Ready Set Exec: Leadership Podcast

Ready Set Exec Inc.
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

Overview: Welcome to the Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast where executive search meets real leadership stories. Ready Set Exec explores how today’s top executives think, lead, hire, and scale through real conversations with accomplished leaders across sales, marketing, HR, operations, finance, technology, and digital transformation. Each episode features candid discussions with executives, founders, and industry experts who share practical insights on leadership, organizational growth, executive hiring, innovation, and navigating today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. From scaling companies and driving transformation to advancing executive careers and building high-performing teams, Ready Set Exec delivers real-world strategies, lessons learned, and forward-thinking perspectives for leaders shaping the future of business. What to Expect Each Episode: Conversations with Executives: Hear candid stories from accomplished leaders across Ready Set Exec’s network as they share lessons learned, pivotal career moves, and their outlook on the future of leadership. Industry Insights: Explore the trends shaping leadership in the fields Ready Set Exec knows best, how Sales leaders drive growth, how Marketing executives build brand momentum, how HR shapes culture, and how Operations keeps organizations moving. Talent Strategy Deep Dives: John reveals what he's learned about hiring executives who don’t just fit the role but elevate the business, by using a relationship-driven approach. Actionable Takeaways: Whether you’re a CEO, HR leader, or an executive shaping your next move, you’ll walk away with practical insights on attracting, retaining, and thriving as top talent. Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/ Patrick Shea LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExec Are you a C-level Exec and want to be a guest on the podcast ? email sales@readysetexec.com Check out our firm at Readysetexec.com or call us at 737-249-9572

  1. 7h ago

    How AI is Reshaping SEO, Web Presence and Future of Search | Stephan Bajaio | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

    Stephan Bajaio, co-founder of Conductor and expert in web presence intelligence, discusses the future of search, SEO, AI, and how businesses can adapt their digital strategies. Key topics include the impact of AI on search, the importance of foundational content, and building a human-centric approach in digital marketing. Impact of AI on search and SEOImportance of foundational content and authoritySStrategies for adapting to AI-driven searchThe role of human-centric marketing in the digital ageConnect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/ Patrick Shea LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExec Visit our podcast page: https://readysetexec.com/the-rse-podcast/ Connect with Stephan Bajaio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanbajaio/ Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Search and SEO 05:00 The Importance of Quality Content 09:50 Navigating the AI Landscape in Marketing 14:54 Best Practices for Online Visibility 19:52 Building a People-First Culture 29:53 Scaling Companies: Lessons Learned 42:22 The Importance of Offboarding and Reputation Management 44:31 Empowering Employees for Growth 47:03 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 49:20 Challenges in Large Organizations 52:03 The Role of AI in Business Processes 55:10 The Complexity of Attribution in Marketing 59:13 Humanity in Brand Management 01:01:13 The Need for Human-Centric Processes 01:03:56 Balancing Technology and Humanity in Business 01:09:26 The Social Contract Between Companies and Employees

    How AI is Reshaping SEO, Web Presence and Future of Search | Stephan Bajaio | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

  2. Oct 16

    Fitness over 50 for Professional Success | Denis Champagne | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

    In this conversation, John Pezoulas sits down with Denis Champagne, a revenue advisor and strength coach, to explore how physical strength can enhance not just our bodies but also our careers and lives. At 67 years old and a top 1% lifter, Denis brings over 35 years of experience in business development and personal resilience. Together, they delve into the challenges faced by those over 50, addressing ageism in hiring and the importance of mental and physical health. Linking physical strength with business performanceThe importance of muscle for health and cognitionOvercoming ageism in the workplaceThe psychological benefits of strength trainingCreating a new chapter in life after 50The concept of return on life (ROL)The novice effect and motivation in fitnessThe role of discipline and accountability in successThe impact of diet and stress on agingThe importance of community and modeling for healthConnect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/ Patrick Shea LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExec Visit our podcast page: https://readysetexec.com/the-rse-podcast/ Connect with Denis Champagne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denis-champagne/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Denis Champagne and his background 699:57:30 The importance of resilience and physical fitness 1099:57:32 Muscle as a secretory organ and its health benefits 1180:30:52 Starting with small weights to build confidence 1366:37:34 Neglecting health in busy careers and its consequences 1666:37:34 Addressing fears and risks in strength training for older adults 20555:30:57 The novice effect and hormonal benefits of training 22138:50:59 The biological and financial costs of neglecting health 25666:37:43 The connection between physical strength and mental confidence 30083:17:48 The role of calmness and confidence in social interactions 35944:24:38 The concept of return on life (ROL) and life planning 38666:38:05 Helping clients discover their purpose and passion 43972:11:28 Planning for longevity and quality of life 50611:04:55 Discipline and consistent effort in fitness and business 60638:51:52 Reevaluating success and embracing new chapters 64166:38:48 Redefining oneself after setbacks and failures 71194:25:42 The importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences 761111:05:49 Exploring new purpose and curiosity in later life 791944:25:54 The joy of helping others and modeling success 906388:52:56 The importance of working on oneself as well as in business

    Fitness over 50 for Professional Success | Denis Champagne | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

  3. Oct 9

    The Future of HR: How the CHRO Role is Evolving in 2026 | Shari Chernack | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

    In this insightful interview, Shari Chernack discusses the evolving role of the CHRO, the impact of COVID-19 on HR strategies, and how organizations can navigate transformation, workforce planning, and leadership resilience in a rapidly changing environment. The transformation of the CHRO role post-COVIDImpact of AI and offshoring on workforce planningLeadership resilience and managing burnoutStrategies for organizational change and employee buy-inBuilding effective startup teams with equity and cultureConnect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/ Patrick Shea LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExec Visit our company page: https://www.readysetexec.com Visit our podcast page: https://readysetexec.com/the-rse-podcast/ Connect with Shari Chernack Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharichernack/ Chapters 00:00 The Evolving Role of CHROs 10:34 Lessons from Transformations 18:41 Building Resilience in Leadership 26:38 Generational Perspectives in the Workplace 30:24 Workforce Planning and Future-Ready Organizations 39:37 Recruitment Strategies in PE and VC-Backed Companies 46:42 Job Design and Role Clarity in Startups

    The Future of HR: How the CHRO Role is Evolving in 2026 | Shari Chernack | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

  4. Oct 2

    Treating People Well is Your Ultimate Competitive Advantage | Bruno Signacco| Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

    One coffee shop kept Bruno waiting 20 minutes, brought a cold cappuccino, and didn't apologize. The next day, he went to the competitor. They brought it in one minute, hot, with a smile and left a free plate of biscuits he didn't order. He never went back to the first place. That's the whole lesson of this episode in one story. Dr. Bruno Roque Cignacco has spent 30 years researching, consulting, and writing about what he calls compassionate business a framework that proves treating employees, customers, and stakeholders well isn't charity. It's a strategy. It drives retention, innovation, brand reputation, and profit. In this episode, he breaks down why fear destroys performance, why well-paid employees still quit, and why the most important asset in any business isn't technology or capital. It's the human being. About Ready Set Exec: Founded by Managing Partners Patrick Shea and John Pezoulas, Ready Set Exec is a premier North American executive leadership recruitment firm specializing in Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations. We replace hiring chaos with a repeatable process, boasting an average time-to-hire of 39 days and a 100% placement success rate. Chapters: 00:42 Can You Be Compassionate AND Profit-Driven? The Core Question 13:00 Attracting Talent and Investors Through Brand Reputation 21:37 Psychological Safety: Why It Directly Improves Customer Satisfaction 26:17 Fear as a Management Tool: Why It Backfires Completely 34:30 Compassionate Feedback and the Pygmalion Effect 43:14 Why Delighting Customers Eliminates the Need for "Retention." Connect with Ready Set Exec: www.readysetexec.com John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/Patrick Shea LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExecListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6clqPWbF2yFRlsFUOXY0CO?si=UuOAbZeiQMKpgSjV5Od5_gListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ready-set-exec-the-podcast/id1837951413Connect with Bruno Signacco: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-bruno-roque-cignacco-sfhea-0609317/

    Treating People Well is Your Ultimate Competitive Advantage | Bruno Signacco| Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

  5. Sep 25

    How COVID Changed Organizational Culture and HR's Response | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

    In this insightful interview, Dr. Lauran Starr discusses the strategic role of HR, the impact of COVID on organizational culture, and the importance of long-term planning, diversity, and AI integration in the workplace. The perception of HR as a cost center has hampered its ability to influence key business decisions. Traditionally, HR has been relegated to compliance and administrative tasks, but this mindset is outdated. Dr. Lauran Starr emphasizes that HR professionals must advocate for their strategic importance by demonstrating how HR can lead to tangible business results. HR has a unique opportunity to step up, especially in the post-COVID landscape where organizations are re-evaluating their workforce strategies. Leaders must understand that effective HR practices can enhance productivity, reduce turnover, and ultimately increase profitability. HR should not just report to the C-suite; it should be an integral part of the leadership team. Dr. Starr points out that HR must partner with the CEO, COO, and CFO to drive business strategies that include people initiatives. This partnership is essential for fostering a healthy organizational culture that attracts and retains talent. Chapters 00:00 The Role of HR in Business Strategy 03:12 COVID-19: A Missed Opportunity for HR 05:58 Transforming HR from Cost Center to Strategic Partner 09:05 Measuring HR's Impact on Business Outcomes 11:46 Long-Term Planning vs. Short-Term Results 14:47 Navigating the DEI Landscape 17:54 The Future of Inclusion in the Workplace 30:25 Navigating Organizational Dynamics and Diversity 34:53 The Impact of Polarization on Workplace Culture 39:12 AI's Role in Human Resources and Workforce Management 46:05 Reskilling and Upskilling in the Age of AI 51:46 The Importance of Culture in Employee Retention Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/Patrick Shea LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExecVisit our podcast page: https://readysetexec.com/the-rse-podcast/Connect with Dr Lauran Starr Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauranstar/

    How COVID Changed Organizational Culture and HR's Response | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

  6. Sep 18

    How to Survive the AI Marketing Revolution | Melih Oztalay | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

    Here's an exercise Melih Oztalay wants every business owner to do right now. Go to ChatGPT. Ask it to list the top 10 companies it would recommend in your industry. Your company will not be on that list. Then ask it why. It will give you a to-do list. That to-do list is your entire GEO strategy for 2026. Melih has been in marketing since 1987, from the first IBM PCs to the internet, from SEO to AI bots, and his agency has survived every disruption by following one simple principle: the concepts don't change, the tools do. In this episode, he shares his Four A's of Change framework, explains why Google Ads and PPC are now "traditional marketing," and offers three immediately actionable tactics any business can start this week to cut through the noise in the AI era. About Ready Set Exec: Founded by Managing Partners Patrick Shea and John Pezoulas, Ready Set Exec is a premier North American executive leadership recruitment firm specializing in Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations. We replace hiring chaos with a repeatable process, boasting an average time-to-hire of 39 days and a 100% placement success rate. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: Melih Oztalay 1:49 - Humans haven't changed. The tools have. 5:14 - The Four A's of Change framework 15:00 - The Porsche dealership story 16:30 - Predictive vs. reactive: the 2026 marketing shift 17:00 - SEO → AEO → GEO explained 23:06 - Google Ads is now "traditional marketing." 24:25 - Why cold email is dead — and what replaces it 30:42 - Actionable tip #1: Press release marketing 33:30 - Actionable tip #2: ChatGPT JSON/schema for GEO 39:05 - Actionable tip #3: Ask GPT why you're not on the list 40:48 - The marketing skill every new hire needs in 2026 44:05 - How to build a team that learns itself Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/Patrick Shea LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExecListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6clqPWbF2yFRlsFUOXY0CO?si=UuOAbZeiQMKpgSjV5Od5_gListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ready-set-exec-the-podcast/id1837951413Connect with Melih Oztalay: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melihoztalay/

    How to Survive the AI Marketing Revolution | Melih Oztalay | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

  7. Sep 11

    Why Treating Your Team Like "Family" is a Terrible Idea | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

    I treated my team like family. That is a terrible idea. Despite what every leadership book tells you, that is the worst advice ever. Goals first. Team second. Alan Lazaros said that in the first 10 seconds of this conversation. He meant every word of it. Alan is the CEO and co-host of Next Level University, a daily self-improvement podcast with 2,271+ episodes, a 20-person remote team, and coaching clients he's worked with for up to seven years. He came from a tough childhood, no father, went broke starting his business, and built it back on one foundation: old-school fundamentals that most people are too entitled, too distracted, or too afraid to follow. In this episode, he talks about community building, remote leadership, personal branding, and why in a world full of AI bots and fake Instagram jets, the only thing that actually compounds is authenticity. About Ready Set Exec: Founded by Managing Partners Patrick Shea and John Pezoulas, Ready Set Exec is a premier North American executive leadership recruitment firm specializing in Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations. We replace hiring chaos with a repeatable process, boasting an average time-to-hire of 39 days and a 100% placement success rate. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Alan Lazaros & Next Level University 2:35 - Why human connection beats AI as a competitive advantage 3:59 - The AI bot DM story 8:00 - Origin story: no father, going broke, building NLU 13:00 - The 3 buckets: unfulfilled success, broken passion, or both 24:00 - Goals first, team second and why "family" destroys performance 29:12 - Remote leadership: the 4-part framework 36:32 - Metrics, dashboards & the peak performance system 46:32 - Why every business leader needs a personal brand now 51:00 - Real world first, social world second 53:07 - The fake jet industry & why old-school fundamentals still win Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/Patrick Shea LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExecListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6clqPWbF2yFRlsFUOXY0CO?si=UuOAbZeiQMKpgSjV5Od5_gListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ready-set-exec-the-podcast/id1837951413Connect with Alan Lazaros: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/

    Why Treating Your Team Like "Family" is a Terrible Idea | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

  8. Sep 4

    The Psychology of AI Adoption at Work with Dr. Gleb Tsipursky | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

    The Psychology of AI Adoption at Work with Dr. Gleb Tsipursky Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, behavioral scientist, CEO of Disaster Avoidance Experts, and author of eight books including The Psychology of AI Adoption at Work, joins John Pezoulas to unpack why AI rollouts fail even when the technology itself is easy to use. The conversation focuses on the human side of adoption, from fear and identity threat to shame and leadership modeling, plus how those same dynamics shape remote work, bias reduction, and the skills workers will need in the 2030s. Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/ Patrick Shea LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExec Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6clqPWbF2yFRlsFUOXY0CO?si=UuOAbZeiQMKpgSjV5Od5_g Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ready-set-exec-the-podcast/id1837951413 Connect with Dr Gleb Tsipursky https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gleb-tsipursky/ Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Gleb Tsipursky and the psychology of AI adoption01:18 - The biggest mistake leaders make when rolling out AI03:17 - The three emotional blockers behind AI resistance04:17 - Fear, anxiety, and the AI alarmist mindset05:10 - Identity threat and the pragmatic resistor profile06:08 - Shame, social stigma, and shadow AI usage08:33 - Why AI projects fail to produce ROI despite individual productivity gains10:40 - How to spot resistance, malicious compliance, and bad AI outputs12:10 - Building trust with job protection and growth messaging15:31 - Start by automating the tasks people hate most17:51 - Using “squeaky wheel” automation to win adoption22:24 - Leadership modeling and why executives must use AI visibly24:17 - Setting a baseline with training and shared usage norms25:15 - Building asynchronous channels to share AI wins27:56 - How AI can help reduce bias in evaluation and promotion31:52 - Red teaming hiring and workforce data with AI33:44 - Why AI certifications may give way to portfolio-based proof34:39 - The future skill set: creating and managing AI agents39:34 - Why AI adoption pushes companies toward more remote work44:06 - Control-heavy management styles versus AI-enabled productivity46:25 - How leaders can prepare their culture for the next wave of AI49:30 - Which industries and roles will be disrupted first51:53 - How workers can stay competitive by learning AI effectively53:17 - Why regulated and blue-collar roles may stay safer longer#futureofwork #aiadoption #ai #aiatwork #fearofunknown

    The Psychology of AI Adoption at Work with Dr. Gleb Tsipursky | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast
See All (52)

About

Overview: Welcome to the Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast where executive search meets real leadership stories. Ready Set Exec explores how today’s top executives think, lead, hire, and scale through real conversations with accomplished leaders across sales, marketing, HR, operations, finance, technology, and digital transformation. Each episode features candid discussions with executives, founders, and industry experts who share practical insights on leadership, organizational growth, executive hiring, innovation, and navigating today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. From scaling companies and driving transformation to advancing executive careers and building high-performing teams, Ready Set Exec delivers real-world strategies, lessons learned, and forward-thinking perspectives for leaders shaping the future of business. What to Expect Each Episode: Conversations with Executives: Hear candid stories from accomplished leaders across Ready Set Exec’s network as they share lessons learned, pivotal career moves, and their outlook on the future of leadership. Industry Insights: Explore the trends shaping leadership in the fields Ready Set Exec knows best, how Sales leaders drive growth, how Marketing executives build brand momentum, how HR shapes culture, and how Operations keeps organizations moving. Talent Strategy Deep Dives: John reveals what he's learned about hiring executives who don’t just fit the role but elevate the business, by using a relationship-driven approach. Actionable Takeaways: Whether you’re a CEO, HR leader, or an executive shaping your next move, you’ll walk away with practical insights on attracting, retaining, and thriving as top talent. Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/ Patrick Shea LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExec Are you a C-level Exec and want to be a guest on the podcast ? email sales@readysetexec.com Check out our firm at Readysetexec.com or call us at 737-249-9572

Information