CEOs and ABCs

In this powerful and heart-centered conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Derek Gaskins, Head of Guest Experience at BP and former CMO of Yesway, to explore what it really means to lead with authenticity, purpose, and intention across every season of life.

Derek opens up about the early career lessons that shaped him, including his rejection of code-switching and the long journey toward embracing his full, authentic self at work and at home. He shares how fatherhood transformed his leadership style and how the values instilled by his parents in Southeast DC still guide his decisions today.

Together, Kevin and Derek unpack the trade-offs of chasing big career goals while staying present for your family. Derek reflects on the power of saying no, what it meant to build a team and legacy at Yesway, and the emotional decision to step away for a new opportunity at BP. He also shares lessons from parenting adult children, the mindset that fueled his cross-country moves, and how his upbringing shaped his commitment to mentorship and inclusion.

Whether you're navigating a major career decision, leading a team, or trying to be more intentional at home, Derek's story is filled with grounded wisdom, lived experience, and practical insights you won't forget.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why bringing your full self to work is a leadership advantage
• How to balance seasons of hustle with seasons of presence
• The difference between keeping it real and being truly authentic
• How to create intentional boundaries to protect your time with family
• The power of strategic parenting and why weekends need a plan
• What legacy means to Derek and how he hopes his kids remember him
• How inclusion is about background and experience, not just checkboxes
• Why embracing discomfort and uncertainty creates growth
• How to build a family home your kids want to return to
• Why feedback is a gift, especially when it comes from your kids

Top Takeaways:
• Authentic leadership begins with self-awareness and evolves over time
• Strategic parenting requires the same intention as leading a team
• Family time only becomes meaningful when it’s planned and protected
• Career mobility often requires physical mobility
• Fatherhood sharpens empathy, patience, and self-reflection
• Legacy lives in how you show up, not just what you achieve
• Inclusion means creating space for people to be themselves
• Saying no to the wrong things allows you to say yes to what matters
• Feedback, even when uncomfortable, helps leaders grow
• A strong home environment can be a lifelong foundation for your kids

About Derek Gaskins:
Derek Gaskins is a marketing executive and brand strategist who currently serves as Head of Guest Experience at BP, overseeing iconic retail brands like ampm, Thorntons, and TravelCenters of America. Before that, he was Chief Marketing Officer at Yesway, where he helped lead one of the fastest-growing convenience retailers in the country. Throughout his career, Derek has championed cultural relevance, innovation, and inclusion. He is also a proud husband and father, deeply committed to living a life of purpose, presence, and impact.

In this conversation, Jeff Jenkins shares his journey through career and parenting, discussing the challenges of balancing a high-performance career with family life. He reflects on the lessons learned from imposter syndrome, the importance of presence in parenting, and the value of coaching kids' sports. Jeff emphasizes the need for personal growth, adaptability in career transitions, and the significance of cultural relevance in marketing. He offers valuable insights for future leaders on living with purpose and the importance of making one's own path in both career and parenting.

Takeaways