What does it take to grow a business from 3 million to over 350 million dollars without losing sight of your purpose, people, or principles? In this Leadership With Heart Podcast episode, I reconnect with Ron Alvesteffer, President and CEO of Service Express, who returns with even more perspective, humility, and wisdom than when we first spoke years ago.

Ron shares what it means to lead a fast-growing organization in today's business world without focusing only on numbers or scale. At the core of his message is a deep belief that culture starts with people and that sustainable growth is built on the foundation of hiring, empowering, and retaining the right talent.

Ron opens up about how his leadership philosophy has evolved since he was first featured in my book The Art of Caring Leadership, and how his commitment to continuous learning, coaching, and intentionality keeps him energized in the face of new challenges.

In our conversation, Ron discusses embracing the journey, not just the milestones. He reflects on lessons learned through failure, why running toward problems is often where the most significant breakthroughs happen, and how he continues to sharpen his self-leadership skills even as his role expands. We also explore how to hold people accountable with care, avoid the burnout trap of being "busy," and what it means to be a leader who builds other leaders.

Whether you're a CEO, team manager, or someone simply trying to figure out your next move, there's something in this episode for you. Ron's story is a reminder that growth—real, meaningful growth—isn't about shortcuts. It's about showing up, doing the work, staying humble, and staying hungry.

What challenges have shaped your leadership the most? And how do you make space to keep growing when the pace doesn't slow? Let me know what resonated with you and share your thoughts after listening.

What does it take to go from the mail room to the C-suite? And how does someone stay grounded in empathy while holding one of the highest positions in a global firm?

In this episode of Leadership with Heart, William McKinley Washington II, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie, shares a journey that challenges assumptions about leadership, success, and what it means to rise.

His story begins far from corner offices and executive meetings. William is open about being a high school and college dropout, a young father navigating food stamps and homelessness, and someone who never expected to one day lead a global finance team across 46 countries.

This conversation is not about titles. It is about growth, ownership, and leadership that begins with a human connection. William speaks candidly about the moment he was told he was not ready for the role he wanted and how he turned that into a turning point. Rather than push back, he leaned in, brought in a coach, embraced the harsh feedback, and reshaped his leadership. The result was not just a promotion. It was a transformation.

What stands out most is his commitment to authenticity. When he stepped into the CFO role, his priority was not strategy or performance metrics. It was a connection. At one of his earliest team meetings, a colleague shared a powerful personal story that brought the room to tears. That openness has become the foundation of how he leads.

This episode will offer insight and inspiration if you are in the early stages of your career or facing a leadership crossroads. William’s path is a reminder that doors may open unexpectedly, but what matters most is the courage to walk through them and bring others with you.

How do you lead when no one is watching? And what would it take for you to show up more fully, not just as a professional, but as a person? Let me know what resonates with you.

What does it mean to lead from the heart, and what happens when we admit we do not have all the answers? In this episode, I speak with Brian Brault, founder of Legacy of Significance and a globally respected leadership teacher and entrepreneur.

Brian has built and sold two companies and dedicates his time mentoring leaders worldwide. His work is rooted in humility, curiosity, and a deep belief in helping people discover the leadership potential that already exists within them.

Our conversation moves beyond traditional leadership tropes. Brian shares what he learned about vulnerability when everything was on the line, how admitting he did not know the answer led his team to step up, and why that experience shaped how he leads today. He also discusses the difference between being friendly and kind and why effective leadership must be grounded in clarity, accountability, and care.

We talk about relational authority, how real influence comes not from a title but from presence and trust, and why creating space for others to contribute is one of the most powerful tools a leader can use. Brian shares how his role as chair of the Entrepreneurs' Organization inspired a broader commitment to using entrepreneurship as a force for good worldwide.

So here is my question for you. When was the last time you created space for someone else to lead? And what might happen in your team if you believed the answers were already in the room? Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts.