The Drop In CEO

In this episode of the Drop In CEO podcast, John Golden shares his career journey from Ireland to Silicon Valley, his lessons from working in different industries, and the importance of self-awareness and authenticity in leadership. Deb and John discuss the value of hiring a coach, the realities of podcasting, and how staying committed and consistent can yield unexpected opportunities. John also talks about the importance of being prepared for the fast-evolving world of AI, and how embracing opportunities can lead to significant personal and professional growth.

Episode Highlights:

04:11 Lessons from the Dotcom Boom and Bust

05:45 The Importance of Business Fundamentals

14:32 The Role of CRM in Sales

16:47 Investing in Yourself and Your Career

19:47 Authenticity and Self-Awareness

John is the Amazon bestselling author of Winning the Battle for Sales: Lessons on Closing Every Deal from the World’s Greatest Military Victories and Social Upheaval: How to Win at Social Selling. A globally acknowledged Sales & Marketing thought leader, speaker, and strategist, he has conducted over 1500 video interviews of thought leaders for Sales POP! online sales magazine & YouTube Channel and for audio podcast channels where Sales POP! is rated in the top 2% of most popular shows out of 3,320,580 podcasts globally, ranked by Listen Score. He is CSMO at Pipeliner CRM. In his spare time, John is an avid Martial Artist.

Connect with John Golden:
Company Websites: pipelinersales.com salespop.net
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngolden/

For More Insights from The Drop In CEO:

📅 Book a Call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs
📺 Follow on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn
📰 Sign Up for the Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Drop In CEO podcast, Jim Carlough, an accomplished business strategist with over 30 years of experience, shares his perspective on building high-performance teams, revitalizing businesses, and his book 'The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership.' The discussion delves into the elements of empathy, integrity, and compassion in leadership, reflecting on personal stories and lessons learned. Jim emphasizes the importance of continual development and the human connection in management. The episode also highlights the value of mentoring and offering stability and support to employees during uncertain times.

Episode Highlights:

04:58 The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership

06:49 Empathy and Compassion in Leadership

12:10 Integrity: The Non-Negotiable Pillar

With over 30 years of leadership experience, Jim Carlough is an accomplished business strategist, speaker, and author. Having successfully driven explosive growth for healthcare organizations—from start-ups to industry leaders—Jim is a trusted expert in building high-performing teams, revitalizing underperforming businesses, and guiding organizations through transformational change.

Jim's core philosophy—leaders aren’t born; they’re developed—challenges the myth of innate leadership. In his book, The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success, Jim delivers a practical and inspiring guide for leaders at every stage of their journey. His approach focuses on six essential traits that empower individuals to embrace leadership as a skill that can be learned, honed, and mastered through experience, mentorship, and intentional growth.

Connect with Jim Carlough:
Company Website: www.jimcarlough.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimcarloughms
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimcarloughms
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jimcarloughms
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jimcarloughms

For More Insights from The Drop In CEO:

📅 Book a Call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs
📺 Follow on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn
📰 Sign Up for the Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Drop In CEO podcast, Chris Troka, founder and owner of Focus Biz, shares his transition from building an award-winning wedding DJ business to earning a degree in marketing and helping other businesses start and grow. They discuss the importance of building a personal brand, strategies for lead nurturing, and the use of automation and AI to enhance business processes. The conversation provides valuable insights into overcoming challenges, the significance of relationship-building, and staying ahead of industry trends. Chris also shares practical examples from his work, including automating client interactions and crafting effective marketing strategies.

Episode Highlights:

03:50 The Wedding DJ Business Journey

08:43 Building a Personal Brand

12:56 Automation and AI in Business

21:38 Future Goals and Community Building

Chris Troka is a driven entrepreneur with over a decade of experience creating and scaling businesses. As the founder of two successful ventures—including an award-winning wedding DJ and photo booth company—he blends creativity with cutting-edge marketing, automation, and AI technology to help other entrepreneurs thrive. With certifications from HubSpot and Google, and a Marketing Degree earned in 2021, Chris offers expert website, CRM, and social media services designed to build lasting relationships and generate leads. Known for exceptional service and communication, he’s passionate about helping business owners achieve goals they never thought possible.

Connect with Chris Troka:
LinkedIn::https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-troka-3a093058/
Company Website: https://focused-biz.com/
Chris’ Website: https://christroka.com/

For More Insights from The Drop In CEO:

📅 Book a Call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs
📺 Follow on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn
📰 Sign Up for the Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Drop In CEO podcast, Ryan Ball, CEO of Rockwell Services, shares his experiences from his early career in engineering and film to his current role, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. They discuss the challenges and innovations within the logistics sector, focusing on Ryan's approach to integrating bespoke technology solutions for operational improvements. The conversation highlights the critical need for effective communication and the hidden costs of cheap logistics solutions, offering valuable insights for C-suite leaders managing logistics operations.

Episode Highlights

02:12 Ryan's Journey: From Engineering to Film and Media

09:26 Lessons Learned from Startups and Consulting

12:38 Rockwell Services: Revolutionizing Logistics

Ryan Ball is a lifelong serial entrepreneur with broad experience from a career in management consulting, mechanical engineering, film and media production, software development, brand creation & development, consumer packaged goods, venture capital, M&A, and has been a founder or co-founder of a dozen startup projects in various industries. In 2023 he turned his attention to the logistics industry. Since taking over Rockwall Services, a now 16+ year old freight brokerage firm, he has focused on operational improvements, growth of accounts, expansion of services, and has even launched a software development subsidiary focused on making innovative software products for the logistics industry. Ryan's goal is to not only grow Rockwall Services into a larger and more successful organization but also to make a significant positive impact on the logistics industry.

Connect with Ryan Ball:
Company Website: Www.rockwallservices.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-ball7

For More Insights from The Drop In CEO:

📅 Book a Call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs
📺 Follow on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn
📰 Sign Up for the Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Drop In CEO podcast, Ben Baker discusses the critical role of effective communication in leadership and organizational change. The conversation delves into the significance of community, the impact of clear and continuous communication during organizational changes, and the importance of leadership in ensuring messages are understood at all levels. Ben provides insights into his career, including his recent business shift to focus on joining a larger organization for greater impact. The episode closes with practical advice on how leaders can improve their communication strategies to drive growth and engagement within their organizations.

Episode Highlights:

02:26 The Importance of Community and Culture

07:42 Volunteering and Community Involvement

12:24 Ben Baker's Professional Journey and Insights

16:28 Effective Communication During Change

21:19 Leadership and Communication Strategies

Ben Baker lives and works in the charming fishing village of Steveston, BC—best known as the setting for the TV show Once Upon a Time. Just 30 minutes outside of Vancouver, it’s where he walks to work, knows his neighbors by name, and believes deeply in the balance between life and leadership. 

An international speaker, podcast host, and author of Powerful Personal Brands and Leading Beyond a Crisis, Ben helps organizations uncover their true story, align their messaging, and communicate with clarity. Driven by curiosity and a strong sense of community, he’s dedicated to helping others lead with purpose and impact.

Connect with Ben Baker:
Company Website: https://iambenbaker.com/

Podcast: https://iambenbaker.com/yourlivingbrand-live-show/

Gnaw On This Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@gnawonthis

Ben’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ben-Baker/author/B07F1YS198?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourbrandmarketing/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/gettingyounoticed

For More Insights from The Drop In CEO:

📅 Book a Call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs
📺 Follow on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn
📰 Sign Up for the Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Drop In CEO podcast, Kareen Zahr Walsh shares her journey from corporate success to launching her own consultancy and coaching business. She emphasizes the importance of aligning personal values with professional goals, building operationally efficient business models, and prioritizing personal health. The conversation also touches on Kareen's innovative AI tool 'Hey Kareen' and how it extends her coaching capabilities. Insights into achieving business success, transitioning careers, and maintaining personal well-being are discussed.

Episode Highlights:

02:18 From Corporate Ladder to Entrepreneurship

05:07 Prioritizing Health and Well-being

09:05 Building a Successful Business Model

14:51 Innovative Solutions: Introducing Hey Kareen

20:15 Core Values and Authentic Leadership

Kareen Zahr Walsh is a visionary business and people strategist, author, podcaster, investor, and 7-8 figure business building entrepreneur making her the ultimate Business Healer. With nearly 2 decades of experience optimizing performance in ecommerce, health & wellness, technology, and finance industries, running top performing teams in complex environments, Kareen has a proven track record of helping C-Suite executives turn their vision of impact into action often resulting in 10xing their investment. Kareen is on a mission to help you integrate your inner business with your desire for external impact in an aligned way. She does this through her entrepreneurial coaching platform called Hey Kareen®, her Level Up Mastermind, and Elite 1:1 Coaching programs. Kareen believes knowing who you have to become in order to lead your vision is the fastest way to accelerate your growth in business.

Connect with Kareen:
Company Website: https://www.kareenwalsh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kareenzwalsh/,

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachKareenWalsh/
Kareen’s AI Tool: https://heykareen.com/

For More Insights from The Drop In CEO:

📅 Book a Call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs
📺 Follow on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn
📰 Sign Up for the Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Drop In CEO Podcast Paul Faronbi shares his mission to empower young professionals in STEM to develop leadership skills often overlooked in technical fields. He discusses his background in chemical engineering, his transition to leadership, founding student organizations, and starting his nonprofit NALA STEM. Paul emphasizes the importance of resilience, evaluating failure, and finding purpose. The episode provides valuable insights for aspiring and current leaders in STEM, encouraging them to invest in developing their leadership skills.

Episode Highlights:

02:19 Paul's Journey and Mission in STEM

06:24 The Importance of Leadership Skills in STEM

08:33 Paul's Transition from Engineer to Leader

17:20 NALA STEM: Empowering Underrepresented Communities

Paul Faronbi is a Certified Maxwell Leadership Coach, Speaker, and Trainer with a passion for leadership and mentoring students in STEM. A dynamic speaker, he travels nationwide to inspire students and professionals through his work, including his show, IncrediPaul Leadership. With a background in chemical engineering, Paul has worked for multiple Fortune 500 companies, specializing in process engineering and digital transformation. He is the founder of NALA(STEM) and co-founder of ILAC, both dedicated to supporting underrepresented students in STEM. Driven by faith and service, Paul empowers young professionals to become the most incredible versions of themselves.

Connect with Paul:
Company Website: www.incredipaul.org

Paul’s Mailing list: https://www.mail.incredipaul.org/subscribe

For More Insights from The Drop In CEO:

📅 Book a Call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs
📺 Follow on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn
📰 Sign Up for the Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Drop In CEO Podcast Troy Helming, a unicorn founder and modern-day industrialist, discusses his journey from maintaining a solar-powered house in Kansas to developing projects that have had a significant economic impact. He highlights the challenges of upgrading the U.S. electrical grid, the importance of underground transmission lines, and the need for legislative support to advance clean energy infrastructure. Troy also touches on his experiences with obstacles and innovations in the energy sector, his passion for resilience, and his advice for C-suite leaders. Additionally, he shares insights about his collaboration with the Kuwait Investment Authority and his company's ambitious goal to build a coast-to-coast network of underground tunnels for power and utility lines.

Episode Highlights:

02:02 Troy's Journey: From Solar-Powered House to Clean Energy Pioneer

04:47 Challenges in the Clean Energy Sector

11:45 Innovative Solutions and EarthGrid's Mission

12:25 Troy's Personal Drive and Overcoming Obstacles

Troy Helming is a Unicorn Founder (with 6 company exits) and a modern-day industrialist. He’s an inventor (60+ patent claims), an elite athlete (American Ninja Warrior), an author (The Clean Power Revolution + articles), and a clean energy executive. He’s founded solar & wind companies that have generated more than $35 Billion of economic impact, and he serves on numerous boards. He's a longtime wellness practitioner, yogi, and family man.

Connect with Troy:
Troy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troyhelming/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/earthgrid-io/

Troy’s X: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FSolarNinjaTroy

Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthgrid.io/

Troy’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solarninjatroy

For More Insights from The Drop In CEO:

📅 Book a Call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs
📺 Follow on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn
📰 Sign Up for the Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Drop In CEO Podcast Dorsey Standish, a neuroscientist and wellness expert, shares her journey from a high-achieving engineer to a mindfulness and emotional intelligence advocate after experiencing severe burnout. The discussion centers on the importance of mindfulness for personal well-being and organizational health. Dorsey details her work with companies to implement wellness programs and improve team dynamics, highlighting real-life impacts on stress management and interpersonal relationships. Listeners gain insights into starting their own mindfulness practices and the benefits of prioritizing mental health in the workplace.

Episode Highlights:

02:09 Dorsey's Journey to Mindfulness

06:22 The Impact of Mindfulness on Personal and Professional Life

14:17 Practical Tips for Starting Mindfulness

18:20 Transforming Organizations with Mindfulness

Dorsey Standish, MS is a mechanical engineer, neuroscientist, and wellness expert who brings evidence-based mindfulness and emotional intelligence to clients worldwide through her company Mastermind. Dorsey has led science-based wellness programs for hundreds of companies, including Staples, Toyota, and American Airlines. Her personal mission is to help Type A people like herself slow down, destress, and optimize their performance through research-backed brain health training.

Dorsey holds a master’s degree in Cognitive Neuroscience from University of Texas at Dallas and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. Dorsey’s teachings draw on her training as a teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction through Brown University and deep experience on regular 7-day silent meditation retreats.

While Dorsey is Ivy League-educated and holds a MS in Neuroscience, she believes her best teachers are her wife and two adorable sons. She lives in Dallas, and enjoys the opportunity to travel the country and teach her clients lifelong skills for brain health and resilience.

Connect with Dorsey:

🌎 Website: www.mastermindmeditate.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorseystandish
Company LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/mastermindmeditate
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mastermindmeditate
Facebook: https://facebook.com/mastermindmeditate

For More Insights from The Drop In CEO:

📅 Book a Call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs
📺 Follow on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn
📰 Sign Up for the Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Drop In CEO Podcast, Steve Durbin shares his unique journey from literature to cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, learning, and fresh perspectives in leadership. The discussion delves into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the necessity for business leaders to adopt a resilient and informed approach to technology and risk management, and the value of continuous education and networking. Steve offers practical advice for business leaders on safeguarding against cyber threats and highlights the dynamic interplay between technology, business strategy, and security.

Episode Highlights:

01:57 Steve's Journey: From Literature to Cybersecurity

05:12 The Importance of Reading and Continuous Learning

08:02 Transitioning Careers: Embracing Technology

16:58 Information Security Forum: Mission and Impact

29:12 Practical Advice for Leaders on Cybersecurity

Steve Durbin is a leading authority on cybersecurity and business culture transformation. As CEO of the Information Security Forum, he helps global enterprises navigate security risks and governance challenges. Since 2016, he has hosted the ISF Podcast, interviewing industry pioneers like Steve Wozniak and Helle Thorning-Schmidt. Previously, he advised Fortune 500 companies at Gartner and played a key role in IPOs and M&As at Ernst & Young. A top influencer in cybersecurity leadership, Steve also lectures at Henley Business School on board-level cyber strategy. His expertise spans threat landscapes, regulation, and the evolving role of cybersecurity in business.

Connect with Steve:

🌎 Website: securityforum.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevedurbin/

For More Insights from The Drop In CEO:

📅 Book a Call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs
📺 Follow on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn
📰 Sign Up for the Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.