The CEO Shift

Shawndel Spader
  • 5.0 (3)
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The CEO Shift is a leadership podcast for CEOs, agency owners, and founders ready to think differently about how they lead, grow, and scale. Hosted by Shawndel Spader of Spader Group, each episode features real conversations with experienced CEOs, authors, and industry experts who share the mindset shifts that helped them move from reactive to intentional leadership. This is not about doing more. It is about leading better. From decision-making and team development to profitability, systems, and mindset, The CEO Shift explores what it actually takes to build a business that works for you, not because of you. If you are ready to stop spinning your wheels and start leading with clarity, confidence, and purpose, this podcast is for you. Follow The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

  1. 1H AGO

    How to Scale with Less Stress with Stephen Woessner

    Is fear keeping you from fully stepping into your zone of genius? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Stephen Woessner to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Stephen Woessner: Stephen Woessner is the CEO of Predictive ROI and the bestselling author of Sell With Authority. He has spent years helping agencies niche down, build authority, and build scalable businesses that do not rely on the founder as the product. In this conversation, you will learn: - Why niching down unlocks scalability and profitability - Shifting your mindset around sales - Embracing discomfort as part of leadership - Getting radically clear on who you serve, and who you do not - Why the best CEOs stay curious - Why set it and forget it is the most dangerous marketing approach - How authority-led marketing compounds over time Who this episode is for: Agency owners, consultants, and authority-led CEOs who want to stop trading time for dollars and start building a scalable, focused business. Connect with Stephen Woessner: Website: https://predictiveroi.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenwoessner/ Resources: https://predictiveroi.com/resources/ About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/

    23 min

  2. 3D AGO

    How to Build Alignment into Your Business Strategy with Karley Cunningham

    What if the chaos in your business is not about people, but about alignment? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Karley Cunningham to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Karley Cunningham: Karley Cunningham is the founder of Big Bold Brand and the creator of the Surefire Method. She helps CEOs align values, vision, team, and operations so their brand becomes a strategic engine rather than a marketing afterthought. In this conversation, you will learn: - Transforming trial-and-error growth into sustainable momentum - The Surefire Method for business alignment - Aligning values, vision, team, and operations - Why alignment protects profit, people, and potential - Removing the head-and-shoulders burden from the CEO role - How brand strategy drives operational clarity - Building systems that everyone on the team can own Who this episode is for: CEOs and founders who feel like their business is pulling in ten directions and are ready to realign everything around one clear, bold strategy. Connect with Karley Cunningham: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karleycunningham/ Freebie: https://karleycunningham.substack.com/ About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/

    21 min

  3. MAY 15

    How to Build a Digital Marketing Plan That Actually Works with Corey Morris

    Is your marketing plan actually driving ROI, or just draining your budget? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Corey Morris to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Corey Morris: Corey Morris is an agency owner, industry writer, and bestselling author of The Digital Marketing Success Plan. He is known for helping CEOs replace reactive marketing with accountable, documented strategies built around real ROI. In this conversation, you will learn: - Moving from reactive marketing to a results-driven strategy - Treating marketing as an investment, not a line item - Connecting campaigns to real ROI - Corey's START planning method for documented marketing plans - Avoiding costly missteps with accountable strategy - Why agile, documented plans outperform big annual binders - How CEOs should show up in their own marketing Who this episode is for: CEOs, agency owners, and marketing leaders who want their marketing spend tied to measurable results instead of hope and vibes. Connect with Corey Morris: Website: https://voltage.digital Book and Free Tools: https://thedmsp.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreymorris/ X: https://x.com/coreydmorris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digital.coreymorris/ About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/

    21 min

  4. MAY 12

    Niche Down, Level Up: How Focused CEOs Scale Faster with Erik Jensen

    What if saying no to the wrong clients is the fastest way to scale? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Erik Jensen to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Erik Jensen: Erik Jensen is co-owner of Predictive ROI and a long-time strategist for agencies looking to niche down, sharpen their positioning, and grow with less chaos. He is the co-architect of the Sell With Authority philosophy used by agencies across North America. In this conversation, you will learn: - How niching down transforms sales, operations, and retention - Why focus creates shorter sales cycles and better margins - Aligning a team around a clear niche - Building confidence across client-facing teams - Finding your business sweet spot as an agency owner - How saying no creates space to scale with less chaos - Why increased retention begins with the right client fit Who this episode is for: Agency owners and consultants trying to grow past the generalist trap and build a focused, authority-led business that commands premium fees. Connect with Erik Jensen: Website: https://predictiveroi.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-jensen-b9946068/ Free Resources: https://predictiveroi.com/resources/ About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/

    27 min

  5. MAY 12

    Give From Overflow: A Relationship Shift for CEOs with Charmaine Heard

    Give from overflow. That single phrase from Charmaine Heard might be the most quietly radical leadership insight every CEO needs to hear right now. In this episode of The CEO Shift, Shawndel Spader The CEO Shift | Charmaine Heard Content Package | Page 4 sits down with Charmaine, CEO of Charmaine Heard, Inc., a multi-credentialed international Relationship Intelligence Coach and author of The Courage to Rise. After 16 years in executive leadership, Charmaine now helps individuals, teams, and organizations build trust, resilience, and effective communication through healthier relationships, both with others and with themselves. In this conversation, you'll hear: • Why healthy relationships are an underrated strategic asset  • The difference between giving from an empty cup and giving from overflow • How to take care of yourself first without the narrative that you are being selfish • Why the health of your organization is the collective health of every person in it • How to identify and move through relational barriers like resentment and lack of boundaries • Why bringing your whole self to work is a gift, not a liability If you are a CEO or agency owner who has been running on empty and calling it leadership, this is your invitation to lead from a fuller place. Connect with Charmaine at charmaineheard.com or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/charmaine-heard-18b084186  Her book, The Courage to Rise, is available now. Learn more about The CEO Shift at spadergroup.com/ceo-shift and subscribe to have new episodes delivered straight to your inbox.

    23 min

  6. MAY 8

    AI and Profit Planning to Future-Proof Business with Rick Whittington

    Can you run a more profitable agency in the age of AI without losing your humanity? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Rick Whittington to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Rick Whittington: Rick Whittington is the founder of a long-running marketing agency with 18+ years of experience. He is known for adapting the Profit First methodology to agency life and for teaching CEOs how to integrate AI without replacing human strategy. In this conversation, you will learn: - From accidental entrepreneur to intentional, profit-focused CEO - Adapting the Profit First methodology for an agency - Using AI to close skill gaps without replacing human strategy - Staying relevant in a fast-changing marketing landscape - Practical profit planning for CEOs and agency owners - How to audit your agency's profitability before it becomes a problem - Hiring and planning decisions that actually move the needle Who this episode is for: Agency owners and CEOs who want to future-proof their business with smarter financial planning, AI-assisted workflows, and a clear, profit-first operating model. Connect with Rick Whittington: Website: https://rickwhittington.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickwhittington/ About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/

    25 min

  7. MAY 5

    Strategic Hiring for CEOs with Sue MacArthur

    Tired of hiring the wrong people, or losing the right ones? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Sue MacArthur to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Sue MacArthur: Sue MacArthur is a strategic talent consultant who helps CEOs and agency leaders build hiring systems that actually work, moving beyond gut instinct to role clarity, culture fit, and long-term retention. In this conversation, you will learn: - Why most hiring goes wrong and what to do instead - How to build a role the right way before you post it - Finding people who perform and actually stick around - Why gut instinct alone leads to expensive hiring mistakes - Understanding culture as the first step to attracting talent - How to evaluate candidates for values, not just skills - Setting up new hires to succeed from day one Who this episode is for: CEOs and agency leaders who are done with expensive hiring mistakes and want a repeatable process for finding, hiring, and keeping the right people. Connect with Sue MacArthur: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suemacarthur/ About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/

    20 min

  8. MAY 1

    Become the Go-To Expert in Your Industry with Lisa Apolinski

    What if you could be the expert everyone refers before they ever Google you? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Lisa Apolinski to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Lisa Apolinski: Lisa Apolinski is a digital storytelling and brand authority expert who helps CEOs and service providers become the trusted go-to voice in their industry through consistent, value-first visibility strategies. In this conversation, you will learn: - How to become the go-to expert in your industry - Building trust, visibility, and credibility as a CEO - The concept of authority power for service businesses - Why consistency matters more than follower counts - Relationship-first visibility for long-term, high-value clients - How to build a brand that gets you referred before you are Googled - Avoiding the trap of chasing vanity metrics on social media Who this episode is for: CEOs, agency owners, and consultants who want to build real authority in their niche instead of shouting into the LinkedIn void. Connect with Lisa Apolinski: Website: https://www.3dogwrite.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaapolinski/ About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The CEO Shift is a leadership podcast for CEOs, agency owners, and founders ready to think differently about how they lead, grow, and scale. Hosted by Shawndel Spader of Spader Group, each episode features real conversations with experienced CEOs, authors, and industry experts who share the mindset shifts that helped them move from reactive to intentional leadership. This is not about doing more. It is about leading better. From decision-making and team development to profitability, systems, and mindset, The CEO Shift explores what it actually takes to build a business that works for you, not because of you. If you are ready to stop spinning your wheels and start leading with clarity, confidence, and purpose, this podcast is for you. Follow The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Information

  • Creator
    Shawndel Spader
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    The CEO Shift