How do you go from intern to CEO of a global powerhouse? 

In this episode, former Cummins Chairman and CEO Tom Linebarger shares hard-earned leadership lessons on building high-performing teams, making bold strategic decisions, working effectively with boards, and raising capital the right way. He opens up about mentorship, humility in leadership, talent development, and why caring deeply about your people drives long-term success. 

Now a Senior Advisor at General Catalyst, Tom breaks down what CEOs, founders, and executives must understand about governance, innovation, scaling teams, and sustaining growth in rapidly changing industries. If you want practical insights from someone who led a Fortune 500 company through transformation, this episode delivers. 

Episode 22 of C2 Biz Growth, hosted by John Hale III, features an inspiring and deeply practical conversation with entrepreneur and venture partner Maria Thompson.

Maria shares her remarkable journey from a fine arts and industrial design background to building and scaling TJ Technologies into a nationally recognized alternative energy company, ultimately acquired by A123 Systems. She opens up about early funding rejections, the persistence required to survive as a founder, and why securing government funding can be a powerful alternative to traditional venture capital.

The discussion explores leadership, corporate governance, board dynamics, and the importance of building strong teams and relationships. Maria also breaks down acquisition readiness, exit strategy planning, and why bold decision making often creates unexpected opportunities.

This episode is packed with real world lessons for CEOs, founders, and emerging leaders navigating growth, funding, and long-term impact.

In Episode 21 of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III sits down with leadership expert, executive coach, and CEO of 937 Strategy Group, Anton Gunn, for a powerful conversation on leadership, workplace culture, and employee engagement.

Anton shares how his family background, college football, healthcare leadership, and even hip-hop culture have shaped his leadership philosophy. He explains why great leaders focus on empowering people, not controlling them, and how toxic workplace cultures quietly drive disengagement, burnout, and costly turnover.

The discussion dives deep into the real economic impact of employee disengagement, why trust is built through consistent action, and how data driven decisions should guide leadership strategies. Anton also addresses the importance of mental health for leaders, coaching as a tool for professional development, and why organisations must invest in people if they want sustainable success.

Anton offers practical insights on introducing AI into organizations without losing human connection, communicating the purpose behind change, and creating effective off boarding experiences that maintain long term loyalty. Throughout the episode, he emphasises clarity, action, and care for employee well-being as essential leadership superpowers.

This episode is a must listen for leaders, executives, and founders who want to build healthy cultures, reduce turnover, and lead with purpose in a rapidly changing workplace.

In this powerful episode of the C2 Biz Growth Podcast, host John Hale III sits down with Austin Okere, Founder of CWG Plc and the Ausso Leadership Academy. Austin shares how he grew CWG from a modest startup with thirty-five thousand dollars in capital to a ninety-million-dollar valuation, and reflects on the mindset that fueled that journey.

The conversation explores the evolution of CWG, the importance of trust and relationships in business, and the realities of securing foreign investment in Nigeria. Austin also discusses private equity, currency challenges, and the strategic decision to focus on banking, oil, and telecom. He explains why mentorship is central to his mission through the Ausso Leadership Academy and introduces his vision of redefining billionaires by their impact on society rather than their accumulated wealth.

Austin breaks down the three powers that sustain success, way power, will power, and wait power, and offers practical lessons on leadership, innovation, and building businesses that thrive in changing markets.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship in emerging economies, the value of influence driven leadership, and the importance of giving back to the next generation of founders.

In this insightful episode of the C2 Biz Growth Podcast, host John Hale III sits down with Biyi Oloko, Executive Vice Chairman of Stephen Simeon Limited, Co-Founder of the Reading Tech Cluster, and a Council Member of the West Berkshire Council in the United Kingdom. Biyi shares his journey from his early life in Nigeria to building a global career in finance, investment, government, and leadership.

He reflects on how his work with the Nigerian government and his service in UK local government shape his approach to business, community engagement, and long-term strategy. The conversation explores his passion for talent development, the evolution of his investment strategies, and the crucial role that mentorship and sponsorship play in business growth. Biyi discusses the creation of the Reading Tech Cluster and his belief that global impact begins with meaningful local action. Throughout the episode, he highlights the importance of adaptability, reflective leadership, and surrounding yourself with the right people to achieve sustainable success.

Listeners will gain practical insights on raising capital, building trust, developing teams, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship in a rapidly changing world.

In this powerful episode of the C2 Biz Growth podcast, host John Hale III sits down with the legendary Dr. Mathew Knowles, a global authority in sales, marketing, brand development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Known for generating more than five billion for organizations, shaping iconic careers like Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, and leading historic campaigns with brands like Pepsi and Samsung, Dr. Knowles brings a lifetime of knowledge, discipline, and strategic brilliance to this conversation.

Dr. Knowles traces his journey from humble beginnings in Alabama to becoming one of the most respected business minds in the world. He reflects on the family values that molded his work ethic, his rise through high performance sales roles at Xerox and in the medical industry, and the deep importance of knowledge, preparation, and continuous learning.

The conversation dives into the real differences between sales, marketing, and branding, the mindset required to build world class teams, and the lessons learned from taking bold risks throughout his career. Dr. Knowles also offers a rare look into the business of music and what it takes to build sustainable careers for artists by combining artistry with strong business acumen.

He discusses embracing technology and AI, the challenges minority founders face with access to capital, and why the future of work will depend on education, adaptability, and cultural intelligence. Dr. Knowles also shares a personal message on health awareness, reflecting on his own experience with early detection as a breast cancer survivor.

This episode is a masterclass in leadership, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and resilience. Dr. Knowles leaves listeners with a clear message: respect is essential, knowledge is power, and adversity can be an opportunity for transformation.

Tune in for one of the most insightful and inspiring conversations of the season.

In this episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III talks with Ursula Dudley Oglesby, President and CEO of Dudley Beauty Corporation, about transforming a $10 kitchen startup into a global multicultural beauty brand.

Ursula shares powerful lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and family legacy, revealing how Dudley Beauty continues to empower communities through purpose-driven growth. She discusses bootstrapping, technology in business, hiring for culture, and the company’s expansion into online retail and industrial markets.

Tune in to hear how faith, family, and strategy fuel long-term success in the beauty industry and beyond.

In this episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III welcomes Sophia Velastegui, a globally recognized leader in artificial intelligence, technology strategy, and corporate innovation. With senior leadership roles at Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Aptiv, Sophia brings unmatched expertise in integrating AI into organizations of all sizes.

She shares her journey from a mechanical engineering background to spearheading AI initiatives at some of the world’s largest tech companies. Together, they explore the evolution of AI, the rise of generative AI, and how CEOs and business leaders can strategically harness its potential. Sophia highlights the importance of trust, user adoption, and leadership in successfully navigating the AI landscape while underscoring why continuous learning and adaptability are vital in this fast-changing era.

Whether you are a business leader, innovator, or simply curious about how AI is reshaping industries, this conversation offers practical insights and forward-looking strategies to help you stay ahead.

In Episode 15 of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III sits down with Michael Downing, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, investor, and CEO of MDSV Capital. With over 25 years of experience founding five software companies and investing in more than 65 early-stage startups, Michael offers an insider’s perspective on the evolving world of venture capital and business growth.

He unpacks the rise of emerging managers and micro funds, explains how smaller funds have consistently outperformed larger ones, and explores what startups must demonstrate to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Michael also shares his personal journey from a cattle ranch in Texas to leading multiple successful exits, as well as his perspective on AI’s transformative role in shaping the future of business.

Whether you’re a founder seeking funding, an aspiring investor, or simply interested in how venture capital is shifting, this episode provides invaluable insights into investment strategies, technology innovation, and the entrepreneurial mindset.

In this episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III welcomes Eric Broyles, serial entrepreneur, investor, and CEO of Nanocann Therapeutics, for a powerful conversation about resilience, innovation, and leadership in business.

Eric takes us back to his roots in a working-class neighborhood in Ohio, where discipline, education, and hard work shaped his early path. From there, he shares how his career began in corporate law before transitioning into entrepreneurship—ultimately leading multiple companies to success and exits.

Listeners will gain insights into Eric’s belief that execution is the antidote to doubt, his criteria for evaluating business opportunities, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right team. He also discusses what investors look for when funding startups and why staying all-in is essential for credibility and growth.

The conversation goes deeper into Eric’s groundbreaking work in healthcare innovation. Through Nanocann Therapeutics, he leads efforts to develop nanoparticle-based treatments with breakthrough potential for multiple forms of cancer, while Reversal Therapeutics is working on pioneering solutions that remove harmful substances from the human body. Eric explains how innovation and bold thinking are driving new possibilities in medicine and why these ventures are deeply personal for him.

Beyond business, Eric emphasizes the critical role of mentorship and community engagement in his life. He reflects on the leaders who shaped his own journey, the pitfalls CEOs should avoid, and why humility is just as important as confidence in entrepreneurship. Looking ahead, Eric shares his aspirations to continue mentoring young entrepreneurs and building ventures that make a lasting impact on society.

This episode is an inspiring story of resilience, purpose, and dreaming bigger than you ever imagined—perfect for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone passionate about turning vision into reality.