Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle with James Thompson & Ronii Bartles cover art

Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle with James Thompson & Ronii Bartles

Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle with James Thompson & Ronii Bartles

By: James Thompson
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Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle is a podcast for leaders navigating the messy, high-stakes space between top-down strategy and front-line execution. We interview change agents, operators, and advisors who have learned to drive results without relying on formal authority. From process optimization to strategic communication — and yes, even competitive compliance — we break down what it takes to lead well when you're in the middle of it all.James Thompson
Episodes
  • Leading with Empathy & Decisiveness with Larry White
    Dec 3 2025

    Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle with James Thompson & Ronii Bartles, Episode 4

    In this episode of the Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle, James Thompson and Ronii Bartles speak with Larry White, retired vice president of Smithers-Oasis Company and Temprecision International. Smithers-Oasis is a diverse global manufacturer and marketer of floral foam and design media, floral accessories, postharvest products, cellular growing media, temperature control packaging, medical impression foam, and custom foams for specialized applications. Temprecision International provides science-driven solutions for temperature-controlled shipping applications.

    Tune in to the episode to hear about:

    * Larry’s journey from frontline supervision to upper management

    * The importance of empathy, authenticity, and decisive leadership

    * Real-life crisis management situation that Larry had to handle in India

    * Larry’s current efforts in mentoring young people

    * How to balance vision with actionable tasks

    * The impact of company culture on overall success


    Learn more about Larry White:

    * Connect with Larry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-white-3a93b53

    * Follow Smithers-Oasis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smithers-oasis

    * Visit Temprecision International’s website: https://www.temprecision.com

    ***********************************

    About this podcast:

    Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle is a podcast for leaders navigating the messy, high-stakes space between top-down strategy and front-line execution. James Thompson & Ronii Bartles interview change agents, operators, and advisors who have learned to drive results without relying on formal authority. From process optimization to strategic communication — and yes, even competitive compliance — we break down what it takes to lead well when you're in the middle of it all.

    Watch or listen to more episodes of Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle:

    * Website: https://www.concentricglobal.co

    * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ConcentricGlobalCHS

    * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concentricglobal

    * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mayhem-to-mastery-leading-transformation-from-the-middle-with-james-thompson-ronii-bartles/id1838736843

    * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PmNTcEestaP8ZtvlnrvMf

    Connect and learn more from your hosts, James Thompson & Ronii Bartles:

    * Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimthompson2001

    * Connect with Ronii on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roniibartles

    * Read more about James, Ronii, and Concentric Global on Concentric Global’s website: https://www.concentricglobal.co/about

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Navigating Operational Trauma & Change with Vince Lombardy
    Nov 5 2025
    Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle with James Thompson & Ronii Bartles, Episode 3In this episode of the Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle, James Thompson and Ronii Bartles speak with Vince Lombardy, Senior Manufacturing & Operations Leader, Vice President of Transloading at Harbor Logistics, which provides transportation, truck/rail transload, and warehousing services in Charleston to diverse industrial and commercial counterparties.Tune in to the episode to hear about: * Vince’s career path, from a PhD in history to leadership roles in manufacturing and logistics * How Vince’s background in history has influenced his approach to problem-solving and leadership in organizations * Strategies Vince and his team used to navigate organizational change, especially during transitions like private equity acquisition and the COVID-19 pandemic * How Vince and his organization moved from manual, paper-based processes to automated systems, and the impact it has had on employees and customers * How Vince supports his team through operational challenges * Key lessons about resilience and leadership Vince would share with his younger selfLearn more about Vince Lombardy: * Connect with Vincent on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentlombardy * Visit Harbor Logistics’ website: https://harborlogistics.com * Visit Vince’s website: http://www.vincelombardy.com * Follow Harbor Logistics on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harbor-logistics***********************************About this podcast:Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle is a podcast for leaders navigating the messy, high-stakes space between top-down strategy and front-line execution. James Thompson & Ronii Bartles interview change agents, operators, and advisors who have learned to drive results without relying on formal authority. From process optimization to strategic communication — and yes, even competitive compliance — we break down what it takes to lead well when you're in the middle of it all.Watch or listen to more episodes of Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle: * Website: https://www.concentricglobal.co * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ConcentricGlobalCHS * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concentricglobal * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mayhem-to-mastery-leading-transformation-from-the-middle-with-james-thompson-ronii-bartles/id1838736843 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PmNTcEestaP8ZtvlnrvMfConnect and learn more from your hosts, James Thompson & Ronii Bartles: * Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimthompson2001 * Connect with Ronii on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roniibartles * Read more about James, Ronii, and Concentric Global on Concentric Global’s website: https://www.concentricglobal.co/about
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Turning Chaos Into Opportunity with Consumer Products Industry Veteran & Angel Investor, Tom Browning
    Oct 10 2025

    Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle with James Thompson & Ronii Bartles, Episode 2

    In this episode of the Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle, James Thompson and Ronii Bartles speak with Tom Browning, who, after an extensive tenure in the consumer products industry, has turned his attention to investing in and mentoring early-stage companies with big growth potential. He is a member of Queen City Angels, one of the largest angel investing groups in North America, a partner at H Venture Partners, which focuses on women-led consumer startups, and an active investor with VentureSouth in Charleston. He also gives back by serving as lead mentor at The Harbor Entrepreneur Center in Mount Pleasant, helping founders chart their own paths.

    Tune in to the episode to hear about:

    * Challenges leaders face when transitioning from structured corporate environments to the unpredictable world of startups

    * How prioritization and single-task focus helps teams navigate mayhem and crisis situations in business

    * Ways frontline leaders play a critical role in bridging the gap between top management and operational staff

    * How innovations in the salad industry, such as regional processing and packaging technology, has driven rapid business growth

    * Advice about overcoming intimidation, building momentum, and acting decisively during times of change

    Learn more about Tom Browning:

    * Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasdbrowning

    * Follow The Harbor Entrepreneur Center on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theharborec/

    ***********************************

    About this podcast:

    Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle is a podcast for leaders navigating the messy, high-stakes space between top-down strategy and front-line execution. James Thompson & Ronii Bartles interview change agents, operators, and advisors who have learned to drive results without relying on formal authority. From process optimization to strategic communication — and yes, even competitive compliance — we break down what it takes to lead well when you're in the middle of it all.

    Watch or listen to more episodes of Mayhem to Mastery: Leading Transformation from the Middle:

    * Website: https://www.concentricglobal.co

    * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ConcentricGlobalCHS

    * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concentricglobal

    * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mayhem-to-mastery-leading-transformation-from-the-middle-with-james-thompson-ronii-bartles/id1838736843

    * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PmNTcEestaP8ZtvlnrvMf

    Connect and learn more from your hosts, James Thompson & Ronii Bartles:

    * Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimthompson2001

    * Connect with Ronii on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roniibartles

    * Read more about James, Ronii, and Concentric Global on Concentric Global’s website: https://www.concentricglobal.co/about

    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
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