We talk with retired superintendent JR Green about turning a “graveyard for superintendents” into a destination district by putting culture, courage, and accountability first. We unpack faith over fear, family support, collaboration over competition, and the difference between authority and leadership.

• JR Green’s path from assistant superintendent to 12-year superintendent tenure
• Why “scared money can’t win” and how courage drives change
• Culture as the soil: competence, collaboration, trust, respect
• Showing up in schools to build relationships and trust
• Humility, presence and removing ego from leadership
• Family commitment and season-based support at home
• Owning the mirror and taking responsibility for outcomes
• Collaboration over competition with neighboring districts
• Leader vs authority and how influence beats titles

This conversation is a powerful reminder that authority can force compliance, but leadership earns followership—even without a title. JR’s story challenges us to choose courage over comfort, collaboration over competition, and humility over ego.

If you’re leading through resistance, navigating a tough team, or trying to rebuild trust in a skeptical culture, you now have a clear framework to act on today: show up consistently, build trust intentionally, own outcomes, and lead with conviction.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Unpack Leadership, share it with a colleague who needs it, and leave us a review. Tell us—what’s the one culture shift you’re committing to make this week?

Until next time, keep unpacking what leadership really requires.

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Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

Learn more about Global Core Strategies

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this ...

What if the core of effective leadership isn’t what you know, but how deeply you care? In this episode, we sit down with Janisha Thomas, Chief Human Resources Officer at The Ritedose Corporation, to explore a practical, people-centered blueprint for leading through growth, maintaining high standards with empathy, and anchoring decisions in values when pressure mounts.

• founding insight that people follow care before knowledge
• balancing kindness with accountability for real development
• building future-ready talent profiles and two-deep benches
• integrating as an external leader through humility and small wins
• culture as competitive advantage and community practices
• values-first portfolio choices that honor the patient
• feedback systems via surveys, listening tours and rituals
• coaching rhythms to avoid end-of-year surprises
• guidance for emerging leaders on choosing the right manager
• personal brand discipline and using filters on social media

This conversation is a powerful reminder that culture becomes a true competitive advantage when values guide decisions and leaders build trust before influence. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, Janisha’s insights offer actionable guidance you can apply immediately. Share this episode with a leader who needs it and let us know which practice you’re adopting this week. Check out The Ritedose Corporation career opportunities at www.ritedose.com and email recruiter@ritedose.com

Connect with Ron
Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

Learn more about Global Core Strategies

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this ...

In this episode, Ron talks with entrepreneur and Vistage chair Jim Bramlett about the mindset shifts modern leaders need—moving from command-and-control to coaching, embracing vulnerability, and leaning on peer support instead of leading alone. Jim shares lessons from seven startups, emphasizing the importance of being coachable, hiring for culture over skill, and listening across generations to build trust and accountability. They also explore key ideas from Jim’s book Stop the Hassle, revealing how companies win by delivering convenience, transparent pricing, great user experience, and trust while removing friction the way Amazon, Netflix, and Uber do. The conversation closes with practical guidance on staying curious about AI, borrowing ideas from peers, and starting small to create compounding improvements.

• leading across generations with balance and empathy
• shifting from authority to a coaching mindset
• listening more to build trust and buy-in
• learning from failure and staying coachable
• building a peer circle and finding mentors
• hiring for culture fit and coachability before skills
• avoiding the top-performer to manager promotion trap
• designing customer-centric cultures that measure what buyers value
• delivering convenience, transparent pricing, great experience and trust
• using curiosity to explore AI alongside peers

We ask that you let someone else know about the show. And if you know someone that may be a great guest, send them an email to tell them to get in touch with us.

Connect with Ron
Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

Learn more about Global Core Strategies

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this ...

We explore why values outlast achievements and how to lead under pressure without compromising integrity. Andy Crocker shares lessons from aerospace, the five core values in his book The Unconditionals, and practical ways to grow through failure, mentor well, and adopt AI responsibly.

• defining success as values alignment not outcomes
• integrity in data, decisions and trust
• love at work as respect, kindness and compassion
• endeavor as purpose, perseverance and growth
• handling pressure without shortcuts
• mentoring as culture transfer and accountability
• learning new tools like AI with transparency
• where to find The Unconditionals and connect with Andy

Andy breaks down the five values from The Unconditionals—love, gratitude, integrity, accountability, and endeavor—and how they guide leaders when pressure, setbacks, or tough decisions hit. They dig into honest data, compassionate accountability, and the discipline of continuous learning as technology and expectations evolve. Andy also shares mentorship practices that build capability and confidence across a team. It’s a grounded conversation for anyone wanting to lead with clarity, character, and resilience.

Please rate the show. Go out and give us some testimonials, like us, let people know, share it with you.

Connect with Ron
Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

Learn more about Global Core Strategies

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this ...

We explore how letting go of people pleasing, building systems, and setting boundaries can transform a small aviation business and a leader’s life. James shares how coaching, health habits, and honest standards turned burnout into momentum and growth.

• shifting from technician to leader
• ending people pleasing and setting boundaries
• delegation with solution-first expectations
• installing simple, measurable performance standards
• marketing engine built to scale demand
• fixing the sales bottleneck with process and roles
• culture built on timely, respectful conversations
• health and discipline as business levers
• focusing on inputs over outcomes to avoid sabotage
• designing a company that runs without the founder

Share with your friends and your colleagues. If you have anybody that you think would be a phenomenal guest, we do all things leadership and taking care of people.

This episode dives into James’s shift from being the “hero” in his aviation business to building a company that runs on systems, not him. He opens up about burnout, people-pleasing disguised as leadership, and how coaching helped him set boundaries, expectations, and a healthier culture. We cover his move from 4 a.m. manual outreach to a real marketing engine, a structured sales process, and simple performance standards that make accountability clear. James also shares personal habits that boosted his energy and mindset, plus the 60-day deployment that exposed every gap in a founder-dependent business. His lessons are practical: empower managers, document processes, and build a business that works without you. Perfect for leaders ready to trade heroics for structure, health, and scalable growth.

Connect with Ron
Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

Learn more about Global Core Strategies

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this ...

We explore what it takes to build durable businesses across franchises, real estate and investing, and why humility, people and discipline beat ego every time. Marcél Clark shares how sacrifice fuels momentum, how leaders stay accountable and how to build teams that win.

• people first leadership and culture
• startup sacrifice and the myth of balance
• going all in versus part-time mindset
• learning the science of your business
• systems for accountability and metrics
• hiring smarter and checking your ego
• building trust through consistency and clarity
• mentors, networks and avoiding costly mistakes
• turning around a failing territory with a plan
• focus, anti-complacency and generational wealth
• practical advice: one step at a time and never quit

Continue to tell your friends and your colleagues. If you know someone that's interested in being a guest, we'd love to hear some insight

Connect with Ron
Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

Learn more about Global Core Strategies

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this ...

We explore what separates real leadership from title-driven management, why connection is the engine of trust, and how fair recognition fuels performance. William Davis shares lessons from four decades in corporate roles, mentorship stories, and a candid blueprint for humane, high-performing teams.

• defining leader vs manager vs boss
• building trust through consistent connection
• rejecting forced rankings and unfair rewards
• advice for younger, ambitious leaders
• mentorship as an antidote to insecurity
• weekly feedback and zero-surprise reviews
• personalizing relationships to each teammate
• repairing trust by showing up in the work
• modeling vulnerability and safety
• shifting from expert to empowering leader
• boundaries, time off, and work-life balance
• three actionable practices leaders can start today
• William’s books and how to contact him

Feel free to share it. If you know someone that you think would be a great guest that's going to add value to our audience, that's what the show is really about. You can always find us on our company's webpage, Global Core Strategies and Consulting. You'll find everything about me on there. It'll send you to my LinkedIn, which are the two primary sources to reach us.

Connect with Ron
Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

Learn more about Global Core Strategies

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this ...

We unpack why every human interaction is a negotiation and how preparation, not slogans, drives outcomes. Derrick Chevalier shares evolved negotiation tactics that help leaders surface hidden information, avoid self‑negotiation traps, and create value beyond the script.

• negotiation as universal human interaction
• mentor‑driven mastery and apprenticeship
• preparation as strategic advantage
• changes from technology and global dynamics
• myths of win‑win and BATNA overuse
• power negotiation and deadline dynamics
• why chess is a weak life metaphor
• leadership conversations as negotiations
• stealth negotiation and real‑time coaching
• when and how to split the difference
• reframing risk to unlock decisions
• failure as event, focus as discipline

We offer a no BS 30-minute no-cost consultation, have a conversation. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague who negotiates daily, and leave a quick review to help more people find it. Got a tough negotiation ahead? Tell us what you’ll try first.

Connect with Ron
Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

Learn more about Global Core Strategies

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this ...