Ever wondered what happens when you take the leadership lessons from flying military helicopters and apply them to corporate America? In this conversation with Carl Sharperson Jr., author of "Sharp Leadership" and former Marine Corps pilot, Cam and Otis explore the fascinating transition from military service to business leadership.

"The plant ran better with us not being there than it did when we were there," Carl reveals, sharing a powerful story about what happened when all the managers went on a two-day retreat. This counterintuitive insight highlights one of Carl's core leadership principles: when you truly empower your people with the right tools and resources, they'll often exceed your expectations.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Carl's candid reflection on his own leadership journey. "My team leader pulled me aside one day and said, 'Carl, you're micromanaging, you don't need to do that,'" he shares, explaining how this direct feedback helped him "flip the script" and transform his approach. From discussing the delicate balance of allowing people to fail without catastrophic consequences to exploring how he applied leadership principles as an entrepreneur, Carl offers practical wisdom drawn from his unique experience across military, corporate, and entrepreneurial settings.

Whether you're transitioning from one leadership context to another or simply looking to elevate your team from mediocrity to excellence, Carl's insights on building relationships and taking care of your people provide a roadmap for authentic, effective leadership.

More About Carl:
Carl Sharperson Jr. is a renowned Leadership Innovation Strategist, speaker, and coach, celebrated for his ability to elevate leaders from mediocrity to their fullest potential in both professional and personal realms. He is the acclaimed author of Sharp Leadership: Overcome Adversity to Lead with Authenticity and Sharp Leadership: Parenting Principles for Rearing Young People. Carl's expertise lies in recognizing that many individuals operate at only 50% capacity due to inadequate leadership, development, or job fit. Through his proprietary Sharp Leadership coaching process, combined with his rich experiences in the military, corporate America, and entrepreneurship, Carl delivers transformative results for his audiences and corporate clients. A proud graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a former United States Marine Corps pilot with a BS in Engineering, Carl has also documented his military experiences in Short Rations for Marines and For My Sons and Brothers. Following his distinguished military service, Carl held senior sales and operational positions at prestigious companies such as Procter & Gamble, Frito-Lay, and Colgate-Palmolive. He was Vice President of Manufacturing for an international sports company before answering the call to entrepreneurship in 2000, launching Sharperson’s Executive Leadership. Carl has since worked with executives at major organizations, including Purdue Farms, Harley-Davidson, GlaxoSmithKline, Sara Lee, BMW, Edward Jones, Houston Independent School District, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, the University of North Carolina, and Chick-fil-A, among others. As a dynamic speaker, Carl travels nationwide, inspiring students to explore military training, sharing his triumphant journey of surviving Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Stage 1 Colon cancer, and empowering leaders with the principles of servant leadership. Dedicated to giving back, Carl actively participates in several community and faith-based initiatives, mentoring youth and helping them reach their maximum potential. He resides in the Upstate of South Carolina with his wife, and they are proud parents of a son and a daughter. If you are ready to elevate your team from mediocrity to excellence, book Carl Sharperson Jr. today.

Chapter Times and Titles:

From CH-46 to Corporate America [00:00 - 05:00

Ever wondered what happens when sales training expertise meets veteran transition needs? In this conversation with Michele McManamon, CEO and Co-Founder of Operation New Uniform, Cam and Otis explore how a single scholarship offer evolved into a national movement helping veterans build meaningful civilian careers.

"We're not teaching them how to interview, we're teaching them how to sell," Michele explains, sharing how ONU helps veterans translate their military experience into success beyond service. What began as one scholarship to her Sandler sales program has grown into an organization that’s impacted over 700 servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses across 28 states.

From expanding veterans’ career perspectives to sharing stories of transformation, Michele offers valuable insights into the challenges of transition and the power of mindset. As Otis puts it, “Every time I stood up in front of the boss and said, ‘This is what I think we should do’… I was selling. And there ain’t nobody teaching it.”

More About Michele:
Michele McManamon is the CEO and Co-Founder of Operation New Uniform (ONU), a nonprofit helping veterans and military families overcome unemployment and career transition challenges. ONU’s curriculum, based on Sandler training, has reached over 700 graduates and impacted more than 2,400 lives. Michele’s leadership has earned her multiple honors, including Woman Business Owner of the Year, Jacksonville’s Top 25 Influential Women, and Veteran Community Champion of the Year.

#LeadershipPodcast #VeteranSuccess #OperationNewUniform #MicheleMcManamon #TribeAndPurpose #CamAndOtis #MilitaryTransition #CareerReadiness #SalesTraining #VeteranEmpowerment #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDriven #ServiceToSuccess #10xYourTeam

Chapter Times and Titles:

From Sandler to Service [00:00 - 05:00]
Introduction to Michele McManamon
The origin story of Operation New Uniform
How one scholarship evolved into a national organization

"We're Teaching Them How to Sell" [05:01 - 15:00]
The Sandler methodology applied to veteran transition
Why interview skills aren't enough
Teaching veterans to articulate their value

Opening the Aperture [15:01 - 25:00]
Helping veterans see beyond military roles
"There's HR roles, there's IT..."
Breaking down limiting beliefs about civilian careers

The Military-Sales Connection [25:01 - 35:00]
Otis: "Every time I stood up in front of the boss... I was selling"
How military experience translates to business skills
Building on existing strengths rather than starting over

Building a National Impact [35:01 - 45:00]
Expanding from Jacksonville to nationwide
The power of partnerships with other veteran organizations
Success stories and transformation examples

Getting Involved with ONU [45:01 - End]
How veterans can apply for the program
How businesses can partner and hire ONU graduates
Final thoughts and contact information (ONUvets.org)

Connect with Michele McManamon:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelemcmanamon/
Website: ONUVets.org

Ever wondered why some businesses successfully scale while others get stuck in startup mode? In this conversation with Courtney De Ronde, CEO of Forge Financial and creator of the Simple ScaleUp System™, Cam and Otis explore the delicate balance between innovation and process that growing organizations must navigate.

"Efficiency creates clarity, and clarity unlocks growth," Courtney explains, revealing how her background as a CPA evolved into helping businesses build systems that actually work. From discussing the COLBY assessment that measures cognitive strengths to explaining why some leaders struggle with implementing processes, this episode offers practical wisdom about scaling with intention.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Courtney's insight into what breaks systems. "If any of this information that you're using is based on inaccurate, incomplete, or not timely information, that'll break your system down," she shares, offering a refreshing perspective on why even well-designed processes can fail without the right foundation.

Whether you're a startup founder worried about becoming too rigid or a scaling business leader trying to create more structure, Courtney's approach to balancing innovation with process provides a roadmap for growth that doesn't sacrifice creativity or purpose.

More About Courtney:
Courtney De Ronde is the CEO of Forge Financial and Management Consulting and the creator of the Simple ScaleUp SystemTM. She helps business and nonprofit leaders utilize a proven system to take charge of their personal and organizational development, enabling them to fulfill their purpose and lead their organizations to do the same. With 20+ years as a CPA and 15 years as a business leader, Courtney has firsthand experience running, scaling, advising, and serving small businesses. Today, she shares that knowledge as a speaker and consultant with her team at Forge. Recognized for her expertise in business intelligence, leadership, corporate finance, and productivity, Courtney presents at conferences and events nationwide. When she’s not helping companies grow, she enjoys time with her husband and three children on their latest family road trip or at home in Des Moines, Iowa.

Chapter Times and Titles:

From CPA to ScaleUp Expert [00:00 - 05:00]
Introduction to Courtney De Ronde
The journey from accounting to business leadership
First glimpses of the Simple ScaleUp System™

Innovation vs. Process: The False Dichotomy [05:01 - 15:00]
The COLBY assessment and cognitive strengths
"Some of us lead with the quick start mode."
Why do different leadership styles complement each other

When Systems Cost Too Much [15:01 - 25:00]
The danger of over-systematizing too early
Balancing structure with startup flexibility
Giving team members ownership over innovation

What Breaks Systems Down [25:01 - 35:00]
The importance of reliable information
Common pitfalls in system implementation
How to build processes that actually work

The Good Idea Fairy [35:01 - 45:00]
Managing innovation within established processes
"The boss is coming back from a conference."
Why executive teams should learn together

Scaling with Purpose [45:01 - End]
Connecting systems to the organizational mission
How to get started with the Simple ScaleUp System™
Final thoughts on balancing growth with intention

Connect with Courtney De Ronde
https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyderonde/
https://www.facebook.com/forgefmc
https://www.forgeahead.com/


#10xyourteam #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ScalingStrategy #SimpleScaleUpSystem #Entrepreneurship #InnovationAndProcess #LeadershipPodcast #TeamClarity #BusinessIntelligence #SystemsThinking #LeadershipJourney #OperationalExcellence #PurposeDrivenGrowth #ForgeFinancial #TribeAndPurpose

Ever been stood up for a meeting that someone else requested? In this candid family episode, Cam and Otis get real about a frustration many professionals face but few discuss openly: the culture of no-shows and non-commitments in business.

"If you don't want to do something, then say it. If it's not a priority, then let us know," Otis states firmly, addressing the unnamed "no-showers" who've recently wasted their time. This father-son conversation dives into the psychology behind why people make commitments they don't intend to keep and the telltale signs that someone isn't being straightforward about their intentions.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is their discussion about authentic communication in professional settings. When someone says, "this is not sales," Otis immediately thinks, "it's sales"—highlighting how transparency builds trust while manipulation erodes it. They even explore what genuine outreach looks like, noting how rare it is to receive a simple, honest invitation: "I'd love to buy you a cup of coffee."

Whether you're building a business, managing relationships, or just trying to navigate professional courtesy in today's world, this unfiltered conversation offers a refreshing perspective on the value of saying what you mean and meaning what you say.

#AuthenticLeadership #BusinessEtiquette #ProfessionalIntegrity #CommunicationMatters #TrustAndTransparency #LeadershipCulture #RespectInBusiness #SayWhatYouMean #RelationshipBuilding #10xYourTeam

Chapter Times and Titles:

The Father-Son Format [00:00 - 04:00]
Introduction to the family episode style
"We're both lifelong learners, so the interest still holds."
Setting the stage for an unfiltered conversation

The No-Show Problem [04:01 - 14:00]
Addressing the frustration of meeting no-shows
"If you don't want to do something, then say it"
The difference between commitments and afterthoughts

"This Is Not Sales" (But It Is) [14:01 - 25:00]
Recognizing disguised sales pitches
The importance of transparency in business relationships
Why authenticity builds trust

The Lost Art of the Coffee Invitation [25:01 - 35:00]
"When was the last time somebody propositioned me that way?"
The value of small commitments as signs of respect
Building relationships through genuine interest

Lessons in Professional Courtesy [35:01 - End]
Key takeaways about commitment and follow-through
"I can't help you until you're ready to be helped."
Final thoughts and standard outro


Website: https://www.10xyourteam.net/

Ready to lead with purpose? Apply now for the Green Beret Leadership Program: https://construction.10xyourteam.net/application
Follow our socials: @Tribeandpurpose and @10xyourteam

Ever wondered if compassion and decisive leadership can coexist? In this powerful conversation with Cal Riley, combat veteran, EOS Implementer, and author of "Entrepreneurial Compassion," Cam and Otis explore what it really means to lead with both strength and heart.

"It's not compassionate to hold on to somebody if they're not a good fit," Cal explains, challenging the common misconception that compassionate leadership means avoiding tough decisions. "You're doing them a disservice. You're in pain. They're in pain... The whole team sees it."

From discussing how EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) helps leaders understand that "not everybody is good at everything" to sharing his deeply personal mission to create a million compassionate leaders and prevent 100,000 suicides, Cal offers a refreshing perspective on leadership that balances accountability with genuine care.

Whether you're a business owner struggling with difficult personnel decisions or a leader looking to create a healthier company culture, Cal's insights on entrepreneurial compassion provide a roadmap for leading differently. Plus, all proceeds from his book go to Stop Soldier Suicide—making this conversation not just informative, but potentially life-saving.

More About Cal:
Cal Riley is a leadership coach, entrepreneur, and combat veteran who teaches leaders how to serve with both strength and compassion. As an EOS Implementer and business owner himself, he helps founders lead with clarity, communicate effectively, and create cultures where people can thrive. He’s the author of Entrepreneurial Compassion: An Entrepreneur’s
Journey Through Combat, Suicide, and the Discovery of Compassionate Leadership, a deeply personal and practical guide for founders who want to lead differently. His mission: create 1 million compassionate leaders by 2035 and prevent 100,000 suicides by helping leaders build healthier companies and more humane systems.

#CompassionateLeadership #EntrepreneurialCompassion #LeadershipWithHeart #AccountabilityAndEmpathy #EOSLeadership #CultureBuilding #VeteranLeadership #MentalHealthAwareness #PurposeDrivenLeadership #10xYourTeam


Chapter Times and Titles:

From Combat to Compassionate Leadership [00:00 - 15:00]
Introduction to Cal Riley and his background
The journey from military service to entrepreneurship
First glimpses of the compassion philosophy

"It's Not Compassionate to Hold On" [15:01 - 25:00]
The misconception about compassionate leadership
Why keeping poor-fit employees hurts everyone
How EOS helps leaders make better people decisions

Finding the Right Fit [25:01 - 35:00]
"Most people aren't good at most things"
Identifying strengths and passions
Creating roles where people can thrive

The Mission: 1 Million Compassionate Leaders [35:01 - 47:00]
Cal's personal mission and its origins
The connection between leadership and suicide prevention
Building healthier companies and more humane systems

Training vs. Executing in Leadership [47:01 - 55:00]
The challenge of setting goals without structure
Why entrepreneurs are "always executing, rarely training"
Holding yourself and your team to higher standards

Take the Pledge [55:01 - End]
Cal's invitation to become a compassionate leader
The free survey at CalRiley.com
How to support Stop Soldier Suicide through his book


Cal Riley
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cal-riley-6482b376/
https://x.com/CalinCalRiley
https://www.facebook.com/people/CultureTeam/100083777013775/
https://calriley.com/

Ever tried to escape work by picking up a hobby, only to discover it teaches you everything about your profession? In this fascinating conversation with Philip Atkinson, author of "BeeWise: 12 Leadership Lessons from Inside a Busy Hive," Cam and Otis explore how the complex world of beekeeping offers surprising insights into organizational leadership.

"I was looking in my private life to start a new hobby to do nothing to do with work," Philip explains about his beekeeping journey. "And it was all about complex organizations and decision making and communication and what the bees do. And of course, bang, it hit me. Beekeeping is a metaphor for complex life in working organizations today."

From seasonal cycles that mirror business planning to colony division that reflects organizational scaling, Philip draws powerful parallels between the busy hive and today's workplace. "The bees have a natural survival instinct, and they need to adapt and grow," he shares, explaining how this translates to leadership challenges. "As a single leader, I can't do everything. I actually need to create an environment to scale things by trusting other people to be great."

Whether you're fascinated by nature, looking for fresh leadership perspectives, or simply curious about how a hobby can transform into a life's purpose, this conversation offers rich insights into what we can learn from these remarkable creatures—or, as Philip would say, Apis Melifera.

More About Philip:
Philip Atkinson is a leadership coach, organizational transformation expert, and founder of Hive-Logic. With leadership roles at Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, and Publicis, Philip has worked with some of the world’s largest organizations to build stronger teams and healthier cultures. Based near the Swiss border in France, he supports senior leaders across Europe and beyond through coaching, facilitation, and strategy. His warm, thought-provoking communication style has landed him features in Forbes, Management Today, CEO World, and BBC TV and radio. Philip is also a beekeeper. In his book Bee Wise: 12 Leadership Lessons from a Busy Beehive, he draws powerful insights from the hidden workings of the hive. The book explores decision-making, inclusion, communication, and purpose with contributions from global thought leaders at EY, L’Oréal, and more. All profits support Bees for Development, a charity helping families build sustainable livelihoods through beekeeping.

#LeadershipLessons #BeekeepingAndBusiness #OrganizationalWisdom #HiveLogic #AdaptiveLeadership #Teamwork #NatureInspiredLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #TribeAndPurpose #10xYourTeam



Chapter Times and Titles:

From Corporate Life to Beekeeping [00:00 - 05:00]
Introduction to Philip Atkinson and "BeeWise"
The search for a hobby, "nothing to do with work"
The moment of realization: "Beekeeping is a metaphor"

Apis Melifera: More Than Just Bees [05:01 - 10:00]
The fascinating terminology of beekeeping
How the beekeeping community responded to Philip's insights
Initial connections between hives and organizations

Seasonal Wisdom from the Hive [10:01 - 20:00]
"Close some of the other projects first" - lessons in prioritization
The bee lifecycle and seasonal changes
How nature's patterns inform business planning

Colony Division: A Model for Scaling [20:01 - 35:00]
"The bees have a natural survival instinct."
How colonies grow by dividing and multiplying
Parallels to organizational growth and leadership

Creating an Environment for Others to Thrive [35:01 - 45:00]
"As a single leader, I can't do everything."
Trusting others to be great
Building systems that scale beyond individual capacity

The Busy Hive as Leadership Metaphor [45:01 - End]
Key takeaways from Philip's book
How to connect with Hive-Logic
Final thoughts on learning from nature

Ever wondered what happens when you take high-achieving entrepreneurs away from their screens and put them on a fishing boat in British Columbia? In this conversation with Sam Vandervalk, founder of ARC Trips, Cam and Otis explore how adventure-based experiences can transform leadership and purpose.

"I love helping other people," Sam shares, explaining his transition from running a successful fishing guide business to creating mastermind retreats. "It's seeing people really come alive and attach to their mission." This genuine passion for facilitating transformation is evident throughout the conversation as Sam describes how being in a completely new environment helps take people "outside of their normal thought pattern" and opens up creativity.

What makes this episode particularly compelling is Sam's insight into the competitive edge of successful guides: "There's a competitive edge, but that competitive edge rests in helping others succeed." This philosophy extends beyond fishing into his approach to leadership development, where he helps entrepreneurs align with their core mission.

Whether you're feeling stuck in your business, searching for deeper purpose, or simply curious about how nature-based experiences can spark transformation, Sam's invitation to "bring you to a magical place and set something inside of you that will change the course of your life" offers an intriguing alternative to traditional business development.

More About Sam:
Sam Vandervalk is the founder of ARC Trips, a premier mastermind retreat experience for high-achieving entrepreneurs and leaders seeking purpose beyond success. After building one of British Columbia’s top sport fishing businesses and attending masterminds, Sam realized that financial success alone wasn’t enough—true fulfillment comes from aligning achievement with deeper meaning. This inspired him to create immersive, adventure-based retreats where leaders step away from the daily grind, engage in transformative conversations, and build powerful connections in breathtaking natural settings.

Through ARC Mastermind Retreats, Sam blends world-class fishing adventures with curated discussions that foster clarity, personal growth, and impact. His retreats attract purpose-driven individuals ready to shift from chasing more to living fully. With a passion for experiential learning and authentic relationships, Sam creates spaces where leaders reconnect with their vision, embrace new perspectives, and build a legacy that extends beyond business.


#10xyourteam #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset #TransformativeExperiences #AdventureLeadership #ARCTrips #MastermindRetreats #PersonalGrowth #TribeAndPurpose


Chapter Times and Titles:

From Fishing Guide to Purpose Facilitator [00:00 - 10:00]
Introduction to Sam Vandervalk and ARC Trips
The journey from a sport fishing business to mastermind retreats
Finding purpose beyond financial success

Balancing Business and Passion [10:01 - 25:00]
"I love being out on the boat, but I also love the business part."
Managing the aspects of business that aren't enjoyable
Creating systems that support both passion and profit

The Mission Behind the Masterminds [25:01 - 40:00]
Why Sam paused masterminds to build the Trip's business
The excitement of helping others find their purpose
"Seeing people really come alive and attach to their mission"

Transformative Environments [40:01 - 47:00]
How new settings create new thinking patterns
The power of stepping away from screens
Creating spaces for creativity and breakthrough

The Guide's Competitive Edge [47:01 - 50:00]
"The competitive edge rests in helping others succeed."
Parallels between fishing guides and business leadership
Finding fulfillment in others' success

Invitation to Transformation [50:01 -

Ever wondered why some sales conversations feel manipulative while others feel like genuine problem-solving? In this conversation with Hamish Knox, founder of Sandler Calgary, Cam and Otis explore the fascinating intersection of journalism, communication, and sales leadership.

"Sales is communication and communication is sales," Hamish explains, revealing how his background in journalism shaped his approach to sales conversations. From discussing why it often takes three or more questions to get to the truth to exploring how to make buyers feel in control while still managing the conversation, this episode offers refreshing insights for anyone who communicates for a living (which is everyone).

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Hamish's perspective on successful outcomes. "A successful outcome does not mean we get the business all the time," he points out, sharing how sometimes the best result is connecting a prospect with someone else who's a better fit—a move that actually raises your credibility and leads to more referrals in the long run.

Whether you're leading a sales team, growing a business, or just trying to communicate more effectively, Hamish's practical wisdom about creating interactions where everyone feels good about the outcome offers a refreshing alternative to traditional sales approaches.

Hamish Knox - Founder, Sandler in Calgary
Hamish Knox, a member of the global Sandler network, helps private organizations in Southern Alberta build scalable, consistent sales engines and motivated teams by driving accountability around proven systems and processes.

With a background spanning media, communications, software, and professional sports, Hamish combined his passion for sales and education when he joined Sandler. He is the first Canadian trainer to receive Sandler’s highest honor, the David H. Sandler Award (2020), and the first two-time Sandler author, writing Accountability the Sandler Way and Change the Sandler Way. A frequent speaker at Sandler’s global conferences, Hamish also gives back as a mentor with Futurpreneur Canada, a Maple Leaf Club donor to Enactus Canada, and a volunteer judge for student entrepreneur competitions.

Books:
Accountability - https://www.hamish.sandler.com/resources/sandler-books/accountability
Change - https://www.hamish.sandler.com/resources/sandler-books/change


#10xyourteam #SalesLeadership #CommunicationSkills #ProblemSolving #SandlerTraining #EffectiveSales #BusinessGrowth #TeamMotivation #LeadershipDevelopment #ClientSuccess #SalesStrategy


Chapter Times and Titles:

From Journalism to Sales [00:00 - 05:00]
Introduction to Hamish Knox
The unexpected journey from journalism to Sandler
Initial resistance to sales as a profession

"Sales Is Communication and Communication Is Sales" [05:01 - 15:00]
The core Sandler philosophy
Why words matter in sales conversations
Breaking down the "move" terminology

Making Buyers Feel in Control [15:01 - 25:00]
The balance of power in sales conversations
Managing the conversation while giving autonomy
Creating win-win scenarios

Three Questions to Get to the Truth [25:01 - 40:00]
David Sandler's insight on questioning
Journalism techniques applied to sales
Digging deeper than surface-level answers

Redefining Successful Outcomes [40:01 - 49:00]
Why "no" can still be a successful interaction
The power of appropriate referrals
"People always remember how you made them feel."

Sustainably Scaling Sales [49:01 - End]
Hamish's approach to long-term growth
Connecting with Sandler resources
Final thoughts and closing remarks


Hamish Knox
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamishknox/
https://go.sandler.com/hamish/contact-us/