Confessions of an Implementer

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 43 of Confessions of an Implementer, Randall Taussig, an Expert EOS Implementer, breaks down why leaders who actively seek out honest input from their teams build stronger cultures and drive better results. Randall shares why the best managers are driven by a genuine desire to help others succeed, and why removing obstacles for your team matters more than your own individual output. He also reveals the one question every business owner should ask before promoting someone into a leadership role: do they actually want to coach and mentor others?
 
1:12 Passion for Mid-Management Coaching
5:46 Qualities of a Great Manager
8:52 Promoting the Right People
11:15 Setting Expectations and Accountability
18:41 Optimizing Time with LMD Framework
24:26 Examples of Leadership and Management Activities
27:27 Coaching Up and Coaching Out
31:04 Tips for Tough Conversations
41:36 Commitment to the Company
46:44 Aviation: Lessons in Process
 
Episode Resources
 
* EOS Website: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/randy-taussig/
* Blue Core Website: https://www.bluecoreleadership.com/about/
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randytaussig/

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 Jake Wells, an EOS Implementer, who shares why real entrepreneurship requires resilience, humility, and a willingness to have uncomfortable conversations. He explains how structure, external facilitation, and honest dialogue help leaders avoid burnout and build businesses that can truly scale. Hear how embracing change, welcoming outside perspectives, and choosing a humble, committed leadership team create the foundation for lasting success.
 
00:00 The Reality of Entrepreneurship
02:07 Learning from Failure: State Angels
06:50 Scaling Challenges and the Role of Luck
12:26 Entrepreneurial Ego and EOS Client Profile
17:48 The Entrepreneur’s Journey: Adversity and Age
22:50 The Vision of an EOS Implementer
28:22 Overcoming Obstacles with EOS
33:51 The Power of an Unbiased Third Party
41:17 Identifying Ideal Clients and Moderation Skills
 
Episode Resources
 
Website: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/jake-wells/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobcwells/
Email: jake.wells@eosworldwide.com

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 Katie Koester, an EOS Implementer, who shares how embracing the natural seasons of work and rest helped her build a healthier rhythm for growth. From redefining work life balance to weaving hobbies and clarity breaks into her routine, she explains how resilience, self awareness, and intentional planning create space for both high performance and genuine well being. Hear how managing expectations, tracking personal goals, and aligning energy with purpose can transform the way you work and live.
 
04:56 Athletics, Farm Life, and Mindset
16:02 Overcoming Workaholism and Embracing Flexibility
19:10 A Woman in IT and Construction
25:04 The Importance of Hobbies and Clarity
32:30 Defining Balance and Managing Time
44:03 Seasons of Entrepreneurship and Rest
49:52 Performance vs. Perception
51:19 Client Success & In-Person Facilitation
 
Episode Resources
 
Website: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/katie-koester/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekoestereos/
Email: katie.koester@eosworldwide.com

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/

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

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/

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

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!