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, I sit down with Zach Arend, keynote speaker and EOS Implementer, who shares how self leadership, trust, and personal responsibility are the foundation of authentic leadership. From navigating fear and reactive habits to embracing creative problem solving and honest communication, he outlines a path to leading with intention starting from within.

02:11 The Art of Bronco Riding: Lessons in Resilience

04:16 Raising High and Lifting: Overcoming Fear

06:12 Trusting Yourself in High-Pressure Situations

08:13 The Balance of Learning and Experience

10:10 The Power of Determination and Messy Learning

12:15 Creating an Environment for Leadership Growth

14:24 The Bridled Leader Trap

17:30 Embracing Uncertainty in Leadership

21:16 Transforming Leadership Styles for Growth

26:36 Navigating Demotion and Reinvention

31:36 Facing Fears: The Table Dilemma

33:32 The Inner Journey: Discovering True Aspirations

31:32 The Shift: From VP to EOS Implementer

37:22 The Inner Horse and Rider: Balancing Instinct and Direction

40:29 Owning Your Leadership: The Power of Perspective

44:52 The Art of Feedback: Sharing Perspectives

50:27 Current Endeavors: Workshops and Keynotes

53:23 Empowerment in Leadership: Nobody’s Coming

Episode Resources

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, I sit down with Tom Tompkins, an EOS Implementer, who shares how EOS empowers leaders to make faster, more effective decisions, especially in smaller companies where impact is immediate. From aligning culture and hiring, to focusing sales strategy on real customer needs, Tom unpacks what drives lasting organizational change.

00:47 Journey from Engineering to Sales

02:50 The Allure of Small Businesses

04:53 From Sales to Business Development

09:47 The Fragrance Industry Turnaround

13:05 Navigating Family Ownership and Partnerships

14:23 Building a Revenue Function

19:17 The Role of Retailers in Sales

21:35 Creating a Collaborative Sales Process

27:25 Formulating Scents: The Science Behind the Art

30:52 The Importance of Accountability in Teams

33:23 Discovering EOS: A Turning Point

35:59 Building a Consulting Practice During the Pandemic

37:32 The Point of Transformation in Leadership

40:35 Preparing for EOS Implementation

42:32 Defining Target Markets: A Common Misunderstanding

45:05 The Role of Culture in Hiring

47:24 The Cost of Bad Hires

50:22 Finding the Right Clients

53:40 Connecting with the EOS Community

Episode Resources

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, I sit down with Justin Boling, an EOS Implementer, who shares that Change isn’t easy, but with the right communication, clarity, and culture, it doesn’t have to be chaotic. Learn how setting expectations, building trust, and laying solid foundations can help teams navigate resistance, retain talent, and solve the right problems at the right time.

01:40 The Journey of a Change Agent

04:00 Understanding Resistance to Change

06:59 Navigating Conversations About Change

10:33 The Muscle of Comfort in Uncomfortable Situations

13:37 From Employee Number 11 to Growth

17:46 The Cost of Bad Hires

25:01 Implementing EOS for Sustainable Growth

29:14 Curiosity and Impact

30:06 Lessons from the Integrator Seat

31:10 The Importance of Slowing Down

32:01 Challenges in Implementation

33:00 Navigating Accountability and Expectations

35:39 Building Execution Mindsets

38:05 Identifying and Prioritizing Issues

40:01 From Ideas to Action

43:02 Tipping Points in Implementation

45:07 Balancing Structure and Flexibility

47:21 Finding the Right Fit

48:34 Closing Thoughts and Future Connections

Episode Resources

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, I sit down with Rachel Lebowitz, Author and EOS Implementer, to learn what makes a visionary and integrator duo thrive.  Hear how she breaks down the unique dynamics between these roles, highlighting how trust, tailored coaching, and strong boundaries allow integrators to lead with clarity, and help visionaries feel free to win without micromanaging.

02:40 Behavioral Insights in Business

04:40 The Role of Visionaries and Integrators

06:29 Understanding Micromanagement

08:40 Creating Ownership Without Title

10:13 The Characteristics of Effective Integrators

12:30 Navigating the Visionary-Integrator Relationship

18:01 The Importance of Boundaries

21:14 Empowering Integrators Through Support

27:13 Coaching for Integrators vs. Visionaries

30:03 Facing the Fear of Failure

31:36 The Power of Self-Reflection

33:09 The Rise of Fractional Integrators

35:58 Navigating the Transition to Fractional Roles

39:07 Building Trust in the Visionary-Integrator Dynamic

43:07 Traits of an Ideal Integrator

47:45 Rachel’s Empowerment Initiatives

Episode Resources

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, I sit down with Josh Kosnick, Coach and EOS Implementer, where he shares how facing a false lawsuit, stepping into leadership after a legacy, and discovering EOS helped him rebuild with purpose. From hiring smarter to building a strong culture and personal brand, he unpacks how clarity, consistency, and mental strength build lasting impact.

00:35 A Unique Journey into Wealth Management

Episode Resources

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, I sit down with John Klick, Entrepreneur and EOS Implementer, who shares how EOS helped him pivot from promotional merchandise to launching a brewery, to becoming and EOS Implementer, offering clarity, structure, and tools like the V/TO and Scorecard to guide a startup through uncertainty. From embracing healthy conflict to building trust and driving decisions with data, this episode shows how EOS builds alignment, accountability, and momentum in any business.

01:00 From Marketing to Brewing

02:42 The Vision for Success

03:51 The Role of EOS in Startups

06:08 Business Plans Reimagined

08:21 Navigating Team Dynamics

10:53 Capacity Challenges in Startups

12:06 Breaking Through Ceilings

14:21 The Integrator’s Role

17:00 Values and Culture in Business

19:38 Aligning Vision and Purpose

21:25 Entering the Danger Zone

24:50 Tactics for Encouraging Open Dialogue

30:07 Performance vs. Capacity: Understanding Team Dynamics

32:07 The People Analyzer: A Tool for Leadership Transparency

34:44 Navigating Resistance to Change in EOS Implementation

39:59 The Power of EOS: Freedom Through Accountability

42:16 Pivoting in Startups: The Need for Agility

46:12 Diverse Industries: The Beauty of EOS Across Sectors

49:38 The Value of ‘Windshield Time’ for Clarity and Reflection

50:02 Connecting with John: Resources and Community

Episode Resources

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, I sit down with Chris Castillo, Strategic Coach and EOS Implementer, who shares how EOS became the game changer for scaling, structure, and freedom in his coaching business, before becoming an Implementer. Learn why coaching, peer groups, and knowing your numbers are essential for any business owner, and how the right implementer can transform not just your business, but your mindset.

00:32 From Corporate to Coaching

02:44 Scaling and Systems

04:06 The Pool Business Experience

09:00 The Learning Curve of Entrepreneurship

12:00 Finding Your Niche

14:04 Understanding Life Coaching

17:30 The Role of a Coach

22:00 Getting Unstuck

25:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey

29:00 The Loneliness of Entrepreneurship

30:27 Building a Supportive Network

32:04 The Value of Peer Groups

34:14 Finding the Right Coach

35:03 Challenges of Self-Implementation

39:03 Overcoming Stagnation

44:01 Facilitating Difficult Conversations

49:10 Connecting with an Implementer

51:12 A Dream Collaboration

Episode Resources

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, I sit down with Brian Brown, the President and Partner at Ingredient Food Marketing, to learn more about why he wanted to use EOS at his company and how it has helped. He highlights how EOS helped him clarify his role, strengthen company culture, and integrate core values into every aspect of the business. Brian emphasizes the power of swift, consensus driven action and the importance of arranging people, clients, and decisions with a shared set of values.

03:21 The Early Days of Web Development

06:07 From Development to Agency Ownership

09:10 Embracing the Role of Visionary

12:31 The Need for Leadership Structure

15:06 Identifying Personal Strengths

17:40 Strengthening Company Culture with EOS

20:07 Living the Core Values

23:01 Navigating Growth and Transition

25:40 Embracing Core Values in Hiring

28:15 Navigating Client Relationships with Values

31:49 Turning Challenges into Opportunities

34:30 Implementing EOS: Lessons Learned

39:34 Overcoming Implementation Hurdles

42:56 The Right Time to Act

46:28 Understanding Ingredient: A Food Content Marketing Agency

Episode Resources

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, I sit down with Evan J. Blumenthal, a Certified EOS Implementer, to learn about how growing up in a fifth-generation entrepreneurial family and working at Walmart shaped his passion for business, leadership, and growth. From transforming a family business with EOS to guiding others as an implementer and advisor, he breaks down lessons on communication, sales, and the balance between ownership and functional roles in building sustainable businesses.

00:27 Growing Up Entrepreneurial

02:09 Walmart Experience: A Learning Ground

05:34 Transitioning to the Family Business

09:06 Implementing EOS for Clarity and Growth

12:11 Navigating Family Business Dynamics

19:02 Courage to Embrace Change

27:56 Balancing Roles in Family Business

30:02 Wearing Different Hats in Leadership

33:00 Setting Up for Success: The Owner’s Role

36:00 The Communication Bridge: Owners and Management

44:00 Influence Beyond the Boardroom

46:00 Navigating Tactical Decisions with Boards

51:00 The Power of Genuine Connection in Sales

54:00 Swinging the Bat: Taking Action in Business

Episode Resources

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, I sit down with James Wisdom, an experienced EOS Implementor, who shares about his experience with managing over large teams, hiring the right person, and how to fire someone that does not align with the company. Through breaking down his three strike rule, clarity breaks, being disciplined during the hiring process, and setting achievable goals for yourself and your business, James shows leaders what they need to do to build the high performing team that you need.

00:27 Right Person, Right Seat

01:51 The Three Strikes Framework

04:07 A Toxic Team Member

06:49 The Freedom to Leave

08:20 The Reality of Performance Changes

11:24 Documentation and Clarity

14:05 Addressing Issues Promptly

19:10 The Fear of Confrontation

23:26 The Art of Hiring

27:01 The Evolution of Hiring Practices

28:20 The Pressure of Hiring

29:49 Navigating the Resume Flood

31:07 The Power of Proactive Recruiting

32:48 A Journey Through Digital Marketing

37:43 Implementing EOS for Business Success

41:21 The Importance of Rocks in Business

46:14 Learning from Missed Goals

55:30 Finding the Right Fit for EOS Implementation

Episode Resources