The Partnership Guys

Steven Schneider, Todd Leonardis, Rob Stolker
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship

Most business problems are really people problems—especially when it comes to partnerships. Whether it’s your co-founder, a key vendor, or even your top customer, misalignment can cost you time, money, and sanity. The Partnership Guys Podcast helps you fix that. This is the show for entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders who know relationships drive results. Steven, Todd, and Rob have built multi-million dollar companies and navigated the full spectrum of business partnerships—from co-owners and teams to clients and collaborators. They’ve had the tough talks, survived the ego clashes, and figured out how to make business relationships actually work. Each week, they share honest conversations, practical frameworks, and battle-tested lessons to help you communicate clearly, build trust faster, and turn every partnership into a strategic advantage. If you work with people, this podcast is for you. Subscribe and make your partnerships work better. Hosted by Steven Schneider, Todd Leonardis, and Rob Stolker

  1. 8h ago

    Can You Rebuild Trust After It’s Been Broken?

    What happens when the person you built the business with becomes the person you trust the least? Most partnerships don’t collapse because of one big betrayal. They unravel through a thousand small moments. A broken commitment here. A hidden agenda there. A conversation that never really gets resolved. In this episode, The Partnership Guys tackle one of the most important and uncomfortable topics in business: trust. Drawing from decades of experience, they share real stories of partnerships that thrived because trust was protected, and others that failed because trust was neglected. They explore why trust rarely breaks overnight, the warning signs most partners miss, and what it actually takes to rebuild trust once cracks begin to form. If you've ever felt tension growing between you and a business partner, this conversation could change the future of your business. Trust takes years to build. Losing it can happen faster than you think. What You Will Learn in This EpisodeHow to identify the early warning signs that trust is starting to erodeHow to rebuild trust through actions instead of empty apologiesHow to create transparency before problems become partnership-ending conflictsHow to have difficult conversations without damaging the relationshipHow to recognize when frustration is becoming personalHow to use vulnerability to strengthen trust instead of weaken itHow to create a culture of ownership that protects the partnershipQuestions AnsweredWhy does trust break down between business partners?Can trust really be rebuilt once it's damaged?What behaviors destroy trust the fastest?Why do some successful businesses fail despite making money?How do hidden agendas impact a partnership?What role does communication play in rebuilding trust?How do you know when trust has crossed the point of no return?What practical steps can partners take to restore confidence in each other?Listen now and learn how to protect the foundation of every successful partnership. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you got value from this conversation, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. It helps more people discover the show.

    18 min

  2. Jun 23

    Can You Build a Stronger Partnership Through Burnout?

    What happens when one partner is running on empty while the other is still firing on all cylinders? Most entrepreneurs think burnout is a personal problem. The Partnership Guys argue it's a partnership problem. When one partner starts showing up frustrated, disengaged, impatient, or overwhelmed, the ripple effects can impact the entire business. In this episode, Todd, Steven, and Rob dive into a challenge every long-term partnership will eventually face: uneven energy levels. They share hard-earned lessons from decades of business ownership, painful partnership failures, and successful partnerships that have stood the test of time. The conversation explores why burnout doesn't always look the way people expect, how great partners recognize the warning signs before the person experiencing them does, and why support is one of the greatest strengths a partnership can offer. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, unsupported, or worried about a partner who seems different lately, this episode offers a powerful reminder: the best partnerships aren't built during the easy seasons. They're proven during the hard ones. What You Will Learn in This EpisodeHow to recognize the hidden signs of burnout before they damage your partnershipHow to communicate when you're overwhelmed without letting ego get in the wayHow to support a partner who is struggling without creating resentmentHow to navigate different seasons of life while protecting the businessHow to build a partnership culture where asking for help becomes a strengthHow to create the trust that allows partners to carry each other through difficult timesHow to turn burnout from a threat into an opportunity to strengthen your relationshipQuestions AnsweredWhat does burnout actually look like in a business partnership?Why do some partners recognize burnout before the person experiencing it?How should you approach a partner who seems overwhelmed or disengaged?What role does communication play in preventing partnership breakdowns?Why doesn't taking time away always solve burnout?How can partners support each other through difficult personal seasons?What separates healthy partnerships from unhealthy ones during times of stress?How do great partnerships survive burnout while others fall apart?Listen now and learn how to strengthen your partnership when life and business get hard. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you got value from this conversation, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. It helps more people discover the show.

    20 min

  3. Jun 16

    Could You Build a Better Business by Building a Better Friendship?

    Can you build a successful business partnership without building a friendship? Most entrepreneurs focus on roles, responsibilities, and revenue when they think about partnerships. But what if the real competitive advantage isn't found in a contract or operating agreement? What if it's found in the relationship itself? In this episode, The Partnership Guys explore a question many business owners never stop to ask: what happens when business partners become genuine friends? Todd, Steven, and Rob share personal stories about partnerships that evolved into lifelong friendships, partnerships that never did, and the surprising impact those relationships had on trust, communication, conflict, and long-term success. They reveal why friendship isn't required to start a partnership, but why it can become one of the most valuable assets a business ever develops. If you've ever struggled through difficult conversations, felt disconnected from a partner, or wondered why some partnerships thrive while others collapse, this conversation may challenge the way you think about business relationships. What You Will Learn in This EpisodeHow to build trust and friendship after becoming business partnersHow to separate business disagreements from personal relationshipsHow to create stronger commitment during difficult timesHow to have conversations about difficult topics without damaging the relationshipHow to strengthen a partnership outside of the officeHow to assume positive intent when challenges ariseHow to support your partner's goals while advancing the businessHow to create a partnership culture focused on solving problems togetherQuestions AnsweredDo business partners need to be friends to succeed?What are the benefits of friendship in a business partnership?How can partners build friendship over time?Why do some partnerships never develop trust?How does friendship change the way partners handle conflict?What makes difficult conversations easier in long-term partnerships?Can spending time together outside work improve business results?How do successful partners stay focused on the problem instead of each other?Listen now and discover why the strongest partnerships are often built on something much deeper than business. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you got value from this conversation, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. It helps more people discover the show.

    15 min

  4. Jun 9

    Why You Need Someone Who Thinks Differently Than You

    Are you trying to make your business partner work exactly the way you do? Most entrepreneurs believe alignment means thinking alike. The Partnership Guys challenge that idea head-on. In this episode, Steven, Todd, and Rob unpack one of the biggest mistakes partners make: treating different work styles as a problem instead of an advantage. From fast-moving visionaries to methodical analyzers, every successful partnership is built on complementary strengths, not identical personalities. The conversation explores how partners can stop judging each other through their own lens, communicate more effectively, and build trust around their differences instead of fighting them. They also share personal stories about partnerships that succeeded, partnerships that failed, and the lessons they learned about embracing different perspectives. The real breakthrough came when they stopped trying to change each other and started getting curious instead. If you've ever been frustrated by the way your partner communicates, makes decisions, or approaches problems, this episode may completely change the way you see your partnership. What You Will Learn In This EpisodeHow to turn different work styles into a competitive advantageHow to identify the strengths hidden behind your partner's frustrating habitsHow to communicate in a way your partner can actually hear and appreciateHow to use personality differences to improve decision-makingHow to build trust by approaching disagreements with curiosity instead of criticismHow to create roles and responsibilities around strengths rather than preferencesHow to avoid the ego traps that damage otherwise healthy partnershipsQuestions AnsweredWhy do different work styles create conflict in partnerships?Can partners be too similar?How do successful partners handle major personality differences?What should you do when your partner approaches problems differently than you do?How can personality assessments improve communication?Why do some partnerships thrive because of their differences while others fail because of them?How do you support your partner's approach when you disagree with it?What role does curiosity play in building trust?Listen now and discover why your partner's differences may be the very thing helping your business succeed. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you got value from this conversation, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. It helps more people discover the show.

    19 min

  5. Jun 2

    The One Thing You Must Fix Before Any Partnership Will Work

    What if the biggest problem in your partnership… is you? Most entrepreneurs spend years searching for the “right” business partner while ignoring a harder question: are they the kind of partner anyone actually wants to work with? In this episode, The Partnership Guys flip the conversation and challenge the mindset that destroys more partnerships than bad strategy ever could. Todd, Steven, and Rob unpack the self-awareness, trust, accountability, and humility required to build partnerships that actually last. They share painful lessons from failed partnerships, the warning signs most people ignore, and why defensiveness quietly kills growth. This conversation gets honest about ego, communication, blame, and what happens when partners stop trying to “win” and start trying to support each other instead. Because great partnerships are not built by perfect people. They are built by people willing to work on themselves. What You Will Learn in This EpisodeHow to become the kind of partner people trust and want to work withHow to identify the behaviors that create friction in partnershipsHow to build trust through consistency and accountabilityHow to communicate without creating unnecessary dramaHow to stop defensiveness from damaging your business relationshipsHow to recognize when ego is sabotaging growthHow to support your partner without controlling themHow to create partnerships that are productive, profitable, and actually enjoyableQuestions AnsweredWhy do so many business partnerships fail even when the business succeeds?What makes someone a trustworthy partner?How does self-awareness impact business relationships?Why does defensiveness destroy partnerships?What role does ego play in conflict between partners?How can partners work through frustration without blaming each other?What does a healthy, supportive partnership actually look like?Why is being coachable so important in business?Listen now and learn how to become the kind of partner who builds trust, creates momentum, and helps partnerships thrive. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you got value from this conversation, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. It helps more people discover the show.

    17 min

  6. May 26

    Why You’re Building the Wrong Business With the Right Partner

    What if the biggest threat to your partnership isn’t money, strategy, or growth… but the life you secretly want outside the business? In this episode, The Partnership Guys unpack the idea of “fundamental focus” and why most business partners never talk about the personal priorities driving their decisions. One partner wants freedom. Another wants family time. Another wants fulfillment. The problem? Most partnerships are built around revenue goals instead of life goals. Steven, Todd, and Rob share personal stories about missed conversations, painful partnership lessons, raising families while building companies, and why the healthiest businesses are designed around the people building them. This conversation gets real fast, because when partners ignore what truly matters to each other, resentment eventually shows up somewhere else. The best partnerships are not just built to grow businesses. They are built to build better lives. What you will learn in this episodeHow to identify your true “fundamental focus” outside of businessHow to structure a partnership around life goals instead of just revenue goalsHow to avoid hidden resentment between business partnersHow to create work-life integration instead of chasing balanceHow to support your partner without sacrificing business performanceHow to revisit priorities as life changes over timeHow to build deeper trust through vulnerable conversationsQuestions answeredWhy do successful partnerships still fall apart?What should partners talk about before building a business together?How do personal goals affect business decisions?What happens when partners never discuss life priorities?Why is work-life balance the wrong goal?How do great partners support each other through different seasons of life?How often should partners realign their priorities?Listen now and learn how to build a partnership that supports your business and your life. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you got value from this conversation, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. It helps more people discover the show.

    19 min

  7. May 19

    How Conflict Can Actually Save Your Partnership

    What if the thing you’re avoiding in your partnership is the exact thing that could make it stronger? Most business partners treat conflict like a warning sign. But Todd, Steven, and Rob argue the opposite. Healthy conflict might be one of the biggest competitive advantages a partnership can have. In this episode, they unpack why disagreements are inevitable, why avoiding tough conversations quietly destroys trust, and how the best partnerships learn to turn friction into growth. They share real stories from decades of working together, painful lessons from failed partnerships, and the mindset shift that changes conflict from something personal into something productive. Because great partnerships are not built by agreeing on everything. They are built by learning how to disagree well. If you work closely with business partners, co-founders, leadership teams, or key relationships, this conversation might completely change how you think about conflict. What You Will Learn in This EpisodeHow to turn disagreements into better business decisionsHow to address conflict before resentment starts buildingHow to separate ego from productive conversationsHow to create trust through honest communicationHow to use different perspectives as a competitive advantageHow to recognize when avoiding conflict is hurting your partnershipQuestions AnsweredWhy do healthy partnerships still have conflict?What makes conflict destructive versus productive?Why do some partnerships grow stronger through disagreements?How can partners challenge each other without making it personal?What happens when partners avoid hard conversations for too long?Why is trying to “win” the wrong goal in conflict?Listen now and learn how to strengthen your partnership through honest conversations and healthy conflict. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you got value from this conversation, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. It helps more people discover the show.

    14 min

  8. May 12

    The Moment You Start Counting, You Start Losing

    What happens when business partners stop keeping score... and start trying to outgive each other instead? Most partnerships don’t fail because of bad strategy. They fail because resentment quietly takes over. One partner feels unsupported. The other feels unappreciated. Suddenly every conversation becomes a silent competition over who’s doing more. In this episode, The Partnership Guys break down the powerful “60-40 Rule,” a mindset that helped Todd and Steven build a 25-year partnership through business pressure, family struggles, life changes, and personal challenges. Instead of demanding equality every day, they learned how generosity, trust, and support create partnerships that actually last. This conversation gets honest about resentment, scorekeeping, burnout, flexibility, and why the healthiest partnerships are built by people asking one simple question: “How can I help more?” If you work with people, this episode will challenge the way you think about partnership. What you will learn in this episodeHow to stop scorekeeping before it quietly destroys trustHow to support a partner when life pulls their focus awayHow to create a culture of generosity inside your businessHow to build long-term balance instead of chasing daily equalityHow to strengthen loyalty through flexibility and communicationHow to shift from “me versus you” into a true team mindsetHow to recognize the warning signs of resentment earlyQuestions AnsweredWhy is 50-50 partnership unrealistic?What is the 60-40 Rule?How does scorekeeping damage a business relationship?Why do great partnerships thrive during difficult seasons?What causes resentment between business partners?How do healthy partners handle imbalance over time?Why is generosity so important in leadership and partnership?How do strong partnerships create stronger company culture?Sound Bite“The healthiest partnerships are built by the partners asking, ‘How can I help more?’ instead of ‘Am I doing more?’” Approx. Timestamp: 18:10 Listen now and learn how to strengthen your partnership. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you got value from this conversation, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review. It helps more people discover the show.

    20 min
See All (29)

About

Most business problems are really people problems—especially when it comes to partnerships. Whether it’s your co-founder, a key vendor, or even your top customer, misalignment can cost you time, money, and sanity. The Partnership Guys Podcast helps you fix that. This is the show for entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders who know relationships drive results. Steven, Todd, and Rob have built multi-million dollar companies and navigated the full spectrum of business partnerships—from co-owners and teams to clients and collaborators. They’ve had the tough talks, survived the ego clashes, and figured out how to make business relationships actually work. Each week, they share honest conversations, practical frameworks, and battle-tested lessons to help you communicate clearly, build trust faster, and turn every partnership into a strategic advantage. If you work with people, this podcast is for you. Subscribe and make your partnerships work better. Hosted by Steven Schneider, Todd Leonardis, and Rob Stolker

Information

  • Creator
    Steven Schneider, Todd Leonardis, Rob Stolker
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Steven Schneider, Todd Leonardis, Rob Stolker