In this episode of The Steward Chair, John Sensiba, retiring CEO of Sensiba, and Monique Ramirez, his successor, share a masterclass on why intentional succession is the ultimate act of stewardship. John shares his journey of leading the firm through two major economic crises by refusing to abandon core values. They explore how the Golden Rule and simple, unwavering priorities—family, community, and firm—drive meaningful, long-term success.

We discuss the courage it takes to hand off a legacy gracefully, and how an "eat what you kill" compensation model can destroy culture. We also cover the immense privilege of receiving a planned, six-year leadership transition, providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.

Key Takeaways

• The Ultimate Act of Stewardship is Succession: A leader’s most important duty is to prepare the organization for the next generation, viewing their role as a "transient caretaker" for the benefit of employees and the community.
• Values Are Non-Negotiable in Crisis: Establishing simple, clearly articulated priorities (like family, community, and firm in that order) and refusing to abandon values when they become "inconvenient" provides clarity and resilience during financial crises or global pandemics.
• Culture Over Compensation: The courage to abandon an "eat what you kill" compensation model for a subjective, values-based approach is necessary to cultivate a culture of collaboration, trust, and shared success.

Resources Mentioned

• Visit Sensiba's Website
• Sensiba B Corp Certification Information
• Follow John Sensiba on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndsensiba/ 
• Follow Monique Ramirez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicramirez/ 

 

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The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:

Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. 

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

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In today’s episode, Jeff speaks with Chris Carneal, the founder and CEO of Booster, the nation's number one school fundraising company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Since 2002, Booster has raised over 1.3 billion for schools.

Chris and his family first leadership have also created a collaborative community for leaders at Virtue Village, which is a business hub designed to foster connection and purpose.

In this conversation, Jeff and Chris unpack a key distinction that Chris makes between values that are merely timely and virtues that are truly timeless and character building. They’ll also explore what it means to steward your company's culture and people through every season, from unprecedented crisis to flourishing, and show you how courage and gratitude can be your greatest assets when creating a resilient, enduring business.

This episode is for every leader who knows that true strength isn't just about what you build, but how you endure.

Key Takeaways

• Shifting from "Values" to Timeless "Virtues" Creates a More Actionable Culture
• A Strong Cultural Framework Is Essential for Navigating Crisis
• Intentional Community Is the Antidote to Human Disconnection

Resources Mentioned

• Learn more about Booster: https://www.boosterthon.com/
• Virtue Village: https://www.virtuevillage.com/
• Virtue Voices Leadership Events: https://www.virtuevoices.com/
• Visit https://www.chriscarneal.com/
• Book: The Virtue Driven Business by Chris Carneal

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:

Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. 

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

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In this episode of The Steward Chair, Rob Kuehl, CEO of Maier America, shares his insights on servant leadership and building inclusive company cultures that thrive across global contexts. He reflects on his journey of transforming company culture, investing in his own leadership growth, and staying grounded in values while leading through challenges in a global enterprise. We discuss what it takes to lead with humility, the reality of cultural transformation, and how empathy and active listening create stronger teams and better business outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Servant leadership is about serving others and fostering a supportive environment.
• Cultural transformation takes time and persistence.
• Empathy and active listening are key to effective leadership.

Resources Mentioned

• Visit Maier America: https://www.maieramerica.com
  Follow Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robkuehl
  Follow Maier America on social media:
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maier-america/

Join the Conversation

The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn @ChatWithLeaders.

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

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In this episode of The Steward Chair, Miren Oca, Founder and CEO of Ocaquatics Swim School, shares how she transformed a small backyard business into a certified B Corp and 100% employee-owned swim school. She explores how stewardship, employee ownership, and embedding social responsibility into business can redefine ROI and create ripple effects of impact.

We discuss her journey as an “accidental entrepreneur,” the importance of developing people through mentorship and leadership training, and the lessons she learned during COVID that shaped her approach to connection and resilience.

Key Takeaways

• Employee ownership fosters a culture of responsibility and pride.
• Mentorship programs can significantly impact young team members' lives.
• Measuring impact is as important as measuring profit.

Resources Mentioned

• Visit https://www.ocaquatics.com/
• Follow Miren on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/miren-oca-80561261/
• Follow Jackson Healthcare on social media at:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ocaquatics-swim-school/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocaquatics/?hl=en

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:

Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. 

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

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What does making tamales have to do with running a world-class movie studio?

In this inspiring conversation, host Jeff Bond sits down with Frank Patterson, President and CEO of Trilith Studios, a name synonymous with the booming film industry in Georgia. Trilith is now the largest production facility in Georgia and the largest purpose-built studio outside of Hollywood.

In this conversation, Jeff and Frank unlock the critical importance of leveraging your values to build a purpose-driven community and business.

Frank’s leadership journey is defined by connection, creativity, and conscious capitalism. He shares how early influences shaped his philosophy of stewardship, the incredible story behind Trilith's intentional "placemaking," and discusses the future of AI as a tool for human flourishing.

This conversation is for every business leader who knows that true competitive advantage isn’t just about what you do, but how you do it.

Key Takeaways

• Stewardship Through Connection: How Frank’s Uncle Oscar used tamales to connect his community, providing a foundational lesson on leadership. 
• The Power of Empowerment: Why great leaders must be fans of their team's talent and create an environment that empowers them to execute on their ideas. 
• Building with Purpose: The vision behind Trilith to create a "place,” not just a facility, that cares for the well-being of the creative community. 
• An Optimistic View of AI: Why Frank believes AI and other emerging technologies are powerful tools that will enhance, not replace, genuine human creativity and connection. 
• The Leader as a "Rung on the Ladder": A powerful perspective on a leader's obligation to lift up the next generation. 

Resources Mentioned

• Learn more about Trilith https://www.trilith.com/
• Trilith was designed by Lew Oliver. Learn more here: https://www.lewoliverinc.com/ 

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn @ChatWithLeaders.

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com and eotlproductions.com to learn more about how we can help.

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In this episode of The Steward Chair, Curtis Hite, Chairman and CEO, Improving, discusses the essence of stewardship in leadership, emphasizing the importance of a people-first approach and the responsibility leaders have towards their teams and stakeholders. He shares insights on building a strong company culture, navigating global expansion, and the significance of values-driven leadership.

We discuss the weight of stewardship as a responsibility to help others flourish, the power of listening to employees to build trust, and how a values-driven approach can be a strategic advantage — providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.

Key Takeaways

• Stewardship is a heavy responsibility focused on others' flourishing.
• Listening to employees is key to building trust and engagement.
• A values-driven approach can be a strategic advantage in business.

Resources Mentioned

• Visit https://www.improving.com/
• Follow Curtis on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-hite-a7b228/
• Follow Improving on social media at:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/improving-enterprises/

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:

Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. 

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, John Lauseng, CEO of Aldrich, shares his insights on stewardship and leadership, emphasizing the importance of servant leadership, culture, and the need for rest and disconnection in a high-pressure environment.

You’ll hear how John navigated the challenges of leading during the COVID-19 pandemic, the significance of aligning growth with organizational values, and the legacy he hopes to leave as a leader.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership often involves giving opportunities to individuals before they feel ready.
• During crises, true leadership is tested and revealed.
• Culture can be a strategic advantage in driving performance.
• Rest and disconnection are essential for effective leadership.
• Growth should align with the organization's core values and purpose.
• Modeling behavior is crucial for encouraging team unplugging.

Resources Mentioned

• Learn more about Aldrich at https://aldrichadvisors.com/
• Follow John on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lauseng-18313a2b/ 

 

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn @ChatWithLeaders.

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Shane Jackson, President of Jackson Healthcare, shares his journey of stewardship-driven leadership, emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking and a leader’s impact on both their organization and community, exploring how trust, transparency, and radical vulnerability drive meaningful, long-term success.

We discuss how redefining leadership through the lens of stewardship fosters long-term thinking, how radical vulnerability can strengthen trust and team morale, and why simplicity and clarity are essential for lasting organizational success, providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership is a long-term responsibility, not for personal gain.
• Radical vulnerability can inspire confidence in leadership.
• Long-term thinking leads to sustainable growth.

Resources Mentioned

• Visit https://www.jacksonhealthcare.com
• Follow Shane on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanejacksonculture/
• Follow Jackson Healthcare on social media at:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jackson-healthcare/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackson_healthcare/?hl=en

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:

Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. 

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Shane Jackson, [Title at Company], shares their journey of [highlight their leadership philosophy or impact], exploring how [key theme] drives meaningful, long-term success.

We discuss [1-3 key insights from the conversation], providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.

Key Takeaways

• [Insight #1]
• [Insight #2]
• [Insight #3]

Resources Mentioned

• Visit (company URL)
• Follow Shane on LinkedIn at 
• Follow Jackson Healthcare on social media at:
• LinkedIn:
• Twitter / X:
• Instagram: 

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:

Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. 

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leslie Zinn, CEO of Arden’s Garden, shares insights from her journey growing a family business into a beloved wellness brand. She discusses the tension between her mother Arden's unwavering commitment to health and the practical demands of running a profitable enterprise. Leslie highlights pivotal moments, such as navigating the industry's E. coli crisis and unintentionally establishing successful stores in food deserts. Her reflections reveal the powerful impact of mission-driven decisions, customer loyalty, and the growth mindset that sustains their business today.

Key Takeaways

• Leslie’s early experiences balancing her mother's passion for wellness with business profitability.
• How Arden’s Garden navigated critical decisions during industry-wide health scares without compromising their core values.
• Unplanned strategic moves into underserved communities that led to surprising success and deep community impact.

Resources Mentioned

• Visit Arden's Garden at https://www.ardensgarden.com
• Follow Leslie Zinn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliezinn
• Follow Arden’s Garden on social media at:
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/ardensgardenatl
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ardensgardenatl
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ardensgardenatl

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:

• Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/
• End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. 

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.