Break Free™

In the quest for greatness, there's a profound difference between being pushed by motivation and being pulled by inspiration. Motivation might get you out of bed in the morning, but it's inspiration that lights a fire within, fueling your passion and drive. It’s the difference between doing something because you have to and doing it because you love to. Eric Simmons, CEO at Asigra, understands this distinction well. He champions the idea that true leadership is born from inspiration—a force that comes from the heart and mind, sparking creativity and joy in every endeavor. When leaders like Simmons harness the power of inspiration, they don’t just motivate their teams—they ignite a lasting flame that leads to extraordinary results.

Here's more about Eric Simmons

Future-focused, strategic sales and marketing leader, I’ve consistently delivered unprecedented growth and profitability in competitive industries. I’m known for synthesizing product and service features into a compelling value proposition. I accomplish results by aligning people, systems, and priorities across functions and geographies to drive year-over-year growth. In addition, I champion creative, customer-centric marketing strategies underpinned by solid business and financial practices.

A few highlights of my contributions in operations turnaround, business growth, profit optimization and team leadership include:

✔ Achieved highest revenue and profit margins in Dell’s history and diversified customer base through development and execution of five-pillar, five-year strategy.

✔ Crafted go-to-market strategy for IoT services and solutions that generated millions in revenue growth over three years.

✔ Delivered award-winning performance culminating in leadership of Dell Canada’s entire software and peripherals business, outpacing annual quota 228% to achieve highest team performance in ten years.

✔ Orchestrated efforts to generate innovation in multiple business lines, reducing customer attrition 10%, instituting effective e-commerce platform, and doubling subscriber base.

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In this episode, we explore the profound impact of heart-centered leadership and why leading from the heart is not just a compassionate approach but the most fulfilling way to live. We'll delve into the experiences of Brent Pohlman, the CEO of Midwest Labs, who has embraced this philosophy in his leadership journey. Inspired by the belief that "leading from the heart is the best way to live," Brent has transformed his leadership style, fostering a workplace culture that thrives on empathy, authenticity, and genuine human connection. Join us as we uncover the ways in which heart-centered leadership can drive both personal and professional success.

Here's more about Brent K Pohlman

I am an executive leader at Midwest Laboratories, where I have been driving a positive impact on the lives of our employees, clients, and communities for over seven years. Midwest Laboratories is a trusted name in the analytical lab testing industry, delivering science like no one else in the world. My core competencies include innovation, teamwork, and dynamic service, which I apply to foster a culture of trust and excellence among our staff and partners.

I am also a book author, with my latest work, Leaders Look Within, published in May 2023. In this book, I share my insights and lessons on how to lead from the heart, coach people up, and foster a culture of trust and excellence. I have an MBA in human resources and a dual BA and BS in business administration and secondary education. I am passionate about learning and growing as a leader and a person of faith, and I enjoy connecting and engaging with others through various platforms, such as social networking, online marketing, and professional associations. I am honored to serve as the president emeritus of the Omaha chapter of Legatus International, and as a member of the AMA executive advisory council.

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David Litwin is a seasoned leader in the branding, advertising, and design industry with over three decades of experience. He has collaborated with prominent Fortune 500 companies, including Hewlett Packard, IBM, Sony, Pacific Bell, and Sun Microsystems, driving significant growth and innovation in their visual and strategic branding efforts.

David's career highlights include transforming an internal design department at Professional Exhibits and Graphics, increasing annual revenue from $1 million to over $4 million in just two years. He has since founded two successful agencies, with his second venture generating over $3 million in revenue within its first 24 months.

Specializing in brand strategy, David excels in creating visually compelling and demographically targeted branding, advertising, and marketing materials, utilizing his proprietary 'Needs Based Analysis' System. His expertise spans both print and digital formats.

Beyond his design and branding accomplishments, David is a prolific writer and speaker, having authored six books on topics ranging from business and theology to future thinking and inspirational thought. As the CEO of Pure Fusion Media, David continues to influence the industry with his broad skill set and thought leadership.

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Andrew Sossin is a South Florida business leader and community advocate with over 20 years of experience. He has founded successful ventures in various fields, including addiction care, customer service, music management, and insurance. He serves on the boards of several organizations and co-founded the Face the Music Foundation, which combats addiction through music. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has completed advanced programs in business and leadership. He currently leads the expansion of Recovery Unplugged Behavioral Health, transforming it into a national organization helping thousands with addiction and mental health issues.

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Gene Gebolys, CEO at World Energy, LLC, began his journey with a strong sense of idealism and ambition as he returned to graduate school. Driven by a vision of enhancing the quality of life through a more thoughtful integration of public policy, business, and the built environment, Gene focused on how these elements could collectively improve the way people live. His early aspirations reflected a deep commitment to creating better living conditions and a more sustainable future, marking the beginning of a trajectory that would shape his impactful career.

Here's more about Gene Gebolys

Since 1996, Gene has played a pioneering and leading role in building today’s $136B global biofuels industry. In 1998, he launched World Energy to drive positive change by accelerating the commercialization of viable alternatives to fossil motor fuels.

Ever since, World Energy has worked to drive innovation through collaboration in North America and beyond. World Energy’s mission remains the same today as it was on its first day and Gene’s commitment to the company delivering on it only continues to grow. Gene holds a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard University and Bachelor of Science degrees in economics & business management from The Ohio State University.

Affiliations:

Founding Chairman, National Biodiesel Political Action Committee

Founding member, Biodiesel Quality Accreditation Committee

Active in local and international organizations including YPO and CEO

National Biodiesel Board present and past roles:

• Governing board member

• Regulatory Affairs Committee Chairman

• RFS Advisory Committee Chairman

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Curiosity stands as the hallmark trait of high-level entrepreneurs, driving their relentless pursuit of innovation and problem-solving. Jason Hennessey, CEO at Hennessey Digital, exemplifies this characteristic through his inquisitive nature and ability to see the world differently. Entrepreneurs like Hennessey don't just encounter problems; they delve into them with a curious mindset, constantly seeking solutions and improvements. This trait fuels their creativity and wit, enabling them to navigate challenges and turn obstacles into opportunities. By embracing curiosity, entrepreneurs can unlock new paths to success, ensuring their ventures remain dynamic and forward-thinking.

Here's more about Jason Hennessey

Jason Hennessey is an entrepreneur, internationally-recognized SEO expert, author, speaker, podcast host, and business coach. Since 2001, Jason has been reverse-engineering the Google algorithm as a self-taught student and practitioner of SEO and search marketing.

His expertise led him to grow and sell multiple businesses, starting with a dot-com in the wedding industry. After presenting his SEO knowledge to a group of lawyers in 2009, Jason founded and later sold Everspark Interactive, cementing his reputation as a thought leader and authority in SEO for the legal industry. As CEO of Hennessey Digital since 2015, Jason grew a small consultancy to a $20MM+ business that made the Inc. 5000 list for the sixth year in a row in 2023. He also runs SEO industry news site iloveseo.com and hosts The Jason Hennessey Podcast.

Jason is the author of two best-selling books, “Law Firm SEO,” which is described as the “holy grail of digital marketing for lawyers,” and “Honest SEO,” which offers readers practical and transparent insights into achieving effective search engine optimization.

A keynote speaker and frequent podcast and webinar guest, Jason is a columnist for the Washington Post and a regular contributor to Entrepreneur, Inc., and the National Law Review. He also opened Hennessey Studios, a state-of-the-art audio and video production facility located in the Television Academy building in the heart of Hollywood, where Jason hosts a podcast interviewing entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Jason is a United States Air Force veteran and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. A New York native, Jason launched his SEO career in Las Vegas and grew his reputation in the legal industry in Atlanta. He now lives in the Los Angeles area with his wife, Bridget, and their three children.

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In navigating the complexities of today's ever-changing environments, a deep appreciation for optimism and a growth mindset is essential. Jeff King, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer at the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, embodies these principles through his leadership and career journey. He champions the idea of viewing challenges as opportunities for personal and professional development, emphasizing the transformative power of maintaining a positive outlook amidst uncertainty. King's experiences highlight the significance of proactive adaptation and the belief that optimism, coupled with strategic thinking and perseverance, forms a crucial foundation for success in a constantly evolving world.

Here's more about Jeff King:

2024 CEO of the Year - CEO Views

2023 Top 20 Dynamic CEOs - Canada by The CEO Publication.

2023 Most Influential Leaders in Real Estate by Tycoon Magazine.

2021 COO of the Year - Canada by M&A Today.

2020 COO of the Year - Canada by M&A Today.

2019 COO of the Year - Canada by M&A Today.

2019 COO of the Year - Global by Lawyer International.

2016 Deal of the Year - Canada - by M&A Today (2x).

2016 Innovator of the Year - Musically

Member Innovators Alliance.

Platinum Record Award winner

An executive with a career highlighted by an outstanding record of management performance, staff and business development and achievements. Natural and composed leader, strategic thinker and planner and high-impact change agent.

I have a record of accomplishment of cultivating change to increase profitability, foster growth and implement sustainability. I have developed deep skill sets in the data and tech business supporting the music industry. Additionally, I have successfully led firms in other sectors to new heights.

I have a passion for deal-making, growth, and leadership. My financial & operations background makes me an excellent leader for a wide variety of businesses.

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Navigating a dynamic career path often involves exploring how one's skills can transcend traditional boundaries and find new applications in unexpected roles. This journey of skill adaptation and growth is exemplified by individuals like Tino Mantella, President and Managing Partner of an executive search firm called Retained and Chief Strategy Officer for an engineering and custom software development company called Relevantz. Mantella has demonstrated a remarkable ability to leverage his expertise across various domains. From his leadership in executive search to his strategic insights in engineering and software development, Mantella embodies the transformative power of skill mobility. His career trajectory underscores the importance of continuous learning and the potential to excel in diverse leadership roles by embracing opportunities for skill transfer and growth.

Here's more about Tino Mantella

Over 25 years of service as President/CEO of for-profit and not-profit organizations. Experience is varied from human services, health, and technology. My roles have given me a unique and diverse set of opportunities to do such things as: raise over $100 million dollars; build prominent boards of directors; impact lives through program/service offerings; and to work with amazing teams of people with unbending interest in serving their communities in thought and deed. On 10/29 I join the wonderful people at Turknett. TLG and the two Founders, Lyn & Bob, have been impacting the lives of people for over three decades. Their unique Character model is foundational. I am humbled to be given the chance to provide leadership at TLG., while still supporting the mission at Tier4.

Specialties: Building companies; Strategic Planning; Business Development; Talent Development; Board Development; Fund Raising; Connecting/Networking; Purpose Driven Leadership

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Maureen Sedonaen, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco, embodies a profound commitment to fostering empathy and compassion in both personal and professional spheres. Her leadership at Habitat for Humanity underscores the transformative power of these values in creating inclusive communities where everyone can find a sense of belonging and healing. With a foundation rooted in prayer and meditation, Sedonaen emphasizes the daily practice of gratitude and active listening as essential tools for personal growth and societal change. She advocates for spaces that nurture individuals undergoing transformative journeys, whether they are seeking fulfillment in their careers, recovering from homelessness, or grappling with mental health challenges or familial rejection. Sedonaen's approach highlights the critical need for empathy-driven leadership in addressing complex social issues and building environments where all individuals can thrive.

Here’s more about Maureen Sedonaen

Bringing over 30 years of vision and leadership in her roles in the social impact sector, Maureen is responsible for the executive leadership and growth of the organization. A passionate and dedicated leader with a highly successful track record leading businesses in both the Non-Profit and Private Sectors.  She inspires and engages various stakeholders to ensure that the organization fulfills its mission with excellence. She oversees all executive staff, builds strong relationships, and builds key partnerships with local, state, and national organizations. She engages and motivates volunteers and donors building a network and web of champions and supporters for our transformational work.  As Chief Executive Officer, she is the lead advocate and strategist effectively and collaboratively building a high performing team, appropriate systems, and ensuring impact. She led the development and implementation of the organization‐wide strategic plan and its 2026 Vision. Prior to Habitat GSF, Maureen was a national consultant serving numerous foundation initiatives, non- profit organizations, and government systems helping to drive innovation and collaboration, particularly as it brings their intersectionality to community impact and social issue solutions. She served as CEO of Goodwill SF- Marin- San Mateo, a leading social enterprise and one of the largest workforce development organizations in the Bay Area. She was the founder and CEO of the highly acclaimed Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) and remains as an advisor to that organization. She served for several years as Regional Vice President for Revolution Foods (putting healthy food into schools in low-income communities) and was a key consultant over many years in philanthropy, youth development, and organizational leadership to hundreds of organizations.  Maureen serves on the Board of Directors for the Marin Community Foundation (WWW.marincf.org), one of the most successful and highly respected foundations in the U.S.  Holding an MBA from Dominican University, she served as an adjunct professor at Dominican University School of Business in the Green MBA program. She completed the Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Leadership. She always puts community first and deeply respects the lived experience of all. 

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Beth Hassett, the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of WEAVE, Inc., champions a powerful mission: providing unwavering support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking in Sacramento County, CA. Under her leadership, WEAVE delivers a wide array of services, including crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, and safe shelter, tailored to meet the immediate and long-term needs of survivors. Hassett's commitment to empowering survivors is further reflected in WEAVE's proactive approach to primary prevention and community education, aiming to cultivate a culture of safety and respect throughout the region. Her vision and dedication have been instrumental in strengthening WEAVE's impact and reach, ensuring that individuals and families receive the critical support they need to heal and rebuild their lives.

Here’s more about Beth Hassett:

Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Strong business development professional skilled in Philanthropy, Nonprofit Management, Social Media, Volunteer Management, and Public Speaking.

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