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 this episode, Lee Handley gets brutally honest about co-founding a brewery with a close friend, realizing they were both visionaries with no integrator, and watching the partnership fall apart before they ever cut the ribbon. Lee and Ryan also tackle the topic of why niching down isn't a strategy problem but a confidence problem, why hourly billing is killing professional services, and what it actually means to build value for a client rather than just managing your own costs.
Timestamps
03:47 The Power of Niching Down
10:39 Niche Challenges and Opportunities
16:27 Value is Subjective
21:12 Brewery Business Plan to Reality
29:59 Navigating Legalities and Risks
39:12 Compromise vs. Community Feedback
45:04 Brewery Business: Lessons Learned
52:23 Learning from Business Failure
Guest Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leehandleyeosi/
EOS Website: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/lee-handley/
TrimTab Brewing: https://www.trimtabbrewing.com/
Phone: (205)516-1102

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 a world drowning in automation, DMs, and cold email sequences, Justin Mink has built his EOS practice on picking up the phone. Justin treats proactive phone outreach as a secret weapon. And the results speak for themselves.
 
In this episode, Justin opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, from co-founding a company connecting regional musicians with major brands, to a health crisis that forced him to step away from everything, to discovering EOS, and finally finding a framework that matched the way his brain works. He also breaks down the "did you know" sales approach, why you should always measure effort over outcome, and how implementing a single outreach methodology doubled his client count in 4 months.
 
If you're an EOS Implementer trying to grow your practice, or a business owner who knows their pipeline could be stronger, this one's for you!
Timestamps
07:58 - The Power of Proactive Calls
15:27 - Versatility of Proactive Communication
26:04 - Finding Product-Market Fit
32:39 - Health Crisis and EOS Influence
41:00 - Outgrow's Impact on Practice
43:52 - EOS Implementation Challenges
 
Guest Links
EOS Website: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/justin-mink/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmink/
Outgrow: https://runoutgrow.com/

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 of Confessions of an Implementer, I sit down with Ken DeWitt, also known as “Hurricane Ken.”
 
Early in his career, Ken was an intense, driven business owner whose leadership style was creating fear, turnover, and dysfunction inside his company. It took brutally honest feedback from a workplace psychologist for him to realize something that changed his life: He was the problem.
 
We talk about Ken’s 35-year journey of self-awareness, learning to control his reactions, and becoming the kind of leader who builds trust instead of fear. We dive into powerful leadership lessons, including: the mindset shift of “everything is my fault”, how self-awareness changes leadership forever and why Failure is required for growth
 
If you’re a CEO, founder, EOS leader, or business owner, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the hardest leadership challenge isn’t managing your team, it’s managing yourself.
 
Timestamps
03:10 - Meeting Hurricane Ken
08:06 - The Flag System
20:53 - The Big Pill & Bravery
29:26 - Can People Fundamentally Change?
35:50 - Apologies & Triggers
47:04 - Manage Others, Manage Self
1:00:00 - The "One Thing" Exercise
1:13:13 - Finding the Right Client Chemistry
 
Guest Links
Email: kdewitt@eosworldwide.com
EOS Website: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/ken-dewitt/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethdewitt/

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/