Confessions of an Implementer

S2E40 | Entrepreneurship through Acquisition with Alex Hodgkin

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.
 
Let's dive in!
 
In Episode 40, Alex Hodgkin, an expert EOS Implementer, breaks down the growing world of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA). Together they explore buying and operating an existing small to medium-sized business instead of starting from scratch. Alex shares practical insight into what makes an acquisition successful and why many deals struggle due to leadership misalignment and lack of operational clarity.
 
1:45 Alex's Background
8:46 Defining ETA
14:50 Addressing Business Ceilings
21:26 Challenges and Dynamics in ETA
39:51 Implementing EOS in ETA
47:45 Alex's Current Role and Client Focus
 
Episode Resources
*Email: alex.hodgkin@eosworldwide.com
*Website: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/alex-hodgkin/

S2E39 | The Discipline Behind Growth with Dale Williams

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.
 
Let's dive in!
 
In Episode 39, we sit down with Dale Williams,  an expert EOS Implementer, to break down what it really takes to lead a company through change  and build something that actually lasts. From major business pivots to technological disruption like AI, Dale shares why alignment matters more than direction, and why fostering conviction within your core leadership team is the difference between chaos and momentum. If you're navigating growth, considering a pivot, implementing EOS, or trying to scale without losing alignment, this conversation delivers practical frameworks you can apply immediately.
 
4:00 The Masochistic Love of Structure
6:27 Running from Burning Buildings
12:49 Discernment and Professional Filters
17:27 Adapting to New Realities
22:00 Navigating Inflection Points with EOS
29:50 Capitalizing on Waves
38:18 Team Alignment and Interrogatory Skills
46:50 Hiring Internal vs External
57:08 Connecting with Dale Williams
 
Show Links
Talent Harbor:https://talentharbor.com
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/
 
Guest Links
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalecwilliams/
Email: dale.williams@eosworldwide.com 
EOS Worldwide: eosworldwide.com

Bonus Episode: Confessions of a Vistage Chair - Episode 1

Check out our exciting new show Confessions of a Vistage Chair, a podcast by Talent Harbor, where we have real, behind-the-scenes conversations with Vistage Chairs. They share honest stories and practical insights on leadership growth, peer advisory groups, and what actually happens in Vistage meetings.
 
Let’s pull back the curtain!
 
In this episode of Confessions of a Vistage Chair, I sit down with someone who had a major impact on my leadership journey, my first Vistage Chair, Master Chair Ed Robinson.
 
Ed became a Vistage Chair at a young age and has always been wired for leadership. We talk about what separates great leaders, building connections over division, inspiring others to rise, and creating win-win environments. We also dive into navigating today’s noise with curiosity, courage, and clarity, and how to use Vistage to grow, not box yourself in.
 
If you're serious about becoming a stronger, more future-focused leader, this conversation is for you.
Timestamps
 3:43 Discovering Vistage and Its Impact
10:17: Leadership: Unleashing Potential
22:52 Confronting Fear and Distilling Information
32:24 Things that Guide and Ground you
41:55 Overcoming Adversity: Randy Pausch's Influence
49:11 Navigating AI and Technological Change
54:12 Leadership: Operating in Three Horizons
59:52 Advice for Young Chairs: Be Yourself
Guest Links
Email: Edward.Robinson@vistagechair.com
Website: https://capacity-building.com/
Vistage Website: https://app.vistage.com/sites/s/chairs/0038000000slKJeAAM/edward-robinson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edrobinson/
Blog: https://capacity-building.com/ed-robinson-blog/

S2E38 | How Do You Keep Your Passion for Leadership Alive Without Losing Yourself?

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.
 
Let's dive in!
 
Continuing last week's conversation with Ned Tomasevic, we dive deeper into the personal cost of leadership and what it really takes to lead well. Ned reflects on paying the price of leadership, finding purpose after major career transitions, and the importance of self-reflection after exits and high-stakes roles. We explore how leaders can keep ego in check, stay connected to their “why,” and use EOS as an operating system to align teams, build culture, and support new CEOs, especially in private equity, search fund, and growth-stage environments. This episode is a must-listen for EOS Implementers and operators navigating leadership, identity, and long-term impact.
 
3:00 Post-Exit Reflection & New Calling
12:12 The Power of Journaling
19:38 Search Fund Investments: Risks and Rewards
38:43 Finding Your Ideal Business
44:40 The Role of the Board
52:21 Values and Leadership Transition
1:01:48 The Importance of 'Your Why'
 
Show Links
 
Talent Harbor: https://talentharbor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/
 
Guest Links
 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-tomasevic-6587901/
EOS Worldwide: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/ned-tomasevic/
Website: https://www.searchers.fund/ 

S2E37 | When EOS Theory Meets Reality with Ned Tomasevic

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed, giving you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
Let’s dive in!
In this episode, I sit down with Ned Tomasevic, an EOS Implementer with deep experience in private equity, search funds, and operating businesses. We talk about what leadership really looks like when the stakes are high. Ned shares lessons from distressed companies, investor-backed turnarounds, and stepping into the operator seat for the first time. We dig into motivation, core values, decision-making under pressure, and why leadership is always a human experience, not just a financial one. If you work with EOS companies navigating growth, ownership changes, or private equity involvement, this conversation offers honest insight from someone who has lived it. Let’s dive in.
Episode Resources: Microsite: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/ned-tomasevic/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-tomasevic-6587901/
Timestamps00:00 From Banking to Private Equity05:39 The Reality of Private Equity09:26 Distressed Investing: Risks & Returns15:56 PE Fund Decision-Making & Oversight19:04 Entrepreneurial Roots & Career Path23:29 The Allure of Search Funds33:18 How Search Funds Work36:42 The Art of Sourcing Deals41:12 Raising Capital and Deal Sourcing43:04 The Solo Searcher Experience45:14 The Search Timeline and Investor Returns46:50 Acquiring Easy Shipper Racks49:43 Reframing the ‘Flip’ in Search Funds53:16 Motivating Leadership Teams01:00:09 Company Values and Culture01:03:47 Living and Breathing Core Values
 
Show Links
 
Talent Harbor: https://talentharbor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/
 
Guest Links
 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-tomasevic-6587901/
EOS Worldwide: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/ned-tomasevic/
Website: https://www.searchers.fund/ 

S2E36 | Why Action Beats Overthinking in Business with Kris Snyder

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed, giving you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. 
 
Let’s dive in!
 
In this episode, I sit down with Kris Snyder, an EOS Implementor and lifelong entrepreneur, who shares how a “I’m going to do it and learn from it” mindset shaped his confidence, curiosity, and ability to spot patterns across business. From developing a deep curiosity across finance, sales, marketing, and software to learning when to listen to customers and when to protect the integrity of the system, Kris explains why consistent progress matters more than perfection. Hear how embracing AI, shifting from teaching to true facilitation, and preparing for changing market dynamics are reshaping EOS, leadership, and the future of scalable, resilient businesses. 
 
2:37  Kris’ Early Career
10:00 Discovering EOS & Joining 90
20:02 Evolving Moats in SaaS
27:26 AI’s Impact on EOS Implementation
27:38 AI’s Future: Challenges and Adoption
43:04 Thinking 10X for Growth
49:50 The ‘Getting What You Want’ Tool
 
Episode Resources: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krissnyder/
90: https://www.ninety.io/ 

Trailer: New Podcast Launch: Confessions of a Vistage Chair

If you’ve been enjoying Confessions of an Implementor and want more honest conversations about leadership, growth, and real-world business challenges? I’ve got great news! 🎉 
I’m launching a brand-new show: Confessions of a Vistage Chair. In this podcast, I sit down with Vistage Chairs, former CEOs and executives who now mentor and coach business leaders through peer advisory groups. We’ll go behind the scenes of what really happens inside Vistage meetings, how Chairs guide high-stakes decision-making, and what it takes to help CEOs grow stronger companies and become better leaders.
The first episode drops on March 2nd, and you’re not going to want to miss it!

S2E35 | From Burnout To Brilliance: How Visionaries Find Clarity with Jill Young

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.
 
Let’s dive in!
 
In this episode, I sit down with Jill Young, an Expert EOS Implementer, who shares how a methodical approach to life creates the space for clarity, creativity, and personal mastery. She shares how self-awareness, integrated mind and body routines, and tools like the “hallucination journal” help visionaries stay grounded without losing their spark. Hear why grace, discipline, and the right support system turn growth into a sustainable, freeing journey.
 
04:13 Embracing Long Suffering
07:03 Personal Growth Through Crisis
11:18 Mindset and Physiology as Partners
16:49 The Journey to Self-Grace
22:20 Movement to Mastery: The EOS Journey
28:18 Navigating the Mechanical Phase
35:55 Coaching: Becoming Your Best Self
39:43 Discipline as True Freedom
44:31 The Hallucination Journal & What’s Next
 
Show Links
 
Talent Harbor: https://talentharbor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/
 
Guest Links
 
Website: https://www.jillyoung.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-young-eos/
Email: Jill@jillyoung.com

S2E34 | Right Person, Right Seat: Aligning Your Team With Your Company’s Core Values with Walt Brown

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.
 
Let’s dive in!
 
In this episode, I sit down with Walt Brown, an Expert EOS Implementer, who shares how defining true core values and meeting the Seven Critical Needs creates cultures where people actually want to stay and grow. He explains how clear promises, honest measurement, and EOS tools help leaders build trust, improve engagement, and strengthen organizational health long before problems show up on the scorecard.
 
04:02 Entrepreneurial Journey and Origins
12:13 The Seven Critical Needs Origin
16:22 Aligning EOS with Critical Needs
20:09 Debriefing the Critical Needs Survey
26:01 Observing Organizational Health
35:17 The Power of the Promise
41:57 Making Promises and Core Values
44:35 Articulating Core Values in EOS
50:01 Challenging Core Values and Sandbags
52:51 Healthy vs. Productive Teams
56:05 Client Engagement and Services
 
Show Links
 
Talent Harbor: https://talentharbor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/
 
Guest Links
 
Website: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/walt-brown/
Website: https://waltbrown.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walt-brown-1b61894/
Email: walt@waltbrown.co
Email: walt.brown@eosworldwide.com

S2E33 | Freedom, Family, And Focus: A Better Leader At Home And In Business with Ann Sheu

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.
 
Let’s dive in!
 
In this episode, I sit down with Ann Sheu, a Certified EOS Implementer, who shares how redefining success through Free Days, family decade dreams, and “no matter what” values helped her lead with more clarity at home and at work. She explains why proactive rest, personal values, and intentional family alignment create stronger leaders, healthier relationships, and businesses that support life instead of consuming it.
 
05:07 Defining True Freedom
09:00 Inspiring 10-Year Targets
15:26 From Lawyer to EOS Implementer
18:00 Embracing Visionary Role: Know Thyself
22:15 Radically Different Values Approach
28:34 Individual Values Drive Team Values
32:43 Triggers & “Better Every Day” Value
36:21 Living Out Your Core Values
38:37 Common Themes and Personal Journey
41:19 Individual Work Before Family Work
45:00 Roadmaps to Family Alignment
49:10 Collaboration Cards for Household Roles
55:10 Continuous Family Re-evaluation
 
Episode Resources
 
Website: https://www.mpoweredjourney.com
Website: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/ann-sheu/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncsheu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncsheu/?hl=en
Email: ann@mpoweredjourney.com