The Journey To CEO Success

Patrick Thean

Join us weekly for exclusive guest appearances from mid-market CEOs, where they share valuable insights, real-life experiences, and the challenges they've overcome! A new episode drops every Friday. I am on a mission to help CEOs and company leaders succeed in achieving their dreams. The journey to success is often a messy, unpredictable, and rewarding ride, full of twists, setbacks, and breakthroughs that shape who we become. This podcast shares interesting and unique paths that CEOs are taking. Their journeys are encouraging, with practical lessons for a successful and joyful life.

  1. 1D AGO

    EPISODE #49: A Journey of Education and Community with Dr. Clyne Namuo, Joliet Junior College

    Patrick Thean of Rhythm Systems sat down with Dr. Clyne Namuo, the 10th president of Joliet Junior College, who shares his vision for community engagement, student success, and the importance of joy and purpose in leadership. Discover how his personal story and commitment to first-generation students are shaping a legacy of opportunity and hope. Key Takeaways The importance of community engagement and student successThe impact of personal mission and legacy in leadershipStrategies for supporting first-generation studentsThe role of joy and well-being in effective leadership

    30 min

  2. MAY 1

    EPISODE #48: Flexibility, Resilience, and the Joy of the Journey with Lonni Kieffer and Lyndon Lattie, SmartCert

    In this episode of 'The Journey to CEO Success', Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, engages with ⁠Lonni Kieffer⁠ and Lyndon Lattie, co-founders of SmartCert. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a technology platform that streamlines documentation processes in highly regulated industries. The conversation explores their entrepreneurial journey, the dynamics of working as a married couple, and the importance of communication and flexibility in both business and personal life. The episode concludes with valuable insights on achieving joy and success in leadership. Key Takeaways SmartCert was founded to eliminate paper documentation issues in supply chains.Balancing work and personal life is crucial for success.Business flexibility allows for more opportunities and less stress.Success is defined by solving bigger industry problems.

    25 min

  3. APR 17

    EPISODE #47: Goals, Growth, and Leading With Your Whole Self with William Cason, The Cason Group

    William Cason, President of The Cason Group, didn't join his father's company right out of college, and that honesty alone tells you everything about who he is. In this conversation with Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, William opens up about the spiritual journey that eventually led him to the family business, what it looks like to run a 200-person company with faith at the center, and why he believes culture and purpose aren't soft concepts; they're the business strategy. William leads The Cason Group, a wholesale insurance brokerage founded in 1991 that serves agents and brokers throughout the Southeast. Under his leadership, the company has set a bold 10-year goal: to organically double twice, from $26M to $100M, while remaining privately held, because, as William puts it, whoever owns the company owns the why. Key Takeaways: Define your purpose before you climb. William keeps his personal purpose statement on his desk - "I'll be a focused, accountable man of God who loves and leads by serving my family and others" - as a daily compass. His advice: make sure you're not leaning your ladder against the wrong building.Celebrating is a skill, and it's okay to need help with it. William admits celebration is one of his biggest weaknesses. His solution: build systems and ask trusted people to surface those moments for him. Humble leadership means knowing your blind spots and filling them.Daily disciplines build the foundation. Morning time in Scripture, exercise five to six days a week, 10,000 steps, and daily self-measurement. William tracks what matters, so small adjustments stay small.Culture grows best organically. The Cason Group's 10-year vision is to be "a bigger and brighter light", the best place to work, and the best at what they do, because William believes performance and people are inseparable.Working with family is a calling, not just a convenience. William and his brother run separate entities under a shared family holding company, and it works because the why is shared.

    24 min

  4. APR 3

    EPISODE #46: Fortune Favors the Bold: Passion, Conviction & Trusting Your Gut l Jamie Koff, Fabric To Finish, Inc.

    In this episode of the Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, sits down with Jamie Koff, President and Founder of Fabric to Finish, Inc. Jamie shares her journey from a family legacy in fashion to creating a full-service solution for emerging designers. The conversation explores themes of passion, entrepreneurship, networking, and the importance of self-awareness in business. Jamie emphasizes the significance of understanding one's core customers and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in the industry. Key Takeaways Self-awareness is key in identifying the right customers.Bad experiences can lead to valuable lessons.Work-life balance is essential for joy in business.Trusting your gut can guide you in decision-making.The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs.

    30 min

  5. MAR 20

    EPISODE #44: Success Without Joy Is Short-Lived, Build A Life You Never Want To Escape l Eva Kosanovic, Circle29

    In this engaging conversation, Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, sits down with Eva Kosinovic, co-founder and CEO of Circle 29, about the journey to CEO success. They explore the challenges of digital transformation, the importance of resilience and joy in leadership, and the necessity of being present in the moment. Eva shares her insights on navigating change, empowering teams, and the significance of building relationships that foster joy and success in both personal and professional life. Key Takeaways: Transformation should not come at the cost of employee well-being.Understanding the human element is crucial in change management.Active listening is key to empowering individuals during transformation.Embracing curiosity can lead to personal and professional growth.Success should be defined by joy, not just achievements.

    30 min

  6. MAR 6

    EPISODE #44: Always Lift, Never Quit Mantra With Karen Norheim, CEO of ACECO

    In this episode of the Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, sits down with Karen Norheim, CEO of American Crane and Equipment Corp. They explore Karen's journey in the family business, her passion for manufacturing, and the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in leadership. Karen shares her mantra, 'Always Lift, Never Quit,' and discusses the challenges of navigating a family business while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Key Takeaways Finding passion in work can lead to a fulfilling career.Emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness.STEM skills are essential in modern manufacturing.

    27 min

  7. FEB 20

    EPISODE 43: The Art Of Execution in Entrepreneurship with Wes Mathews, CEO of Stealth Consulting

    In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, sits down with Wes Matthews, Co-Founder and CEO of Stealth Consulting. They explore the challenges entrepreneurs face, particularly in execution versus strategy, the importance of self-awareness and reflection, and the need to prioritize personal values alongside business goals. Wes shares his journey from building a successful marketing agency to creating a consulting firm focused on helping others execute their visions effectively. Key Takeaways: Execution is often the hardest part for entrepreneurs.Self-awareness is crucial for personal and professional growth.Prioritizing personal values can lead to a more balanced life.Investing in oneself is not selfish but necessary for growth.Alignment within a team is key to successful execution.

    26 min

  8. FEB 6

    The Human Edge In An AI World With Greg Gerson, Founder & CEO of Fusion Search Partners

    AI is changing executive search. But technology alone isn’t the advantage; discernment is. In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, sits down with Greg Gerson, of Fusion Search Partners to explore how modern search firms are blending senior-partner judgment with advanced AI to make smarter C-suite decisions. They also shift gears to something just as important: How to live a more joyful and successful life as a CEO. Greg shares why flexibility, curiosity, and disciplined hard work often lead to outcomes better than the ones you originally designed. The most effective leaders don’t cling rigidly to the plan; they evolve it. Key Takeaways: Common hiring mistakes include focusing too much on resumes.A strong company culture is vital for attracting talent.The right core customers enhance business value.If you're building a leadership team or building a life, this conversation will challenge how you think about both.

    28 min
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About

Join us weekly for exclusive guest appearances from mid-market CEOs, where they share valuable insights, real-life experiences, and the challenges they've overcome! A new episode drops every Friday. I am on a mission to help CEOs and company leaders succeed in achieving their dreams. The journey to success is often a messy, unpredictable, and rewarding ride, full of twists, setbacks, and breakthroughs that shape who we become. This podcast shares interesting and unique paths that CEOs are taking. Their journeys are encouraging, with practical lessons for a successful and joyful life.

Information

  • Creator
    Patrick Thean
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Patrick Thean
  • Show Website
    The Journey To CEO Success

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