CEOs Unscripted

What happens when a supply chain expert who built and sold a successful consulting firm realizes the real problem isn't broken processes—it's broken workplaces? In this episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane Gentry sits down with Robert Martichenko, founder of Trail Path Workplace Solutions and former CEO of Lean Core Supply Chain, for an eye-opening conversation about the shift from managing processes to unleashing human potential.

After 17 years of helping companies optimize their operations, Robert made a radical pivot: instead of fixing workflows, he's now focused on creating "meaningful employment environments" that tackle the real drivers behind 60-70% turnover rates plaguing frontline workers.

Jane and Robert dive deep into why traditional approaches to workforce challenges are failing, the difference between Theory X and Theory Y leadership, and how dignity and meaningful work aren't just nice-to-haves—they're competitive advantages that directly impact your bottom line.

00:00 - Introduction

02:15 - Robert's Background

Robert shares his journey from struggling in school to founding Lean Core Supply Chain.

10:30 - Building Lean Core

Discussing the principles of lean culture and operational excellence.

18:45 - Successful Exit

Insights into the process and emotions of selling a company.

25:00 - Transition to Trail Path

Robert's shift to focusing on meaningful employment environments.

35:20 - The Meaningful Employment Framework

Exploring dignity and meaningful work as core principles.

45:00 - Challenges in Workforce Management

Addressing turnover, remote work, and leadership development.

55:30 - Closing Thoughts

The importance of community and relationships in business.

58:00 - Rapid Fire Questions

Quick insights into Robert's personal and professional life.

01:05:00 - Conclusion

Wrap-up and invitation to subscribe to CEOs Unscripted.

What happens when a bartender-turned-restaurant-owner discovers a passion for experiential marketing and becomes the CEO of one of the top exhibit houses in the country? You get Michael McMahon.

In this episode, Michael opens up to host, Jane Gentry, about his winding path to leadership, how he cultivated his leadership voice over decades, and what it really means to “get out of the way” as a CEO. Jane and Michael go deep on practical tools for empowering executive teams, navigating change, and leading with intentionality and authenticity. If you’ve ever felt like the bottleneck in your business, this candid, reflective conversation will challenge and inspire you to lead differently.

How do you run a thriving business with your siblings—without losing your sanity or your bottom line? In this episode of CEOs Unscripted, Mark McKenzie, CEO of DocQmax, shares the gritty, inspiring story behind his family’s 50-year journey in the printing industry. From navigating family dynamics and hard conversations to staying innovative through digital disruption, Mark brings honest insight on how to lead with integrity and pivot with confidence.

In this episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane Gentry sits down with Mike Plaia, CEO of PharmaPoint, for an unscripted masterclass on building culture, embracing servant leadership, and staying bold in the face of adversity.  

(05:34)  The GE program that fast-tracked Mike’s business instincts

(18:46). The role adversity plays in building company culture

(21:01)  Jane discusses hiring "climbers" and the  Adversity Quotient by Paul Stoltz

From personal growth to organizational execution, this conversation goes deep on what it really takes to lead a purpose-driven business in a fast-changing world.

What happens when a 16-year-old managing adults becomes a CEO of a niche manufacturing company? In this candid and inspiring episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane Gentry sits down with John Costello, CEO of Cherry’s Industrial Equipment, for a real conversation about leadership, legacy, and the power of transparency.

From navigating a tense business partnership to building a company culture rooted in open-book management and financial literacy, John shares the unfiltered wisdom only earned through decades of gritty experience.

Jane and John explore the weight of leadership, how to foster a culture of financial literacy, and why transparency is one of the most overlooked competitive advantages in mid-market companies — all while keeping a sense of humor and humility.

 (07:31) The value of teaching financial literacy at home

If you’ve ever questioned how open is too open with your team, or whether your culture really drives performance, this one’s for you.

In this dynamic episode of CEOs Unscripted, host Jane Gentry sits down with Patrick "Paddy" Gough — retired Marine Corps officer, former aerospace CEO, and founder of Poseidon Consulting — for a candid and insightful conversation on what true leadership looks like. Together, they explore Paddy’s "Seven Cs" of leadership: competence, candor, courage, commitment, consistency, compassion, and communication — and how these principles shape successful teams and enduring cultures.

Through stories from the battlefield to the boardroom, Jane and Paddy dive deep into the real challenges CEOs face today: handling toxic employees, fostering collaboration across departments, navigating the growing pains of scaling, and building strategic plans that actually drive results. Paddy’s philosophy of “mission first, people always” resonates powerfully as they discuss why leadership is an attribute, not a title, and why cultivating trust and moral courage is non-negotiable in business.

Whether you’re leading a startup or a large enterprise, this conversation is packed with hard-won lessons, real-world examples, and timeless advice to help you lead with greater impact and authenticity.

When your company can’t grow past you, it’s time to grow yourself.

He shares the story of why his first company plateaued, how he built a radically different kind of partnership in his second, and why emotional intelligence, feedback, and strategic alignment are make-or-break skills for today’s CEOs. Whether you’re a founder, a mid-market executive, or a leader who wants to grow without burning out, this conversation is filled with moments that will challenge and inspire you.

 (09:17) How personal growth limitations can cap company success

Josh’s story is a masterclass in humility, growth, and leading with purpose—and a reminder that the best leaders are the ones who never stop learning.

Executing with focus, leading through change, and building unstoppable teams with intention and clarity.

In this candid conversation with Jane, Bill shares the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership philosophy, including why the first 100 days in a new role matter, how to build buy-in across your team, and why under-resourcing your strategy is the fastest route to failure. Whether you’re leading a startup or scaling a mid-market company, this episode’s insights will shift how you think about growth, execution, and how to lead when the stakes are high.

Episode Highlights:

Episode Guest:

Bill Canady has over 30 years of experience as a global business executive in a variety of industries and markets focused on industrial and consumer products and services. He concentrates on aligning with key stakeholders to set a clear and compelling vision that drives growth, controls cost, and increases profitability. A key to his success is developing strong leaders and management teams while establishing deep relationships. His experience spans global public, private, and sponsor-owned companies.

He currently serves as Chairman of OTC Industrial Technologies and CEO of Arrowhead Engineered Products (AEP). Under his leadership, OTC has grown revenues by over 43% and earnings by more than 78%. AEP, headquartered in Blaine, MN, is a leading global supplier of mission-critical aftermarket parts with $1.5 billion in sales across 50+ countries. Bill is also the founder of The 80/20 Institute, which trains leaders to increase asset productivity, improve profitability, and make better decisions across every level of a business. He is a proud veteran of the United States Navy.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn  |  Check out The 80/20 CEO by Bill Canady

#001: From Crisis to Comeback: Leadership Lessons from the Fast-Food Industry with Doug Augustine

In this episode, Doug shares his remarkable journey of resilience, the leadership lessons he learned the hard way, and why vulnerability and asking for help are crucial for any CEO. He also dives into the importance of disciplined execution, people development, and how to create a performance-driven culture without sacrificing your team’s well-being.

Episode Highlights: