Advertise on podcast: The Steward Chair

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Maria Thacker Goethe, President and CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, shares her journey of transitioning from a dedicated "number two" to leading a massive ecosystem through a global pandemic. We explore how a commitment to mission and the guidance of mentors drives meaningful, long-term success even when the original plan is upended. We discuss the critical role of a connector in the life sciences sector, the importance of "work-life harmony" over balance, and why true stewardship means preparing the next generation to lead. This conversation provides actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact. Key Takeaways Purpose Over Tactics: In times of crisis, your "North Star" must be your organizational purpose, allowing your tactics to remain nimble and adaptive. The Responsibility of Mentorship: Leadership is a societal responsibility; investing time in the next generation is essential because no leader is "here forever". Embracing "Ready Enough": You don’t have to feel fully ready to step into a leadership seat; surrounding yourself with a community that believes in you is the key to moving forward through fear. Resources Mentioned Visit https://www.galifesciences.org/ Follow Maria on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariathacker/ Join the Georgia Life Sciences mailing list at: https://www.galifesciences.org/join-the-mailing-list  Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn @ChatWithLeaders. Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Jared Meyers, Founder & CEO of andCo, shares his journey of aligning personal values with professional leadership, exploring how authenticity in business drives meaningful, long-term success. We discuss the often-overlooked emotional costs of inauthentic leadership, why financial outcomes alone are an incomplete measure of success, and how balancing personal identity with professional responsibility leads to healthier leaders and more resilient organizations. Key Takeaways When leaders act differently in business than they do in life, there is an emotional cost that impacts well-being and fulfillment. Authenticity at work restores energy, clarity, and purpose, leading to stronger leadership and healthier cultures. True stewardship requires balancing personal identity with professional responsibility, not separating the two. Resources Mentioned Follow Jared Meyers on social media at LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-meyers/ Follow andCo  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/andcohospitality/ Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn @ChatWithLeaders. Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Producer Thomas Mastrototaro and Lead Editor Daniel Mastrototaro reflect on the past year of conversations with business leaders who exemplify stewardship in action, exploring how choosing care over convenience drives meaningful, long-term success. They discuss key themes that emerged across the year, including why care in leadership costs something, how patience and time shape healthy organizations, and the importance of finding meaning in work while empowering people and communities. These reflections provide practical insight and encouragement for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and lasting impact. Key Takeaways Care over convenience is a common theme among leaders. Care costs something; it requires sacrifice. Care builds people, and places.  Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Masami Sato, Founder & CEO of B1G1, shares her journey from an introverted backpacker to leading a global giving movement, exploring how the power of small, daily acts of kindness drives meaningful, long-term success. We discuss the philosophy of "business as usual" becoming a force for good, the importance of expanding our "family circle," and how integrating micro-impacts can transform company culture. This episode is full of actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact. Key Takeaways The Power of Small: Masami explains how small, consistent contributions—like giving access to water for every cup of coffee sold—can collectively solve massive global challenges. The "Bee" Philosophy of Business: Just as bees pollinate flowers while collecting nectar, businesses can benefit their own growth while naturally enriching the global ecosystem through their daily operations. Expanding the Family Circle: Masami challenges leaders to widen their definition of "family" to include the global community, moving from a mindset of separation to one of connection and collaboration. Resources Mentioned Visit https://b1g1.com/  Follow Masami Sato on social media at LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/masamisato/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sato.masami  Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Christy Kovac, President and CEO of Sheridan Construction, shares her journey of intentional, purpose-driven leadership, exploring how stewardship, employee ownership, and community impact drive meaningful, long-term success. We discuss the importance of intentional succession planning, celebrating employee contributions to strengthen engagement, and building trust with clients to support lasting relationships—providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and creating a thriving legacy. Stay tuned to  Key Takeaways The importance of intentional succession planning to ensure long-term organizational success. How celebrating employee contributions and fostering ownership strengthens engagement and culture. Why building trust and prioritizing community impact creates lasting relationships and a meaningful legacy. Resources Mentioned Visit https://www.sheridanconstruction.com/ Follow Shane on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-kovac-ab801411/ Follow Jackson Healthcare on social media at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheridanconstruction/ Twitter / X: https://x.com/SheridanCo1947 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheridanco1947/ Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Sandy Moll, leader of Advanced Business Solutions, Jeremiah 2911 Capital, and several other ventures, shares her journey of faith-driven leadership, exploring how "chasing God, not busyness" drives meaningful, long-term success. We discuss how Sandy stewards multiple companies while working three days a week, her counter-cultural strategy of growing a business 100% through service, and why she believes "work-life balance" doesn't exist when your work is part of your life's purpose. This conversation provides actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact. Key Takeaways Stewardship Through Surrender: Sandy's leadership is founded on "chasing God". She starts each day in silence, asking God for direction, which allows her to manage numerous responsibilities without being consumed by "busy-ness". Growth Through Service: Advanced Business Solutions has grown entirely through relationships and service, not traditional marketing. Sandy's focus is on serving clients well and asking, "Who else can we help?". Work-Life Integration: Sandy reframes the "work-life balance" debate. She believes that if you are doing the work God put you on earth for, it isn't separate from your life—it's an integrated part of it. Resources Mentioned Visit https://www.abs-core.com/  Follow ABS on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ABSThrive/  Follow Sandy on at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandymoll/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandyJMoll  Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, John Sensiba, retiring CEO of Sensiba, and Monique Ramirez, his successor, share a masterclass on why intentional succession is the ultimate act of stewardship. John shares his journey of leading the firm through two major economic crises by refusing to abandon core values. They explore how the Golden Rule and simple, unwavering priorities—family, community, and firm—drive meaningful, long-term success. We discuss the courage it takes to hand off a legacy gracefully, and how an "eat what you kill" compensation model can destroy culture. We also cover the immense privilege of receiving a planned, six-year leadership transition, providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact. Key Takeaways The Ultimate Act of Stewardship is Succession: A leader’s most important duty is to prepare the organization for the next generation, viewing their role as a "transient caretaker" for the benefit of employees and the community. Values Are Non-Negotiable in Crisis: Establishing simple, clearly articulated priorities (like family, community, and firm in that order) and refusing to abandon values when they become "inconvenient" provides clarity and resilience during financial crises or global pandemics. Culture Over Compensation: The courage to abandon an "eat what you kill" compensation model for a subjective, values-based approach is necessary to cultivate a culture of collaboration, trust, and shared success. Resources Mentioned Visit Sensiba's Website Sensiba B Corp Certification Information Follow John Sensiba on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndsensiba/  Follow Monique Ramirez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicramirez/    Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Jeff speaks with Chris Carneal, the founder and CEO of Booster, the nation's number one school fundraising company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Since 2002, Booster has raised over 1.3 billion for schools. Chris and his family first leadership have also created a collaborative community for leaders at Virtue Village, which is a business hub designed to foster connection and purpose. In this conversation, Jeff and Chris unpack a key distinction that Chris makes between values that are merely timely and virtues that are truly timeless and character building. They’ll also explore what it means to steward your company's culture and people through every season, from unprecedented crisis to flourishing, and show you how courage and gratitude can be your greatest assets when creating a resilient, enduring business. This episode is for every leader who knows that true strength isn't just about what you build, but how you endure. Key Takeaways Shifting from "Values" to Timeless "Virtues" Creates a More Actionable Culture A Strong Cultural Framework Is Essential for Navigating Crisis Intentional Community Is the Antidote to Human Disconnection Resources Mentioned Learn more about Booster: https://www.boosterthon.com/ Virtue Village: https://www.virtuevillage.com/ Virtue Voices Leadership Events: https://www.virtuevoices.com/ Visit https://www.chriscarneal.com/ Book: The Virtue Driven Business by Chris Carneal Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Rob Kuehl, CEO of Maier America, shares his insights on servant leadership and building inclusive company cultures that thrive across global contexts. He reflects on his journey of transforming company culture, investing in his own leadership growth, and staying grounded in values while leading through challenges in a global enterprise. We discuss what it takes to lead with humility, the reality of cultural transformation, and how empathy and active listening create stronger teams and better business outcomes. Key Takeaways Servant leadership is about serving others and fostering a supportive environment. Cultural transformation takes time and persistence. Empathy and active listening are key to effective leadership. Resources Mentioned Visit Maier America: https://www.maieramerica.comFollow Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robkuehl Follow Maier America on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maier-america/ Join the Conversation The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn @ChatWithLeaders.Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Miren Oca, Founder and CEO of Ocaquatics Swim School, shares how she transformed a small backyard business into a certified B Corp and 100% employee-owned swim school. She explores how stewardship, employee ownership, and embedding social responsibility into business can redefine ROI and create ripple effects of impact. We discuss her journey as an “accidental entrepreneur,” the importance of developing people through mentorship and leadership training, and the lessons she learned during COVID that shaped her approach to connection and resilience. Key Takeaways Employee ownership fosters a culture of responsibility and pride. Mentorship programs can significantly impact young team members' lives. Measuring impact is as important as measuring profit. Resources Mentioned Visit https://www.ocaquatics.com/ Follow Miren on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/miren-oca-80561261/ Follow Jackson Healthcare on social media at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ocaquatics-swim-school/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocaquatics/?hl=en Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does making tamales have to do with running a world-class movie studio? In this inspiring conversation, host Jeff Bond sits down with Frank Patterson, President and CEO of Trilith Studios, a name synonymous with the booming film industry in Georgia. Trilith is now the largest production facility in Georgia and the largest purpose-built studio outside of Hollywood. In this conversation, Jeff and Frank unlock the critical importance of leveraging your values to build a purpose-driven community and business. Frank’s leadership journey is defined by connection, creativity, and conscious capitalism. He shares how early influences shaped his philosophy of stewardship, the incredible story behind Trilith's intentional "placemaking," and discusses the future of AI as a tool for human flourishing. This conversation is for every business leader who knows that true competitive advantage isn’t just about what you do, but how you do it. Key Takeaways Stewardship Through Connection: How Frank’s Uncle Oscar used tamales to connect his community, providing a foundational lesson on leadership.  The Power of Empowerment: Why great leaders must be fans of their team's talent and create an environment that empowers them to execute on their ideas.  Building with Purpose: The vision behind Trilith to create a "place,” not just a facility, that cares for the well-being of the creative community.  An Optimistic View of AI: Why Frank believes AI and other emerging technologies are powerful tools that will enhance, not replace, genuine human creativity and connection.  The Leader as a "Rung on the Ladder": A powerful perspective on a leader's obligation to lift up the next generation.  Resources Mentioned Learn more about Trilith https://www.trilith.com/ Trilith was designed by Lew Oliver. Learn more here: https://www.lewoliverinc.com/  Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn @ChatWithLeaders. Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com and eotlproductions.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Curtis Hite, Chairman and CEO, Improving, discusses the essence of stewardship in leadership, emphasizing the importance of a people-first approach and the responsibility leaders have towards their teams and stakeholders. He shares insights on building a strong company culture, navigating global expansion, and the significance of values-driven leadership. We discuss the weight of stewardship as a responsibility to help others flourish, the power of listening to employees to build trust, and how a values-driven approach can be a strategic advantage — providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact. Key Takeaways Stewardship is a heavy responsibility focused on others' flourishing. Listening to employees is key to building trust and engagement. A values-driven approach can be a strategic advantage in business. Resources Mentioned Visit https://www.improving.com/ Follow Curtis on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-hite-a7b228/ Follow Improving on social media at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/improving-enterprises/ Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, John Lauseng, CEO of Aldrich, shares his insights on stewardship and leadership, emphasizing the importance of servant leadership, culture, and the need for rest and disconnection in a high-pressure environment. You’ll hear how John navigated the challenges of leading during the COVID-19 pandemic, the significance of aligning growth with organizational values, and the legacy he hopes to leave as a leader. Key Takeaways Leadership often involves giving opportunities to individuals before they feel ready. During crises, true leadership is tested and revealed. Culture can be a strategic advantage in driving performance. Rest and disconnection are essential for effective leadership. Growth should align with the organization's core values and purpose. Modeling behavior is crucial for encouraging team unplugging. Resources Mentioned Learn more about Aldrich at https://aldrichadvisors.com/ Follow John on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lauseng-18313a2b/    Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn @ChatWithLeaders. Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Shane Jackson, President of Jackson Healthcare, shares his journey of stewardship-driven leadership, emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking and a leader’s impact on both their organization and community, exploring how trust, transparency, and radical vulnerability drive meaningful, long-term success. We discuss how redefining leadership through the lens of stewardship fosters long-term thinking, how radical vulnerability can strengthen trust and team morale, and why simplicity and clarity are essential for lasting organizational success, providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact. Key Takeaways Leadership is a long-term responsibility, not for personal gain. Radical vulnerability can inspire confidence in leadership. Long-term thinking leads to sustainable growth. Resources Mentioned Visit https://www.jacksonhealthcare.com Follow Shane on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanejacksonculture/ Follow Jackson Healthcare on social media at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jackson-healthcare/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackson_healthcare/?hl=en Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leslie Zinn, CEO of Arden’s Garden, shares insights from her journey growing a family business into a beloved wellness brand. She discusses the tension between her mother Arden's unwavering commitment to health and the practical demands of running a profitable enterprise. Leslie highlights pivotal moments, such as navigating the industry's E. coli crisis and unintentionally establishing successful stores in food deserts. Her reflections reveal the powerful impact of mission-driven decisions, customer loyalty, and the growth mindset that sustains their business today. Key Takeaways Leslie’s early experiences balancing her mother's passion for wellness with business profitability. How Arden’s Garden navigated critical decisions during industry-wide health scares without compromising their core values. Unplanned strategic moves into underserved communities that led to surprising success and deep community impact. Resources Mentioned Visit Arden's Garden at https://www.ardensgarden.com Follow Leslie Zinn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliezinn Follow Arden’s Garden on social media at: Facebook: https://facebook.com/ardensgardenatl Instagram: https://instagram.com/ardensgardenatl Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ardensgardenatl Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.