Decision Points

In this episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood are joined by retail legend Crawford Brock, owner of the acclaimed Stanley Korshak.

Crawford shares his incredible journey from running Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills to transforming Stanley Korshak into the luxury retail establishment that it is today.

He discusses the pivotal moments, tough decisions, and mentorship by Stanley Marcus that shaped his career. Crawford's stories of resilience, business strategy, and personal anecdotes provide a deep dive into the art of leadership and the dynamics of the retail industry. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that offers valuable lessons on building a successful business and fostering a winning culture.

Our guest this week is Benji Homsey, co-founder of Duro Hospitality Group. Join Doug Hudson and Scott Wood as they dive into Benji's journey from overseeing the development of Hotel Zaza to founding Duro Hospitality and launching successful restaurants like The Charles and El Carlos.

Benji shares the challenges and triumphs of the hospitality industry and why “icing” (as he calls it) is critical in customer service. To him, it’s always been about exceptional service and attention to detail.

We also touch on Benji's personal background, his approach to creating unique dining experiences, and his vision for future growth within the hospitality sector. Tune in to hear valuable insights on sustaining a successful hospitality business and the innovative strategies that set Duro Hospitality apart.

This episode of Decision Points features Dupree Scovell, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Woodbine Development, a top real estate company headquartered in Dallas, TX. It all started at age 16 washing dishes in his family's hotel.

Our guest dives into the influence of his family's history, the role of mentorship, and pivotal decisions that shaped his career, offering valuable insights on leadership, succession planning, and balancing personal and professional growth.

Tune in and learn about the intricacies of managing and transitioning a family-owned business successfully through intentional planning. Dupree’s shares how his father taught him the necessity of organizing financial documents and preparing the second generation for future responsibilities.

Join us as Dupree Scovell gives actionable advice for balancing work and life, valuable lessons for every entrepreneur.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Corby Davidson, co-host of 'The Ticket,' as he reflects on his 30-year journey in the radio business.

In this episode of Decision Points, Corby and host Doug Hudson discuss the significance of chemistry in leadership, the challenges and rewards of following one's passion, and the drive that has brought him success over the years.

From stories of fierce competitiveness on and off the field to the importance of mentorship and hard work, Corby shares his insights and experiences that have shaped his remarkable career. 

Whether you’re an aspiring radio broadcaster or a seasoned business veteran, Corby's story offers some valuable lessons on pursuing what you love and staying grounded along the way. Tune in to discover how Corby plans to transition from his career into the next exciting chapter of his life.

Join hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood as they sit down with Craige Stout, CEO global advisory firm Stout. In this episode of Decision Points, Craige shares his journey from his Michigan roots and his academic tenure at Michigan State University to leading a successful valuation and financial advisory firm.

Through insightful anecdotes, Craige unveils the foundational aspects of his career, highlighting the importance of culture, strategic decision-making, and the value of having the right partners and advisors.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to sell or an entrepreneur seeking growth strategies, Craige’s experiences and lessons provide invaluable insights into the world of business valuation and corporate finance.

This week's episode of Decision Points features Rand Stagen, CEO of Stagen Leadership Academy, who brings 25 years of entrepreneurship to the table.

Hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood dive into Rand's journey, from running a successful publishing business to transforming it into a leadership academy that helps CEOs and business owners find their untapped potential.

Rand shares personal insights on the importance of purpose-driven leadership, the evolution of his own values, and the vital role of continuous self-improvement and responsibility in leadership.

Tune in to this week’s episode and explore Rand's unique perspective on navigating the complexities of business and personal growth, and discover the long-term value of conscious capitalism and transformational leadership.

Join us for another episode of Decision Points, where we reconnect with Daron Babcock, Director of Community Transformation at Stand Together Foundation. If you missed our previous episode with Daron, we encourage you to take a listen. We dive a little deeper in this episode, as Darren shares how his perspective on empathy, entrepreneurship, and innovation has fueled his mission to solve some of society’s biggest issues.

At the heart of Darren’s story is the principle of proximity—being close enough to understand the real needs of your community. His work at Bonton Farms and the transition to broader platforms illustrate how personal values and actions can align to create significant social impact. Darren’s perspective on the importance of a community-centric approach has not only been instrumental in transforming underprivileged areas but has also proven to be a model for business leaders seeking to make a difference around our country.

Throughout the episode, Darren explores the importance of succession planning, addressing systemic barriers, and empowering individuals to rise above circumstances. He believes empowerment starts with recognizing human potential and fostering environments where people can thrive. His journey of faith and community transformation has found a voice through the Stand Together Foundation, which challenges traditional views of philanthropy and encourages a more integrated approach.

Decision Points is dedicated to uncovering the choices leaders make that redefine their paths and influence broader change. We hope this episode with Daron provides our listeners with a blueprint for how businesses can engage in social innovation responsibly and effectively. It's a call to action for all leaders to reconsider how they can use their influence to foster better business practices that contribute to the betterment of our communities.

In this week’s episode of Decision Points, Frankie Basso, President and CEO of SystemWare, dives into the foundational role that family values play in creating a strong corporate culture. Leading a company that was started by his father in the 1980s, Basso has successfully woven these principles into the fabric of SystemWare, fostering a work environment that prioritizes nurturing and support alongside innovation and growth.

Throughout the episode, Frankie explores how the culture of family has been a critical driver in the company’s evolution from a small startup to a provider for Fortune 1000 companies. For any business owner, a strong culture is difficult to maintain through periods of growth and remote transition. Frankie shares about the importance of a few key ingredients – integrity, mutual respect, and shared goals.

He also uncovers the significant role his faith plays in guiding his business ethics, advocating for a leadership style that aligns his personal beliefs with his business practices to create an ethical, transparent, and respectful workplace.

Looking forward, Frankie shares his vision for SystemWare’s continued growth without compromising the family-first culture that defines it. His insights provide a roadmap for current and aspiring leaders on integrating personal values into business practices, ensuring that success is measured not just by profits, but by the well-being and fulfillment of every team member.

We hope you will leave inspired by how SystemWare’s commitment to family values in business has not only shaped its success but has also set a standard for creating a meaningful legacy in the corporate world.

This week, True North is excited to invite guest Kishore Khandavalli, a visionary entrepreneur who transitioned from a small town in India to becoming the CEO of multiple thriving software companies in the United States.

Starting with just $3,000 and a dream, Khandavalli’s initial steps in the United States took him from chemical engineering to the heights of the IT and software industry, driven by the pursuit of opportunity. His story takes us through the founding of his own company, the challenges of navigating the dot-com crash, and his strategic maneuvers that led to his role as CEO at the age of 29.

Khandavalli shares insights from his extensive experience, focusing on the importance of delegation, empowering others, and maintaining clear financial records—key strategies that transformed his business operations and facilitated scale. His journey offers invaluable lessons in leadership, from the necessity of transitioning from a hands-on founder to a leader who empowers, to the critical importance of strategic foresight in business operations.

Khandavalli's approach to overcoming obstacles and his emphasis on sustainable growth and personal fulfillment is inspiring. Tune into this episode of Decision Points and dive into the life of a tech mogul who embodies the true spirit of entrepreneurship. He demonstrates that success is not just about financial gain but also about achieving personal growth and balance.

How can a successful office space foster creativity and productivity? In this week’s episode of Decision Points, Lindsay Wilson, the president and principal of Corgan, shares her journey from cheerleader in Conway, Arkansas to a visionary leader in the world of architectural design. Guided by a profound belief in the transformative power of design, Lindsay shares how she is shaping the future of workplace environments across the nation, grounded here in the DFW metroplex.

Lindsay dives into the current trends and future predictions of office space design. She emphasizes the integration of technology and the evolving needs of the workforce. To her, it’s about creating spaces that not only draw employees back but also enhance productivity and well-being. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in designing Class A buildings and reconfiguring existing spaces to meet modern demands, including the potential transformation of office areas into residential spaces.

Beyond her professional insights, Lindsay shares personal stories that illuminate her path to leadership—from her upbringing in Arkansas and early career decisions to the meaningful mentorships and personal encounters that have influenced her approach. Her story is a testament to the impact of following your passion, embracing innovation, and maintaining the courage to take bold steps in both life and career.

As we explore Lindsay Wilson’s strategic vision for Corgan and her approach to workplace design, we hope listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how thoughtful design can create environments where people not only work but thrive. Join us on this week’s epidose of Decision Points for a journey through design, real estate, and business leadership.