Ready Set Exec: Leadership Podcast

Ready Set Exec Inc.
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Management

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. 15h ago

    Stop Measuring Everything: Why Most KPIs Confuse Teams Instead of Driving Results | Jeff Peduto | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

    In this episode, Jeff Peduto, Founder & Principal Consultant, Strategic Operations Solutions shares insights on how to effectively use KPIs, process improvement, and change management to enhance operational excellence. Discover practical strategies to simplify dashboards, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and implement technology seamlessly. The importance of relevant KPIs that influence decision-makingSimplifying dashboards to focus on what mattersUsing OGSM framework to align strategy and metricsThe role of change management in process improvementAvoiding over-engineering and unnecessary controlsThe impact of company culture on technology adoptionStrategies for effective communication during changeCommon mistakes in operational improvement effortsConnect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/ Patrick Shea LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/ Visit our podcast page: https://readysetexec.com/the-rse-podcast/ Visit our company page: https://www.readysetexec.com Connect with Jeff Peduto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-peduto-mbb-776138/ Visit his company page: https://www.strategicoperationssolutions.com/ Chapters 0:00 Intro and welcome 0:46 KPIs that matter vs. data overload 4:27 Simplifying strategy at Recruitics 6:38 KPIs vs. diagnostic metrics 8:40 Death by meeting 11:56 Efficiency vs. effectiveness 16:47 Top-down processes vs. frontline reality 21:44 Making change stick 25:46 Compliance fatigue and flavor-of-the-month initiatives 28:31 Resistance, AI adoption and trust 38:21 Biggest leadership mistakes in operations 44:25 Monitoring and reviewing processes 46:33 What makes technology implementations succeed 50:00 Culture over tools 55:02 Wrap-up

    Stop Measuring Everything: Why Most KPIs Confuse Teams Instead of Driving Results | Jeff Peduto | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

  2. Oct 30

    Why Great CTOs Own the Business, Not Just the Tech | Andrew Lippert | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

    Andrew Lippert, Founder, Operating Thesis, former CTO of Edmentum and McGraw Hill shares his journey from Navy aviator to tech executive, emphasizing the importance of organizational leadership, strategic use of AI, and managing legacy systems in fast-growing companies. This episode offers insights into balancing innovation with cost optimization and fostering a proactive tech culture. Andrew's transition from Navy to tech leadershipSkills learned in the Navy that apply to businessEvolution of the CTO role towards product centricityStrategic AI adoption and ROIManaging legacy systems and transformation strategiesBalancing velocity and stability in tech organizationsBuilding ownership and accountability in teamsAligning tech and business leadershipCost management and innovation in techFostering a transparent, proactive 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 podcast page: https://readysetexec.com/the-rse-podcast/ Connect with Andrew Lippert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewlippert/ Visit his company page: http://operating-thesis.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Andrew Lippert and his background 169:26:21 Andrew's transition from Navy aviator to tech executive 405:33:01 Skills learned in the Navy that apply to business leadership 538:53:03 The importance of training and organization in the Navy 777:46:23 How Andrew moved into tech and ed tech 1391:39:45 Evolution of the CTO role towards product and business focus 1594:26:25 The impact of AI and how to leverage it effectively 2174:59:45 Transforming legacy systems and managing change 2602:46:25 Best practices for system migration and transformation 3324:59:45 Building and scaling tech teams in fast-growing companies 3877:46:25 The democratization of AI and its risks 4633:19:46 Balancing cost savings with innovation 60749:59:56 Maintaining culture and ownership during rapid scaling 68805:33:16 The importance of continuous talent development 72138:53:17 Fostering a transparent and proactive tech culture 75611:06:37 Closing remarks and key takeaways from Andrew

    Why Great CTOs Own the Business, Not Just the Tech | Andrew Lippert | Ready Set Exec Leadership Podcast

  3. Oct 23

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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

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