“It’s not about being the smartest in the room—it’s about creating space for others to contribute.”

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson welcomes Tricia Naddaff, President of Management Research Group, to explore what it really means to lead through change, complexity, and feedback. Tricia shares how her earliest leadership lessons—like being a fourth-grade bus stop monitor—shaped her approach to self-awareness, responsibility, and building resilient teams. Craig and Tricia discuss why context matters as much as vision, how neuroscience reveals our leadership habits, and what happens when leaders shift from “I have to know everything” to “we’ll figure it out together.” Drawing from humanitarian work and years of coaching leaders, Tricia offers practical, human-centered advice for anyone who wants to grow as a leader—no matter where they start.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Tricia Naddaff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricianaddaff/

• Learn more about Management Research Group: https://www.mrg.com/

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/

• Sign up for Craig’s Monthly Business Leadership Webinars: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3GDgSdp_RfGqegxIXIbAYg

Key Takeaways

• Self-awareness is foundational for authentic leadership

• Context, objectives, and resources shape every leadership decision

• Feedback is a tool for growth, not judgment

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(02:31) Why neuroscience matters for leaders

(05:44) Lessons from leading in humanitarian settings

(09:35) Defining leadership beyond style or vision

(16:24) Navigating raw moments and team dynamics

(18:25) Early leadership experiences and learning from feedback

(21:21) The importance of self-knowledge

(24:46) Tricia’s evolving leadership style

(29:50) Advice Tricia would give her younger self

“It’s okay to not know the answers, but it’s not okay to sit on that.”

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson speaks with Sean McDonald, President of MOR Associates, about navigating leadership in the face of autonomy, uncertainty, and change. Sean shares how his early experiences taught him to step into responsibility before he had a title - and why that mindset remains critical today. Sean and Craig explore the challenges leaders face when they don’t have all the answers, how to build trust during turbulent times, and why empathy requires action. Drawing on his own experiences and working with not-for-profit leaders, Sean offers a grounded, forward-looking perspective on leadership development.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Sean McDonald on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcdonaldsean/

• Check out MOR Associates: https://morassociates.com/

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/

• Sign up for Craig’s Monthly Business Leadership Webinars: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3GDgSdp_RfGqegxIXIbAYg

Key Takeaways:

• Autonomy builds leadership muscles, especially when support is limited

• Listening creates trust, but action builds momentum

• In times of uncertainty, focus on what you can control

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:25) Recommended reading for leaders

(02:47) Lessons Sean learned from his father

(04:24) Leadership as choice, movement, and impact

(06:27) Navigating leadership in nonprofits

(09:02) Insights from Sean’s first leadership experience

(11:35) The impact of AI on leadership

(16:31) Sean’s professional leadership journey

(22:00) Challenges in leadership during change

(27:15) Advice for young leaders

“Enjoy the process and don't just focus on the future and the outcomes so much.”

In this episode of Executive Evolution, Craig Anderson sits down with Dan Fahrner, founder and CEO of Shake Up Cocktails and Hi & Mighty Distillery. From touring the country in a van with his band to leading a fast-growing canned cocktail brand, Dan shares how his leadership style evolved across wildly different stages of life. He reflects on lessons from working with creatives, managing part-time ambassadors across multiple states, and building a company around inspiration rather than control. He and Craig explore how casting a clear vision, pivoting with purpose, and aligning team incentives have been key to scaling with intention.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Dan Fahrner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielfahrner/

• Check out Shake Up Cocktails: https://drinkshakeup.com/

• Check out Hi & Mighty Distillery: https://www.drinkhiandmighty.com/

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/

• Sign up for Craig’s Monthly Business Leadership Webinars: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3GDgSdp_RfGqegxIXIbAYg

Key Takeaways:

• Lead with inspiration, not fear, to unlock your team's potential

• Align incentives to drive behavior and reinforce company values

• Stay open to pivoting when new information reveals a better path

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(00:21) Lessons from leadership in a call center

(01:55) Dan’s leadership insights

(06:56) The privileges and challenges of leadership

(14:30) Building Shake Up Cocktails

(19:36) Adapting and pivoting in business

(23:58) Managing a part-time workforce

(28:02) The importance of enjoying the process