CEO, best-selling author, investor, Secretary of Commerce & Workforce Development, Taekwondo black belt, Citizen of the Year, board member, family man. These are just a few of the roles that Sean Kouplen has filled in his lifetime of service to the people of Oklahoma. Tune into this episode of Own the Journey as Tom sits down with Kouplen to discuss incorporating faith into business, what to look for in investment opportunities, courage in leadership, and finding success in economic development. There is no shortage of wisdom in this episode, and we guarantee you'll enjoy learning from these stories.

This episode of Own the Journey features Curt Marshall, co-founder and owner of Tie & Timber Beer Co. With a background in IT that turned into a passion for brews, Curt has seen his fair share of the business world. He'll dive into the importance of choosing a location for your business as well as the influence that community has on the success of a brand. Tune in today!

Join us on this episode of Own the Journey as we sit down with Max Buetow, the esteemed CEO of CoxHealth Systems. In this episode, Max shares insights from his journey, starting from his days at Sara Lee Fresh Bakery to his current leadership role. He delves into the challenges of merging culture and process in healthcare, the importance of surrounding oneself with the right team, and the art of simplification in management. Max also discusses the integration of technology in healthcare, and the challenges of human capital. Tune in!

In the upcoming episode of "Own the Journey," host Dean Ertel, a seasoned leader with a rich background in youth development and community engagement, delves into a variety of inspiring topics. Drawing from his 40 years of experience, particularly with the Boy Scouts of America, Dean shares insights on the importance of patience, commitment, and perseverance in both personal and professional realms. He reflects on his journey, emphasizing that there's no perfect job and highlighting the value of volunteerism. Dean also discusses his artistic pursuits, from writing his memoir, "Memoirs of a Fish Whisperer," to his passion for landscape painting and involvement in art associations. Throughout the episode, he underscores the power of persistence and the creative process in changing lives and making a lasting impact on communities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration from a life dedicated to service, leadership, and the arts.

In the upcoming episode of "Own the Journey," Tom is joined by Jon Franko, Founder of Gorilla 76. From the art of focusing on a niche in B2B marketing to the intricacies of measuring ROI and vetting marketing agencies, Jon shares his expert strategies. He also explores the importance of developing a culture of thinkers, the power of empathy in the workplace, and the art of effective delegation. With a nod to his commitment to creating one of the best workplaces in the country, Jon discusses the EOS methodology, the impact of AI in marketing, and innovative LinkedIn strategies. His experience as a passionate community leader and advocate, reflected in his numerous accolades and community involvements, brings a unique depth to the conversation about effective communication and leadership in the dynamic world of marketing.

In the latest episode of "Own the Journey," we delve into the captivating world of Drury Outdoors with Matt Drury, a pivotal figure in the company's evolution. Growing up in the heart of a family business, Matt shares his unique insights, from early days learning the ropes in video production to his current role as General Manager. The episode explores the dynamic shifts in strategy and technology that have shaped Drury Outdoors, including the development of their innovative app, DeerCast. Matt discusses the challenges and rewards of working within a family business, balancing traditional values with modern ethics, and the importance of appealing to different generations of hunters. His journey from editing whitetail hunts to leading the brand into new frontiers of innovation offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of outdoor media and the future of hunting.

In this engaging episode of "Own the Journey," we welcome Adam Markel, a distinguished speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Adam brings his extensive experience as a lifeguard, attorney, and transformational trainer to discuss a variety of insightful topics with a focus on developing resilience, managing life's competing priorities, and understanding the negative impacts of "the grind." Adam emphasizes the importance of support systems in both personal and professional contexts, and the art of having each other's back. The episode also covers his insights into the worlds of authorship, public speaking, and personal branding. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone aiming to improve their resilience and leadership skills in today's dynamic environment.

In this episode of "Own the Journey," join us for an engaging conversation with Rachel Anderson, Executive Director of the eFactory at Missouri State University. With over fifteen years of diverse leadership experience, Rachel shares her journey from student body president to a key figure in entrepreneurship and innovation. She delves into the challenges of business, the importance of mentorship, and her unique insights into startup development and musician management. As a recognized leader in Springfield, MO, and an advocate for continuous improvement and community involvement, Rachel's story is a compelling guide for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.

Your career path isn’t the one laid out for you but the one you make. Join us as we sit down with Stephanie O’Connor, Chief Technology and People Officer at City Utilities and all-around badass.

In this episode, Stephanie takes us through her journey at City Utilities, her experience working in a male-dominated industry, and creating spaces for women to thrive.

This episode is a must-watch for any entrepreneur or business leader wanting to chart their own path and help others do the same.

In this episode of Own the Journey, you'll get an exclusive peek behind the curtain of local government. From navigating bureaucratic labyrinths to fostering trust in a fearful community, David Cameron lays it all out on the table.

Brace yourself for some real talk on:

• Team problem-solving that gets stuff done

• Dealing with public criticism (even the nasty stuff)

• The inside scoop on landing major deals like Amazon

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. This city administrator isn't afraid to get vulnerable, sharing insights on:

• Finding your authentic self (and leading with it)

• Setting boundaries to avoid burnout

• The importance of mental health (yes, even for leaders)

Plus, get a glimpse into the daily routine that keeps David on track.

It's an eye-opening journey that proves even the smallest towns can have big personalities. Join us for a refreshingly honest look at local leadership.