Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle with James Thompson & Ronii Bartles

James Thompson

Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle is a podcast for leaders navigating the messy, high-stakes space between top-down strategy and front-line execution. We interview change agents, operators, and advisors who have learned to drive results without relying on formal authority. From process optimization to strategic communication — and yes, even competitive compliance — we break down what it takes to lead well when you're in the middle of it all.

Episodes

  1. Cultivating Success Amidst Chaos with Jonathan Parker

    Mar 13

    Cultivating Success Amidst Chaos with Jonathan Parker

    Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle with James Thompson & Ronii Bartles, Episode 6 In this episode of the Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle, James Thompson and Ronii Bartles speak with Jonathan Parker, Managing Partner of NxTrek, an advisory firm that guides owners of private businesses to greater prosperity. Jonathan is a keynote speaker, published author, and executive coach & guide with expertise in Communication and Leadership. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * The challenges of leading organizational change from the middle * The importance of self-awareness * The necessity of having the entire team acknowledge and take ownership of problems * Anecdotes of successful and unsuccessful transformations * The crucial role of intentionality, leadership buy-in, and the potential individual impact within organizations * Practical advice for middle managers, including tips for using modern tools like transcription apps to enhance productivity Learn more about Jonathan Parker: * Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejonathanrparker * Visit NxTrek’s website: https://nxtrek.com * Follow NxTrek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nxtrek * Visit and subscribe to Jonathan’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thejonathanrparker * Visit Jonathan’s website: https://www.thejonathanrparker.com * Check out Jonathan’s book, “Art of the Conversation”: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DB2V7DBQ?ref=NxTrek *********************************** About this podcast: Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle is a podcast for leaders navigating the messy, high-stakes space between top-down strategy and front-line execution. James Thompson & Ronii Bartles interview change agents, operators, and advisors who have learned to drive results without relying on formal authority. From process optimization to strategic communication — and yes, even competitive compliance — we break down what it takes to lead well when you're in the middle of it all. Watch or listen to more episodes of Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle: * Website: https://www.concentricglobal.co * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ConcentricGlobalCHS * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concentricglobal * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mayhem-to-mastery-leading-transformation-from-the-middle-with-james-thompson-ronii-bartles/id1838736843 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PmNTcEestaP8ZtvlnrvMf Connect and learn more from your hosts, James Thompson & Ronii Bartles: * Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimthompson2001 * Connect with Ronii on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roniibartles * Read more about James, Ronii, and Concentric Global on Concentric Global’s website: https://www.concentricglobal.co/about

    34 min
  2. Embracing Innovation & Growth in the Optical Industry with William Dickerson

    Jan 9

    Embracing Innovation & Growth in the Optical Industry with William Dickerson

    Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle with James Thompson & Ronii Bartles, Episode 5 In this episode of the Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle, James Thompson and Ronii Bartles speak with William Dickerson, Director of Quality Management Systems at EssilorLuxottica Rx Operations, North America. EssilorLuxottica is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of advanced vision care products, eyewear and med-tech solutions. Their mission is to help people around the world to see more and be more by addressing their evolving vision needs, personal style aspirations and desire to feel more connected to the world around them. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * The challenges and lessons of implementing ISO 13485 quality management systems across a large, multinational organization * Bill’s extensive experience in the optical industry * The merger and growth of EssilorLuxottica * The importance of a culture of quality that permeates the entire organization, rather than being siloed in one department * The necessity of management systems for compliance and quality * The role of empathy and collaboration in successful change management Learn more about William Dickerson and EssilorLuxottica: * Visit EssilorLuxottica’s website: https://www.essilorluxottica.com/en *********************************** About this podcast: Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle is a podcast for leaders navigating the messy, high-stakes space between top-down strategy and front-line execution. James Thompson & Ronii Bartles interview change agents, operators, and advisors who have learned to drive results without relying on formal authority. From process optimization to strategic communication — and yes, even competitive compliance — we break down what it takes to lead well when you're in the middle of it all. Watch or listen to more episodes of Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle: * Website: https://www.concentricglobal.co * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ConcentricGlobalCHS * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concentricglobal * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mayhem-to-mastery-leading-transformation-from-the-middle-with-james-thompson-ronii-bartles/id1838736843 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PmNTcEestaP8ZtvlnrvMf Connect and learn more from your hosts, James Thompson & Ronii Bartles: * Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimthompson2001 * Connect with Ronii on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roniibartles * Read more about James, Ronii, and Concentric Global on Concentric Global’s website: https://www.concentricglobal.co/about

    43 min
  3. Leading with Empathy & Decisiveness with Larry White

    12/03/2025

    Leading with Empathy & Decisiveness with Larry White

    Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle with James Thompson & Ronii Bartles, Episode 4 In this episode of the Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle, James Thompson and Ronii Bartles speak with Larry White, retired vice president of Smithers-Oasis Company and Temprecision International. Smithers-Oasis is a diverse global manufacturer and marketer of floral foam and design media, floral accessories, postharvest products, cellular growing media, temperature control packaging, medical impression foam, and custom foams for specialized applications. Temprecision International provides science-driven solutions for temperature-controlled shipping applications. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * Larry’s journey from frontline supervision to upper management * The importance of empathy, authenticity, and decisive leadership * Real-life crisis management situation that Larry had to handle in India * Larry’s current efforts in mentoring young people * How to balance vision with actionable tasks * The impact of company culture on overall success Learn more about Larry White: * Connect with Larry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-white-3a93b53 * Follow Smithers-Oasis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smithers-oasis * Visit Temprecision International’s website: https://www.temprecision.com *********************************** About this podcast: Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle is a podcast for leaders navigating the messy, high-stakes space between top-down strategy and front-line execution. James Thompson & Ronii Bartles interview change agents, operators, and advisors who have learned to drive results without relying on formal authority. From process optimization to strategic communication — and yes, even competitive compliance — we break down what it takes to lead well when you're in the middle of it all. Watch or listen to more episodes of Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle: * Website: https://www.concentricglobal.co * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ConcentricGlobalCHS * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concentricglobal * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mayhem-to-mastery-leading-transformation-from-the-middle-with-james-thompson-ronii-bartles/id1838736843 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PmNTcEestaP8ZtvlnrvMf Connect and learn more from your hosts, James Thompson & Ronii Bartles: * Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimthompson2001 * Connect with Ronii on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roniibartles * Read more about James, Ronii, and Concentric Global on Concentric Global’s website: https://www.concentricglobal.co/about

    33 min
  4. Navigating Operational Trauma & Change with Vince Lombardy

    11/05/2025

    Navigating Operational Trauma & Change with Vince Lombardy

    Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle with James Thompson & Ronii Bartles, Episode 3 In this episode of the Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle, James Thompson and Ronii Bartles speak with Vince Lombardy, Senior Manufacturing & Operations Leader, Vice President of Transloading at Harbor Logistics, which provides transportation, truck/rail transload, and warehousing services in Charleston to diverse industrial and commercial counterparties. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * Vince’s career path, from a PhD in history to leadership roles in manufacturing and logistics * How Vince’s background in history has influenced his approach to problem-solving and leadership in organizations * Strategies Vince and his team used to navigate organizational change, especially during transitions like private equity acquisition and the COVID-19 pandemic * How Vince and his organization moved from manual, paper-based processes to automated systems, and the impact it has had on employees and customers * How Vince supports his team through operational challenges * Key lessons about resilience and leadership Vince would share with his younger self Learn more about Vince Lombardy: * Connect with Vincent on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentlombardy * Visit Harbor Logistics’ website: https://harborlogistics.com * Visit Vince’s website: http://www.vincelombardy.com * Follow Harbor Logistics on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harbor-logistics *********************************** About this podcast: Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle is a podcast for leaders navigating the messy, high-stakes space between top-down strategy and front-line execution. James Thompson & Ronii Bartles interview change agents, operators, and advisors who have learned to drive results without relying on formal authority. From process optimization to strategic communication — and yes, even competitive compliance — we break down what it takes to lead well when you're in the middle of it all. Watch or listen to more episodes of Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle: * Website: https://www.concentricglobal.co * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ConcentricGlobalCHS * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concentricglobal * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mayhem-to-mastery-leading-transformation-from-the-middle-with-james-thompson-ronii-bartles/id1838736843 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PmNTcEestaP8ZtvlnrvMf Connect and learn more from your hosts, James Thompson & Ronii Bartles: * Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimthompson2001 * Connect with Ronii on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roniibartles * Read more about James, Ronii, and Concentric Global on Concentric Global’s website: https://www.concentricglobal.co/about

    35 min
  5. Turning Chaos Into Opportunity with Consumer Products Industry Veteran & Angel Investor, Tom Browning

    10/10/2025

    Turning Chaos Into Opportunity with Consumer Products Industry Veteran & Angel Investor, Tom Browning

    Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle with James Thompson & Ronii Bartles, Episode 2 In this episode of the Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle, James Thompson and Ronii Bartles speak with Tom Browning, who, after an extensive tenure in the consumer products industry, has turned his attention to investing in and mentoring early-stage companies with big growth potential. He is a member of Queen City Angels, one of the largest angel investing groups in North America, a partner at H Venture Partners, which focuses on women-led consumer startups, and an active investor with VentureSouth in Charleston. He also gives back by serving as lead mentor at The Harbor Entrepreneur Center in Mount Pleasant, helping founders chart their own paths. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * Challenges leaders face when transitioning from structured corporate environments to the unpredictable world of startups * How prioritization and single-task focus helps teams navigate mayhem and crisis situations in business * Ways frontline leaders play a critical role in bridging the gap between top management and operational staff * How innovations in the salad industry, such as regional processing and packaging technology, has driven rapid business growth * Advice about overcoming intimidation, building momentum, and acting decisively during times of change Learn more about Tom Browning: * Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasdbrowning * Follow The Harbor Entrepreneur Center on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theharborec/ *********************************** About this podcast: Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle is a podcast for leaders navigating the messy, high-stakes space between top-down strategy and front-line execution. James Thompson & Ronii Bartles interview change agents, operators, and advisors who have learned to drive results without relying on formal authority. From process optimization to strategic communication — and yes, even competitive compliance — we break down what it takes to lead well when you're in the middle of it all. Watch or listen to more episodes of Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle: * Website: https://www.concentricglobal.co * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ConcentricGlobalCHS * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concentricglobal * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mayhem-to-mastery-leading-transformation-from-the-middle-with-james-thompson-ronii-bartles/id1838736843 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PmNTcEestaP8ZtvlnrvMf Connect and learn more from your hosts, James Thompson & Ronii Bartles: * Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimthompson2001 * Connect with Ronii on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roniibartles * Read more about James, Ronii, and Concentric Global on Concentric Global’s website: https://www.concentricglobal.co/about

    29 min
  6. Understanding Personal & Organizational Transformation with Dr. Leah Jackman-Wheitner

    09/08/2025

    Understanding Personal & Organizational Transformation with Dr. Leah Jackman-Wheitner

    Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle with James Thompson & Ronii Bartles, Episode 1 In this inaugural episode of Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle, James Thompson and Ronii Bartles speak with life coach, Dr. Leah Jackman-Wheitner.  Leah's focus is helping you clear the mental clutter to get clarity. Her goal is helping you create the confidence you want and need to have your life be exactly what you want! Tune in to the episode to hear about:  * The importance of individual growth and effective communication  * The importance of beginning transformation with the individual  * The common organizational challenges and personal growth paths necessary for managing mayhem  * The importance of integrating one's true self into their professional roles; being authentic can lead to psychological safety and foster a healthier, more conducive work environment  * The importance of identifying internal barriers due to underlying beliefs or past experiences to prevent self-sabotage in professional growth  * Dr. Leah's unique methods, framing the chaos and providing clarity, helping individuals and organizations see coherent patterns amid confusion Learn more about Dr. Leah Jackman-Wheitner:  * Visit Dr. Leah’s website: https://www.leahjackman.com  * Connect with Dr. Leah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahjackmanwheitner  * Email Dr. Leah: leah@leahjackman.com *********************************** About this podcast: Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle is a podcast for leaders navigating the messy, high-stakes space between top-down strategy and front-line implementation. James Thompson & Ronii Bartles interview change agents, operators, and advisors who have learned to drive results without relying on formal authority. From process optimization to strategic communication — and yes, even competitive compliance — we break down what it takes to lead well when you're in the middle of it all. Watch or listen to more episodes of Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle:  * Website: https://www.concentricglobal.co  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ConcentricGlobalCHS  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concentricglobal Stay tuned for podcast platform links Connect and learn more from your hosts, James Thompson & Ronii Bartles:  * Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimthompson2001  * Connect with Ronii on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roniibartles * Read more about James, Ronii, and Concentric Global on Concentric Global’s website: https://www.concentricglobal.co/about

    36 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle is a podcast for leaders navigating the messy, high-stakes space between top-down strategy and front-line execution. We interview change agents, operators, and advisors who have learned to drive results without relying on formal authority. From process optimization to strategic communication — and yes, even competitive compliance — we break down what it takes to lead well when you're in the middle of it all.

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