Ed Hart sits down with John Guastaferro, the executivedirector behind Hyundai Hope on Wheels and Genesis Inspiration Foundation, to explore how wonder, leadership, and service connect across his life. John shares how a childhood spark for close-up magic grew into a broader mission to connect people to the extraordinary through speaking, music, and philanthropy. They also dig into his “one degree” philosophy, the power of concise purpose, andhow leaders can create stronger culture by making small, intentional shifts.

You can reach John at https://linkdrop.bio/johng

There are companies that sell products...Then there are companies that create memories.In this inspiring episode of From the Hart, Ed Hart sits down with Courtney Taira, President of IFG Restaurant Group and third-generation leader of the iconic King's Hawaiian family of businesses.Courtney shares the remarkable story behind one of America's most beloved family brands and explains why their greatest competitive advantage isn't just their famous sweet rolls—it's their culture, their people, and their unwavering commitment to the Aloha Spirit.Together, Ed and Courtney discuss:- The incredible origin story of King's Hawaiian- Growing up in a multi-generational family business- Protecting family values while growing a national brand- The importance of culture over strategy- How servant leadership creates lasting success- Why relationships are every organization's greatest asset- Lessons learned from leading through change- Building teams that genuinely care about one another- Preserving a founder's legacy while creating your own- Why generosity and hospitality still win in businessWhether you're leading a family business, a nonprofit, or a growing company, this conversation is filled with timeless leadership lessons that remind us success is ultimately about people.Courtney's passion for serving others and preserving her family's legacy is both inspiring and practical, offering leadership wisdom every executive can apply immediately.If you're building an organization that you hope will last for generations, you won't want to miss this conversation.

Everyone thinks about leadership, but what about legacy? How do you honor the past while forging your own path?

In a world where leaders come and go, the hardest part of succession is not just replacing a legend but also preserving their legacy. Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes, shares her journey from a supportive role to leading this impactful organization.

She understands that it's not about rewriting history but building upon a solid foundation laid by her predecessor. With a mission to serve the community, Bonni emphasizes the importance of connection, growth, and honoring those who came before us.

As we navigate our paths, let's remember: we stand on the shoulders of giants.

What’s your experience with leadership transitions?

#Leadership #Legacy #WorkingWardrobes #Mentorship #CommunitySupport

What if the future of education isn’t broken — just waiting to be reimagined?In Episode 156 of From the Hart, Ed Hart sits down with visionary entrepreneur Devi Sahny, a trailblazer who built two global multimillion-dollar companies before the age of 30 — all while reshaping how the next generation learns, grows, and leads.This is more than a conversation about business success. It’s a masterclass in courage, conviction, and creating impact at scale.Devi shares:How she identified massive gaps in the education system — and turned them into global opportunitiesThe mindset required to build and scale companies before 30The leadership lessons no classroom teachesWhy the future belongs to bold, mission-driven innovatorsHow education must evolve to prepare students for a rapidly changing worldIf you’re an entrepreneur, educator, investor, parent, or leader who believes the next generation deserves better — this episode will challenge how you think about growth, purpose, and possibility.Devi’s story is proof that age is not a prerequisite for impact — and that reimagining broken systems starts with one bold decision.🎧 Tune in and discover what’s possible when vision meets execution!

What makes someone dedicate their life to protecting the natural world—and what does it really take to keep a conservation nonprofit alive? In Episode 156 of From the Hart Podcast, Ed Hart sits down with Stacey Chartier-Grable, founder and executive director of OC Habitats, to uncover the “why” behind her mission. Stacey shares the winding path that led her into conservation, the realities nonprofits face behind the scenes, and why education and community engagement are the true engines of environmental protection. From habitat restoration to youth mentorship, Stacey explains how meaningful change happens when people connect with nature—and when communities take ownership of the land and ecosystems around them. This conversation is both inspiring and practical, ending with simple steps you can take right now to get involved and protect what we still have.

You can learn more at www.ochabitats.org

In this episode of the From the Hart podcast, Ed Hart interviews Dave Sanderson, the last passenger to exit US Airways Flight 1549, famously known as the Miracle on the Hudson. Dave shares his harrowing experience of the crash, the lessons he learned about life, faith, and resilience, and how he transformed his trauma into a mission to inspire others. He discusses the impact of the event on his family, the importance of community support, and the necessity of facing fears. Throughout the conversation, Dave emphasizes that every moment in life has a purpose and encourages listeners to do the right thing, trusting that God will take care of them.

In this episode of the From the Hart podcast, Ed Hart speaks with Shelley Hoss, CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation, about her extensive experience in philanthropy and the pressing needs within the community. They discuss the importance of addressing youth mental health, the role of community foundations, and the challenges faced by emerging nonprofits. Shelley shares insights on leadership, the significance of language in discussing sensitive topics, and the vision for the future of philanthropy in Orange County.

In this conversation, Dr. Christie Cooper shares her journey from working at Mars to founding her own consulting group, emphasizing the importance of leadership, change management, and personal growth. She discusses her book 'Guiding Change', which explores how different personality styles navigate change and the role of empathy in leadership. Christie reflects on her experiences, the impact of gratitude, and the significance of creating a supportive environment for change. The discussion highlights practical tools and insights for individuals and organizations facing change.

https://cooperconsultinggroup.com/

In this conversation, Howard Behar, former president of Starbucks, shares his insights on servant leadership, personal growth, and the importance of mental health. He discusses his journey in leadership, the impact of culture on organizations, and the significance of understanding one's core values. Behar reflects on his experiences at Starbucks, the challenges of retirement, and the need for purpose in life. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the ripple effect of leadership on individuals and organizations.

You can reach Howard at [email protected]

He gives out his cell phone number on the episode as well, and he will text or call you back!

On this episode of the From the Hart Podcast with Ed Hart, Tim Ash, an expert in evolutionary psychology, discusses the profound impact of cultural identity and tribalism on human behavior. He shares his personal journey as an immigrant from the Soviet Union, exploring how this experience shaped his understanding of community and belonging. Tim delves into the principles of evolutionary psychology, emphasizing the commonalities that unite humanity and the importance of personal purpose and core culture in leadership. He introduces his framework for creating an 'Initiated Tribe' within organizations, highlighting the significance of intentional initiations and the role of peer pressure in fostering loyalty. The conversation concludes with Tim reflecting on what drives him personally, emphasizing the importance of connection and openness to others.You can reach Tim at www.timash.com