Torch Talk

Lindsey Chupp
  • 5.0 (1)
  • BUSINESS

Torch Talk is the podcast for bold local leaders. Each week, we sit down with entrepreneurs, experts, and change makers to talk strategy, leadership, marketing, and what it really takes to grow a business today. Honest insights. No fluff. Real stories.

  1. 1D AGO

    30 Leaders, 30 Countries, 30 Years Branches Worldwide

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Cody Carpenter, Vice President of Branches Worldwide, for a behind-the-scenes look at building a global organization, navigating growth, and developing leaders with long-term impact. Cody shares the story of Branches from its early days to where it is today, along with all of the challenges, setbacks, and lessons learned along the way. The conversation explores what it takes to build something from the ground up, especially when the vision is bigger than what currently exists. Cody highlights the role of adaptability and community in shaping the organization, from early uncertainty to growing international momentum. The discussion also dives into how Branches develops leaders through its three-year model, focusing on leadership, business strategy, and community impact. Cody explains how the organization is working to support entrepreneurs around the world while creating a network that extends far beyond a short-term program. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The origin and evolution of Branches WorldwideWhat it takes to build and scale a global organizationLessons learned from early challenges and setbacksHow the three-year leadership development model worksThe long-term vision of investing in leaders for lasting impactThis episode offers a practical and honest look at leadership, growth, and building something meaningful over time, especially for leaders thinking beyond short-term success and into long-term influence.

    32 min

  2. MAY 5

    The Continuing Challenges of Leadership

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Shasta Mast, Director of Leadership Holmes County at the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce, to discuss developing leaders, strengthening communities, and building connections that last. Shasta shares the story behind Leadership Holmes County and how the program was created to address a real need: developing confident, capable leaders in a growing but tight-knit community. The discussion walks through what the program looks like in practice, from monthly sessions and leadership-focused discussions to immersive experiences across industries like education, manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. The conversation also explores the deeper impact of leadership development. Shasta explains how the program helps individuals grow in confidence, expand their perspective, and build relationships that continue long after the program ends. Lindsey and Shasta also dive into the real challenges leaders are facing today, including hiring, generational differences, housing, and maintaining the identity of a community while it continues to grow. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How Leadership Holmes County develops leaders across industries and experience levelsWhy connection and community are essential to effective leadershipThe long-term impact of building a strong peer networkChallenges leaders are facing today, from hiring to workforce expectationsWhy leadership growth requires both learning and actionThis episode offers a practical and community-centered look at leadership development, especially for organizations investing in their people and individuals looking to grow into greater influence.

    32 min

  3. APR 28

    Turing Insight Into Action

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp is joined by Julia Kooser for a blaze Business Expo wrap-up, breaking down the key insights, frameworks, and marketing resources shared during the event. The conversation focuses on one of the biggest challenges business owners face today: lack of clarity. Lindsey walks through how many companies are making marketing decisions based on guesswork instead of data, and why that leads to inconsistent results. From there, they unpack the practical checklist shared at the Expo, covering how to evaluate your business across marketing, sales, leadership, and more. They also dive into how to build a marketing strategy that actually works. That includes defining clear goals, understanding your audience, evaluating your current performance, and identifying gaps and opportunities. Lindsey emphasizes that marketing should function like a controlled experiment, not a series of random tactics, and explains how businesses can move toward more predictable, repeatable growth. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why lack of clarity is one of the biggest marketing challenges businesses faceThe importance of data over “gut decisions” in building strategyHow to determine the right marketing channels based on your goalsEvaluating your current marketing performance and identifying gapsBuilding a repeatable strategy that can scale into new marketsThis episode serves as a practical extension of the blaze Business Expo, designed to help business leaders move from ideas to action with clearer direction and better decision-making.

    20 min

  4. APR 21

    The Human Side of Leadership

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Misty Fraelich-Clark, Human Resources leader at Hummel Group, for a candid and practical conversation about modern HR strategy, talent acquisition, and building workplaces that truly support people. Misty shares insight from years in the HR field, walking through the biggest challenges organizations are facing today, including attracting top talent, improving retention, and aligning workplace culture with what companies say externally. The discussion dives into interview strategy, brand alignment, leadership development, and the importance of clarity and transparency during hiring. Throughout the episode, Misty emphasizes bringing the “human” back into human resources. She explains why organizations must treat employees as whole people, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially, and offers practical examples of wellness initiatives, development programs, and small gestures that build trust and loyalty over time.In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why talent acquisition remains one of today’s biggest HR challengesHow to improve retention through leadership development and recognitionThe importance of brand alignment in hiringPractical interview process tips for attracting the right fitTreating employees as whole people, not just roles This episode offers a grounded, real-world look at HR that goes beyond policies and paperwork, focusing instead on culture, care, and intentional leadership inside growing organizations.

    25 min

  5. APR 14

    Risk Management That Actually Matters

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Seth Buckwalter, President of Whitaker Meyers, for a practical and eye-opening conversation about risk management, insurance strategy, and protecting what matters most in business. Seth unpacks real-world scenarios that many business owners overlook, from special event coverage and cyber threats to employment practices liability, directors and officers insurance, and hired and non-owned auto exposure. Throughout the discussion, he explains how even businesses that “haven’t done anything wrong” can face significant legal and financial risk, and why proactive education is more powerful than reactive damage control. The conversation also explores how independent agents evaluate risk, what business owners should be reviewing regularly, and why policy language and changing operations matter more than most leaders realize. Seth shares candid examples from real claims situations, emphasizing that smart risk management isn’t about fear. It’s about clarity, preparation, and informed decision-making. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why special event policies and host liquor liability matterThe evolving reality of cyber threats and social engineering fraudHow employment practices liability protects against costly allegationsWhat directors and officers coverage actually doesWhy regular insurance reviews are critical as your business growsThis episode offers a grounded, practical look at the hidden exposures businesses face and how thoughtful planning can help leaders sleep better at night.

    47 min

  6. APR 7

    Leadership Sucks

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Linda Allison, founder of Allison Management Solutions, for a practical and insightful conversation about leadership, people management, and building strong workplace systems. Linda shares perspective from years of experience working with organizations on HR strategy, team development, and operational structure. The discussion explores common leadership blind spots, hiring mistakes, accountability challenges, and the importance of clarity in expectations. Linda explains why many business issues aren’t actually performance problems, but system problems, and how leaders can address them proactively instead of reactively. The conversation also dives into workplace culture, documentation, difficult conversations, and the discipline required to create consistency inside growing organizations. Linda offers straightforward guidance for leaders who want to strengthen their teams without overcomplicating the process. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why structure and clarity prevent bigger people problems laterCommon hiring and onboarding mistakes leaders makeThe role documentation plays in accountabilityHow to approach difficult employee conversationsPractical ways to build consistency inside your organizationThis episode is a grounded, no-nonsense look at leadership and management systems, especially for business owners who know their people matter but aren’t sure where to tighten the process.

    22 min

  7. MAR 31

    Measuring & Managing a Sales Team

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Jordan Mullet, sales leader and trainer with Sandler by the Ruby Group, for a practical and candid conversation about what it really takes to build a high-performing sales team. Jordan breaks down why many business owners struggle with sales performance and where they often focus on the wrong metrics. He explains the difference between leading indicators and lagging indicators, why tracking behaviors matters more than obsessing over revenue, and how clarity around numbers creates accountability without creating chaos. The discussion walks through goal-setting strategies, including baseline and “brass ring” targets, and why salespeople must have ownership in setting their own numbers. The conversation also dives into the emotional side of sales. Jordan emphasizes the importance of emotional maturity, self-regulation, and stability in both leaders and sales teams. He shares why sales can be “violently emotional,” how leaders set the tone for the team, and why emotional intelligence (EQ) often matters more than IQ in long-term performance. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The difference between leading and lagging sales indicatorsHow to set meaningful, behavior-based sales goalsWhy emotional maturity impacts revenueBuilding a repeatable sales process instead of relying on talent alonePractical steps for assessing and strengthening your sales systemThis episode offers a direct, actionable look at sales leadership, especially for business owners ready to move beyond frustration and build systems that create consistent, measurable growth.

    27 min

  8. MAR 24

    The 6 Types of Working Genius

    In this episode of Torch Talk, Lindsey Chupp sits down with Deanna Nichols-Stika, Director of Branches Institute, to explore the Working Genius framework and how it helps leaders build stronger, more aligned teams. Deanna breaks down the Six Types of Working Genius — Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity — and explains how the assessment focuses on productivity and energy rather than personality. The conversation walks through how individuals can identify what truly brings them joy and momentum in their work, where frustration tends to show up, and why those distinctions matter for both personal growth and team effectiveness. The discussion also dives into how Working Genius applies at the team level. Deanna explains the three stages of work, how to identify gaps in a team’s workflow, and how leaders can use a team map to diagnose breakdowns in recent projects. From hiring decisions to communication friction, the framework offers practical language for understanding invisible tensions and aligning people to roles where they can thrive. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The six types of Working Genius and how they functionWhy productivity style matters more than personality labelsHow to identify gaps within a team’s workflowUsing team mapping to improve hiring and role alignmentBringing clarity to workplace friction and communication differencesThis episode offers a practical look at team development for leaders who want clearer alignment, healthier collaboration, and stronger results inside their organizations.

    28 min
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About

Torch Talk is the podcast for bold local leaders. Each week, we sit down with entrepreneurs, experts, and change makers to talk strategy, leadership, marketing, and what it really takes to grow a business today. Honest insights. No fluff. Real stories.

Information

  • Creator
    Lindsey Chupp
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Torch Talk
  • Show Website
    Torch Talk