A Year in Conversation: 2025 - Shift & Thrive - Episode # 075

What does real growth look like when leaders reinvent themselves, rebuild systems, and rediscover purpose? This special Shift & Thrive compilation brings together unforgettable stories and lessons from some of the year’s most thoughtful leaders. Listen to our guests share insights about transforming AI’s evolution into human-like teammates and the profound clarity that comes from surviving a life-threatening disaster. Across technology, mindset, communication, and personal resilience, each guest offers a different lens on what it means to lead with intention. These stories remind us that progress isn’t just about scaling companies or refining strategy; it’s about identity, patience, preparation, and meaningful service.

Takeaways:

• Design for human experience, not just efficiency. As AI becomes more agentic, users need support in shifting from command-based tools to true collaboration with technology.
• Presence is a leadership skill. Balancing ambition with mindfulness prevents burnout and allows leaders to show up more effectively for their teams and families. A grounded leader makes better long-term decisions.
• Habits and endurance fuel sustainable growth. Whether training for triathlons or scaling a business, progress comes from consistent behaviors and the willingness to push through discomfort. 
• Identity drives behavior change. Seeing yourself differently, as a CEO, an athlete, or a healthier person, creates the conditions for new choices. When identity shifts, habits follow naturally.
• Strong systems prevent overwhelm. Like sports teams that rehearse repeatedly, businesses need documentation, practice, and structure so challenges stay manageable.
• Purpose elevates leadership. When leaders orient their work toward service rather than self-preservation, they build deeper meaning and stronger impact. 

Links:

• Matt Darrow, CEO & Co-Founder at Vivun 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdarrow/ 
  • Full Episode: https://youtu.be/vcjoj95EriI 
• Pete Martin, Co-Founder & CEO at Realm.Security
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-martin-b2199334/ 
  • Full Episode: https://youtu.be/8RaHrjlEadg 
• Nathan Whittacre, Founder and CEO at Stimulus Technologies
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanwhittacre/ 
  • Full Episode: https://youtu.be/1d22cHtNRGo 
• Rich Walker, CEO at Quik!
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quikformsceo/ 
  • Full Episode: https://youtu.be/0w8p9nTWrAk 
• AJ Meyer, CEO at Pickle Robot Company
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-meyer-2457594/ 
  • Full Episode: https://youtu.be/P6KBLGOUJmQ 
• Pete Jones, CEO & Founder at Grypp Corp 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-jones-gryppcorp/ 
  • Full Episode: https://youtu.be/cRFUVVTazKE 
• John Graham, Executive Director at The Giraffe Heroes Project 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnagraham1/ 
  • Full Episode: https://youtu.be/1iTda8jrlwA 
• Bill Flynn, CEO/Chief Catalyst at Catalyst Growth Advisors
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billflynnpublic/   
  • Full Episode: https://youtu.be/Stfvg2-d5HU  

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2D1YbT2QhKxIwbREpU7EMb 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/id1740828813 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa60b654-1955-4055-93df-fdd40c2a5c8f/shift-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change 
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shift-thrive-ceo-insights-166792501 
• Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/shift-and-thrive-ceo-insights-on-driving-change/PC:1001086797  
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClf9QxGUxZw_Sv8_4bZP34Q 

This show is sponsored by Magnetude Consulting, bringing you the thinking-Power of a Growth Consultancy and the Getting-It-Done Power of a full-service B2B Marketing Agency. 

Learn more at: https://www.magnetudeconsulting.com