Confessions of an Implementer

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
In this episode, host Ryan Hogan sits down with Jon Weening, a Certified EOS Implementer, to explore his unique experiences navigating the roles of visionary and integrator in business, particularly within a family-owned enterprise. They dive deep into the challenges of partnerships, the importance of core values, and the dynamics of leadership teams. Jon shares his journey with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), offering practical advice on accountability, trust-building, and aligning goals in business partnerships. This insightful conversation delivers valuable lessons on achieving clarity, fostering collaboration, and driving success in entrepreneurial ventures.
Jon Weening is a passionate Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Implementer dedicated to helping business owners and leadership teams achieve clarity, traction, and fulfillment in their organizations. With over two decades of entrepreneurial experience—including ownership in four businesses across real estate, manufacturing, and dealerships—Jon understands the highs and challenges of leadership. After successfully scaling a manufacturing business 7X in ten years, he shifted his focus to coaching leaders and fostering workplaces where teams thrive. Based in Barrie, Ontario, Jon combines his hard-earned insights with the EOS framework to empower businesses to reach their full potential while creating engaging, purpose-driven cultures.

Episode Resources

• Jon Weening on LinkedIn
• Jon Weening on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
In this episode of Confessions of an Implementer, host Ryan Hogan sits down with Richard Morris, an entrepreneur and Professional Implementer. Richard shares his remarkable journey, from co-founding Northpointe Communications and navigating its IPO to transitioning into nonprofit work. He discusses the importance of company culture, hiring for attitude, and leadership challenges during rapid growth. Richard also reflects on his post-IPO life, career shift, and creating a nonprofit that helps community organizations fundraise. This episode highlights the balance between business success and personal fulfillment and how purpose-driven work can make a lasting impact.
Richard Morris is a visionary business leader, author, and digital entrepreneur with extensive experience in transforming innovative concepts into successful businesses. A Silicon Valley pioneer, he co-founded a tech startup that grew to over 1,200 employees and achieved a $2 billion NASDAQ listing. After returning to the UK, Richard turned his focus toward social impact, co-founding TheGivingMachine, a nonprofit enabling free, personalized giving to charities. His strategic expertise spans executive roles in both startups and blue-chip environments, with specialties in team-building, product development, and growth. Now an EOS implementer, Richard helps leaders build purpose-driven, resilient businesses.
Episode Highlights

• 00:00 - Introduction to Richard Morris
• 02:05 - Startup Journey and IPO Experience
• 07:59 - Leadership and Organizational Development
• 10:20 - Hiring Philosophy and Organizational Culture
• 15:59 - Looking for Cultural Fit in Candidates
• 21:10 - A Framework for Right People in Right Seats
• 23:37 - Hiring for a High-Growth Environment
• 32:24 - Creation of a Nonprofit
• 41:35 - Becoming an EOS Implementer

Quotes

1. "The day we went public was surreal. I remember celebrating with my wife over a bucket of KFC and a bottle of champagne. You’d think it would be a grand feast, but in that moment, it was just about the two of us, realizing we had done something incredible. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that hold the most meaning, right?"
2. "Hiring isn't just about skills; it's about finding people who fit the culture. You can teach someone how to code, but you can't teach them a 'can-do' attitude. I’ve found that those who appreciate Monty Python humor tend to adapt better in high-stress environments. It's fascinating how humor can be a litmus test for resilience."
3. "You hear about the success of liquidity events, but no one talks about the emotional fallout afterward. I felt lost and disconnected from my peers who were still climbing the corporate ladder. It was jarring to go from being a CEO to feeling like a ghost in my own community."
4. "When I co-founded the nonprofit, I saw firsthand how small organizations struggle to raise funds. We’ve managed to raise around $3.5 million for community groups! It’s not just about the money; it’s about empowering these organizations with tools they never had access to. That’s where real impact happens."
5. "For me, it’s crucial to align my work with my values. I don’t want to be part of a machine prioritizing profit over people. I believe organizations can succeed while also making a social impact. Profit should be a byproduct of doing the right things with the right people."

Episode Resources

• Richard Morris on LinkedIn
• Richard Morris on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
In this episode, host Ryan Hogan talks with Robert Hartline, a Professional Implementer and entrepreneur, about integrating love, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence into business. Robert shares his journey with meditation, breathwork, and personal growth, highlighting techniques like visualization and breath control to shift from survival to creativity. They discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, aligning work with purpose, and fostering love-driven teams. Emphasizing conscious leadership, Robert encourages listeners to invest in their unique strengths for transformative impact. This conversation offers insights for those looking to enhance personal and professional fulfillment.
Robert Hartline is a visionary entrepreneur and EOS expert known for scaling businesses and transforming organizations. Starting out in college selling wireless phones door-to-door, Robert went on to open his first store just four years later and eventually expanded to 11 locations. However, rapid growth led to disorganization and personal strain. Discovering EOS and the book Traction was transformative; within three years, he scaled his company from $11 million to nearly $100 million, with 78 locations and 450 employees. Now, Robert guides other entrepreneurs in building efficient teams and achieving work-life balance, fostering both business success and personal fulfillment.
Episode Highlights

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 02:15 - Pride and Purpose in Entrepreneurship
• 03:22 - Heart vs. Logic in Decision-Making
• 11:19 - Meditation Techniques
• 18:58 - Breathwork as a Tool for Change
• 24:54 - Imposter Syndrome and Overcoming Challenges
• 30:22 - The Role of Love in Business
• 32:23 - Consciousness and Energy Management
• 36:06 - Practical Applications of Breathwork

Quotes

1. "I take immense pride in Hytch Rewards because it’s not just about carpooling; it’s about fostering connections and reducing stress. When we help people connect, we're not just changing transportation— we're changing lives."  
2. "When we make decisions from a place of love instead of pure logic, we open ourselves to compassion. Difficult conversations become opportunities for connection rather than conflict." 
3. "I practice meditation that visualizes joyful memories, especially with my children. It’s transformative—I tap into that love and joy before any challenging situation."
4. "Breathwork is a game-changer. It shifts your mindset from survival to creativity. When you control your breath, you control your emotional state, opening doors to better decision-making." 
5. "Imagine if businesses operated from a foundation of love. Teams that connect on that level are not just more productive; they’re happier and more cohesive. Love should be at the core of our workplace culture."

Episode Resources

• Robert Hartline on LinkedIn
• Robert Hartline on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
In this episode, Ryan welcomes Ali Wendt, a Professional Implementer and a Franchise Owner of Discover Strength. Ali shares her insights about integrating the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) principles into her work and family life. Ali runs a coaching practice, a gym franchise, and a vacation rental while managing a bustling household of seven kids and pets. She discusses using tools like accountability charts and meetings to streamline responsibilities at home, emphasizing relationship management over sales. The conversation also covers aligning personal and business goals, fostering community connections, and maintaining routines to avoid burnout, all while highlighting the importance of evolving processes in achieving balance and success.
Ali Wendt is a dynamic entrepreneur and business coach, co-founder of Wake Coaching, specializing in implementing effective management systems for businesses. Recently, she opened a gym franchise in partnership with her family and manages a vacation rental property in Wisconsin. Now based in Utah, Ali skillfully balances her professional endeavors with her personal life, raising seven children alongside three dogs and a cat. Committed to organization and accountability, she utilizes tools like Level 10 meetings and a comprehensive Vision/Traction Organizer (VTO) to streamline her business and family responsibilities, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 - Introduction to Ali Wendt
• 03:30 - Integrating EOS in Family Life
• 08:15 - Adapting the Accountability Chart
• 12:45 - Evolving Roles and Responsibilities
• 17:00 - Aligning Personal and Business Goals
• 22:10 - The Importance of Community and Networking
• 27:30 - Tracking Health and Wellness Goals
• 32:00 - Establishing Routines to Prevent Burnout
• 36:45 - Grounding Practices and Mental Health

Quotes

1. "When we first started applying EOS in our household, it was a game-changer. We replaced traditional business roles with 'relationship management.' Suddenly, we weren’t just parents but a team with defined roles. It helped us communicate better and prioritize what truly matters to us as a family." 
2. "As our lives evolved, so did our roles. There were times when Jeff had to step up into more operational responsibilities. I had to transition into a visionary role, especially when we faced unexpected changes at the gym. It’s a continuous evolution, and being adaptable is key."
3. "One of the biggest challenges is aligning personal aspirations with business goals. We’ve started using a Vision/Traction Organizer to merge both. It’s about creating harmony, not just juggling responsibilities. When our personal values align with our business, everything flows better."  
4. "Building genuine connections is essential for business growth. It’s about having an abundance mindset—seeking support rather than pretending to have it all figured out. When we lean on each other, we create a stronger community." 
5. "Establishing daily, weekly, and monthly routines is crucial for preventing burnout. Getting lost in the hustle is easy, but carving out time for health and relationships is non-negotiable. We need that rhythm to thrive." 

Episode Resources

• Ali Wendt on LinkedIn
• Andy Platt on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
In this episode, Ryan welcomes Andy Platt, the former CIO of Smuckers and currently a Professional Implementer. Andy shares his career journey at Smucker's, from internal audit to CIO, and how the book Traction helped him realize the company's success was rooted in strategic focus, core values, and vision. The conversation explores the principles of EOS, the importance of mentorship, and the differences between coaching and mentoring. Andy emphasizes the value of strategic focus at companies and putting the right people in the right roles to foster organizational growth and innovation.
Andy Platt is a seasoned business leader with over 40 years of experience driving growth and transformation. During his tenure at Smucker’s, Andy played a key role in growing the company tenfold through strategic acquisitions and organizational development, ultimately achieving Fortune 500 status. His leadership roles spanned C-level positions focused on acquisition due diligence, integration, and building processes to foster discipline and accountability. After retiring, Andy transitioned into higher education, teaching Business Strategy at the University of Akron. Now an EOS Implementer, Andy leverages his extensive career experience to help business owners and leadership teams achieve their goals with clarity and focus.
Episode Highlights

• 00:00 - Introduction and Andy’s Background
• 05:31 - Discovering EOS and "Traction"
• 10:01 - Cultural Shifts and Strategic Decisions
• 15:22 - Core Focus and Organizational Goals
• 20:33 -  The Value of Right People in the Right Seats
• 25:11 -  The Role of Mentorship in Professional Development
• 30:36 - Creating a "Help First" Culture
• 35:01 - Coaching vs. Mentoring

Quotes

1. "The 'right people, right seat' approach isn't just about filling roles; it’s about understanding what needs to be done first. Too often, organizations rush to fit people into predefined structures. We should define the mission and then align the right individuals to those roles. This may mean rearranging current positions or even creating new ones. It's about strategic alignment, not just compliance."
2. "Mentorship is critical for both individual and organizational development. I had mentors throughout my career at Smucker's who shaped my journey. It thrives in a 'help first' culture—where seeking help is encouraged. But here's the kicker: the responsibility lies with the mentee. They must be proactive, open, and ready to articulate their challenges. If they don’t take that step, the relationship struggles."
3. "Many entrepreneurs resist implementing structure because they fear it will stifle creativity. But in reality, the right structure can enhance innovation! It provides clarity and focus, allowing teams to think creatively within a framework. Without that clarity, you risk chaos, which does not foster innovation; it hinders it."
4. "Coaching is about skill development within a specific framework, like EOS. Mentoring, on the other hand, is more about leveraging experiences to navigate challenges. The mentee should drive the relationship, seeking insights rather than waiting for advice to come. It’s a dynamic interaction where both parties learn and grow, but the onus is largely on the mentee."
5. "When Smucker's acquired brands like Jif and Crisco, it was a major cultural shift. We expanded our vision from just fruit spreads to being a broader branded food company. This change was crucial for realizing our full potential. Companies must regularly evaluate their vision and be willing to pivot. Stagnation is a risk no organization can afford."

Episode Resources

• Andy Platt on LinkedIn
• Andy Platt on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
In this episode, Ryan welcomes Tania Bengtsson, Certified Implementer at Growth Spark. Join Tania and Ryan as they discuss how Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) tools like People Analyzer and IDS help solve team challenges. Tania shares insights on wearing multiple "hats," balancing delegation vs. abdication, and maintaining accountability while fostering healthy family dynamics. Their conversation also emphasizes intentional communication, the role of metrics in driving business success, and how aligning core values can enhance team dynamics and outcomes.
Tania Bengtsson grew up in an entrepreneurial family and has dedicated her career to helping businesses grow. After starting in television, she launched her first business, a media production company, before transitioning to the insurance and risk management industry. During her 15 years at Gibson, she helped grow the company from $10 million to $30 million in revenue and discovered the power of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS®). Tania’s passion for EOS led her to become a full-time Implementer in 2019, where she empowers leaders to achieve clarity, accountability, and growth through proven tools and strategies.

Quotes

1. "In family-run businesses, we often wear multiple hats—there's the role in the organization, the owner hat, and, of course, the family hat. It's crucial to recognize which hat we wear at any moment, especially when navigating tough conversations. It can completely shift the dynamics of the discussion and influence the outcomes we achieve."
2. “Delegation is about empowering your team to execute while remaining engaged and accountable. Abdication, on the other hand, is walking away from your responsibilities. Owners need to lead while also trusting their teams to take action."
3. "Healthy entitlement allows owners to voice their opinions on the vision and direction of the company. However, we must be careful that family dynamics don’t disrupt organizational effectiveness. For instance, I’ve seen family businesses thrive when they have clear roles and accountability versus those that struggle due to blurred lines and unspoken expectations."
4. "When discussing metrics, we must realize that aiming for 100% achievement can create dysfunction. It’s essential to view our scorecards not just as strict measures of success but as tools for growth. After all, we learn more from our bumps in the road than from our perfect results."
5. "More companies are hiring based on cultural fit and core values rather than just resumes. For instance, I teach my kids to use a 'people analyzer' tool to assess their friendships, which fosters deeper discussions and decision-making aligned with our family’s core values."

Episode Resources

• Tania Bengtsson on LinkedIn
• Tania Bengtsson on EOS Worldwide
• Growth Spark Website
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
In this episode, Ryan welcomes Dave Feidner, a Certified Implementer with nearly two decades at RGIS. They discuss Dave's pivotal role in transforming RGIS from a domestic business into the world's leading inventory accounting service provider. The conversation covers challenges in international expansion, the significance of accurate inventory counts, and the vital role of visionaries in driving business success. Dave shares insights on incentivizing leaders, fostering transparency, and the importance of peer networks for personal growth. This episode offers valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and the impact of purpose-driven leadership.

Episode Resources

• Dave Feidner on LinkedIn
• Dave Feidner on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS Implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
Joining Ryan on this episode is Rip Tilden, an Expert EOS Implementer. Rip and Ryan explore the challenges leaders face when tackling tough people problems within teams, such as handling misaligned team members or toxic behavior. They discuss the importance of clear communication, the three-strike feedback rule, and the courage to make tough calls when someone isn’t the right fit. Rip shares insights from his book Leading on Purpose, emphasizing that leadership skills are built, not innate, and that feedback must be candid and timely. Together, they provide actionable strategies for leaders to navigate difficult personnel issues while fostering a positive and growth-focused work culture.
“Let's talk about what you've observed. Make sure you've observed it. It's not a rumour or a third party comment from somebody. And then let's talk about the business impact, why it matters that you change that behaviour and then talk together about how you can change. I think that's how you do it in a way that doesn't round off the edges but doesn't make it a personal attack.” - Rip Tilden
Rip served as the COO of an international technology company and helped grow its market value five-fold. He also led a unit of a private wellness business and helped double that unit’s earnings while tripling its cash flow.
As an Expert EOS Implementer, Rip has taught more than 80 companies to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System. He gets charged up helping them clarify their vision, gain traction to get great results, get the right people in the right seats, strengthen accountability, and build healthy leadership teams who can build and sustain growth in their companies.
Rip’s passion for learning and teaching extends to the boardroom and the classroom as well. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Andesa Services in Allentown, PA, and served for eight years as a Project Faculty Member at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Episode Resources

• Rip Tilden on LinkedIn
• Rip Tilden on the EOS Worldwide Website
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
In this episode of Confessions of an Implementer, host Ryan welcomes Scott Rusnak, an Expert EOS Implementer and former high-level cyclist. Scott shares his journey of perseverance and grit, discussing how his cycling background defines his coaching philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of 90-day goals, teamwork, and aligning personal and business values for personal and business growth. The conversation also touches on meaningful connections, energy management, and Scott's insights on optimal performance, including diet and recovery. Listeners will gain valuable strategies for success and fulfillment alongside Scott's unique perspective on coaching and personal growth.

Over the past 30 years, Scott has built and successfully exited from multiple businesses, competing on the world stage with Apple, Expedia, and Pearson Education. His philosophy as an Expert EOS Implementer is “If you are coachable and have the discipline and energy to be your best, I’d be thrilled to lead you on the journey to achieve Traction.” He believes that success isn’t rocket science. It’s all about getting clear on what you want and focusing on it. Scott promises that if you follow his structured approach by re-examining your current life, habits, thoughts, and ambitions, you will get everything you want from your business!

Episode Resources

• Scott Rusnak on LinkedIn
• Scott Rusnak on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
Joining Ryan on this episode is Damon Neth, an Expert EOS Implementer. Join Ryan and Damon as they discuss the power of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in transforming businesses. Damon shares his journey as an entrepreneur and expert EOS implementer, emphasizing the importance of building high-performing teams and managing people smarter than you. 
They also explore the role of fractional executive leadership and the misconceptions surrounding it. Damon provides valuable insights into the benefits of EOS, the role of interim executives and integrators, and the evolving nature of the industry. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation!Damon is an experienced entrepreneur, mentor, and coach who has helped hundreds of small- to medium-sized companies achieve outstanding results for over 20 years. Having founded five companies himself, Damon understands the joys of running a successful company and the pains of working endlessly to make companies healthy while being whipsawed by changing markets. In 2002, Damon and his wife, Stacey, co-founded Disc Nation, which they led together for 12 years. That taught Damon much about the challenges of establishing work/life balance and the “organizational dynamics” of a family business.

In 2014, Damon founded CXO Service Co, helping companies through interim executive leadership. During this time, Damon, occupying executive roles at several companies simultaneously, discovered EOS. Damon quickly noticed that his clients using EOS were better run, more harmonious, and aligned and achieved superior results. This experience drove Damon to become an Expert EOS implementer to help other companies become outstanding in using these tools.Aside from EOS, Damon is passionate about helping people, especially entrepreneurs and company leadership teams, grow, learn, and change. This is demonstrated by the numerous companies Damon has mentored through volunteer programs, including the EO (Entrepreneur’s Organization) Accelerator and SKU, the nation’s foremost consumer products accelerator. Damon is also a long-term member of EO in Austin, TX.

Episode Resources

• Damon Neth on LinkedIn
• Damon Neth on EOS Worldwide
• Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn
• Talent Harbor Website

This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. 
Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so