The Path Less Traveled Podcast

Craig Heatherly
  • 5.0 (8)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED DAILY

Highly successful individuals are always focused on what’s next, but they often don’t take time to reflect on their journey and how far they’ve come. As the podcast host, I uncover the journeys of business leaders, sometimes sharing their stories for the first time.

  1. 3D AGO

    Gene Crusie | CEO/Head Coach, Surf Internet | S3:E17

    Gene Crusie, CEO of Surf Internet, measures success by impact, not just growth. From repairing printers in the 90s to leading a 400-person fiber company across the Midwest, Gene shares how faith, resilience, and a defining wrestling moment shaped his mindset: stop playing not to lose — start playing to win. In this episode, he reflects on bold pivots, investing in people, and the daily reminder he keeps on his desk — a jar of marbles representing the finite days of life. His message is simple: do hard things, lead with intention, and use your day well.

    40 min

  2. FEB 9

    Todd Yeoman | CEO, American Technology Components | S3:E16

    Todd Yeoman, CEO of American Technology Components, doesn’t talk about growth in terms of revenue first, he talks about people. Raised by educators and shaped by coaching, faith, and service, Todd shares how presence, humility, and intentional leadership have guided ATC’s evolution from its roots to a thriving, people-first organization. From designing a workplace that honors associates to leading through listening, continuous improvement, and unity, Todd makes a compelling case that culture isn’t a buzzword—it’s a daily decision.

    38 min

  3. FEB 2

    David Rafinski | Principal, JPR | S3:E15

    Dave Rafinski, Principal at JPR, breaks down why sustainable growth comes from people, not titles or org charts. With over two decades at the firm, he shares how intentional hiring, ownership mentality, and trust-driven leadership helped scale JPR while staying rooted in culture and community. This episode is a must-listen for leaders navigating growth, generational change, and the challenge of building teams that thrive long-term.

    35 min

  4. JAN 26

    Dave Lerman | Chairman of the Board, Lerman Enterprises | S3:E14

    Dave Lerman, Chairman of the Board of Lerman Enterprises, shares why great leadership isn’t about short-term wins or financial exits, but about stewardship, resilience, and building a business that can endure hard seasons. Drawing from decades in a multi-generation family enterprise, Dave reflects on the responsibility of preserving culture, investing in people, and making decisions with the long view in mind. This episode challenges founders, CEOs, and executives to rethink success beyond growth metrics and valuations. From navigating adversity and taking calculated risks on innovation to leading with faith, competitive grit, and humility, Dave offers timeless lessons on staying in the game. His story is a powerful reminder that lasting impact is created through values-driven leadership, commitment to people, and the discipline to build something worth passing on.

    31 min

  5. JAN 19

    Charlton Keultjes | Implementer, EOS Worldwide | S3:E13

    Charlton Keultjes, EOS Implementer and Executive Coach, shares why great leadership isn’t about complexity or control, but about clarity, relationships, and the discipline to do simple things consistently. Drawing from his experience as a CEO and coach, he explains how trust, honest conversations, and alignment at the leadership level create momentum across an organization and why many leaders stay stuck simply because they’ve never slowed down to define what they truly want. This episode challenges founders, CEOs, and executives to cut through noise, stop quitting when things get hard, and think bigger about what’s possible. From implementing EOS to building accountable, high-trust teams, Charlton offers a powerful reminder: sustainable growth starts with clear vision, intentional leadership, and believing in people ... including yourself.

    39 min

  6. JAN 12

    Regina Emberton | CEO, ChoiceLight, Inc. | S3:E12

    Regina Emberton, CEO of Choice Light, shares how collaboration, not control has powered her leadership journey and helped shape Northern Indiana’s economic momentum. From building regional partnerships to leading critical digital infrastructure, Regina reveals why believing in people, investing in connectivity, and embracing continuous learning are essential for leaders navigating growth and complexity. This episode is a must-listen for CEOs who want to lead with clarity, build high-trust teams, and position their organizations and communities for what’s next.

    38 min

  7. JAN 5

    Amy Hill | President & CEO, YWCA North Central Indiana | S3:E11

    Few leaders step into the CEO role with a clear roadmap. Amy Hill, CEO of the YWCA of North Central Indiana, shares how unexpected moments, hard decisions, and trusted mentors shaped her leadership journey. In this conversation, Amy breaks down why effective leaders don’t need all the answers just the discipline to listen, adapt, and ask for help. She reflects on leading through uncertainty, building trust with teams, and using servant leadership, tenacity, and emotional intelligence to move organizations forward. This episode isn’t just for nonprofit leaders. It’s a practical, honest conversation for business leaders navigating growth, pressure, and change and looking to lead with clarity, confidence, and lasting impact.

    32 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    Dr. Dee McDonald | President, Bethel University | S3:E10

    Few leaders enter the presidency with the self-awareness and conviction of Dr. Dee McDonald. Just months into his role as President of Bethel University, he’s focused less on quick wins and more on building trust, shaping culture, and leading with authenticity. From athletics to executive leadership, Dr. Dee breaks down why people choose to be led, how authentic followership changes everything, and why patience, transparency, and faith are essential in moments of uncertainty. This episode goes beyond higher education ... it’s a sharp, honest look at what it takes to lead when the pressure is real and the path forward isn’t clear. If you want insight into purpose-driven leadership that actually lasts, this conversation is worth your time.

    42 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Highly successful individuals are always focused on what’s next, but they often don’t take time to reflect on their journey and how far they’ve come. As the podcast host, I uncover the journeys of business leaders, sometimes sharing their stories for the first time.

Information

  • Creator
    Craig Heatherly
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Path Less Traveled Podcast