Building Great People

The Press
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Leadership is rarely neat, and the real lessons often come far from the pages of books or the walls of seminar rooms. Join us as we uncover stories of imperfection, problem-solving, and growth from leaders who’ve learned the hard way. Through candid conversations, we explore how mistakes can lead to breakthroughs, fostering stronger teams and better decision-making. This is leadership in the real world—unfiltered, unpolished, and full of valuable insights you can apply today.

Episodes

  1. 12/22/2025

    Don’t Oppress Yourself — The Asset Mindset with Daniel Fielding

    What does it truly mean to take ownership of your life, your mindset, and your leadership?   In this episode of Building Great People, we sit down with Daniel Fielding, founder of The Asset Mindset, to unpack what it looks like to live with purpose, responsibility, and grace. From his upbringing and military service to his mission of helping people stop oppressing themselves mentally, this conversation challenges us to rethink leadership from the inside out.   We talk about: • Why you are your greatest asset • The balance of grace and accountability in leadership • How environment and contribution shape who we become • What it means to free yourself from limiting beliefs   This episode is about more than success — it’s about becoming the kind of person others can depend on.   🔗 Learn more about Daniel and The Asset Mindset: https://www.theassetmindset.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAssetMindset Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_asset_mindset/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-fielding-the-asset-mindset

    47 min

  2. 11/24/2025

    From Service to Strategy — How Leaders Develop and Inspire Their Teams

    Join us as Joe Shakeenab walks through the experiences and leaders who molded his character, mindset, and discipline. From Ranger School to Special Forces, Joe explains what true leadership looks like: presence, purpose, grit, and service.   If you're looking to become a stronger leader or inspire the people around you, this episode will challenge and encourage you.   🎙️ 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱. 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.   Stay up to date with all things Press related too by 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: bit.ly/PressNewsletterSignup

    44 min

  3. 10/29/2025

    Purpose, Perseverance & Leadership — Inside the Lives of Student Ambassadors

    In this episode of Building Great People, we sit down with The Press's Student Ambassadors — CiCi, Gage, and JT — who are also full time Austin Peay State University students, to talk about what it really means to grow as a leader. From managing a real investment portfolio to rediscovering purpose after setbacks, their stories reflect the power of faith, perseverance, and showing up every day with intention.   You’ll hear real advice for students and professionals alike on balancing empathy with accountability, making mistakes, and being present in the process.   🎙️ 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱. 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.

    45 min

  4. 10/08/2025

    From Cleats to Careers — How Leaders Can Truly Understand Their Teams

    In this episode of Building Great People, we sit down with Reagan Prather, an experienced coach and adjunct faculty member at Austin Peay State University, who works with youth athletes and executive coaching students. She explains why sports are uniquely powerful for building character, how focusing on nurturing roots (skills, relationships, process) beats obsessing over wins, and how coaches and managers can help young people translate athletic lessons into careers and life.   Expect practical examples about mental performance, building trust, handling failure, and improving coach-player communication.   🎙️ 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱. 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.

    43 min

  5. 08/22/2025

    From Idea to Action: Beating Analysis Paralysis & Building a Business that Lasts

    Dave Dessauer, Director of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at Austin Peay, joins Building Great People to unpack what new owners really face: fear, grit, accountability—and why starting small is often the smartest move. He explains TSBDC’s no-cost 1:1 advising and training, who qualifies, and the realistic timeline most businesses need to find traction.   We also tackle analysis paralysis, realistic funding expectations, and why “freedom” in business isn’t what you think.   🎙️ 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱. 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.   𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀!   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepressclarksville Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepressclarksville/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/the-press-clarksville

    36 min

  6. 07/16/2025

    Leading with Joy: Pamela Holz on Empathy, Growth, and Purpose

    Pamela Holz, Executive Director of the Association for Corporate Growth Tennessee, doesn’t just walk into a room — she lights it up. But behind her joyful presence is a deep leadership philosophy built on connection, empathy, and the belief that everyone matters.   In this heartfelt episode of Building Great People, Pamela reflects on her roots as a teacher, her love for people, and how she helps high-powered business leaders stay grounded in humanity. She and Rylan Kean dive into the power of empathy, the danger of transactional relationships, and the simple act of asking someone their name.   They explore how volunteering, committee work, emotional intelligence, and even a fast-food background can shape better business leaders. From navigating tough conversations to inspiring others to do more than they believed possible, this conversation will stick with you.

    45 min

  7. 05/14/2025

    When Plans Fail, Character Leads – Leadership Lessons from Mark Blaze

    In this episode of Building Great People, we sit down with Mark Blaze—an accomplished Chief Revenue Officer known for driving sales, leading strategic initiatives, and building cultures that thrive. With decades of experience in market expansion, P&L management, and team leadership, Mark unpacks the personal side of executive leadership: staying calm in crisis, leading with empathy, and empowering others to grow. Whether you're scaling a business or leading a team, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom.

    42 min

  8. 04/24/2025

    Leadership Is a Skill — Here’s How to Train It Like a Green Beret

    Episode 3 of Building Great People features Nick Lavery — active-duty Green Beret, keynote speaker, coach, and CEO. A best-selling author and member of The Press, Nick shares a powerful story of grit, leadership, and resilience. With nearly 20 years in Special Forces, Nick offers deep insights on mission planning, problem-solving, and what it means to truly lead — at work and at home. He opens up about balancing military life with entrepreneurship, and why failure is often the best teacher. His leadership philosophy? Lead with values Care deeply Stay humble “People follow you based on who you are and what you represent.”  This episode is a masterclass in grit, growth, and grounded leadership. Whether you’re a CEO, a team lead, or someone simply trying to make an impact—you don’t want to miss this conversation.

    48 min

  9. 03/05/2025

    Building Great People (2) - Emily Springer

    What if your biggest fear wasn’t failure—but never taking the leap at all?   In this episode of Building Great People, we sit down with Emily, founder of Asulon Collective, Downtown Clarksville’s newest craft coffee shop. Emily’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to serving people—one cup at a time.   Growing up on a 125-acre hay farm in Florida, Emily learned the power of hospitality from her grandparents, whose door was always open to others. That foundation of generosity shaped her passion for creating a “third place”—a welcoming space outside of home and work where people can connect, rest, and belong.   After moving to Nashville in 2016, Emily started her career in coffee at a nonprofit coffee shop, where she discovered how something as simple as a cup of coffee can foster deep conversations and meaningful relationships. Now, as a business owner, she’s dedicated to building a team culture rooted in care, creativity, and purpose—without losing sight of her values.   In this episode, we dive into: ☕ How Emily overcame the fear of “What If” and took the leap into entrepreneurship 💡 The power of vision casting and staying true to your purpose ❤️ How she’s investing in her team and creating an experience beyond just great coffee 🛠️ Lessons in resilience, leadership, and learning from failure 📖 The faith and community that keep her grounded ➕ Plus so much more!   Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a coffee lover, or someone looking for inspiration to chase your dreams, Emily’s story is one you don’t want to miss.

    43 min

  10. 02/20/2025

    Building Great People (1) - Leo Millan

    In the very first episode of Building Great People, host Rylan Kean sits down with none other than Leo Millan, a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Leo shares his journey—from overcoming challenges to building businesses and giving back through the Millan Foundation. His insights on leadership, faith, and service are ones you don’t want to miss.

    43 min

  11. 02/03/2025

    Building Great People (0) - Welcome

    Leadership - Redefined. Powered by The Press.

    18 sec
  • 11 Episodes

About

Leadership is rarely neat, and the real lessons often come far from the pages of books or the walls of seminar rooms. Join us as we uncover stories of imperfection, problem-solving, and growth from leaders who’ve learned the hard way. Through candid conversations, we explore how mistakes can lead to breakthroughs, fostering stronger teams and better decision-making. This is leadership in the real world—unfiltered, unpolished, and full of valuable insights you can apply today.

Information

  • Creator
    The Press
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Building Great People