Escape the CEO Doom Loop

Glen Dall & John Ninkovich
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Escape the CEO Doom Loop is built for CEOs and leadership teams ready to grow. Each episode delivers practical insights, real-world stories, and tools you can use today to lead with clarity and scale with confidence. We spotlight what’s working—and what’s not—for leaders navigating growth, building culture, and driving accountability.  It’s more than a podcast—it’s a gateway to The CEO Playbook and the next step in becoming the leader your business needs next.

Episodes

  1. OCT 7

    Episode 9: The CEO Shift: From Doer to Leader - Shawn Verlinden, Auch Construction

    In this episode of Escape the CEO Doom Loop, hosts Glen Dall and John Ninkovich sit down with Shawn Verlinden, CEO of Auch Construction. Shawn shares his journey from project manager to CEO of a 100+ year-old construction firm, and how building leadership rhythms transformed his company’s culture and growth trajectory. Shawn explains how letting go of daily tasks was the best move he made, how daily huddles created trust and speed across the company, and why coaching and accountability drive momentum. From his first year as CEO, Shawn’s insights are practical, candid, and deeply human — lessons every leader can use. If you’re a CEO struggling with growth challenges, this episode will give you practical strategies to lead with clarity, courage, and discipline. Subscribe for more conversations with real-world CEOs. Chapters:  [00:00:00] Intro & Guest Welcome  [00:01:00] Shawn’s background in construction  [00:03:00] The CEO Doom Loop explained  [00:07:00] Building a cohesive leadership team  [00:13:00] First year as CEO: lessons learned  [00:17:00] Letting go of projects to lead the company  [00:20:00] Shifting from operations to strategy  [00:27:00] Coaching, huddles, and momentum  [00:34:00] Shawn’s leadership philosophy & vision  [00:42:40] Closing Send us a text

    35 min

  2. SEP 9

    Episode 8: Burnout, Bad Hires & Bulldozing Through the Doom Loop with Anthony Stayman

    Burnout, Bad Hires & Bulldozing Through the Doom Loop What happens when you hit rock bottom in the CEO seat—8 figures in debt, team trust eroding, and no clear way out? In this episode, Glen Dall and John Ninkovich sit down with Anthony Stayman, who shares the brutal truth of trying to do it all—CEO, head of sales, firefighter—and what finally helped him escape the Doom Loop. They unpack: What $8M in debt teaches you about leadershipWhy hiring the “smartest person in the room” can backfireThe hidden cost of bulldozing through burnoutHow coaching helped rebuild momentum without selling the company Subscribe for real stories, not theory. Full episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gGJHsNT9 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gDywEfuc YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gcNmQvA4 #LeadershipPodcast #CEOStories #ExecutiveCoaching #BurnoutRecovery #APlayerTeams #EscapeTheCEODoomLoop Send us a text

    45 min

  3. AUG 26

    Episode 7: Leading a Legacy Without Losing Yourself with Matt McDonell

    What does it really take to lead a century-old family business into its next era of growth, without losing yourself in the process? In this episode, Glen Dall and John Ninkovich sit down with Matt McDonell, CEO of MJS Packaging, to explore his journey from family member on the sidelines to full-time sales leader and, ultimately, CEO.  Matt opens up about the weight of leadership, the discipline of strategic planning, the loneliness that often comes with the role, and the ongoing work of building a culture that retains A-players in a modern world. If you’re leading a growing business, navigating succession, or just trying to find balance in the chaos, this conversation is for you.            Key Topics Covered: The evolution of a 135+ year-old family business Transitioning into the CEO seat during COVID Breaking old habits: from "everyone sells everything" to strategic focus Building a true leadership team and letting go of firefighting What it feels like to live in the CEO Doom Loop—and how Matt gets out of it The cost of ignoring personal well-being as a leader Balancing legacy with future growth (including acquisitions) How to retain A-players and build accountability in a family-oriented culture Why a CEO coach matters—and what kind of support makes a difference Guest Bio: Matt McDonell is the CEO of MJS Packaging, a multi-generation family business founded in 1885. With deep roots in sales and a strategic mind for growth, Matt has helped lead the company through industry disruption, leadership transitions, and internal reinvention. He’s known for his direct communication, humble leadership, and commitment to building a business that outlasts him. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Who is Matt McDonell? 04:00 – Family business legacy + Matt’s path to CEO 10:15 – First strategic planning sessions with John 15:45 – The decision to reinvest in leadership (vs. distribute profits) 20:30 – Growing pains & signs the team needed change 26:00 – Becoming the CEO: reality vs. expectation 33:40 – Recognizing and escaping the CEO Doom Loop 39:25 – Balancing family, health, and mental clarity 44:15 – Building a culture that attracts and keeps A-players 49:10 – Driving change in a legacy business 53:40 – The importance of understanding your core customer 59:00 – How Matt's role has evolved + becoming a remote CEO 1:06:15 – Vision, legacy, and what comes next 1:10:30 – Matt’s CEO Playbook: 3 non-negotiables 1:14:00 – Final reflections from Glen & John Send us a text

    38 min

  4. AUG 12

    Episode 6: Escaping the Doom Loop & Staying Aligned at the Top with Michael Guthrie of InForm Studio

    When your company’s growth slows, the instinct is to work harder, move faster, and push your team harder. But what if that’s exactly what’s keeping you stuck? In this episode, Michael Guthrie, experienced CEO, breaks down why even the most successful leaders can get caught in the CEO doom loop, and how to break free. We unpack: How growth plateaus actually start (and why it’s rarely market conditions).The warning signs your leadership team is out of alignment.Why “do more” often backfires when revenue stalls.The small, deliberate shifts that reignite momentum.How to keep your head clear when the weight of the company feels like it’s all on you.If you’re a CEO, founder, or senior leader, Michael’s insights will give you both the diagnosis and the cure for your company’s slowdown. Inform Studio Send us a text

    37 min

  5. JUL 30

    Episode 5: Discipline, Vision, Trust: The Core of Real CEO Growth with Bill Costello

    In this episode, Glen and John sit down with Bill Costello, CEO of Streeter Custom Builder, for an honest and insightful look at what it really takes to transition from doing the work—to leading the people who do. From running operations to stepping into the CEO seat, Bill’s journey is filled with the tough mindset shifts and real leadership lessons that define a high-performing company. Whether it’s letting go of control, navigating team turnover, or building a leadership rhythm that drives culture and profit—Bill shares how he escaped the Doom Loop and built something stronger. This conversation is packed with truth, strategy, and the kind of wisdom only hard-earned experience can bring. In this episode, Bill shares: What it was like to take over a legacy business—and why vision had to come firstThe hardest transition of all: letting go of operationsWhy accountability scared some people off—and why that’s okayHis framework for coaching senior leaders instead of managing themThe rhythm that built consistency, culture, and over $3M in net profitWhat changed when he stopped being the fixer and started asking better questionsHow “Automate the Ordinary, Elevate the Extraordinary” became a leadership mantraWhy building an A-level team is the CEO’s most important jobTimestamps:  00:00 – Welcome + Meet Bill Costello  02:30 – From COO to CEO: The messy middle  06:45 – Trusting the team to rise  11:10 – Letting go of control and the COO title  15:30 – Building a vision the whole company could believe in  21:15 – When the vision finally clicked—and fear turned into buy-in  26:50 – What accountability really means (and what it cost them)  31:20 – Turning metrics into motivation  36:15 – Bonus structures, performance, and retention  42:30 – When team changes force a reset  47:00 – Coaching through hard decisions  51:45 – Working on the business vs. in the business  55:00 – Ask more questions. Be patient. Stay disciplined. Send us a text

    40 min

  6. JUL 8

    Episode 4: From the Floor to the Front Office: Lauren Carson on Leading with Vision

    In this episode, Glen and John sit down with Lauren Carson, President of ARC Abrasives, to unpack her raw and insightful leadership journey. From inheriting operations without a playbook to becoming the type of leader who attracts top talent and drives bottom-line results—Lauren shares what it really takes to lead a legacy manufacturing company into the future. This conversation is packed with real-world lessons, laughter, and leadership truths. In this episode, Lauren shares: How she unexpectedly became president of a 60-year-old manufacturing company What it feels like to fall into the CEO Doom Loop—and how coaching helps her climb out The hardest people decisions she’s had to make—and why her team trusts her more because of them Her strategies for empowering managers, tracking performance, and growing profitability Why “every day is the Super Bowl” when you’re building a culture that wins How boundaries, gym routines, and family time keep her grounded and energized What legacy means to her—and why ARC’s name should stand for something more than sandpaper Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome + Lauren’s intro 03:45 – From sales exec to president 08:55 – A bold vision for manufacturing 12:20 – Recognizing the CEO Doom Loop 15:45 – Coaching and holding up the mirror 18:15 – Building a culture that attracts A-players 23:05 – Making the hard people decisions 28:30 – Metrics, profit, and empowering the floor 33:00 – Shifting from in the business to on the business 38:45 – Leadership team evolution 44:00 – Boundaries, routines, and energy 48:30 – The legacy Lauren wants to leave 53:10 – Executive hires and team performance Watch or listen to the full episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube About the Show: Escape the CEO Doom Loop is for CEOs and leadership teams ready to grow—with clarity, momentum, and purpose. Co-hosted by Glen Dall and John Ninkovich, each episode delivers real-world stories and practical tools to help you lead better and scale smarter. #EscapeTheCEODoomLoop #ManufacturingLeadership #CEOPlaybook #ExecutiveCoaching #GrowthMindset #WomenInLeadership Send us a text

    34 min

  7. JUN 24

    Episode 3: You Can’t Go Back—But You Can Help the Next CEO

    Becoming the Coach I Needed: Glen’s Story | Escape the CEO Doom Loop Podcast “I wish I could go back and coach myself when I was CEO.” That’s the core of Glen’s purpose—and in this episode, you’ll hear why. From the weight of lonely decisions to years spent without clarity on strategy or people, Glen unpacks what it really felt like to lead without a coach—and how that fuels the work he does today. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Why Glen coaches 02:20 – Leading without a guide 05:30 – The loneliness of the CEO seat 08:45 – What he would do differently today 12:00 – Helping others get clear on purpose and team 16:40 – Final reflections on coaching, growth, and mission Watch or listen to the full episode here: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube About the Show: Escape the CEO Doom Loop is for CEOs and leadership teams ready to grow—with clarity, momentum, and purpose. Co-hosted by Glen Dall and John Ninkovich, each episode delivers real-world stories and practical tools to help you lead better and scale smarter. #EscapeTheCEODoomLoop #GetUnstuck #ExecutiveCoaching #CEOLeadership #ClarityInChaos Send us a text

    30 min

  8. MAY 27

    Episode 2: “From the Corner Office to Coach: John's Journey Through the Doom Loop”

    In this powerful second episode of Escape the CEO Doom Loop, co-host John Ninkovich opens up about his personal leadership journey—from working behind the counter of a family business at age nine to running a company, losing it all, and rebuilding with purpose. John sits down with Glen Dall to share the real story behind why he became a CEO coach—and why the most valuable lessons don’t come from the wins, but from the moments you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom. Inside this episode: What it really feels like to go from CEO to employee—and why ego isn’t your enemy, but your teacher.The hard truth behind family business dynamics, loyalty, and painful people decisions.Why coaching your own team is like trying to play quarterback and be the head coach—and why that rarely works.The 3AM sweat: waking up with payroll panic and learning what real responsibility feels like.How the darkest moments often become the foundation for your purpose as a leader.If you’ve ever felt the weight of leading a team, the fear of failure, or the isolation that comes with the title “CEO,” this episode is for you. John’s story is a reminder that real leadership is forged in adversity—and that you’re not alone in the journey. Up next: In Episode 3, Glen shares his CEO story—the rise, the fall, the public-company pressure, and the path to purpose. Send us a text

    32 min

  9. APR 29

    Episode 1: “You’re Not Alone: The Truth About the CEO Doom Loop”

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of Escape the CEO Doom Loop — hosted by Glen Dall and John Ninkovich, two seasoned CEO and leadership team coaches who've been in the seat and lived to tell about it. In this launch episode, Glen and John get personal. They share what led them to coaching, why they’re launching this podcast now, and why so many successful leaders eventually find themselves in what they call the CEO Doom Loop — a cycle of doubt, fatigue, frustration, and inertia that hits even the most driven business owners. You’ll hear: Why "what got you here won’t get you there" is more than a cliché — and how it can keep you stuck.The hidden danger of record-breaking years (and why they sometimes lead to bankruptcy).Why great businesses falter not because of strategy—but because of people decisions.The real reason it takes three years to meaningfully transform a business.Why vulnerability and imposter syndrome are more common among CEOs than you think.You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at what Glen and John are planning for future episodes — including interviews with CEOs, operators, and coaches who’ve broken out of the doom loop and learned how to win on purpose. Whether you're feeling stuck, scaling fast, or just need a fresh perspective — this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed. Your next step? Listen in. Reflect. And ask yourself: Am I in the loop? And am I ready to escape? Send us a text

    23 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Escape the CEO Doom Loop is built for CEOs and leadership teams ready to grow. Each episode delivers practical insights, real-world stories, and tools you can use today to lead with clarity and scale with confidence. We spotlight what’s working—and what’s not—for leaders navigating growth, building culture, and driving accountability.  It’s more than a podcast—it’s a gateway to The CEO Playbook and the next step in becoming the leader your business needs next.

Information

  • Creator
    Glen Dall & John Ninkovich
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Escape the CEO Doom Loop
  • Show Website
    Escape the CEO Doom Loop