with the role, and the ongoing work of building a culture that retains A-players in a modern world. If you’re leading a growing business, navigating succession, or just trying to find balance in the chaos, this conversation is for you.            Key Topics Covered: The evolution of a 135+ year-old family business Transitioning into the CEO seat during COVID Breaking old habits: from "everyone sells everything" to strategic focus Building a true leadership team and letting go of firefighting What it feels like to live in the CEO Doom Loop—and how Matt gets out of it The cost of ignoring personal well-being as a leader Balancing legacy with future growth (including acquisitions) How to retain A-players and build accountability in a family-oriented culture Why a CEO coach matters—and what kind of support makes a difference Guest Bio: Matt McDonell is the CEO of MJS Packaging, a multi-generation family business founded in 1885. With deep roots in sales and a strategic mind for growth, Matt has helped lead the company through industry disruption, leadership transitions, and internal reinvention. He’s known for his direct communication, humble leadership, and commitment to building a business that outlasts him. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Who is Matt McDonell? 04:00 – Family business legacy + Matt’s path to CEO 10:15 – First strategic planning sessions with John 15:45 – The decision to reinvest in leadership (vs. distribute profits) 20:30 – Growing pains & signs the team needed change 26:00 – Becoming the CEO: reality vs. expectation 33:40 – Recognizing and escaping the CEO Doom Loop 39:25 – Balancing family, health, and mental clarity 44:15 – Building a culture that attracts and keeps A-players 49:10 – Driving change in a legacy business 53:40 – The importance of understanding your core customer 59:00 – How Matt's role has evolved + becoming a remote CEO 1:06:15 – Vision, legacy, and what comes next 1:10:30 – Matt’s CEO Playbook: 3 non-negotiables 1:14:00 – Final reflections from Glen & John Send us a text

    38 min

  8. AUG 12

    Episode 6: Escaping the Doom Loop & Staying Aligned at the Top with Michael Guthrie of InForm Studio

    When your company’s growth slows, the instinct is to work harder, move faster, and push your team harder. But what if that’s exactly what’s keeping you stuck? In this episode, Michael Guthrie, experienced CEO, breaks down why even the most successful leaders can get caught in the CEO doom loop, and how to break free. We unpack: How growth plateaus actually start (and why it’s rarely market conditions).The warning signs your leadership team is out of alignment.Why “do more” often backfires when revenue stalls.The small, deliberate shifts that reignite momentum.How to keep your head clear when the weight of the company feels like it’s all on you.If you’re a CEO, founder, or senior leader, Michael’s insights will give you both the diagnosis and the cure for your company’s slowdown. Inform Studio Send us a text

    37 min
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About

Escape the CEO Doom Loop is built for CEOs and leadership teams ready to grow. Each episode delivers practical insights, real-world stories, and tools you can use today to lead with clarity and scale with confidence. We spotlight what’s working—and what’s not—for leaders navigating growth, building culture, and driving accountability.  It’s more than a podcast—it’s a gateway to The CEO Playbook and the next step in becoming the leader your business needs next.

Information

  • Creator
    Glen Dall & John Ninkovich
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Escape the CEO Doom Loop
  • Show Website
    Escape the CEO Doom Loop