The Leadership Shift Every Growing Company Faces with Rachel Wallis, CEO of Wallis Companies & Principal at The Sixth Level

Rachel Wallis is a second-generation business leader, former CEO of Wallis Companies, and founder of The Sixth Level, a leadership and culture consultancy. During her tenure, Wallis Companies grew into a multibillion-dollar enterprise with fuel distribution, convenience retail, and car wash operations across the Midwest. Rachel is also the first woman to serve as President of the Missouri Convenience Store Association and is the co-author of The Sixth Level, a book focused on building thriving, human-centered organizational cultures. Her career spans hands-on operational leadership, large-scale acquisitions, board governance, and now executive coaching and consulting.

In this episode, Rachel and Raj explore leadership through the lens of culture, people, and long-term sustainability. Rachel shares insights on mental health and leadership, emphasizing the importance of seeking coaching and support just as one would medical care. The conversation dives deep into the convenience store industry, including data-driven decision-making, branding strategies, and the evolution of gas stations into experiential destinations—highlighted by the growth of Wally’s. Rachel also walks through the strategy and relationship-driven execution behind Wallis Companies’ most successful acquisition, her decision to step away as CEO, and the personal clarity that followed. The latter half of the episode focuses on The Sixth Level framework, its four core principles, and why modern organizations must adapt to what Rachel calls the “human potential era.” The episode closes with reflections on intentional leadership, presence, and integrating work and life with purpose.

Twitter: ⁠twitter.com/ItsRajTut⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajtut/Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/ItsRajTut⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrajtut

Website: https://www.sixthlevel.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-wallis-andreasson

Book: The Sixth Level

00:00 Introduction and Rachel’s background

01:51 Childhood and the origin story of Wallis Companies

06:31 Growing up in the business and early lessons at home

09:23 How the business scaled and the industry shifted over time

12:28 Leadership principles: humility, people, and relationships

15:06 Organic growth vs acquisitions and pivotal early deals

20:01 Real estate strategy and fuel distribution explained

23:54 Rachel’s path inside the company and becoming a leader

29:48 How Rachel learned: MBA, peer groups, coaches, consultants

32:56 Mental health, coaching, and why leaders should seek support

34:11 Data, promotions, and “secret sauce” in convenience retail

36:36 Convenience stores as destinations and the evolution of the experience

37:12 Wally’s: concept, differentiation, and expansion plans

42:02 The 2016 acquisition: strategy, relationships, and execution

49:03 Stepping away as CEO and transitioning to a new chapter

53:12 The Sixth Level: the book, culture flywheel, and core principles

01:03:24 Generational engagement, hybrid work, and the future of leadership

01:07:18 Closing lesson: intentional leadership and being present

01:10:11 Where to find Rachel and learn more about The Sixth Level

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