Aspirations for a board seat can often be viewed through a glamorous lens — a prestigious, and perhaps cushy, gig as a next step in one’s career.

In reality, true board work is very different than anticipated, board readiness is far more nuanced than many realize, and being good at it requires an approach unlike the one that made you successful operating a business.In this episode of CEO 2 CEO,

Scott Sustacek sits down with Anne Sample, Owner and CEO of Navigate Forward, to unpack what board readiness and successful service truly means.

Anne draws on experience as she explains the mindset shift from operator to governor, the real time commitment involved, and why the first board seat matters so much.

The conversation examines common missteps executives make, how boards evaluate fit, and how this type of search differs from a job search.If you're considering board service as a next chapter, this episode offers candid insights — and maybe an important reality check — on how to approach the journey with clarity and credibility.

The CEO Roundtable is comprised of executives representing many fast-growing Minnesota companies who desire to share their ideas, experiences, and insights. Our CEO Roundtable leadership development groups include entrepreneurs interested in growing their companies by leveraging the knowledge of their peers.

Stepping into the CEO seat for the first time can feel like walking into a room where every light switches on at once — the ability to change the trajectory of a company through the decisions made and direction set; the tension between immediate business pressures and long-term strategy; and the surprising duality of feeling connected to the organization and isolation.

This episode is a candid conversation with Ann Houser, CEO of The Bailey Group, who went from seasoned HR and coaching leader to owner and board member to first-time chief executive.

Ann reflects on what motivated her to take the reins, why early assumptions quickly gave way to humility and the moment she realized she needed her own community of peers for outside perspectives. You'll hear her insights on the importance of setting priorities and giving yourself grace to grow in and into the CEO role that will surely resonate.

Whether you're a first-time CEO or a seasoned leader, Ann’s candor offers honest insights and valuable reminders that becoming a great CEO is a never ending —and very human—journey for all of us.

What happens when a succession plan is also a growth strategy? Done right, transforming a business into an ESOP doesn’t just secure the future—it reshapes culture, influences recruiting, sparks collaboration, and impacts retention.

Sam Olinger, COO of Christensen Group, and host Scott Sustacek dive into what makes ESOPs such a powerful —but often misunderstood—tool for business growth, employee engagement, and long-term stability.

From challenges in balancing expectations for transparency to creating all-company moments that build trust, Sam shares real stories of what it takes to turn 100% employee ownership into a culture and growth driver.

It’s a candid conversation about leadership, legacy, and the hidden levers that keep employees not just working—but truly invested. Whether you’re curious about ESOPs or simply looking for new ways to engage your people, this conversation reveals why ownership can be a game-changer.