In this powerful second episode of Escape the CEO Doom Loop, co-host John Ninkovich opens up about his personal leadership journey—from working behind the counter of a family business at age nine to running a company, losing it all, and rebuilding with purpose.

John sits down with Glen Dall to share the real story behind why he became a CEO coach—and why the most valuable lessons don’t come from the wins, but from the moments you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom.

Inside this episode:

• What it really feels like to go from CEO to employee—and why ego isn’t your enemy, but your teacher.
• The hard truth behind family business dynamics, loyalty, and painful people decisions.
• Why coaching your own team is like trying to play quarterback and be the head coach—and why that rarely works.
• The 3AM sweat: waking up with payroll panic and learning what real responsibility feels like.
• How the darkest moments often become the foundation for your purpose as a leader.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of leading a team, the fear of failure, or the isolation that comes with the title “CEO,” this episode is for you. John’s story is a reminder that real leadership is forged in adversity—and that you’re not alone in the journey.

Up next: In Episode 3, Glen shares his CEO story—the rise, the fall, the public-company pressure, and the path to purpose.

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