What does it really take to lead with impact? In this episode, Ryan Hawk—former college quarterback, bestselling author, and host of The Learning Leader Show—joins us for a rich, real conversation on the values that shape great leaders from the inside out.

We explore the power of curiosity, the importance of modeling the behavior you hope to see, and why consistency, truth-telling, and doing hard things matter more now than ever. From family legacy to company culture, Ryan opens up about the moments, mindsets, and mentors that have shaped his leadership path—and why culture always starts within.

Whether you're a parent, an executive, or someone navigating your own purpose, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead with more clarity, intention, and truth.

Chapters:

00:00 — From Dayton Roots to Learning Leader

06:13 — Obsession Over Luck: Building a Life Around What Matters

10:45 — Consistency Modeled: Lessons from Ryan’s Dad

18:39 — Children Imitate More Than They Listen

23:07 — Say What’s True: Psychological Safety and Real Culture

34:54 — The Power of Deep Curiosity

49:27 — Doing What You’re Meant To Do

53:09 — Build What You’re Obsessed With

Connect with Ryan:
https://learningleader.com/

Get Ryan’s latest book, The Score That Matters:
https://learningleader.com/the-score-that-matters/

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In this powerful interview, Mike Ettore—retired Marine Corps officer, former C-level executive, and leadership coach—shares the timeless principles that define truly great leadership. Drawing from over 50 years of experience, Mike reveals how humility, vulnerability, and trust aren’t signs of weakness, but the foundation of effective, service-oriented leadership. Whether leading Marines in combat or corporate teams in crisis, his core philosophy remains the same: leaders exist to serve those they lead.

Mike reflects on his "leadership epiphany"—the realization that you don’t need all the answers to lead well. Instead, asking the right questions, creating space for others to contribute, and building a strong culture are what elevate teams from mediocre to exceptional. From transforming a struggling IT department with zero technical experience to writing daily for his grandchildren’s grandchildren, Mike’s approach blends practical wisdom with a clear and lasting vision of leadership impact.

Learn more about Mike’s work at: www.fidelisleadership.com

Find his leadership books on Amazon.

Listen and subscribe to the Fidelis Leadership Podcast on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

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Lisa Arie joins us for an extraordinary conversation on resilience, transformation, and the power of leading with love. Once faced with a terminal illness, Lisa redefined her life’s purpose—trading corporate success for deep self-discovery. Her journey led her to horses, where she uncovered profound lessons in presence, courage, and authentic connection.

Through her work at Vista Caballo, Lisa helps leaders embrace their true nature, break free from fear, and step into a more conscious way of living. In this episode, she shares how personal transformation fuels cultural impact and challenges us to ask: What if love—not fear—was our guiding truth?

Learn more about Lisa's work at Vista Caballo: https://vistacaballo.com/ or get in touch with Lisa at [email protected].

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Explore the transformative journey of Wendy Roop, whose life embodies the power of self-love, kindness, and the strength of culture built from within. Wendy shares her story of growing up in a tight-knit family rooted in traditional values, which set the foundation for her career and personal growth. From her childhood dreams to an impactful career in HR, and ultimately stepping into her role as an executive coach, Wendy’s path is a testament to trusting oneself and embracing life’s pivots.

In this episode, Wendy dives into the pivotal lessons she’s learned, including her powerful STOP method—self-care, thinking about your thoughts, finding an oasis, and embracing progress over perfection. Wendy emphasizes the importance of giving ourselves "space and grace" to reflect, grow, and show up authentically in our lives and work.

Through her experiences navigating career transitions, facing personal loss, and becoming a full-time coach, Wendy highlights the power of kindness—not just to others but to ourselves. With her undefeated optimism, she inspires listeners to lead with vulnerability, challenge their inner critics, and trust the process of becoming their best selves.

Whether you’re looking to lead more effectively, create a healthier culture, or simply embrace more kindness in your daily life, Wendy’s story will leave you feeling inspired, grounded, and ready to take the next step.

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What if uncovering your core values could be the key to navigating life's toughest challenges?

In this part 2 episode, Karen Benoy Preston, a passionate advocate for values work, returns to share her transformative insights on the power of understanding one's true values. She guides us through the process of peeling back the layers of our beliefs, distinguishing truths from fears, and making authentic decisions in both personal and professional realms.

Karen emphasizes the vital role a coach plays in this journey, helping individuals move away from borrowed values and toward their genuine core. Together, we explore the importance of self-love as a foundation for loving others and discuss how externalizing our thoughts can bring clarity and reduce mental clutter. Listen in to learn how articulating and aligning your values can pave the way for personal growth and cultural transformation.

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In Part 1 of this special two-part series, we spotlight our co-host, Karen Benoy Preston, and uncover the personal and professional journey that shaped her path to coaching. Raised in North Carolina on dirt bikes and go-karts and rooted in an adventurous spirit, Karen’s early experiences fostered a sense of resilience and independence that continue to guide her today. We explore how the disconnect she felt in the corporate world led her to seek purpose and authenticity in her work, ultimately finding her calling as a coach.

From navigating corporate rigidity to working with an empowering mentor in a boutique brokerage, Karen’s story highlights the transformative impact of aligning personal values with professional goals. Join us as Karen reflects on her journey, sharing pivotal moments, insights into the power of trust, and the “pause, pivot, and pioneer” mindset that helped her blaze new trails. This episode is an inspiring look at how personal growth and values-driven leadership intersect, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to lead with courage, curiosity, and a deep sense of purpose.

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Could revisiting your childhood passions be the key to bringing more fulfillment to your daily routines, both in life and at work? Join us on our 20th episode milestone as we explore the power of gratitude, not just for grand gestures but for the little comforts that make life sweeter.

We dive into the concept of "ikigai"—your reason for being—and discover how reigniting your lost passions can blur the lines between work and play, making every day more rewarding. We tackle generational clashes in the workplace and examine how younger generations’ quest for authenticity contrasts with older generations' more traditional values. Through our own stories and the idea of the learning circle, we emphasize the importance of intergenerational understanding and disciplined personal growth.

Struggling with breaking old habits? Whether it’s quitting a 25-year nicotine addiction or managing emotional outbursts, this episode emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and accountability. Join us and explore how to resolve conflicts and reduce defensiveness to build healthier and more productive relationships across all age groups. When we challenge old patterns of thinking and embrace authenticity, we can unlock our potential.

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In this episode of "Culture is an Inside Job," Wendy, Karen, and Scott explore the essence of authenticity, the power of surrender, and the lies we often tell ourselves. Have you felt the weight of not being true to yourself, especially in the workplace? Listen along as we examine the importance of authenticity and the damaging effects of leaders who fail to practice what they preach. Through personal stories and practical tools, we uncover the lies we tell ourselves and the fear that holds us back from embracing our imperfections.

We also explore how our beliefs shape organizational culture and the transformative power of letting go. Join us for an inspiring conversation about personal growth, overcoming fear, and creating a culture of authenticity in both personal and professional realms.

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Can high performance come at too high a cost? Join us on "Culture is an Inside Job" as we investigate the phenomenon of the destructive hero within organizations. These individuals may excel in their roles, but their behavior often results in significant emotional and financial damage. Scott delves into his own experiences, offering insights on how to manage these complex characters with a blend of grace and truth. We'll explore their potential for redemption and discuss when it might be necessary to part ways for the organization's well-being. 

Next, we explore the role of hope and the power of personal choice in our lives. As children, we're aware of the myriad of choices available to us, but as adults, we can become trapped in limiting patterns. By being honest about our beliefs and self-perceptions, we can bridge the gap between our current reality and our aspirations. Discover how embracing humility, truth, and self-awareness can lead to transformative decisions. We also highlight the importance of fostering a healthy organizational culture that rewards positive behaviors while addressing destructive actions.

Finally, we turn our attention to the pivotal role of organizational culture in driving vision and adapting to change. Reflecting on invaluable lessons from Anne Thompson at Aileron and personal experiences from McGill and Braebender, Scott underscores the importance of intentional culture maintenance. We'll discuss strategies for navigating change, dealing with naysayers, and using chaos to strengthen unity and purpose. As we wrap up, we invite you to share your feedback and preferences, helping us shape future episodes to better serve you. Tune in for a rich discussion on building a resilient, adaptive, and supportive organizational culture.

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Scott is throwing out his ties! The group discusses Scott’s recent retirement as CEO of McGohan Brabender and what it’s been like for him to prepare emotionally and mentally for this shift in his life. Scott shares turning points in his journey of finding his identity, values, his “why” as a leader. 

Together, Karen, Wendy and Scott unpack how authenticity, vulnerability and transparency from leaders gives others permission to be their truest selves at work - bringing their passion and energy to enrich the culture of an organization.

Join them and discover the power of unlocking your true self in life and work.

Get your copy of Culture is an Inside Job by Scott McGohan: https://www.amazon.com/Culture-Inside-Job-Self-Awareness-Organization/dp/B0C31F5WYV  

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