The Sharpen Podcast

From Operator to Force Multiplier: An Intrapreneur’s Leadership Shift

Jeff Phillips, the Chief Lending Officer at Landmark National Bank and the Market President of Kansas City, shares his journey of becoming an intrapreneur within a banking organization, discovering the balance between working on the business versus in the business.
Delve into Jeff's experiences and insights on leading a team, the transition from managing daily tasks to strategic planning, and how to cultivate a culture of learning and connection within a community-oriented financial institution. He reveals strategies for redefining personal success and prioritizing strategic thinking over routine tasks.
Jeff and Dan also explore themes of mentorship, leadership, and fostering a supportive work environment driven by shared values and purpose. Tune in to uncover how faith and business intermingle and how you can transform your leadership style to become a force multiplier in your organization.

Leading Through Tragedy

Fred Jentgen is launching a new Acumen team in Phoenix, Arizona! Fred shares his journey from a technology leader to an EOS implementer and founder of Unleashed Consulting Group.
The conversation dives into the challenges and learning experiences Fred faced throughout his career, particularly leading through tragedy. He recounts the story of a key team member, Eric, who battled cancer at a young age, and how the team rallied together during this difficult time. Fred discusses the importance of role clarity, trust, and communication, and how these elements helped the team to persevere through adversity.
Fred also touches on his personal faith journey and how it integrates with his professional life, offering hope and guidance during life's toughest moments. This episode is a deep dive into how leaders can prepare for and navigate through unexpected challenges while supporting their teams with empathy and understanding.

Mastering Growth Without Sacrificing Quality

Nick Usher, President of GQue BBQ, delves into the intricacies of business growth. Discover how this barbecue brand, renowned for its authentic and high-quality offerings, has expanded from a single location to multiple outlets while maintaining its signature taste and culture.
Nick shares invaluable insights on teaching the art of barbecue across various locations, handling exponential growth, and ensuring consistency in quality and customer experience. He emphasizes the importance of hiring from the heart, building a resilient support system, and developing emergency plans to tackle unforeseen challenges.
This episode is rich with lessons on leadership, employee empowerment, and strategic planning that business owners across industries can apply for sustainable growth.

Calling, Strategy, and the Supreme Court

What does it take to follow your calling, build a mission-driven organization, and impact the highest court in the land? In this episode, host Dan Cooper sits down with Kelly Shackelford, CEO of First Liberty Institute, to explore the leadership principles behind his work defending religious freedom. Kelly shares how he navigated the choice between ministry and law, the unique business model that has propelled First Liberty’s success as the largest legal nonprofit in the United States, and the long-term strategy that has led to pivotal Supreme Court victories. Along the way, he offers powerful insights on staying the course in the face of challenges and leading with conviction. This episode is an eye-opener for business leaders and anyone passionate about maintaining the freedom to practice faith openly. Gain valuable insights and motivation as Kelly Shackelford shares his vision for preserving religious liberties for future generations.

Creative Leadership in Corporations

The latest episode of the Sharpen Podcast, hosted by Steve Van Diest, features a compelling conversation with Rick McCullough, a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience in the business world. Rick shares his journey from leading public companies to finding his purpose in giving back to the community. This episode delves into the challenges of maintaining creativity in a corporate environment and the art of building consensus for strategic growth.
Rick opens up about a critical turning point in his life that reshaped his approach to career and leadership. He also offers valuable insights on how to align corporate goals with team objectives and navigate through high-stake business decisions with integrity and empathy. For business leaders looking to enhance their strategies and understand the impact of strong cultural values, this episode is an enlightening listen.

The Power of Branding: The Purple Guys' Unique Journey

Join host Dan Cooper as he sits down with Jon Schram, a successful serial entrepreneur known for selling the same company three times. Discover the significance of branding, exemplified by Jon's company, The Purple Guys, and learn how a simple color transformed into a memorable brand.
Jon shares his intriguing journey — from the humble beginnings of unique branding strategies with purple shirts to executing successful business exits to different types of buyers. Understand the complexities and emotional aspects of selling a business and how Jon adapted to each sale, maintaining his attachment and evolving with every transition.
This episode is a must-listen for business owners seeking inspiration, whether considering a company sale or enhancing their brand's presence. Gain insights into the value of simplicity in branding, achieving successful exits, and the importance of planning the next steps in business ventures.

Leading an 80-Year Legacy: Values and Pivots through the Decades

Join Steve Van Diest as he hosts Dale Hahs, leader of AIS Industrial and Construction Supply. In this episode, they explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating an 80-year-old family business through technological, economic, and industry changes. Dale shares personal stories from his journey starting as an apprentice under his grandfather to stepping into the CEO role, and how his faith and leadership style guided the company through pivotal moments.
Dale discusses the moments that defined his leadership, including transitions in industry practices and technology from the post-war era to today's digitized demands. He also touches on his preparation to pass the mantle to the next generation, emphasizing a foundation built on core values and continuous improvement. Discover how AIS adeptly balances heritage with innovation and learn valuable lessons from their story of resilience.

Sacrificing Your Sacred Cows: The Messy Business of Change

Join Dan Cooper as he delves into the world of Jack Stack Barbecue with CEO Travis Carpenter. In this episode, they explore the concept of "sacrificing sacred cows" in business, with a humorous nod to the barbecue industry. Discover how Travis led Jack Stack through transformative changes during COVID, including branching into grocery retail, embracing third-party delivery, and innovating with new menu offerings.
Travis shares insights on navigating internal resistance to change, leveraging team input for successful adaptations, and maintaining a forward-thinking mindset in a complex business environment. Learn about Jack Stack's journey from a single Kansas City restaurant to a multi-faceted business with nationwide reach, and celebrate 50 years of flavor and innovation.
Perfect for business owners and leaders looking for inspiration on growth, adaptability, and creating a lasting impact. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical advice and a passion for barbecue.