Confessions of an Implementer

E31 | Building Connections: Integrating Structure in Life and Business with Ali Wendt Professional 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, Ryan welcomes Ali Wendt, a Professional Implementer and a Franchise Owner of Discover Strength. Ali shares her insights about integrating the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) principles into her work and family life. Ali runs a coaching practice, a gym franchise, and a vacation rental while managing a bustling household of seven kids and pets. She discusses using tools like accountability charts and meetings to streamline responsibilities at home, emphasizing relationship management over sales. The conversation also covers aligning personal and business goals, fostering community connections, and maintaining routines to avoid burnout, all while highlighting the importance of evolving processes in achieving balance and success.Ali Wendt is a dynamic entrepreneur and business coach, co-founder of Wake Coaching, specializing in implementing effective management systems for businesses. Recently, she opened a gym franchise in partnership with her family and manages a vacation rental property in Wisconsin. Now based in Utah, Ali skillfully balances her professional endeavors with her personal life, raising seven children alongside three dogs and a cat. Committed to organization and accountability, she utilizes tools like Level 10 meetings and a comprehensive Vision/Traction Organizer (VTO) to streamline her business and family responsibilities, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.Episode Highlights00:00 - Introduction to Ali Wendt03:30 - Integrating EOS in Family Life08:15 - Adapting the Accountability Chart12:45 - Evolving Roles and Responsibilities17:00 - Aligning Personal and Business Goals22:10 - The Importance of Community and Networking27:30 - Tracking Health and Wellness Goals32:00 - Establishing Routines to Prevent Burnout36:45 - Grounding Practices and Mental HealthQuotes"When we first started applying EOS in our household, it was a game-changer. We replaced traditional business roles with 'relationship management.' Suddenly, we weren’t just parents but a team with defined roles. It helped us communicate better and prioritize what truly matters to us as a family." "As our lives evolved, so did our roles. There were times when Jeff had to step up into more operational responsibilities. I had to transition into a visionary role, especially when we faced unexpected changes at the gym. It’s a continuous evolution, and being adaptable is key.""One of the biggest challenges is aligning personal aspirations with business goals. We’ve started using a Vision/Traction Organizer to merge both. It’s about creating harmony, not just juggling responsibilities. When our personal values align with our business, everything flows better." "Building genuine connections is essential for business growth. It’s about having an abundance mindset—seeking support rather than pretending to have it all figured out. When we lean on each other, we create a stronger community." "Establishing daily, weekly, and monthly routines is crucial for preventing burnout. Getting lost in the hustle is easy, but carving out time for health and relationships is non-negotiable. We need that rhythm to thrive." Episode ResourcesAli Wendt on LinkedInAndy Platt 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

E30 | From CIO to Professional Implementer: Andy Platt’s Strategic Journey

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 welcomes Andy Platt, the former CIO of Smuckers and currently a Professional Implementer. Andy shares his career journey at Smucker's, from internal audit to CIO, and how the book Traction helped him realize the company's success was rooted in strategic focus, core values, and vision. The conversation explores the principles of EOS, the importance of mentorship, and the differences between coaching and mentoring. Andy emphasizes the value of strategic focus at companies and putting the right people in the right roles to foster organizational growth and innovation.Andy Platt is a seasoned business leader with over 40 years of experience driving growth and transformation. During his tenure at Smucker’s, Andy played a key role in growing the company tenfold through strategic acquisitions and organizational development, ultimately achieving Fortune 500 status. His leadership roles spanned C-level positions focused on acquisition due diligence, integration, and building processes to foster discipline and accountability. After retiring, Andy transitioned into higher education, teaching Business Strategy at the University of Akron. Now an EOS Implementer, Andy leverages his extensive career experience to help business owners and leadership teams achieve their goals with clarity and focus.Episode Highlights00:00 - Introduction and Andy’s Background05:31 - Discovering EOS and "Traction"10:01 - Cultural Shifts and Strategic Decisions15:22 - Core Focus and Organizational Goals20:33 - The Value of Right People in the Right Seats25:11 - The Role of Mentorship in Professional Development30:36 - Creating a "Help First" Culture35:01 - Coaching vs. MentoringQuotes"The 'right people, right seat' approach isn't just about filling roles; it’s about understanding what needs to be done first. Too often, organizations rush to fit people into predefined structures. We should define the mission and then align the right individuals to those roles. This may mean rearranging current positions or even creating new ones. It's about strategic alignment, not just compliance.""Mentorship is critical for both individual and organizational development. I had mentors throughout my career at Smucker's who shaped my journey. It thrives in a 'help first' culture—where seeking help is encouraged. But here's the kicker: the responsibility lies with the mentee. They must be proactive, open, and ready to articulate their challenges. If they don’t take that step, the relationship struggles.""Many entrepreneurs resist implementing structure because they fear it will stifle creativity. But in reality, the right structure can enhance innovation! It provides clarity and focus, allowing teams to think creatively within a framework. Without that clarity, you risk chaos, which does not foster innovation; it hinders it.""Coaching is about skill development within a specific framework, like EOS. Mentoring, on the other hand, is more about leveraging experiences to navigate challenges. The mentee should drive the relationship, seeking insights rather than waiting for advice to come. It’s a dynamic interaction where both parties learn and grow, but the onus is largely on the mentee.""When Smucker's acquired brands like Jif and Crisco, it was a major cultural shift. We expanded our vision from just fruit spreads to being a broader branded food company. This change was crucial for realizing our full potential. Companies must regularly evaluate their vision and be willing to pivot. Stagnation is a risk no organization can afford."Episode ResourcesAndy Platt on LinkedInAndy Platt 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

E29 | Accountability Meets Core Values with Tania Bengtsson, Certified 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, Ryan welcomes Tania Bengtsson, Certified Implementer at Growth Spark. Join Tania and Ryan as they discuss how Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) tools like People Analyzer and IDS help solve team challenges. Tania shares insights on wearing multiple "hats," balancing delegation vs. abdication, and maintaining accountability while fostering healthy family dynamics. Their conversation also emphasizes intentional communication, the role of metrics in driving business success, and how aligning core values can enhance team dynamics and outcomes.Tania Bengtsson grew up in an entrepreneurial family and has dedicated her career to helping businesses grow. After starting in television, she launched her first business, a media production company, before transitioning to the insurance and risk management industry. During her 15 years at Gibson, she helped grow the company from $10 million to $30 million in revenue and discovered the power of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS®). Tania’s passion for EOS led her to become a full-time Implementer in 2019, where she empowers leaders to achieve clarity, accountability, and growth through proven tools and strategies.Quotes"In family-run businesses, we often wear multiple hats—there's the role in the organization, the owner hat, and, of course, the family hat. It's crucial to recognize which hat we wear at any moment, especially when navigating tough conversations. It can completely shift the dynamics of the discussion and influence the outcomes we achieve."“Delegation is about empowering your team to execute while remaining engaged and accountable. Abdication, on the other hand, is walking away from your responsibilities. Owners need to lead while also trusting their teams to take action.""Healthy entitlement allows owners to voice their opinions on the vision and direction of the company. However, we must be careful that family dynamics don’t disrupt organizational effectiveness. For instance, I’ve seen family businesses thrive when they have clear roles and accountability versus those that struggle due to blurred lines and unspoken expectations.""When discussing metrics, we must realize that aiming for 100% achievement can create dysfunction. It’s essential to view our scorecards not just as strict measures of success but as tools for growth. After all, we learn more from our bumps in the road than from our perfect results.""More companies are hiring based on cultural fit and core values rather than just resumes. For instance, I teach my kids to use a 'people analyzer' tool to assess their friendships, which fosters deeper discussions and decision-making aligned with our family’s core values."Episode ResourcesTania Bengtsson on LinkedInTania Bengtsson on EOS WorldwideGrowth Spark 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

E28 | The Impact of Purpose-Driven Leadership with Dave Feidner, Certified 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 in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!In this episode, Ryan welcomes Dave Feidner, a Certified Implementer with nearly two decades at RGIS. They discuss Dave's pivotal role in transforming RGIS from a domestic business into the world's leading inventory accounting service provider. The conversation covers challenges in international expansion, the significance of accurate inventory counts, and the vital role of visionaries in driving business success. Dave shares insights on incentivizing leaders, fostering transparency, and the importance of peer networks for personal growth. This episode offers valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and the impact of purpose-driven leadership.Episode ResourcesDave Feidner on LinkedInDave Feidner 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

E27 | Tackling Tough People Problems with Rip Tilden, Executive Coach and Expert EOS Implementer

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS Implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!Joining Ryan on this episode is Rip Tilden, an Expert EOS Implementer. Rip and Ryan explore the challenges leaders face when tackling tough people problems within teams, such as handling misaligned team members or toxic behavior. They discuss the importance of clear communication, the three-strike feedback rule, and the courage to make tough calls when someone isn’t the right fit. Rip shares insights from his book Leading on Purpose, emphasizing that leadership skills are built, not innate, and that feedback must be candid and timely. Together, they provide actionable strategies for leaders to navigate difficult personnel issues while fostering a positive and growth-focused work culture.“Let's talk about what you've observed. Make sure you've observed it. It's not a rumour or a third party comment from somebody. And then let's talk about the business impact, why it matters that you change that behaviour and then talk together about how you can change. I think that's how you do it in a way that doesn't round off the edges but doesn't make it a personal attack.” - Rip TildenRip served as the COO of an international technology company and helped grow its market value five-fold. He also led a unit of a private wellness business and helped double that unit’s earnings while tripling its cash flow.As an Expert EOS Implementer, Rip has taught more than 80 companies to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System. He gets charged up helping them clarify their vision, gain traction to get great results, get the right people in the right seats, strengthen accountability, and build healthy leadership teams who can build and sustain growth in their companies.Rip’s passion for learning and teaching extends to the boardroom and the classroom as well. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Andesa Services in Allentown, PA, and served for eight years as a Project Faculty Member at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.Episode ResourcesRip Tilden on LinkedInRip Tilden on the EOS Worldwide 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

E26 | From Cycling to Coaching: The Path to Peak Performance with Scott Rusnak, Expert EOS Implementer

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!In this episode of Confessions of an Implementer, host Ryan welcomes Scott Rusnak, an Expert EOS Implementer and former high-level cyclist. Scott shares his journey of perseverance and grit, discussing how his cycling background defines his coaching philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of 90-day goals, teamwork, and aligning personal and business values for personal and business growth. The conversation also touches on meaningful connections, energy management, and Scott's insights on optimal performance, including diet and recovery. Listeners will gain valuable strategies for success and fulfillment alongside Scott's unique perspective on coaching and personal growth.Over the past 30 years, Scott has built and successfully exited from multiple businesses, competing on the world stage with Apple, Expedia, and Pearson Education. His philosophy as an Expert EOS Implementer is “If you are coachable and have the discipline and energy to be your best, I’d be thrilled to lead you on the journey to achieve Traction.” He believes that success isn’t rocket science. It’s all about getting clear on what you want and focusing on it. Scott promises that if you follow his structured approach by re-examining your current life, habits, thoughts, and ambitions, you will get everything you want from your business!Episode ResourcesScott Rusnak on LinkedInScott Rusnak 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

E25 | Mastering EOS and Interim Leadership: Damon Neth Reveals Game-Changing Tips

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!Joining Ryan on this episode is Damon Neth, an Expert EOS Implementer. Join Ryan and Damon as they discuss the power of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in transforming businesses. Damon shares his journey as an entrepreneur and expert EOS implementer, emphasizing the importance of building high-performing teams and managing people smarter than you. They also explore the role of fractional executive leadership and the misconceptions surrounding it. Damon provides valuable insights into the benefits of EOS, the role of interim executives and integrators, and the evolving nature of the industry. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation!Damon is an experienced entrepreneur, mentor, and coach who has helped hundreds of small- to medium-sized companies achieve outstanding results for over 20 years. Having founded five companies himself, Damon understands the joys of running a successful company and the pains of working endlessly to make companies healthy while being whipsawed by changing markets. In 2002, Damon and his wife, Stacey, co-founded Disc Nation, which they led together for 12 years. That taught Damon much about the challenges of establishing work/life balance and the “organizational dynamics” of a family business.In 2014, Damon founded CXO Service Co, helping companies through interim executive leadership. During this time, Damon, occupying executive roles at several companies simultaneously, discovered EOS. Damon quickly noticed that his clients using EOS were better run, more harmonious, and aligned and achieved superior results. This experience drove Damon to become an Expert EOS implementer to help other companies become outstanding in using these tools.Aside from EOS, Damon is passionate about helping people, especially entrepreneurs and company leadership teams, grow, learn, and change. This is demonstrated by the numerous companies Damon has mentored through volunteer programs, including the EO (Entrepreneur’s Organization) Accelerator and SKU, the nation’s foremost consumer products accelerator. Damon is also a long-term member of EO in Austin, TX.Episode ResourcesDamon Neth on LinkedInDamon Neth 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

E24 | Expert EOS Implementer and Black Swan Negotiation Trainer: Lessons from Jonathan B. Smith

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!Joining Ryan on this episode is Jonathan B Smith, an Expert EOS Implementer. Join Ryan and Jonathan in this captivating episode as they delve into the world of negotiation and effective communication. With insights from Jonathan's experience as an EOS implementer and FBI-trained hostage negotiator, learn valuable skills to enhance everyday conversations and build stronger relationships. Discover how tactical empathy and mirroring techniques can create positive outcomes and gain inspiration from Jonathan's work in various industries, including his remarkable turnaround of the International Spy Museum. Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your communication skills and embark on a journey towards success.Jonathan B. Smith is an entrepreneur, author, and business strategist. As an Expert EOS Implementer®, Jonathan has worked with 125+ high-growth entrepreneurial companies in 1,000+ sessions to help them improve strategy, execution, and results. Since 2013, 25 of his clients have successfully exited their businesses. His passion is helping others believe they can achieve what they once thought was impossible.Jonathan is a Negotiations Trainer with the Black Swan Group and works closely with former FBI Hostage Negotiator Chris Voss. He is an Advisory Board Member at the International Spy Museum. He is on the Investment Committee at TF Investors, a private equity fund that exclusively invests in EOS® run companies.Jonathan attended the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC 84) and was a Delegate with the U.S. Department of State’s Global Entrepreneurship Program to Jakarta and Athens.Episode ResourcesJonathan B Smith on LinkedInJonathan B Smith 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

E23 | From Yacht Racing to Business Success: Insights on Building Culture and High-Performing Teams with Steve Morris

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!Joining us today is someone who has gone from designing multi-million dollar racing yachts to founding and running a successful consultancy where he helps his clients elevate and transform their businesses. It’s a pleasure to welcome Steve Morris, Certified EOS Implementer, to this episode. Join us as we explore the influence of yacht racing on Steve's work as an EOS implementer. Discover the secrets of high-performing teams, intentional culture-building, and the challenges of trust and accountability. Gain insights into effective communication, vetting potential employees, and making tough decisions. Learn about the power of engagement and feedback in organizations and the importance of valuing input and creating an environment for healthy conflict and growth.“You know what you want from your business but are unsure how to get there. I’ll help you navigate the journey and find the fastest route.” Steve MorrisSteve began his career as an engineer and naval architect, designing multi-million-dollar racing yachts and building and coaching teams to help clients win some of the world's most challenging races. Those early years taught him the essence of outstanding leadership, the importance of applying processes and systems, and how to get a team to work cohesively. Six years ago, he founded his own business to help individuals, teams, and companies overcome growth obstacles and move forward. During this time, he discovered Traction and EOS and quickly became passionate about these tools. Reflecting on past challenges in growing a yacht design business, he wishes he had access to EOS then. Today, as a Professional EOS Implementer, he uses his expertise and enthusiasm to help business owners get unstuck, drive growth, and create more profitable and enjoyable workplaces.Episode ResourcesSteve Morris on LinkedInSteve Morris 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

E22 | Scaling to $100 Million: Business Secrets of Stu Wolff, Entrepreneur and Certified EOS Implementer

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of EOS implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges in action. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan. Let’s dive in!Joining Ryan on this episode is Stu Wolff, Entrepreneur, Business Coach, and Certified EOS Implementer. Stu grew Wolf Group, his food service distribution company, to $100 million before selling it to Acosta Sales and Marketing. Join us as we discuss the keys to scaling a business, the importance of aligning core values, and the value of working with a business coach. Discover how Stu grew his venture from zero to over $100 million and successfully acquired 11 companies. Whether you're interested in acquisitions, building a strong culture, or finding your passion, this podcast has something for everyone.Stu successfully sold his business, The Wolff Group, to the multi-billion-dollar industry leader Acosta Sales & Marketing in 2013. During his career, Stu grew his single-market sales and marketing agency from 42 employees managing $140M in sales to 165 employees managing over $1 billion in sales. He completed eleven strategic acquisitions during a five-year period to create one regional agency covering a ten-state Midwest Region. Stu confirms that he could not have succeeded without EOS as the operating system for his business. Today, Stu is a Certified EOS® Implementer and Business Coach. He works with entrepreneurs and their leadership teams to implement EOS® into their companies so that they can reach their full potential. He is also an Honorary Professor at Michigan State University (MSU), College of Business, School of Hospitality Management. Stu was recognized in 2015 as MSU Alumni of the Year.Episode ResourcesStu Wolff on LinkedInStu Wolff on EOS WorldwideStu Wolff 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