Most CEOs treat balance like a finish line. Stacey Bartelson has a sharper read. Balance isn't even.

In this episode, Shawndel sits down with Stacey Bartelson, a CFP, CEPA, and ChFC at Bartelson Blessner Wealth Group with Edward Jones, to talk about what it actually looks like to lead with intention, work on your business instead of just in it, and plan for the exit you haven't taken yet. You'll hear why it's never too early to start a financial plan, how to give yourself permission to say no to the rooms that drain you, why so many business transfers fall apart at the finish line, and the mindset shift that moved Stacey from "financial advisor" to CEO. Connect with Stacey: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceybartelson/ Website: edwardjones.com/stacey-bartelson

Are you leaving money on the table because you do not understand your own IP? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Sharon Toerek to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Sharon Toerek: Sharon Toerek is the CEO and founder of Toerek Law, also known as Legal and Creative. She helps agencies, creatives, and service businesses protect and monetize their intellectual property so their hard work translates into lasting enterprise value. In this conversation, you will learn: - Why CEOs must understand intellectual property - Growing a company by leveraging IP you already own - Shifting out of day-to-day operations - Leading your team with intention and clarity - How to identify hidden value inside your business - Why growth is not just about revenue, it is about assets - How to fire yourself from low-value work and scale smarter Who this episode is for: Agency owners, creative service CEOs, and founders who want to protect their ideas, productize their expertise, and build real equity value into their business. Connect with Sharon Toerek: Website: https://legalandcreative.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek/ About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/

What happens when a successful attorney realizes that doing it all is holding her company back? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Lida Bannink to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Lida Bannink: Lida Bannink is an attorney, managing shareholder, and working mom who leads her law firm with a people-first philosophy. She is known for redefining leadership as trust, space, and shared ownership instead of control. In this conversation, you will learn: - Redefining leadership to create space, trust, and scale - Building a people-first law firm - Leading as both a CEO and a parent - How to stop juggling everything and build a business that runs without you - Mentoring young leaders and growing a strong team - The hidden cost of doing it all yourself - Creating a culture that attracts and keeps top talent Who this episode is for: Women leaders, professional service CEOs, and working parents who are ready to stop being the bottleneck and start leading with more trust and delegation. Connect with Lida Bannink: Website: https://eckberglammers.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lida-bannink-ba743758/ About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/

What is your exit plan, and is your business even ready for it? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Robin Edgar to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Robin Edgar: Robin Edgar is a wealth strategist and Chief Exit Officer with more than 35 years of experience guiding business owners through complex transitions, acquisitions, and exits. She has helped hundreds of CEOs protect their legacy and personal wealth. In this conversation, you will learn: - A masterclass in long-term business strategy - Why many business exits fall short of the owner's goals - Thinking like a buyer to build long-term value - When to hire fractional experts and get a fair market valuation - Mindset shifts to maximize business value and personal wealth - How to make your business sellable even if you are not ready to sell - The pitfalls most CEOs do not see until it is too late Who this episode is for: Founders, CEOs, and small business owners thinking about their next chapter, whether that is an exit, a succession plan, or simply future-proofing their equity. Connect with Robin Edgar: Wealth Progression Group: https://wealthprogressiongroup.com Robin Edgar: https://robinedgar.net LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinedgar/ Disclosure: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice. Please consult the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstances. Securities offered through Concorde Investment Services, LLC (CIS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Concorde Asset Management, LLC (CAM), an SEC registered investment advisor. Insurance offered through Concorde Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA). Wealth Progression Group is independent of CIS, CAM, and CIA. About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/

Is fear keeping you from fully stepping into your zone of genius? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Stephen Woessner to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Stephen Woessner: Stephen Woessner is the CEO of Predictive ROI and the bestselling author of Sell With Authority. He has spent years helping agencies niche down, build authority, and build scalable businesses that do not rely on the founder as the product. In this conversation, you will learn: - Why niching down unlocks scalability and profitability - Shifting your mindset around sales - Embracing discomfort as part of leadership - Getting radically clear on who you serve, and who you do not - Why the best CEOs stay curious - Why set it and forget it is the most dangerous marketing approach - How authority-led marketing compounds over time Who this episode is for: Agency owners, consultants, and authority-led CEOs who want to stop trading time for dollars and start building a scalable, focused business. Connect with Stephen Woessner: Website: https://predictiveroi.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenwoessner/ Resources: https://predictiveroi.com/resources/ About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/

What if the chaos in your business is not about people, but about alignment? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Karley Cunningham to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Karley Cunningham: Karley Cunningham is the founder of Big Bold Brand and the creator of the Surefire Method. She helps CEOs align values, vision, team, and operations so their brand becomes a strategic engine rather than a marketing afterthought. In this conversation, you will learn: - Transforming trial-and-error growth into sustainable momentum - The Surefire Method for business alignment - Aligning values, vision, team, and operations - Why alignment protects profit, people, and potential - Removing the head-and-shoulders burden from the CEO role - How brand strategy drives operational clarity - Building systems that everyone on the team can own Who this episode is for: CEOs and founders who feel like their business is pulling in ten directions and are ready to realign everything around one clear, bold strategy. Connect with Karley Cunningham: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karleycunningham/ Freebie: https://karleycunningham.substack.com/ About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/

Is your marketing plan actually driving ROI, or just draining your budget? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Corey Morris to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Corey Morris: Corey Morris is an agency owner, industry writer, and bestselling author of The Digital Marketing Success Plan. He is known for helping CEOs replace reactive marketing with accountable, documented strategies built around real ROI. In this conversation, you will learn: - Moving from reactive marketing to a results-driven strategy - Treating marketing as an investment, not a line item - Connecting campaigns to real ROI - Corey's START planning method for documented marketing plans - Avoiding costly missteps with accountable strategy - Why agile, documented plans outperform big annual binders - How CEOs should show up in their own marketing Who this episode is for: CEOs, agency owners, and marketing leaders who want their marketing spend tied to measurable results instead of hope and vibes. Connect with Corey Morris: Website: https://voltage.digital Book and Free Tools: https://thedmsp.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreymorris/ X: https://x.com/coreydmorris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digital.coreymorris/ About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/

What if saying no to the wrong clients is the fastest way to scale? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Erik Jensen to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Erik Jensen: Erik Jensen is co-owner of Predictive ROI and a long-time strategist for agencies looking to niche down, sharpen their positioning, and grow with less chaos. He is the co-architect of the Sell With Authority philosophy used by agencies across North America. In this conversation, you will learn: - How niching down transforms sales, operations, and retention - Why focus creates shorter sales cycles and better margins - Aligning a team around a clear niche - Building confidence across client-facing teams - Finding your business sweet spot as an agency owner - How saying no creates space to scale with less chaos - Why increased retention begins with the right client fit Who this episode is for: Agency owners and consultants trying to grow past the generalist trap and build a focused, authority-led business that commands premium fees. Connect with Erik Jensen: Website: https://predictiveroi.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-jensen-b9946068/ Free Resources: https://predictiveroi.com/resources/ About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/

Give from overflow.

That single phrase from Charmaine Heard might be the most quietly radical leadership insight every CEO needs to hear right now.

In this episode of The CEO Shift, Shawndel Spader The CEO Shift | Charmaine Heard Content Package | Page 4 sits down with Charmaine, CEO of Charmaine Heard, Inc., a multi-credentialed international Relationship Intelligence Coach and author of The Courage to Rise. After 16 years in executive leadership, Charmaine now helps individuals, teams, and organizations build trust, resilience, and effective communication through healthier relationships, both with others and with themselves.

In this conversation, you'll hear:

• Why healthy relationships are an underrated strategic asset • The difference between giving from an empty cup and giving from overflow • How to take care of yourself first without the narrative that you are being selfish • Why the health of your organization is the collective health of every person in it • How to identify and move through relational barriers like resentment and lack of boundaries • Why bringing your whole self to work is a gift, not a liability If you are a CEO or agency owner who has been running on empty and calling it leadership, this is your invitation to lead from a fuller place. Connect with Charmaine at charmaineheard.com or on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/charmaine-heard-18b084186 Her book, The Courage to Rise, is available now. Learn more about The CEO Shift at spadergroup.com/ceo-shift and subscribe to have new episodes delivered straight to your inbox.

Can you run a more profitable agency in the age of AI without losing your humanity? On this episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader sits down with Rick Whittington to explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and leadership lessons that move CEOs from operator to visionary. About Rick Whittington: Rick Whittington is the founder of a long-running marketing agency with 18+ years of experience. He is known for adapting the Profit First methodology to agency life and for teaching CEOs how to integrate AI without replacing human strategy. In this conversation, you will learn: - From accidental entrepreneur to intentional, profit-focused CEO - Adapting the Profit First methodology for an agency - Using AI to close skill gaps without replacing human strategy - Staying relevant in a fast-changing marketing landscape - Practical profit planning for CEOs and agency owners - How to audit your agency's profitability before it becomes a problem - Hiring and planning decisions that actually move the needle Who this episode is for: Agency owners and CEOs who want to future-proof their business with smarter financial planning, AI-assisted workflows, and a clear, profit-first operating model. Connect with Rick Whittington: Website: https://rickwhittington.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickwhittington/ About The CEO Shift Podcast: The CEO Shift is a weekly leadership podcast hosted by Shawndel Spader, founder of Spader Group. Each episode features candid conversations with CEOs, agency owners, founders, and industry experts about the real mindset shifts, strategies, and systems that turn capable operators into intentional leaders. If you are growing a service business, running an agency, or leading a team, The CEO Shift is designed to help you lead with clarity and scale with confidence. Follow and subscribe to The CEO Shift on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a rating and review to help more CEOs discover the show. Visit spadergroup.com/ceo-shift for episode resources and the free CEO Decision Guide. Connect with Shawndel Spader: Website: https://spadergroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndelspader/