Activating Greatness

Alec McChesney
  • 4.9 (9)
  • CAREERS

Welcome to Activating Greatness — the show where we dig into what it really takes to lead with purpose, inspire performance, and create lasting impact. I’m your host, Alec McChesney, and every episode, we sit down with extraordinary leaders, thinkers, and changemakers who are unlocking potential in themselves, their teams, and their organizations. Here, we talk about the real stuff — leadership that drives culture, strategy that creates momentum, and the mindset that turns good intentions into game-changing results. Because greatness isn’t a title — it’s a choice. It’s something you activate every single day. Thank you for listening, for showing up, and for being part of a community of leaders who refuse to settle for “good enough.

Episodes

  1. Coaching vs. Micromanaging: How Jason Casarella Builds Trust, Accountability, and High-Performing Teams

    4D AGO

    Coaching vs. Micromanaging: How Jason Casarella Builds Trust, Accountability, and High-Performing Teams

    Why do so many well-intentioned leaders accidentally micromanage? In this episode of Activating Greatness, host Alec McChesney sits down with Jason Casarella, Chief Commercial Officer at CRC Cognitive Research Corporation, to break down the real difference between coaching and micromanaging—and why that distinction determines whether teams thrive or stall. Drawing on decades of experience leading commercial teams in high-pressure, regulated environments, Jason shares how situational leadership, role clarity, and trust-based accountability create empowered, high-performing teams. This conversation explores why micromanagement often stems from fear or pressure, how leaders can develop decision-makers instead of dependency, and why progress beats perfection when building sustainable performance. If your team feels busy but stuck, this episode offers practical insight into restoring momentum through clear expectations, disciplined cadence, and leadership by design.

    37 min
  2. Leading with Mission Under Pressure: Building Trust, Culture, and Scale with Julie Blasingim

    FEB 9

    Leading with Mission Under Pressure: Building Trust, Culture, and Scale with Julie Blasingim

    What happens when growth, private equity pressure, and mission collide? In this episode of Activating Greatness, host Alec McChesney sits down with Julie Blasingim, CEO of Univo IRB, to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose while building and scaling a company in the life sciences industry. Julie shares how she built Univo from the ground up with a patient-first mission, why people must come before strategy, and how leaders can protect culture, trust, and clarity as complexity increases. The conversation dives into intentional hiring, storytelling as a leadership tool, saying no to growth opportunities that don’t align, and why success isn’t defined by size but by being the best at what you do. This episode is a powerful look at purpose-driven leadership, culture building, and leading under pressure without losing the soul of the organization.

    47 min
  3. The Leadership Leap: How Harry Barnick Transformed His Team Through Change

    FEB 2

    The Leadership Leap: How Harry Barnick Transformed His Team Through Change

    In this episode of Activating Greatness, Alec sits down with Harry Barnick of the Third Bridge Group to explore what real leadership looks like during periods of intense change. Harry shares his firsthand experience navigating turnover at the leadership level, building a new team, relocating, and adapting to new cultures—and the lessons he learned along the way.

    37 min
  4. The Conversation Advantage: How Ryan Payne Builds Culture One Dialogue at a Time

    JAN 26

    The Conversation Advantage: How Ryan Payne Builds Culture One Dialogue at a Time

    In this episode of Activating Greatness, Ryan Payne, Director of Learning & Development at Velocity Advisory Group, shares how people-centered leadership and tailored development drive sustainable performance. Drawing on more than 13 years of experience leading large teams and executing major organizational turnarounds, Ryan breaks down what actually works when developing leaders, reducing turnover, and rebuilding momentum. This conversation offers practical insights on coaching, culture, and creating clarity that helps teams grow, engage, and perform at a higher level.

    54 min

  5. JAN 19

    The Momentum Mindset: How Joe Witte Turns Leadership Lessons into Action

    In this episode of Activating Greatness, Joe Witte, Executive Coach and Senior Advisor at Velocity Advisory Group, explores the role of momentum in leadership and why effective management doesn’t have to be complicated. Joe shares how leaders can build, lose, and rebuild momentum through clarity, systems, vulnerability, and servant leadership. Drawing from experience in business, military service, and executive coaching, this conversation offers practical insights for leaders navigating complexity and driving sustainable performance

    54 min
  6. The Human Advantage: How Relationships Drive Culture and Performance with Dan Silvert

    JAN 11

    The Human Advantage: How Relationships Drive Culture and Performance with Dan Silvert

    In this episode of Activating Greatness, Dan Silvert, Co-Founder of Velocity Advisory Group, shares why relationships are the true driver of culture, accountability, and sustainable growth. Drawing on decades of executive coaching experience, Dan explains how trust, connection, and everyday interactions shape performance — especially during periods of change and uncertainty.

    48 min
  7. The Culture Shift: How Brooke Page-Thompson Helps Leaders Bring Their Whole Selves to Work

    JAN 11

    The Culture Shift: How Brooke Page-Thompson Helps Leaders Bring Their Whole Selves to Work

    In this episode of Activating Greatness, Alec McChesney sits down with leadership and culture expert, Velocity Advisory Group President Brooke Page-Thompson, to explore what it truly means for leaders to bring their whole selves to work. Brooke shares practical insights on emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and how authenticity can transform team performance and workplace culture.

    49 min
  8. Leading at the Highest Level: Alignment, Clarity, and Momentum with Dave Fechtman

    JAN 11

    Leading at the Highest Level: Alignment, Clarity, and Momentum with Dave Fechtman

    In this episode, Velocity Advisory Group CEO Dave Fechtman shares what it takes to lead at the highest level. Dave breaks down how CEOs and executive teams create alignment, navigate uncertainty, and sustain organizational momentum. He offers practical insights on strategy, culture, and leadership clarity — and reveals the habits that help senior leaders thrive in complex environments.

    46 min
  • 8 Episodes

4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to Activating Greatness — the show where we dig into what it really takes to lead with purpose, inspire performance, and create lasting impact. I’m your host, Alec McChesney, and every episode, we sit down with extraordinary leaders, thinkers, and changemakers who are unlocking potential in themselves, their teams, and their organizations. Here, we talk about the real stuff — leadership that drives culture, strategy that creates momentum, and the mindset that turns good intentions into game-changing results. Because greatness isn’t a title — it’s a choice. It’s something you activate every single day. Thank you for listening, for showing up, and for being part of a community of leaders who refuse to settle for “good enough.

Information

  • Creator
    Alec McChesney
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Activating Greatness
  • Show Website
    Activating Greatness