Episodios

  • Why Inner Work Is the Foundation of Effective Leadership - Part 1 (Jane Chen)

    Why Inner Work Is the Foundation of Effective Leadership - Part 1 (Jane Chen)
    Oct 1 2025

    In Part 1 of 2, Jane Chen, co-founder of Embrace, shares how creating a lifesaving incubator company shaped her leadership. She reflects on values over outcomes, the toll of burnout, the power of vulnerability, and why psychological safety must begin within a leader before it can be grown in teams.

    This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of accountability, respect, and candor.

    “One of my biggest lessons is instead of focusing on the outcome, focus on your values.”— Jane Chen

    Guest Bio:

    Jane Chen is a globally recognized entrepreneur, inventor, and speaker. She is the co-founder of Embrace Global, which developed a groundbreaking infant incubator that has helped to save nearly a million babies. She has been a TED Fellow, an Echoing Green Fellow, and a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum. Jane was recognized as a Forbes Impact 30 and Schwab Social Entrepreneur of the Year by the World Economic Forum and was a recipient of the Economist Innovation Award. She received her MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and her Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

    Host Bio:

    For more than 30 years, Sharon Richmond has partnered with C-level executives from mid-size and small, fast-growing companies who want to up-level their leadership and build companies they are proud of. Clients accelerate their leadership by embracing mindset and behavior changes, building self-awareness and self-management skills, and focusing on the three things all leaders must ensure: focus, energy and delivery.

    Sharon’s purpose as an executive coach is to help leaders 10X their impact by leveraging the power afforded by their roles to build organizations that are forces for good, both economically and socially. She also advises CEOs on shaping organization culture and leading change.

    Sharon has taught leadership at Stanford GSB, where she now helps leaders increase influence, manage conflict, and prepare to build high-performing teams.

    To see a list of Sharon’s clients, please visit LeadingLarge.com.

    Resources or websites mentioned in this episode:

    Mirasee
    Sharon’s website: LeadingLarge.com
    Jane’s website: www.JaneMarieChen.com
    Jane’s new book, Like A Wave We Break: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/736801/like-a-wave-we-break-by-jane-marie-chen

    Credits:

    Host: Sharon Richmond
    Producer: Andrew Chapman
    Audio Editor: Marvin del Rosario
    Executive Producer: Danny Iny
    Music Soundscape: Chad Michael Snavely
    Making our hosts sound great: Home Brew Audio

    Music credits:

    Track Title: Escaping Light
    Artist: Aaron Sprinkle
    Writer: Aaron Sprinkle
    Publisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

    Track Title: Bright Future
    Artist: Be Still The Earth
    Writer: Marshall Usinger
    Publisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

    Track Title: Coo Coos
    Artist: Dresden, The Flamingo
    Writer: Matthew Wigton
    Publisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

    Track Title: Grace
    Artist Name: Shimmer
    Writer Name: Matthew Wigton
    Publisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONS

    Special effects credits:

    24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.

    To catch the great episodes coming up on To Lead Is Human, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channelor your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It's the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.

    Episode transcript: Why Inner Work Is the Foundation of Effective Leadership - Part 1 (Jane Chen) coming soon.
    Más Menos
    31 m
  • How a Catastrophic Fire Sparked a Leadership Awakening (Spencer Sherman)

    How a Catastrophic Fire Sparked a Leadership Awakening (Spencer Sherman)
    Sep 17 2025
    As a preview of our upcoming special compilation called Small Moments, Big Transformations, we’re replaying Spencer Sherman’s remarkable story of losing everything in a fire, discovering Buddhist practices, and building a 70-person B-Corp that puts values, mindfulness, and client well-being first.This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of accountability, respect, and candor.Spencer Sherman is a Certified Financial Planner,® co-founder of the B-Corp financial advisory firm Abacus, author, spiritual teacher, and an advocate of developing a mindful money mentality.“Sometimes in our industry and as a financial advisor, there's an over-focus on the future. [But] a big part of Buddhist philosophy is living well in the present moment.” – Spencer ShermanGuest Bio:Spencer Sherman has been sharing the powerful tools of mindfulness with financial advisors for 20 years. He leads Mindful Advisor Retreats where attendees learn how to have more engaging and creative client conversations. Spencer’s philosophy is that when advisors cultivate equanimity, focus, compassion, and self-awareness, they can have significantly more impact.He is the co-founder and former CEO of Abacus, a founding B Corp with Buddhist values. Abacus helps people expand what's possible with their money and experience a sense of “enough” here and now, not just in the future.Spencer is the author of The Cure For Money Madness (Random House, 2009), a guide to overcoming our inherited money beliefs, which undermine our ability to earn, share, invest, save, and enjoy money. He also teaches a course called “The Dharma of Money,” helping people transform their relationship with money regardless of their economic circumstance.He holds an MBA from the Wharton School and is a Certified Financial Planner.®~~~~~~This podcast is for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed are not the opinions of Abacus Wealth Partners (the firm that Spencer founded). Should you wish to connect with a financial advisor, we welcome you to schedule a free introductory 15-minute phone call. Once your financial needs are understood, we will be happy to help you find the best fit.~~~~~~Host Bio:For more than 30 years, Sharon Richmond has partnered with C-level executives from mid-size and small, fast-growing companies who want to up-level their leadership and build companies they are proud of. Clients accelerate their leadership by embracing mindset and behavior changes, building self-awareness and self-management skills, and focusing on the three things all leaders must ensure: focus, energy and delivery.Sharon’s purpose as an executive coach is to help leaders 10X their impact by leveraging the power afforded by their roles to build organizations that are forces for good, both economically and socially. She also advises CEOs on shaping organization culture and leading change.Sharon has taught leadership at Stanford GSB, where she now helps leaders increase influence, manage conflict, and prepare to build high-performing teams.To see a list of Sharon’s clients, please visit LeadingLarge.com.Resources or websites mentioned in this episode:MiraseeSharon’s websiteSpencer’s websiteAbacusGoogle’s Project AristotleDr. John Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)Credits:Host: Sharon RichmondProducer: Cynthia LambExecutive Producer: Danny InyAssembled by: Andrew ChapmanAudio Post Supervisors: Evan Miles and Christopher MartinAudio Post Production: Post Office SoundMusic Soundscape: Chad Michael SnavelyMaking our hosts sound great: Home Brew AudioMusic credits:Track Title: Escaping LightArtist: Aaron SprinkleWriter: Aaron SprinklePublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: Bright FutureArtist: Be Still The EarthWriter: Marshall UsingerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSpecial effects credits:24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.If you don't want to miss future episodes of To Lead Is Human, please subscribe to Apple podcasts, our YouTube chanell, Spotify, or wherever you're listening right now. And if you liked the show, please leave us a starred review. It's the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.Episode transcript: How a Catastrophic Fire Sparked a Leadership Awakening (Spencer Sherman) coming soon.
    Más Menos
    55 m
  • Special Replay: Sharon Richmond on Feedback as a Leadership Superpower

    Special Replay: Sharon Richmond on Feedback as a Leadership Superpower
    Sep 3 2025

    Host Sharon Richmond tackles the art of giving feedback. She explores why it’s vital for employee engagement and mentorship — and growth for both parties. Bonus: Sharon provides top tips that she coaches leaders to use when giving feedback, so team members walk away inspired instead of discouraged.

    Welcome to To Lead Is Human. Envision how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of accountability, respect, and candor.

    Sharon Richmond helps C-level executives from mid-size and small, fast-growing companies up-level their leadership and build companies they are proud of.

    “One of the really strange things about our brains is that social pain actually registers the same way that physical pain does.” — Sharon Richmond

    For more than 30 years, Sharon Richmond has partnered with C-level executives from mid-size and small, fast-growing companies who want to up-level their leadership and build companies they are proud of. Clients accelerate their leadership by embracing mindset and behavior changes, building self-awareness and self-management skills, and focusing on the three things all leaders must ensure: focus, energy and delivery.

    Sharon’s purpose as an executive coach is to help leaders 10X their impact by leveraging the power afforded by their roles to build organizations that are forces for good, both economically and socially. She also advises CEOs on shaping organization culture and leading change.

    Sharon has taught leadership at Stanford GSB, where she now helps leaders increase influence, manage conflict, and prepare to build high-performing teams.

    To see a list of Sharon’s clients, please visit LeadingLarge.com.

    Resources or websites mentioned in this episode:

    Mirasee
    Sharon’s website: LeadingLarge.com
    Sharon’s email: Sharon@LeadingLarge.com

    Credits:

    Host: Sharon Richmond
    Producer: Cynthia Lamb
    Audio Editor: Marvin del Rosario
    Executive Producer: Danny Iny
    Music Soundscape: Chad Michael Snavely
    Making our hosts sound great: Home Brew Audio

    Music credits:

    Track Title: Escaping Light
    Artist: Aaron Sprinkle
    Writer: Aaron Sprinkle
    Publisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

    Track Title: Bright Future
    Artist: Be Still The Earth
    Writer: Marshall Usinger
    Publisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

    Special effects credits:

    24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.

    To catch the great episodes coming up on To Lead Is Human, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channelor your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It's the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.

    Episode transcript: Special Replay: Sharon Richmond on Feedback as a Leadership Superpower coming soon.
    Más Menos
    29 m
  • Inside Burning Man Leadership: Navigating Culture, Compliance, and Community (Marnee Benson)

    Inside Burning Man Leadership: Navigating Culture, Compliance, and Community (Marnee Benson)
    Aug 20 2025

    Behind the bohemian image of the famous Burning Man festival is a well-oiled, well-run international organization. Learn from its Director of Government Affairs, Marnee Benson, how they maintain their internal ethos and culture while interacting with numerous agencies overseeing strict regulations.

    This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of accountability, respect, and candor.

    “The moments where I learned the most can be at risk for glossing over if I don't pay attention.” — Marnee Benson

    Guest Bio:

    Marnee Benson is Burning Man Project’s Director of Government Affairs. Her work focuses on permitting and relationships with the Nevada Legislature, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Pershing County, and multiple other Nevada agencies. She helps Burning Man navigate Nevada politics and federal issues affecting the Burning Man main event. Marnee’s first trip to Black Rock City was 2001, and in 2007 she worked with the Department of Public Works and the Communications team, writing and photographing content for the Burning Blog “Building Black Rock City.” From 2009 to 2013, she served as the Deputy Director at Black Rock Solar. She loves the way Burning Man expands her world and flips ideas upside down.

    Host Bio:

    For more than 30 years, Sharon Richmond has partnered with C-level executives from mid-size and small, fast-growing companies who want to up-level their leadership and build companies they are proud of. Clients accelerate their leadership by embracing mindset and behavior changes, building self-awareness and self-management skills, and focusing on the three things all leaders must ensure: focus, energy and delivery.

    Sharon’s purpose as an executive coach is to help leaders 10X their impact by leveraging the power afforded by their roles to build organizations that are forces for good, both economically and socially. She also advises CEOs on shaping organization culture and leading change.

    Sharon has taught leadership at Stanford GSB, where she now helps leaders increase influence, manage conflict, and prepare to build high-performing teams.

    To see a list of Sharon’s clients, please visit LeadingLarge.com.

    Resources or websites mentioned in this episode:

    Mirasee
    Sharon’s website: LeadingLarge.com
    The Burning Man Project website: BurningMan.org/
    Marnee’s LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/marnee-benson-07950b6/

    Credits:

    Host: Sharon Richmond
    Producer: Andrew Chapman
    Audio Editor: Marvin del Rosario
    Executive Producer: Danny Iny
    Music Soundscape: Chad Michael Snavely
    Making our hosts sound great: Home Brew Audio

    Music credits:

    Track Title: Escaping Light
    Artist: Aaron Sprinkle
    Writer: Aaron Sprinkle
    Publisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

    Track Title: Bright Future
    Artist: Be Still The Earth
    Writer: Marshall Usinger
    Publisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

    Track Title: Coo Coos
    Artist: Dresden, The Flamingo
    Writer: Matthew Wigton
    Publisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

    Track Title: Grace
    Artist Name: Shimmer
    Writer Name: Matthew Wigton
    Publisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONS

    Special effects credits:

    24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.

    To catch the great episodes coming up on To Lead Is Human, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channelor your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It's the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.

    Episode transcript: Inside Burning Man Leadership: Navigating Culture, Compliance, and Community (Marnee Benson) coming soon.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 1 m
  • The Four Pillars of Human-Centered Leadership (Sharon Richmond)

    The Four Pillars of Human-Centered Leadership (Sharon Richmond)
    Aug 6 2025

    In this solo episode, Sharon digs into the core principles of human-centered leadership based on clarity, feedback, and vulnerability. She explores how leaders build trust, empower teams, and foster a culture of learning — and shares tips for overcoming leadership challenges and navigating change.

    This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of accountability, respect, and candor.

    “Clarity is your superpower. Confusion is the enemy. Great leaders provide unwavering clarity.”— Sharon Richmond

    Host Bio:

    For more than 30 years, Sharon Richmond has partnered with C-level executives from mid-size and small, fast-growing companies who want to up-level their leadership and build companies they are proud of. Clients accelerate their leadership by embracing mindset and behavior changes, building self-awareness and self-management skills, and focusing on the three things all leaders must ensure: focus, energy and delivery.

    Sharon’s purpose as an executive coach is to help leaders 10X their impact by leveraging the power afforded by their roles to build organizations that are forces for good, both economically and socially. She also advises CEOs on shaping organization culture and leading change.

    Sharon has taught leadership at Stanford GSB, where she now helps leaders increase influence, manage conflict, and prepare to build high-performing teams.

    To see a list of Sharon’s clients, please visit LeadingLarge.com.

    Resources or websites mentioned in this episode:

    Mirasee
    Sharon’s website: LeadingLarge.com

    Credits:

    Host: Sharon Richmond
    Producer: Andrew Chapman
    Audio Editor: Marvin del Rosario
    Executive Producer: Danny Iny
    Music Soundscape: Chad Michael Snavely
    Making our hosts sound great: Home Brew Audio

    Music credits:

    Track Title: Escaping Light
    Artist: Aaron Sprinkle
    Writer: Aaron Sprinkle
    Publisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

    Track Title: Bright Future
    Artist: Be Still The Earth
    Writer: Marshall Usinger
    Publisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

    Track Title: Coo Coos
    Artist: Dresden, The Flamingo
    Writer: Matthew Wigton
    Publisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

    Track Title: Grace
    Artist Name: Shimmer
    Writer Name: Matthew Wigton
    Publisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONS

    Special effects credits:

    24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.

    To catch the great episodes coming up on To Lead Is Human, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channelor your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It's the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.

    Episode transcript: The Four Pillars of Human-Centered Leadership (Sharon Richmond) coming soon.
    Más Menos
    21 m
  • Joy and Leadership: What Drives Success at Seedtag (Brian Danzis)

    Joy and Leadership: What Drives Success at Seedtag (Brian Danzis)
    Jul 23 2025
    Sharon returns with a new preface to this hidden gem featuring Brian Danzis, President of North America at Seedtag. He shares how joy, consistency, and team accountability drive leadership—and how he builds trust and optimism in high-pressure, fast-moving environments.This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of accountability, respect, and candor.“Joy is very different than happiness. Happiness can be fleeting. Happiness can be just very simply having fun, where joy is more eternal and more everlasting.”— Brian DanzisGuest Bio:Brian Danzis is the President, North America for Seedtag, the global leader in contextual advertising. His responsibilities include revenue, publisher partnerships, and management of all on-the-ground operations.Prior to joining Seedtag, Brian served as EVP, Agency Solutions for VideoAmp where he was responsible for managing the national sales team. Previously, he was Global Head of Video & Live Event Sales at Spotify, in which he was charged with developing and aligning strategies across Spotify’s 70+ markets. Under his leadership, Spotify’s video ads business grew to represent more than one-third of the free business unit’s revenue.Before Spotify, he served as Global CRO for the programmatic video platform Virool. At Virool he helped expand the self-service platform, originally built for musicians and SMBs, to deliver earned media solutions for Fortune 100 brands.Before Virool, he was Head of Sales & Sales Strategy for Videology in the Americas. As the company’s first sales person hired in 2008, he spent the next 6 years building a multi-faceted sales organization that pivoted three times: first, from destination site to video network, then from video network to platform, and again to a multi-channel SaaS focusing onaddressable video convergence.Earlier in his career, Brian was VP of National Sales for the MCN Ripe Entertainment; East Coast Director for the launch of the first professionally produced video platform Joost (later acquired by Adconion); and the first sales person hired at in-game advertising company Massive, Inc. (acquired by MSFT during his tenure). Previous to his digital media career, Brian spent five years in various sales roles at Comcast and CNN.Host Bio:For more than 30 years, Sharon Richmond has partnered with C-level executives from mid-size and small, fast-growing companies who want to up-level their leadership and build companies they are proud of. Clients accelerate their leadership by embracing mindset and behavior changes, building self-awareness and self-management skills, and focusing on the three things all leaders must ensure: focus, energy and delivery.Sharon’s purpose as an executive coach is to help leaders 10X their impact by leveraging the power afforded by their roles to build organizations that are forces for good, both economically and socially. She also advises CEOs on shaping organization culture and leading change.Sharon has taught leadership at Stanford GSB, where she now helps leaders increase influence, manage conflict, and prepare to build high-performing teams.To see a list of Sharon’s clients, please visit LeadingLarge.com.Resources or websites mentioned in this episode:MiraseeSharon’s website: LeadingLarge.comBrian’s website: Seedtag.comBrian’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdanzis/Credits:Host: Sharon RichmondProducer: Andrew ChapmanAudio Editor: Marvin del RosarioExecutive Producer: Danny InyMusic Soundscape: Chad Michael SnavelyMaking our hosts sound great: Home Brew AudioMusic credits:Track Title: Escaping LightArtist: Aaron SprinkleWriter: Aaron SprinklePublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: Bright FutureArtist: Be Still The EarthWriter: Marshall UsingerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSpecial effects credits:24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.To catch the great episodes coming up on To Lead Is Human, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channelor your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It's the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.Episode transcript: Joy and Leadership: What Drives Success at SeedTag (Brian Danzis) coming soon.
    Más Menos
    41 m
  • Anniversary Replay: Leading Through Imposter Syndrome (Maureen O'Connor)

    Anniversary Replay: Leading Through Imposter Syndrome (Maureen O'Connor)
    Jul 9 2025
    In this special replay from two years ago, Dr. Maureen O'Connor talks about her academic leadership, dealing with imposter syndrome, and the role of shared governance. She also explores the balance between being liked and respected as a leader, plus adapting leadership styles to different audiences.Welcome to To Lead Is Human. This show helps you up-level your leadership to shape cultures of accountability, respect, and candor in your organization. “People start to feel this so-called impostor syndrome because the people who set the path set standards that worked for them. And if you set yourself up against those standards, you are going to feel like an imposter.” — Dr. Maureen O’ConnorKey Takeaways:Imposter syndrome arises from outdated standards.Clarity in goals and values is essential for leadership.Empowering others is more effective than just delegating tasks.Shared governance involves collaboration among all stakeholders.Social justice is a key focus in leadership roles.Transitioning to new roles requires openness to change.The dilemma of being liked vs. respected is common for leaders.Standards for success should be relevant to current contexts.Understanding human behavior is crucial for effective leadership.Managing stress and uncertainty is vital for leaders.Guest Bio:Maureen O’Connor, Ph.D., J.D., is the president of Palo Alto University (PAU), which specializes in Psychology and Counseling.Prior to joining PAU, Dr. O’Connor held multiple roles at the City University of New York (CUNY) in New York City. Dr. O’Connor completed a Ph.D. and J.D. in a dual-degree program in psychology, law, and policy at the University of Arizona. Prior to launching her academic career, she clerked for the late Honorable Patricia Wald, then-Chief Judge of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, and worked on the famous Oliver North case.An American Psychological Association (APA) Fellow, Dr. O’Connor has held numerous governance roles in APA, including as Chair of its Task Force on Human Rights. She has been active in the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI/APA Division 9) for many years, including serving as its President.Her recent work has focused on evidence-based pedagogy development for doctoral students and on innovative mentoring strategies. Her 2019 book, Teaching Psychology: An Evidence-Based Approach (2019), with co-authors Drs. Jill Grose-Fifer and Patricia Brooks, was published by Wiley Press. She is a member of the 39th class of the American Leadership Fellows program in Silicon Valley and serves on the Executive Committee of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities.Host Bio:For more than 30 years, Sharon Richmond has partnered with C-level executives from mid-size and small, fast-growing companies who want to up-level their leadership and build companies they are proud of. Clients accelerate their leadership by embracing mindset and behavior changes, building self-awareness and self-management skills, and focusing on the three things all leaders must ensure: focus, energy, and delivery.Sharon’s purpose as an executive coach is to help leaders 10X their impact by leveraging the power afforded by their roles to build organizations that are forces for good, both economically and socially. She also advises CEOs on shaping organization culture and leading change.Sharon has taught leadership at Stanford GSB, where she now helps leaders increase influence, manage conflict, and prepare to build high-performing teams.To see a list of Sharon’s clients, please visit https://LeadingLarge.com.Resources or websites mentioned in this episode:MiraseeSharon’s websiteDr. O’Connor’s website: PaloAltoU.edu/staff/oconnorDr. O’Connor’s email: moconnor@paloaltou.eduCredits:Producer: Cynthia LambAssembled by: Andrew ChapmanExecutive Producer: Danny InyAudio Post Supervisors: Evan Miles and Christopher MartinAudio Post Production: Post Office SoundMusic Soundscape: Chad Michael SnavelyMaking our hosts sound great: Home Brew AudioMusic and SFX credits:Track Title: Escaping LightArtist: Aaron SprinkleWriter: Aaron SprinklePublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: Bright FutureArtist: Be Still The EarthWriter: Marshall UsingerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSpecial effects credits:24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.To catch the great episodes coming up on To Lead Is Human, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channel or your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It's the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.
    Más Menos
    47 m
  • Scaling Leadership from Solo to Team: Lessons for Small Businesses (Jonathan Ankney)

    Scaling Leadership from Solo to Team: Lessons for Small Businesses (Jonathan Ankney)
    Jun 25 2025
    Blending creativity and finance, Jonathan Ankney went from solo entrepreneur to leading a small business by blending grace, accountability, and faith-based principles. He explores leadership challenges and scaling with purpose—offering insights for small business owners and nonprofit leaders alike.This is To Lead Is Human — listen to learn how you can uplevel your leadership and shape cultures of accountability, respect, and candor.“Every year my job description changes.” — Jonathan AnkneyGuest Bio:Jonathan Ankney is the Founder and CEO of Small Business CFO, Inc., a financial consulting firm dedicated to helping small businesses and nonprofit organizations build financially resilient operations. Since 2004, Jonathan has led his team of eight in delivering CFO-level insights, accounting systems design, forecasting, and financial strategy to organizations with revenues up to $8 million. His clients—ranging from creative firms and tech startups to nonprofits—rely on his ability to translate complex financial data into practical, forward-looking decisions that drive growth and stability.With a background in both finance and arts administration, Jonathan combines technical expertise with strategic vision. He’s personally managed more than 100 client engagements, supporting capital planning, business modeling, cash flow optimization, and financial clean-up projects. His team also specializes in managing clients’ books, multi-entity reporting, payroll, and review of financial records. A problem-solver at heart, Jonathan is known for stepping into high-stakes situations—such as audit preparations and turnaround scenarios—and bringing clarity and structure to the financial side of the business.Jonathan holds an MBA in Finance from Binghamton University and is a sought-after speaker and educator on small business finance. His work has been featured in podcasts, webinars, and conferences, and he authored Freedom to Serve, a financial guidebook for ministry leaders. When he’s not advising clients or building systems, Jonathan is an endurance cyclist, active church leader, and Distinguished Toastmaster, passionate about helping others communicate their vision and stay financially focused.Host Bio:For more than 30 years, Sharon Richmond has partnered with C-level executives from mid-size and small, fast-growing companies who want to up-level their leadership and build companies they are proud of. Clients accelerate their leadership by embracing mindset and behavior changes, building self-awareness and self-management skills, and focusing on the three things all leaders must ensure: focus, energy and delivery.Sharon’s purpose as an executive coach is to help leaders 10X their impact by leveraging the power afforded by their roles to build organizations that are forces for good, both economically and socially. She also advises CEOs on shaping organization culture and leading change.Sharon has taught leadership at Stanford GSB, where she now helps leaders increase influence, manage conflict, and prepare to build high-performing teams.To see a list of Sharon’s clients, please visit LeadingLarge.com.Resources or websites mentioned in this episode:MiraseeSharon’s website: LeadingLarge.comSmall Business CFO’s website: www.SBCFO.comJonathan’s LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sbcfoE-Myth Revisited (book): MichaeleGerberCompanies.com/product/the-e-myth-revisitedCredits:Host: Sharon RichmondProducer and Editor: Andrew ChapmanExecutive Producer: Danny InyMusic Soundscape: Chad Michael SnavelyMaking our hosts sound great: Home Brew AudioMusic credits:Track Title: Escaping LightArtist: Aaron SprinkleWriter: Aaron SprinklePublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: Bright FutureArtist: Be Still The EarthWriter: Marshall UsingerPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: Coo CoosArtist: Dresden, The FlamingoWriter: Matthew WigtonPublisher: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONTrack Title: GraceArtist Name: ShimmerWriter Name: Matthew WigtonPublisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONSSpecial effects credits:24990513_birds-chirping_by_promission used with permission of the author and under license by AudioJungle/Envato Market.To catch the great episodes coming up on To Lead Is Human, please follow us on Mirasee FM's YouTube channel or your favorite podcast player. And if you enjoyed the show, please leave us a comment or a starred review. It's the best way to help us get these ideas to more people.Episode transcript: Scaling Leadership from Solo to Team: Lessons for Small Businesses (Jonathan Ankney) coming soon.
    Más Menos
    56 m