Leading In The Dark

Nick Akers
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Leading in the Dark is a podcast dedicated to exploring how no two leadership journeys are alike—shedding light on the lessons, setbacks, and unexpected opportunities that guide leaders to build their unique blueprint for success

  1. 5D AGO

    Nick Akers & Kristen Duhr

    What does it take to re-home over 1,100 dogs a year? In this episode of Leading In The Dark, Nick Akers sits down with entrepreneur Kristen Duhr — founder of Home 2 Home Canine Orphanage and multiple dog-centered businesses across the St. Louis region. Kristen shares: How she built a foster network capable of handling 40+ dogs in a single day The operational realities of rescue logistics Why training dogs is really about training humans The problem with pain-based training methods Missouri’s overpopulation challenges Her upcoming 2026 surgical center focused on spay/neuter, dentals, and heartworm treatment This conversation goes beyond rescue work. It’s about leadership, discipline, systems, and building scalable compassion. If you care about entrepreneurship, impact, or the intersection of structure and heart — this episode delivers.

    30 min

  2. JAN 27

    Nick Akers & Chris Edwards

    In this episode of Leading In The Dark, host Nick Akers sits down with entrepreneur Chris Edwards to unpack a full Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition journey—from corporate finance to consulting, through acquisition, exit, and back to startup life. Chris shares how he acquired a flooring business through a self-funded search, scaled it through operational improvements, and ultimately exited with a remarkable return. More importantly, he opens up about the emotional side of ownership: managing inherited culture, navigating seller dynamics, leading through turnover, and redefining purpose after a successful exit. Now building a new business from scratch, Chris reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership philosophy—and why mastering organic growth is critical before the next acquisition. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring searchers, operators, founders, and anyone wrestling with what comes after success.

    31 min

  3. JAN 20

    Nick Akers & Garth Fasano

    In this episode of Leading In The Dark, Nick Akers sits down with Garth Fasano, President and Co-Founder of RaYnmaker, to explore a leadership journey shaped by entrepreneurship through acquisition and rapid technological disruption. Garth shares how acquiring a traditional outsourced sales business forced him to confront a hard truth: the core business model was on borrowed time. What followed was a bold decision to pivot—shutting down a call center and rebuilding the company as an AI-powered autonomous sales platform for small businesses. This conversation dives into: What searchers and ETA entrepreneurs often underestimate after closing How to evaluate risk when technology is changing faster than your timeline Why small businesses may have a unique advantage in adopting AI The leadership mindset required to act before disruption becomes inevitable A candid, thoughtful episode for founders, operators, and leaders navigating uncertainty—and deciding when to take their biggest swing.

    30 min

  4. JAN 5

    Nick Akers & Savannah Rush

    What does leadership look like when there’s no playbook? In this episode of Leading In The Dark, Nick Akers sits down with Savannah Rush, Managing Partner at Funded Ventures, to explore her journey from engineering at WashU to consulting at McKinsey, earning her MBA at Harvard Business School, and ultimately stepping into the operator seat through entrepreneurship via acquisition (ETA). Savannah shares candid insights on: Why ETA has become one of the most popular paths for MBA graduates The realities of owning and operating a small business Leading teams without industry expertise Building trust after an ownership transition Why small towns may offer some of the greatest opportunities for long-term value creation This conversation pulls back the curtain on leadership in its rawest form — early mornings, imperfect plans, real people, and learning by doing. If you’re curious about entrepreneurship, acquisition, or what it truly means to lead when there’s no manual, this episode is for you.

    29 min

  5. 12/17/2025

    Nick Akers & Rob Mueller

    From Freight Yards to Global Leadership: A Conversation with Robert Mueller of RIM Logistics In this episode of Leading In The Dark, host Nick Akers sits down with Robert Mueller, President of RIM Logistics, for an insightful conversation about leadership, legacy, and navigating an industry undergoing immense global change. Robert shares how his family’s multi-generation history in trucking shaped his worldview, why his father launched RIM Logistics at age 46, and how international experience—from England to Hong Kong—became the catalyst that transformed his own career trajectory. This episode explores:• Building a half-billion-dollar company without private equity• The leadership “punches” that force you to grow• What overseas experience teaches you about grit, humility, and perspective• How to protect culture as a strategic advantage• Why today’s emerging leaders must have a plan, seek mentors, and differentiate themselves It’s a candid, grounded conversation about real leadership in a challenging era—and what it takes to rise above the noise. Listen now and subscribe for more stories from leaders who found clarity in their darkest moments.

    37 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    Nick Akers & Scott Whitt

    Finding Balance, Buying a Business, and Leading Through Risk | Scott Whitt — Triad Clinical Trials Description:In this episode of Leading In The Dark, host Nick Akers sits down with Scott Whitt, Co-Owner & General Manager of Triad Clinical Trials, to explore the uncommon path from Deloitte partner to small-business owner in the clinical research world. Scott shares: What 70-hour consulting weeks taught him — and what they cost The surprising challenges and missteps in buying a healthcare business Why due diligence matters more than most buyers realize How to balance patient safety, FDA expectations, and commercial pressure The truth about growth — and why “steady” beats “scalable” for many owners What it takes to lead in high-stakes environments without losing yourself This conversation is a masterclass in leadership, operational clarity, and entrepreneurship through acquisition — with honest stories about burnout, family trade-offs, and redefining success on your own terms. 🎧 Listen in and learn from Scott’s decade of lessons at the intersection of healthcare, operations, and ownership.

    43 min

  7. 12/01/2025

    Nick Akers & Adam Markley

    In this episode of Leading In The Dark, Nick Akers sits down with Adam Markley — CEO & Founder of PROX Capital Group — for an unfiltered look at entrepreneurship through acquisition, leadership under pressure, and the realities behind signing multi-million-dollar personal guarantees. Adam shares the unconventional journey that took him from failing out of college…to leading global operations…to acquiring companies across the U.S.…to raising a fund that supports other operators on the same path. Together, Nick and Adam explore: What personal guarantees really mean The psychology of risk and resilience Why some operators succeed — and why others end up in bankruptcy What most people overlook in due diligence How intrapreneurial environments unlock talent Why stacking the deck for success matters more than chasing growth How Adam screens operators and underwrites deals The difference between “playing business” and actually running one Adam also shares his standing offer: helping entrepreneurs evaluate deals so they avoid catastrophic decisions and increase their odds of long-term success. Raw. Honest. Tactical.This is a masterclass for anyone interested in business ownership, leadership, or the human side of high-stakes decision-making. Listen now and learn why no deal is infinitely better than a bad deal.

    47 min

  8. 11/19/2025

    Nick Akers & Kimberly Wasney

    In this episode of Leading In The Dark, host Nick Akers sits down with Kimberli Wasney, co-founder of Ripple’s Edge Advisors—a firm helping owners grow their companies with the exit in mind. Kimberli brings a unique blend of operational expertise, business development experience, and emotional awareness to the challenges owners face when preparing to step away from their business. Together, they explore:• Why most owners wait too long to think about exit• The difficult process of separating your identity from your company• How to build a brand that stands on its own—not just on the founder• The step-by-step path to getting out of the day-to-day• Why ETA is becoming a powerful option for seller succession• How culture, values, and leadership continuity shape valuation• What owners can do today to increase their multiple by 1.5x Kimberli’s insights are tactical, empathetic, and grounded in real-world experience across industries—from tech to law firms to manufacturing. If you’re an entrepreneur, operator, searcher, or future seller, this episode is a must-listen. Listen now and subscribe for more conversations with leaders who are navigating the unknown, building in the dark, and leading through uncertainty.

    34 min
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About

Leading in the Dark is a podcast dedicated to exploring how no two leadership journeys are alike—shedding light on the lessons, setbacks, and unexpected opportunities that guide leaders to build their unique blueprint for success

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Akers
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Nick Akers
  • Show Website
    Leading In The Dark