“When you’re growing, it’s really easy to lose connection with people.”

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson welcomes Phillip Wambsganss, President of Higher Education Servicing Corporation (HESC), to explore how mentorship, humility, and intentional connection shape great leadership. Phillip shares how early career failures, strong mentors, and self-reflection guided his evolution from a young banker to a seasoned nonprofit executive. He and Craig discuss the challenges of leading a growing organization, staying present with teams, and the lifelong balance between confidence and empathy. With stories that bridge personal growth and professional purpose, Phillip reminds us that leadership begins with listening and grows through service.

After You Listen:

• Get your copy of Management Waste by Larry O’Donnell: https://www.amazon.com/Management-Waste-Steps-Clean-Purpose/dp/1952421101

• Connect with Phillip Wambsganss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-wambsganss-2019829/

• Check out Higher Education Servicing Corporation: https://www.hescloans.com/

• Check out North Texas Higher Education Authority: https://www.nthea.com/

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

Key Takeaways

• Mentorship and positive reinforcement can completely transform a leader’s trajectory

• Staying present and connected with your team becomes harder and more vital as organizations grow

• Effective leaders communicate openly, reflect often, and don’t take things personally

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:01) Mentorship and professional growth

(02:08) Influences on Phillip’s leadership style

(05:02) What leadership means and owning the vision

(08:03) First leadership roles and early failures

(15:22) Growth through mentorship and self-reflection

(18:42) Leading a growing team and staying connected

(21:34) Decompression, service, and balance outside work

(24:14) From peer to boss: navigating the shift

(26:04) Phillip’s advice to his younger self

“It’s not just about winning clients. It’s about building a culture where people want to stay and grow.”

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson welcomes Cassie Dunn, Managing Partner at Haines, Isenbarger & Skiba LLC, to share her journey of leadership in the accounting world. Cassie opens up about the lessons she’s learned leading through growth, acquisitions, and client transitions, including why sometimes letting go of clients can be the best move for employee happiness and long-term success. She reflects on her earliest leadership roles, from high school cross country captain to coxswain in college, and how those experiences shaped her approach to humility, hard work, and empowering others. Craig and Cassie also tackle the role of soft skills in leadership, the challenges of talent shortages in accounting, and why culture is at the center of every decision she makes.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Cassie Dunn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-dunn-b037a846/

• Learn more about Haines, Isenbarger & Skiba LLC: http://www.hainescpa.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

• Culture is the foundation for sustainable growth

• Employee happiness drives efficiency and client success

• Soft skills are just as important as technical expertise

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(02:01) Lightning round leadership insights

(04:16) Why peer support matters in leadership

(07:17) Defining leadership and business growth

(08:19) How acquisition affects culture fit

(10:43) Reframing accounting as a decision-making discipline

(13:01) Leadership lessons from a former cross country team captain

(16:05) What to focus on as a leader of a growing company

(21:35) Value of learning soft skills early

“Sales success isn’t about the perfect pitch. It’s about building trust that lasts.”

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson welcomes Mandy Minitello, sales coach and host of Chasing Impact, Not Sales, to explore what it takes to sell and lead in today’s world. Mandy shares how being “volun-told” into training others sparked a passion for teaching and coaching that shaped her career. Craig and Mandy unpack why the best leaders let others shine, how to reverse-engineer goals with the end in mind, and why confidence and mindset matter more than tactics. From AI’s growing role in sales to the importance of creating authentic relationships, Mandy reveals why impact, not transactions, drives sustainable success.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Mandy Minitello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyminitello/

• Check out Mandy’s website: https://mandyminitello.com/

• Check out Mandy’s podcast Chasing Impact, Not Sales: https://mandyminitello.com/podcast

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

Key Takeaways:

• Great leaders are guides, not heroes

• Sales success depends on trust, not slide decks

• Mindset and confidence fuel lasting impact

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:25) Craig and Mandy’s shared history

(02:15) Books that shaped Mandy’s leadership style

(03:29) Mandy’s leadership crush

(04:07) Defining leadership in ten words

(06:34) Being “volun-told” into leadership

(08:19) Lessons from early leadership

(11:08) Rethinking sales leadership today

(15:04) How AI is changing the sales process

(22:59) Key lessons from Mandy’s leadership journey