Together at the Top

Welcome to a unique "Nick Notes" edition of Together at the Top. In this special episode, Nick turns the mic on himself, with producer Riley Byrne guiding the conversation, to share the core principles that have consistently defined success for the leaders he's worked with. Drawing from close to 4,000 coaching sessions, Nick opens his personal playbook, covering everything from the timeless importance of hustle and humility to the practical skills needed for managing up and building a high-performing team. This episode is a masterclass in leadership, offering a raw, unfiltered look at what it truly takes to get to the top and stay there.

Nick dives deep into the common challenges facing emerging leaders, identifying the "busy" trap as one of the most significant hurdles to overcome. He provides actionable advice on the art of "managing up," detailing the crucial communication shifts required to gain trust and demonstrate executive readiness. The conversation also explores the anatomy of a high-performing leadership team, emphasizing the need for radical transparency, a re-engineered social contract, and the strategic wisdom of placing your best people on your best opportunities, not your biggest problems. Throughout the discussion, Nick reinforces his philosophy of building a career on "concrete" - solid principles, strong relationships, and a deep sense of soulful responsibility for the people you lead.

Episode Highlights:

• Breaking free from the emerging leader's "busy" trap.
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• Shifting from asking for permission to informing with confidence.
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• Understanding why humility is the dividing line between good and great.
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• Building your business on a concrete foundation with key professional advisors.
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• Putting your best people on your best opportunities, not your biggest problems.
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• Using a "social contract" to align your team and prevent conflict.
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• Wielding radical transparency as a tool without causing cruelty.
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• The winning combination of old-school hustle and genuine humility.

Key Takeaways:

"Hustle still wins. You still have to outwork the field. That old school stuff still plays."

"Humility is the dividing line between good and great. It's not enough to be smart."

"In the absence of a stop sign, it means ‘go’, especially with busy people."

"We put our best people on our biggest problems... put your best people on your best opportunity."

"Transparency without empathy is just cruelty."

"Being an employer or manager should be a soulful experience... I manage to the dinner table and to their kids' college accounts."

"What got you here won't get you there. Getting to the top is easier than staying there."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting: https://www.nickwarnerconsulting.com/

Hidden Potential by Adam Grant: https://adamgrant.net/book/hidden-potential/

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034/

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't by Jim Collins: https://www.jimcollins.com/books.html

What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith: https://www.amazon.com/What-Got-Here-Wont-There/dp/1401301304/

Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Leaders-Eat-Last-Together-Others/dp/1591845327/

Welcome back to Together at the Top, where Nick Warner sits down with returning guest Jason Moncada, Director of Solutions at E-Tech Group. In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Nick explores the architecture of a self-made life, tracing Jason's remarkable journey from humble beginnings to a C-suite trajectory. Together, they dive into the critical intersection of professional ambition and personal finance, discussing how to build lasting wealth and break generational cycles. The episode provides a powerful blueprint for emerging leaders on managing success, finding your core motivation, and developing the financial discipline to support your goals.

Jason offers a masterclass in advanced fiscal health, detailing his shift from a paycheck-to-paycheck mindset to a proactive strategy of wealth management, early retirement planning, and long-term investment. He reveals that his relentless drive is not just for professional achievement but is deeply rooted in honoring his family’s sacrifices and creating new opportunities for his children. This conversation goes beyond the balance sheet to examine the soulful side of leadership, including the art of hiring, the power of vulnerability, and the importance of having a plan that aligns your career with your life. Listen in to gain invaluable, real-world advice on how to build a life of purpose and prosperity, no matter where you start.

Episode Highlights:

• The critical importance of early and consistent financial planning for long-term wealth.
• How to move beyond a paycheck-to-paycheck mindset, even as your income grows.
• The power of honoring past sacrifices to fuel future ambitions and break generational cycles.
• Using family and personal goals as the ultimate motivation for professional success.
• Why hiring is more of an art than a science and the keys to building a rockstar team.
• The leadership lesson of learning empathy and tailoring communication to your people.
• How to create a life plan that integrates career, family, and financial health.
• The necessity of being "obsessed" and ignoring external timelines to accelerate your career trajectory.

Key Takeaways:

"You can make a lot of money, but if you don't manage it correctly, you end up with nothing."

"I can't continue to max out my paycheck and then turn around and blame my employer and say, 'Oh, they're not paying me enough.'"

"I’ve got to go do what I’ve got to go do for my family, and I can't look at where I came from and hold myself down."

"I've failed as a leader many times. I've had people quit on me because of the way I communicated sometimes."

"High tides raise all ships."

"If anybody ever tells you you're doing too much, it's probably because you're doing something right."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting: https://www.nickwarnerconsulting.com/

Jason Moncada: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-m-8869a5139/

E Tech Group: https://etechgroup.com/

Who: https://whothebook.com/

Good to Great: https://www.jimcollins.com/books.html

Nick sits down with a truly impressive figure in public service, Ryan Alsop, the Chief Executive Officer for Napa County in today’s informative and fascinating episode. Ryan's career is a notable path through the demanding world of California government, from LA County to Kern County, and now leading one of the most renowned regions globally. He and Nick get into what it really means to lead, the absolute necessity of staying humble and always learning, and how he thinks about building teams and genuine connections.

Ryan shares a central belief that shapes his entire approach: the need to "get better at everything," a surprising and refreshing take from someone at his level. He talks about the many hats a CEO wears, from understanding complex fiscal issues and managing sensitive personnel matters to navigating a global pandemic, which he did in Kern County. It's this commitment to being always a student – constantly listening, reading, and developing – that really stands out. And it’s not just talk; he lives it, viewing even his best skills as having room for improvement. You do not want to miss this episode - there's so much here for leaders at any stage.

Episode Highlights:

• Ryan's deep belief in humility and the constant need for self improvement

• His philosophy on hiring

• Why authentic connections and truly seeing people are fundamental to Ryan's leadership

• Handling complex California government landscapes with integrity and strategic awareness

• Learning from both positive examples and from behaviors he chooses not to emulate

• The important role his family plays in grounding him, supporting work life balance, and fueling his dedication

• Ryan's passion for creating tangible value in the lives of his team and the wider community he serves

• Finding wisdom and guidance from a wide array of people and experiences

• Valuing broad mentorship

Key Takeaways:

"If you're holding your subordinates' hands too often, you hired the wrong person. Let them do their job."

"Success comes from working hard and being someone others can count on. If you're not counted on, you're discounted."

"Experience changes who you are. With time, you learn to listen more and take yourself less seriously."

"My job is to mitigate chaos, keeping the organization and elected officials on a calm, productive path."

"Be politically astute, but avoid being political. Understand agendas, but don't meddle."

"Nobody likes a know-it-all. Practice humility and learn from others."

"Authenticity is critical. Be genuine and deliberate in your relationships and business dealings."

"Hiring is crucial. Always recruit people smarter than you to build a strong organization."

"Always improve. Stay in school, keep learning, and never stop developing as a person."

"Family is everything. They're the engine that drives you, motivating you through every challenge."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting: https://www.nickwarnerconsulting.com/

Ryan Alsop: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalsop1/

Nick welcomes everyone back to Together at the Top, and this time he sits down with Jill Torres - one of the best executives he's ever known. As you will hear, Jill carved out a remarkable path, becoming perhaps the highest-ranking civilian female leader within major law enforcement agencies such as those in San Diego and Los Angeles counties. Their conversation here today digs into the real stuff: the twists and turns of her unconventional career, why relationships are everything, the risks and rewards of working for elected officials, and what it takes to lead effectively, especially as a woman in a demanding public safety field.

Jill shares how her career didn't follow a straight line, starting with a criminal justice degree and ambitions elsewhere before finding her niche in public safety administration and finance. She talks frankly about the gamble of working for elected leaders, the importance of having a Plan B, and that time she decided to leave a position where she felt undervalued, betting on her own skills. Listen for Jill’s perspective on raising a son as a single mom while climbing the ranks, why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, what makes a good vendor partnership, and her direct take on how to handle yourself professionally at conferences – because yes, people notice, and reputations stick.

Tune in today and discover the strategic brilliance and unwavering resilience that made Jill Torres a legendary force in law enforcement leadership.

Episode Highlights:

The unexpected career path of a top civilian leader in law enforcement administration

Why building and maintaining authentic relationships is non-negotiable for success

Navigating the unique challenges and inherent risks of working for elected officials

Insights into thriving as a female executive and single mother in high-pressure roles

The foundational strength found in asking for help and seeking diverse perspectives

Straight talk on effective (and ineffective) ways for vendors to partner with government agencies

Why your behavior at conferences absolutely matters and follows you back to the workplace

The crucial need to understand organizational history and context before attempting change

Key Takeaways:

"Relationships matter and nobody does these jobs alone."

"Sometimes people are wanting someone to show them the way rather than charting their own course."

"If you can learn something, make a move, I think it's important because you never know what you're gonna learn."

"...if you decide to go to work for an elected official, have a plan B or certainly understand when the election cycle is..."

"I don't think anyone should ever be afraid to ask for help... Nobody knows everything."

"Don't think your behavior is not going to follow you back to the workplace."

"I have no regrets of putting the raising of my son first."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting: https://www.nickwarnerconsulting.com/

Nick welcomes Michael Ault, the long-serving Executive Director of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, to the podcast. With an impressive 25+ year tenure leading the charge for California's capital city core, Michael offers a unique perspective on urban development, leadership longevity, and navigating complex challenges. Their conversation explores how downtown Sacramento is successfully bucking national trends, the critical role of collaboration and "social collisions," and the evolution of a Business Improvement District from its inception to a major force for revitalization.

Michael shares his journey from taking a temporary role to becoming a pivotal figure in shaping downtown Sacramento's identity and future. He discusses the importance of aspirational leadership, especially during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic, and strategies for building and empowering a high-performing team. Filled with candid reflections on personal growth, the significance of mentorship, and the continuous effort to balance demanding work with family life, this episode provides a masterclass in sustained leadership, resilience, and creating a lasting legacy for a community.

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaways:

Links:

Troy Parish, founder and CEO of FLAGD Golf, returns to the podcast today joining Nick for an insightful conversation on entrepreneurship, business growth, and staying true to one's vision. Sharing his journey from year one to almost year eight, Troy details the evolution of FLAGD Golf from proving its worth to becoming a trusted solution for golf courses nationwide. The episode explores the importance of customer feedback, the power of saying "no" to stay in one's genius zone, and the art of building a strong team and brand. 

Nick and Troy unpack the nuances of business, emphasizing that listening to client needs and feedback shapes product development and ultimately determines success. They also discuss the significance of consultative sales and how it builds long-term customer relationships, the importance of communication within families when embarking on an entrepreneurial journey, as well as how one can retain top talent to foster a positive company culture. Lastly, they dive into the hard work that comes with entrepreneurship, from long hours to constantly evolving strategies, highlighting the rewards and challenges of staying privately held versus exploring external partnerships. This episode is packed with insights for anyone navigating the ups and downs of running a business.

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaways:

"Expectations come with being a founder or CEO. People want you to know the finances, at least, at a high level."

"Building a company is an exciting, rewarding, and humbling experience. You never know if people will like or use your product."

"We've gone from proving ourselves to expanding. It's about leveraging what we've built to reach more courses."

"Let your client help you define your utility. Sometimes, they see opportunities you didn't consider."

"Stay in your genius. Saying “no” to things helps you say “yes” to what you're best at."

"Entrepreneurship is hard work. It's not a 9 to 5. It's all the time. Be ready to commit."

"For entrepreneurial success, communication with your family is key. You need their support and understanding."

"Humanize problems. Be empathetic. Let them solve their own issues by flipping the script."

"I love working with customers and building relationships. Hard work and fun keep me motivated."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting: https://www.nickwarnerconsulting.com/

Together at the Top on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@togetheratthetopnickwarner

Troy Parish: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parishtroy/

FLAGD Golf: https://www.flagdgolf.com/

In today’s episode, Nick sits down for a fascinating conversation with WMH Media Founder and CEO, Torrey Sims, a dynamic leader reshaping the media landscape for trade publications in construction, corrections, healthcare, and green building industries. In this episode, Torrey shares her journey from a young editor to business owner, reflecting on the bold decision to acquire the company where her career began. 

Discussing how her curiosity, empathy, and competitive spirit shaped her leadership style and guided her through the challenges of entrepreneurship, Torrey delves into the importance of preparation, adaptability, and assembling the right team to navigate the complexities of running a business. From managing inherited structures to expanding market reach, she reveals her strategies for growth, her drive to create community, and how her personal experiences, including living with type 1 diabetes, have shaped her resilience and empathy as a leader. 

Tune in now to hear Torrey’s inspiring journey and take away actionable insights for leadership, entrepreneurship, and growth. 

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaways:

"To be intimidated or make yourself smaller because someone seems bigger won't serve you.  

Use your uniqueness as an advantage."

"Curiosity is like a pickaxe. It helps you dig deeper and uncover the gold in any situation."

"Surround yourself with the right people. Relationships are crucial for success and growth."

"Slowing down is a luxury. It allows you to think clearly and appreciate your successes."

"Empathy and humanity are key in leadership. Treat others how you'd like to be treated."

"Being different isn't a disadvantage. Use it to stand out and be unique in any situation."

"Ask for help. Recognize your weaknesses and assemble a strong team to fill the gaps."

"Say ‘yes’ to new opportunities and ‘no’ to what doesn't serve you. Stay true to yourself."

"You can't do everything alone. Know your strengths and weaknesses, and seek support."

"Meet people where they're at. Whether in business or on the golf course, find a way to connect."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting: https://www.nickwarnerconsulting.com/

Together at the Top on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@togetheratthetopnickwarner

Torrey Sims: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torrey-sims/

WMH Media: https://wmhmedia.com/

Join Nick for yet another inspiring episode of Together at the Top, featuring returning guest Matt Cate, Founding Partner at Mosaic Solutions and Advocacy, whose many, many accomplishments over the years include serving as the Executive Director of the California State Association of Counties. In this insightful conversation, Matt reflects on his diverse career journey, from public service to entrepreneurship, offering invaluable advice on leadership, mentorship, and navigating the complexities of a demanding career while prioritizing family. 

Throughout the episode, our special guest shares wisdom on overcoming imposter syndrome, building genuine relationships in business, and the importance of designing a fulfilling life beyond traditional career paths. Together, they delve deep into the nuances of leadership transitions, the power of vulnerability and humor in difficult situations, as well as the evolving nature of mentorship. Matt also shares practical strategies for managing up effectively, building trust in professional relationships, and finding one's "hedgehog" – that unique area of expertise and passion. Brimming with knowledge and experience, Matt Cate proves once again that he has an immense amount of practical advice regarding both personal and professional success to share - you do not want to miss his masterclass here today.

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaways:

"The best car salesman turns transactions into relationships. He calls even if you buy from a competitor. That's the secret to success."

"Success builds confidence. It's not about participation trophies. You need to try and succeed to truly believe in yourself."

"Ask for help. Lead with integrity. Have a vision. People will be patient with you as you figure it out together."

"Imposter syndrome hits hard. But remember, you were chosen for a reason. Give every ounce of yourself every day."

"Hope is not a strategy. Be ultra-prepared. The luckiest people are the best prepared."

"Work can be fun. Surround yourself with people you enjoy. Say no to those who don't align with your values."

"Successful people are busy. Carve out time with them. Align resources with shared success."

"Humor and humility can reset a tense room. Be willing to be a soft heart who says hard things."

"Relationships over transactions. Build trust, not just authority. It's the key to lasting success."

"Design the fall and winter of your life. Take new risks and challenges. Be proud of your journey."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting: https://www.nickwarnerconsulting.com/

Together at the Top on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@togetheratthetopnickwarner

Matt Cate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cate-4120a87a/

Mosaic Solutions and Advocacy: https://mosaicsol.com/

Today, Nick sits down with Jennifer Saha, Founder and CEO of Golden Bridge Strategies, a Sacramento-based consulting firm advising top technology companies on navigating state and local government contracts. This insightful conversation explores Jennifer’s leadership journey, her unique approach to advising influential clients, the importance of building a strong team, and the exciting future of government technology. The episode also delves into the challenges and rewards of balancing work and life, the power of mentorship, and the critical role of timeliness and responsiveness in today's fast-paced business world.

Offering a rich tapestry of leadership wisdom, Jennifer and Nick explore the art of building high-performing teams, the nuances of navigating the government contracting landscape, and the importance of continuous personal and professional growth. Jennifer shares her candid insights on overcoming challenges, fostering strong client relationships, and positioning businesses for success in an ever-evolving technological environment. The conversation also provides invaluable advice for emerging leaders seeking to excel in their careers and make a meaningful impact.

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaways:

"I don’t care if you’re a man or a woman or a dog or a horse. I just want the best people for the job."

"Bad business might pay the bills, but it’s not sustainable long term."

"Unreasonable confidence is about owning your experience and translating it into value—even if it doesn’t fit perfectly into the box."

"Timeliness is a simple yet powerful indicator of respect and professionalism."

"When Golden Bridge Strategies wins, we all win. That’s what drives our team."

"AI is going to change everything. Government today won’t look the same in ten years."

"Leadership is about trusting your team and loosening the reins to let them shine."

"Sometimes you need to ask yourself—are you the most qualified for the job, regardless of gender or age?"

"The most fun comes from doing what you love, even if it’s challenging."

"You control what you can—timeliness, communication, and showing up for your team and clients."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting: https://www.nickwarnerconsulting.com/

Together at the Top on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@togetheratthetopnickwarner

Jennifer’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-saha/

Golden Bridge Strategies: https://goldenbridgestrategies.com/

The Gov Tech Today Podcast https://govtechtoday.com/

Welcome to the second installment of our special two-part series with Rafael "Rafa" Nieves, a trailblazing sports agent who’s shaped some of the biggest deals in Major League Baseball. In today’s conversation, Nick dives deep into Rafa’s journey, from his rise through boutique and corporate agencies to founding Republik Sports. Alongside his notable career, Rafael’s path is marked by resilience and a strong commitment to autonomy, which he cherishes over any financial gain. The timing is perfect for this chat as the World Series begins, where Rafa’s clients are at the forefront of the action.

This episode unpacks Rafa's experiences and insights, from his unique approach to client relationships to the personal and professional challenges he’s faced. He shares hard-earned lessons on the highs and lows of agency life, detailing the thrill of big decisions, the sacrifices for independence, and his focus on surrounding himself with trusted advisors. Join us as Rafa and Nick discuss everything from navigating corporate dynamics and launching a business during COVID, to staying grounded, sober, and healthy in an industry known for its high demands and pressures.

“Hope is not a strategy; modeling financials and planning is.”

“Players don’t get paid in the postseason. If the series goes to seven games, it’s significantly better for their pockets.”

“I walked away from $4 million in fees with nothing because my kids and my health came first.”

“I look at my kids as mini-startups. They’re my Teslas, my Facebooks.”

“Surround yourself with advisors. Ego is not my amigo.”

“Around kids, players can be themselves; they don’t need to put up a guard.”

“In this business, I don’t thrive well in captivity. I need flexibility and mobility.”

“When there’s money on the table, everything changes, and you see people’s true colors.”

“Running gives me a mental cleanse. I look at it like compounding interest; I try to go a bit further each day.”

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting: https://www.nickwarnerconsulting.com/

Rafael Nieves: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-nieves-72034a57/

Republik Sports: https://gorepublik.com/