Confessions of an Implementer

Visionary vs. Fixed Mindsets: Unlocking the Key to Lasting Success with Sandi Mitchell

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 Sandi Mitchell, CEO of Apex Catalyst Group, a Certified Implementer, and a bestselling author, to dive into the power of emotional intelligence in leadership. We discuss the differences between visionary and fixed mindsets, the role of curiosity in effective leadership, and the importance of creating strong onboarding experiences. Sandi shares practical tips from her corporate experience, emphasizing how mentoring, continuous learning, and reinvention can foster growth and drive organizational success.Sandi Mitchell is the CEO of Apex Catalyst Group, where she helps leaders from small businesses, major corporations, and nonprofits enhance their performance in leadership, team alignment, communication, and emotional intelligence. With over 25 years of experience in corporate roles and business ownership, Sandi specializes in strategic planning, negotiations, and employee engagement as a Certified EOS Implementer and Executive Coach. Sandi is also a bestselling author, and her book Coloring Outside the Lines: A Grown-Up’s Creative Guide to Increasing Emotional Intelligence showcases her expertise in fostering growth through creativity and emotional intelligence.Episode ResourcesSandi Mitchell on LinkedInSandi Mitchell on EOS WorldwideApex Catalyst Group Website Ryan Hogan on LinkedInTalent Harbor WebsiteThis episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Resilience & Grit: Paul Meadows on Navigating Adversity

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 of Confessions of an Implementer, I chat with Paul Meadows, a Certified Implementer and President of Integrated Technology Group Inc. They explore Paul’s remarkable journey from military service to entrepreneurship, the challenges of adopting the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and the pivotal role of leadership and personal growth. Paul shares candid insights on resilience, grit, and the power of transparency in both business and life. Paul Meadows is a first-generation business owner with a passion for entrepreneurship. In 2008, he launched his first company, initially finding success despite limited knowledge and experience. However, after a decade, Paul faced significant challenges as his business stagnated, impacting his personal life and health. Discovering the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) marked a turning point. By embracing EOS, Paul transformed his company, fostering a thriving, passionate workplace. Now, with over five years of EOS experience, Paul dedicates his time to helping leadership teams unlock their potential and achieve their business goals, driven by his own transformative journey.This episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Navigating Ego and Growth in Leadership with Mike Gruley

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 Mike Gruley, a Certified Implementer and seasoned entrepreneur. We dive into the importance of core values in partnerships, tackle some of the common challenges of business relationships, and unpack the complex role of ego in leadership. Through personal stories and practical advice, Mike shares his insights on building a thriving company culture and the lessons he learned from his entrepreneurial journey.Mike Gruley is a Certified EOS Implementer and a lifetime entrepreneur. He helps CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leadership teams eliminate chaos and achieve extraordinary success. With a proven framework, Mike guides businesses to gain clarity, alignment, and control. He helps bring focus to chaotic operations for organizational growth. Mike empowers leaders to achieve the growth they want, the profits they deserve, and the fulfilling life they envision by fostering healthy, aligned teams driven by accountability, discipline, and trust. Episode ResourcesMike Gruley on LinkedInVistage Michigan WebsiteRyan Hogan on LinkedInTalent Harbor WebsiteThis episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: Building Businesses with Purpose with Rod Smith

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 Rod Smith, Founder and Chief Steward at Hundredfold Life and a Certified Implementer, to explore how simplifying systems and aligning core values can transform businesses. Rod shares his diverse experiences, from military service to scaling a supply chain company and ultimately transitioning into EOS implementation. We discuss how to overcome fear, foster trust, and create actionable momentum within organizations. Packed with relatable stories and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for leaders and entrepreneurs navigating growth and change.Rod Smith began his entrepreneurial journey working in his family business at a young age, cultivating a strong work ethic and a passion for leadership. Over the last two decades, he has owned and led companies across supply chain logistics, healthcare, and other industries, gaining invaluable experience in operations and business strategy. Rod’s most transformative season came when he discovered the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a framework that reshaped his approach to leadership and team alignment. Today, as the Founder of Hundredfold Life, he helps businesses in San Antonio achieve sustainable growth by coaching, teaching, and facilitating with the EOS methodology. Beyond business, Rod serves on the boards of Christian organizations, integrating his faith into his work and guiding others to do Episode ResourcesRod Smith on LinkedInHundredfold Life’s WebsiteRyan Hogan on LinkedInTalent Harbor WebsiteThis episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Building Teams That Thrive: Hiring for Cultural Fit with Mitchell York

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 Mitchell York, a Certified EOS Implementer, to discuss the key to building successful teams and cultures. We explore hiring for cultural fit, navigating mergers, and leadership evolution. Mitchell shares lessons learned from running his family business, the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and how mentorship shaped his journey. Tune in for actionable advice on fostering accountability, creativity, and trust within your organization.Mitchell York is a Certified EOS Implementer® and an ICF Professional Certified Coach with over 15 years of experience facilitating strategy and planning meetings for leadership teams across diverse industries. Having led more than 500 full-day sessions, Mitchell specializes in maintaining objectivity, keeping teams focused, and ensuring clear accountability. He helps teams overcome challenges such as lack of trust, unclear objectives, and unresolved issues, ultimately driving results through effective collaboration, problem-solving, and fostering a culture of trust and commitment.Episode ResourcesMitchell York on LinkedInYork.Training WebsiteRyan Hogan on LinkedInTalent Harbor WebsiteThis episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Mastering Mental Fitness: Mark Taylor on Positive Intelligence and Leadership

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 Mark Taylor, NYC Master Chair and CEO Coach at Vistage. Join us as we explore the profound impact of mental fitness on leadership and personal growth. Mark shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including lessons from failure and the pivotal role of community in professional success. We delve into the principles of positive intelligence, highlighting strategies to manage inner saboteurs and cultivate a resilient mindset. With actionable tips for integrating positive intelligence into daily life, this conversation offers valuable guidance for leaders seeking to elevate team dynamics, decision-making, and organizational culture.Mark Taylor is a Vistage Best Practice Chair, dedicated to empowering CEOs, executives, and business owners to achieve extraordinary success. After his first business failure, Mark gained invaluable experience in Corporate America before discovering Vistage, a global executive coaching organization. With peer support and insight, Mark’s second business thrived, becoming a top-60 fastest-growing company in his state. Now, overseeing 20+ Vistage groups in NYC, Mark uses innovative techniques like Triads to help leaders overcome challenges, embrace lifelong learning, and drive transformative growth.Episode ResourcesMark Taylor on LinkedInVistage WebsiteRyan Hogan on LinkedInTalent Harbor WebsiteThis episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Vision, Values, and Victory: Building Teams that Thrive with Randy McDougal

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 Randy McDougal, an Expert EOS Implementer, to explore entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth. Randy reflects on his journey, from washing windows in high school to becoming an EOS implementer, sharing pivotal moments like starting a business while his wife was eight months pregnant and overcoming challenges like a fire at his facility. They discuss fostering creativity, aligning team vision, and balancing ownership and operations. Randy offers tactical advice on corporate governance, team motivation, and efficient management, emphasizing the value of clear goals and collaborative leadership to drive business success.Randy McDougal is an Expert EOS Implementer with over two decades of experience helping businesses boost profitability, build cohesive teams, and solve complex challenges. Randy launched his first business in high school, washing windows, where he quickly learned the power of strategic customer selection and efficient operations. A decade later, he scaled a graphic design and printing company to four locations, navigating personnel issues, financial crunches, and even a real-life fire before successfully selling to a national firm. As a co-founder of companies spanning seven industries—including a $500M Astrodome redevelopment project—Randy now empowers leaders to achieve their goals through EOS.Episode ResourcesRandy McDougal on LinkedInRandy McDougal on EOS WorldwideRyan Hogan on LinkedInTalent Harbor WebsiteThis episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Vision Meets Execution: Mastering Team Dynamics and Leadership with Jim Bygland

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, Ryan Hogan interviews Jim Bygland, Certified Implementer, to explore his career and insights into leadership, teamwork, and the integrator role. Jim shares experiences from his time in a military-driven fintech startup, emphasizing the importance of vision, accountability, and trust. The conversation delves into organizational dynamics, healthy debate, and team prioritization. Jim offers practical strategies for aligning team efforts with core values, fostering productive discussions, and building cohesive teams. With lessons from his journey as an integrator and implementer, Jim provides actionable advice for visionaries and integrators aiming for organizational success.Jim Bygland is a Certified Implementer with EOS Worldwide, helping leadership teams transform their businesses using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). His career spans roles including CIO, COO, and a business coach. Jim has built high-performing teams and driven strategic success across the banking, fintech, and oil and gas industries. Passionate about creating the "EOS Life," Jim empowers organizations to align vision, foster teamwork, and solve frustrations, enabling them to achieve sustainable growth while pursuing what they love with purpose and clarity.Episode ResourcesJim Bygland on LinkedInJim Bygland on EOS WorldwideRyan Hogan on LinkedInTalent Harbor WebsiteThis episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Apple’s Struggles to Success: Vision and Execution with Laurens van Hoorn

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, host Ryan Hogan is joined by the redoubtable Laurens van Hoorn, Certified Implementer, and formerly Apple. Now, Laurens is a seasoned entrepreneur himself and his is a remarkable story of scaling up one of Apple's first European distribution companies. Navigating the burgeoning tech landscape during Apple's uncertain early years was a formative time for Laurens, and in this episode, he spotlights the transformation that he noticed in Steve Jobs’ second tenure – what was different, what had he learned? Together, Ryan and Laurens get into the weeds of the visionary-integrator dynamic, lessons in diversification, and the critical elements of business success. Laurens also has some interesting points on team dynamics – he’s not interested in yes-people and is a firm believer in the constructive power of robust debate.Distribution may seem like the more unglamorous element of driving innovation, but it’s not something you can do without. This episode is bursting with good advice in that area, as well as insights into leadership and execution. Laurens’ journey underscores the importance of building complementary teams, maintaining adaptability, and staying client-focused amid any disruption.Laurens van Hoorn is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with decades of experience in distribution and system integration. His career really booted up when he was managing B2B Apple systems in the Netherlands and later he went on to co-pioneer Apple’s retail blueprint in Europe. This was a key part of helping the company lay the foundation for its global success. With his keen understanding of market dynamics and the power of strategic partnerships, Laurens has guided businesses through complex transformations. Episode ResourcesLaurens van Hoorn on LinkedInEOS WorldwideRyan Hogan on LinkedInTalent Harbor WebsiteThis episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Visionary vs. Integrator: Balancing Both Worlds with Jon Weening

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, host Ryan Hogan sits down with Jon Weening, a Certified EOS Implementer, to explore his unique experiences navigating the roles of visionary and integrator in business, particularly within a family-owned enterprise. They dive deep into the challenges of partnerships, the importance of core values, and the dynamics of leadership teams. Jon shares his journey with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), offering practical advice on accountability, trust-building, and aligning goals in business partnerships. This insightful conversation delivers valuable lessons on achieving clarity, fostering collaboration, and driving success in entrepreneurial ventures.Jon Weening is a passionate Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Implementer dedicated to helping business owners and leadership teams achieve clarity, traction, and fulfillment in their organizations. With over two decades of entrepreneurial experience—including ownership in four businesses across real estate, manufacturing, and dealerships—Jon understands the highs and challenges of leadership. After successfully scaling a manufacturing business 7X in ten years, he shifted his focus to coaching leaders and fostering workplaces where teams thrive. Based in Barrie, Ontario, Jon combines his hard-earned insights with the EOS framework to empower businesses to reach their full potential while creating engaging, purpose-driven cultures.Episode ResourcesJon Weening on LinkedInJon Weening on EOS WorldwideRyan Hogan on LinkedInTalent Harbor WebsiteThis episode is brought to you by Talent Harbor. Confessions of an Implementer is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so