Get Unstuck & On Target

Mike O'Neill

We're interviewing inspiring business leaders to uncover tips - and tools - to help you break down the barriers that are keeping... you.... stuck.

  1. Ep236 Steve Ramona - Lead with Service and Build the Relationships That Change Everything

    3D AGO

    Ep236 Steve Ramona - Lead with Service and Build the Relationships That Change Everything

    What does it actually take to build a network that works — one that creates real opportunity, real impact, and real growth? In this episode of Get Unstuck & On Target, host Mike O'Neill sits down with Steve Ramona, a super connector and servant leader who has helped generate over a billion dollars in project impact by doing one thing exceptionally well: bringing the right people together. Steve is the host of the top-ranked podcast Doing Business with a Servant's Heart, where he's had nearly 900 guests, and he's built his entire approach around a philosophy that most business owners overlook — that service is strategic, not soft. Steve, with his decades of experience building relationships across industries, shares his proven framework for moving from transactional networking to transformational connection, explaining why your people asset is the most undervalued resource in your business. In a conversation packed with practical insight, Steve and Mike explore how intentional introductions create compound returns, why your income reflects the quality of your inner circle, and what one specific action you can take this week to immediately expand your network and your impact. Three key topics to look out for: The difference between transactional and transformational connection — and how to make the shiftWhy video introductions are a powerful differentiator most people never useHow building the right inner circle directly drives income growth Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/236

    36 min
  2. Ep235 Peter Srodoski—From W2 Trap to Authority: How Your Book Becomes Your Freedom Plan

    APR 1

    Ep235 Peter Srodoski—From W2 Trap to Authority: How Your Book Becomes Your Freedom Plan

    In this episode of Get Unstuck & On Target, host Mike O'Neill sits down with Pete Srodoski—former CEO, COO, and founder of Pathways Book Press—to explore how leaders trapped in the W2 world can leverage a book to scale their influence and income without trading more hours for dollars. Pete reveals the exact framework successful executives use to turn decades of expertise into tangible credibility... the kind that opens doors to consulting gigs, speaking opportunities, and training programs that run while you sleep. Mike and Pete break down why 95% of aspiring authors get stuck one-third through writing (and the strategic partnerships that fix it)... how to assess whether your idea has "legs" as a sellable book... and the ecosystem approach that transforms a single manuscript into audio courses, podcasts, and revenue streams. You'll learn how to use AI as a brainstorming partner without compromising authenticity... the difference between cheap self-publishing and professional authority-building... and Pete's "story arc" method for organizing complex business experience into digestible frameworks readers will actually apply. Whether you've been sitting on a book idea for years or you're ready to duplicate yourself beyond billable hours, this conversation will show you the next small step to take this week—and why "someday" needs a date on it. Watch or listen to discover how to turn your hard-won expertise into a legacy asset that works long after you've logged off. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/235

    31 min
  3. Ep234 Machen MacDonald—When Success Feels Hollow: How to Move from Achievement to True Fulfillment

    MAR 18

    Ep234 Machen MacDonald—When Success Feels Hollow: How to Move from Achievement to True Fulfillment

    In this transformative conversation, executive coach Machen MacDonald reveals why so many successful leaders feel stuck at their peak—and what actually moves the needle when winning isn't enough anymore. Host Mike O'Neill guides Machen through a vulnerable exploration of the gap between achievement and fulfillment, uncovering why leaders calibrate instead of celebrate their wins. Listeners will learn how to recognize the three journeys every leader takes (the one they plan, the one they're on, and the one they wish they went on)... how to stop operating from doubt, fear, and anxiety and start leading from wisdom and love... and why "letting go" is actually the most powerful move a control-oriented leader can make. Machen shares raw insights from nearly 25 years of coaching, including how his marriage nearly ended when his business was thriving, what it means to "provoke brilliance" in yourself and others, and why joy won't enter a home where all emotions aren't welcome. Mike expertly draws out practical frameworks like the "Guide Your Mind" principle and helps Machen illustrate how celebrating success actually impacts physical health, relationships, and leadership capacity. Whether you're a CEO feeling the weight of decisions, a Vistage chair facilitating breakthrough conversations, or an executive who's checked every box but still feels empty, this episode offers a roadmap from success to significance—and permission to finally take in the view from your summit. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/234

    34 min
  4. Ep232 John Wichmann—How to Save Hybrid Work: Design Your Model for Maximum Productivity and Culture

    FEB 18

    Ep232 John Wichmann—How to Save Hybrid Work: Design Your Model for Maximum Productivity and Culture

    In this episode, Mike O'Neill sits down with John Wichmann, founder and CEO of Gather Sciences, to tackle one of the most frustrating leadership challenges of the decade—hybrid work that just doesn't work. Leaders will learn how to transform their broken hybrid models from constant policy battles into strategic advantages that boost both productivity and culture. John reveals the framework he uses to help companies move beyond arbitrary return-to-office mandates and instead build purpose-driven hybrid systems rooted in intentionality, consistency, and accountability. Mike and John break down how to create meaningful connection in hybrid environments, what metrics actually matter when measuring hybrid success, and how to communicate changes without triggering resentment. They also discuss the biggest misconceptions leaders have about hybrid work—from both the executive and employee perspectives—and how to bridge that gap with clarity and trust. Listeners will discover how to assess their current hybrid approach, identify where it's failing, and take immediate steps to redesign it around what actually drives results. Whether you're scaling a team, onboarding new talent, or trying to save a culture that feels like it's slipping away, this conversation offers practical, actionable strategies to get unstuck and move forward with confidence. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly how to turn hybrid work from a compromise into a competitive edge. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unstuck.show/232

    38 min
  5. Ep231 Mary Angela Baker - Act Three Leadership: How to Expand Your Network Before You Need It

    FEB 4

    Ep231 Mary Angela Baker - Act Three Leadership: How to Expand Your Network Before You Need It

    In this episode, Mike O'Neill sits down with leadership consultant Mary Angela Baker to explore a critical question most leaders ignore: What happens to your network when you enter "Act Three" of your career? Mary Angela introduces the concept of Act Three—that pivotal stage where leaders have accumulated wisdom and expertise but often find their professional networks shrinking just when they need them most. She walks Mike through a powerful six-step framework (reflect, connect, explore, choose, repack, and act) that helps leaders intentionally plan their next chapter instead of accidentally stumbling into it. Listeners will learn how to build networks before they need them... why networking isn't transactional when done right... and the surprising reason isolation becomes more dangerous as careers progress. Mary Angela shares real examples from her work with AARP, the International Leadership Association, and her experience helping leaders navigate major career transitions. Mike and Mary Angela also discuss why the most successful leaders diversify their networks beyond their industries... the one weekly habit that keeps relationships alive... and how taking small actions beats endless planning every time. Whether you're leading a team today or preparing for what comes next, this episode delivers practical strategies to ensure your network grows stronger—not weaker—as your career evolves. Find all the show notes and links here:  https://www.unstuck.show/231

    30 min
  6. Ep229 Markus Neukom - From Burnout to Breakthrough: Why Stillness Is Your Competitive Edge

    JAN 8

    Ep229 Markus Neukom - From Burnout to Breakthrough: Why Stillness Is Your Competitive Edge

    Tired of the hamster wheel? In this episode, Mike O'Neill sits down with Markus Neukom — a guy who's done it all... sales, HR, headhunting, government work, and now he's guiding high-achievers who've "made it" but still feel like something's missing. Here's what you'll learn: • How to recognize when you've become a hamster instead of a human being (yeah, it's a thing) • Why that nagging voice asking "is this it?" is actually your soul trying to get your attention • The difference between quiet, stillness, and breakthrough — and how to access all three • A simple question you can ask yourself TODAY that might change everything • How imposter syndrome is actually a compliment from life (Markus breaks this down beautifully) • The "deconstruction process" that helps you understand what's REALLY made you successful... so you can do it again Markus doesn't show up with another strategy deck or some corporate BS. He creates space for leaders to think differently. And in that space? Real transformation happens. Mike brings his signature blend of curiosity and practicality to this conversation... pulling out insights that'll hit you right in the chest. If you've ever felt like you're running faster just to keep up... or wondered if there's more to leadership (and life) than checking boxes... this one's for you. Buckle up. This conversation goes DEEP. Find all the show notes and links here:  https://www.unstuck.show/229

    36 min
4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

We're interviewing inspiring business leaders to uncover tips - and tools - to help you break down the barriers that are keeping... you.... stuck.