Encouraging Leaders

Marc D Braun
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Encouraging Leaders: a podcast that exists to remind CEOs and Aspiring CEOs that they are not alone. Each episode features world-class CEOs who've walked your current path and shares practical tools/insights to help you become a better leader in every area of your life. To find out how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: https://calendly.com/marcdbraun/15-minute-ceo-intro-call

  1. The Ego Evolution: When Leadership Goes from Recognition to Responsibility - Bassel Hamwi

    09/26/2025

    The Ego Evolution: When Leadership Goes from Recognition to Responsibility - Bassel Hamwi

    Bassel Hamwi helped launch the Damascus Stock Exchange and discovered that true leadership begins when your ego disappears. In this powerful conversation, Bassel shares the mindset shift that transforms leaders from asking "Can I do this?" to declaring "I'm here, so I have to give back" - and why the future can always be better than the past. In this episode, we discuss: - When leadership becomes about responsibility, not recognition - Why asking for help immediately is wisdom, not weakness - Building systems of support through mentors, coaches, forums, and peer networks - How "you are not alone" becomes the foundation for breakthrough leadership - Finding hope and resilience when everything seems lost P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

    27 min
  2. From CFO to Coach: The Most Important Leadership Transition - Kevin Thompson

    09/12/2025

    From CFO to Coach: The Most Important Leadership Transition - Kevin Thompson

    Kevin Thompson, leadership coach and former CFO at Cambridge Air Solutions, shares his journey through the most important leadership transition—moving from financial executive to leadership coach. In this episode, we discuss: - How fear and insecurity disguise themselves as self-reliant leadership - The most common coaching goals: managing emotional triggers and creating clear expectations - Using the RACI framework to eliminate decision-making confusion and conflict (http://encouragingleaders.com/racioverview) - Navigating career transitions and the unexpected grief that comes with identity shifts P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

    28 min
  3. Silent Resistance: Why your AI initiatives are failing and how to fix it - Karin Volo

    08/29/2025

    Silent Resistance: Why your AI initiatives are failing and how to fix it - Karin Volo

    Karin Volo, CEO and founder of Evoloshen, shares her transformation from culture expert to AI leadership guide. She reveals why AI initiatives fail through "silent resistance" - when teams listen but fail to execute due to lack of trust. In this episode, we discuss: - The AI Leadership Triangle: how technology, culture, and leadership must work together for stability - Overcoming silent resistance by building psychological safety and trust - How AI amplifies existing organizational strengths and weaknesses like a spotlight Learn more about Karin's AI leadership work at https://achievingtheaiadvantage.com/tea/ P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

    32 min
  4. Commitment-Driven Leadership: Meeting Promises Builds Unshakable Trust - Bob Hendriksen

    08/15/2025

    Commitment-Driven Leadership: Meeting Promises Builds Unshakable Trust - Bob Hendriksen

    Bob Hendriksen, Director of Operations at Steelcase, shares how he learned that effective leadership starts with understanding it's "all about the people." Bob discovered that building trust through consistent commitment-keeping and creating space for others to grow transforms both individuals and organizations. In this episode, we discuss: - Learning to delegate and challenge team members rather than doing everything yourself - Finding mentors who teach you think systematically - Managing commitments externally to stay present and trustworthy as a leader - Starting cultural change by listening to what truly frustrates your people and fixing it P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

    27 min
  5. Firing Yourself: How to Grow Leaders Who Replace You - Eric Gilbert

    08/01/2025

    Firing Yourself: How to Grow Leaders Who Replace You - Eric Gilbert

    Eric Gilbert, CEO of Innova Furnishings and second-generation owner, shares his journey of learning that effective leadership means getting out of your own way. Through losing major customers, promoting team members into his roles, and navigating family business transitions, Eric discovered that the emotional component of leadership—not just hitting numbers—determines long-term success. In this episode, we discuss: - Why losing a major customer actually created more profitable growth - How "firing yourself" from roles opens opportunities for team development - The importance of realistic timelines—becoming a good CEO takes 3-8 years, not 90 days - Why one-on-one coaching addresses the emotional challenges that advisory boards can't P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

    37 min
  6. It's Not About Me: The Leadership Shift That Changes Everything - Mark Lee

    07/18/2025

    It's Not About Me: The Leadership Shift That Changes Everything - Mark Lee

    Mark Lee, a seasoned construction industry leader, shares his journey from self-focused to servant leadership through powerful stories of transformation. With decades of experience turning around company cultures, Mark demonstrates how authentic leadership starts with caring for "the as is" before creating change. His approach centers on leading by example—from moving executive offices to storage rooms to parking in the furthest spot to reinforce safety culture. In this episode, we discuss: - Building trust through appreciating current state before transformation - Leading with actions that align with values rather than just words - Creating cultural change through intentional, visible servant leadership - The critical shift from "me-centered" to "we-centered" leadership philosophy P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

    37 min
  7. From 300% Turnover to Team Excellence: Building Culture That Attracts Talent - Cory Jensen

    07/04/2025

    From 300% Turnover to Team Excellence: Building Culture That Attracts Talent - Cory Jensen

    Cory Jensen, President of Continental Manufacturing, shares how he transformed a struggling Iowa plant from 300% turnover to an award-winning team in just two years. Through daily team meetings, peer recognition systems, and unwavering commitment to three core values, they eliminated temp workers and built a culture so strong that job applicants now line up at their door. In this episode, we discuss: - Creating accountability through daily open forum meetings and transparent metrics - Building values-driven culture with the "Three C's": Character, Collaboration, Commitment - Transforming hiring from external recruiting to internal referrals and promotions - Shifting sales approach from pushy tactics to transparent, relationship-based partnerships P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

    29 min
  8. The Power of an Abundant Mindset - Ryan Tierney

    06/20/2025

    The Power of an Abundant Mindset - Ryan Tierney

    Ryan Tierney, co-founder of Seating Matters, credits his success to a culture of humility, simplicity, and lifelong learning. From a young age, he and his brothers sought mentorship from top leaders — including Ireland’s richest businessman — instilling a habit of boldly asking for help and learning from the best. This abundance mindset continues to shape how Ryan leads and builds his business. In this episode, we discuss: - Why asking for help and embracing humility is the foundation of effective leadership - How a lean philosophy can be a framework for living a more intentional life - The power of daily rituals and shared learning in building a vibrant culture - Why simplicity attracts and complexity repels in systems and relationships Check it out. P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

    48 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Encouraging Leaders: a podcast that exists to remind CEOs and Aspiring CEOs that they are not alone. Each episode features world-class CEOs who've walked your current path and shares practical tools/insights to help you become a better leader in every area of your life. To find out how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: https://calendly.com/marcdbraun/15-minute-ceo-intro-call

Information

  • Creator
    Marc D Braun
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Marc D Braun
  • Show Website
    Encouraging Leaders