Kevin Barona’s leadership journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. In this episode, Kevin shares his path from Capitol Hill to becoming the founder of Cycore Secure, a cybersecurity firm. He emphasizes the critical role leadership plays in shaping a company’s culture, particularly in high-pressure environments like cybersecurity. Drawing from personal experiences, Kevin reveals how leadership is not just about making decisions but also about empowering others to take ownership. He believes in building a collaborative team where success is a collective goal, not an individual one. This mindset has driven his company’s success, even in industries as complex as nuclear security. Kevin also discusses the importance of leading with integrity and creating a culture where team members feel connected to the company’s mission, ultimately fostering long-term growth and innovation.

Want to learn more about Kevin Barona's work? Check out his website at https://cycoresecure.com.

Connect with Kevin Barona on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbarona.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Lori Saitz is the founder of Zen Rabbit and the Zen Leadership Program. Lori shares how leaders can enhance productivity, reduce stress, and improve retention through intentional actions and workplace well-being practices. Drawing from her experience, Lori emphasizes the importance of grounding exercises, deep breathing, and gratitude to foster a calm, productive environment. She explains how being a leader who embodies calmness influences the team’s energy and engagement, and ultimately, leads to success. The episode also highlights the powerful impact of gratitude on productivity, citing research that shows grateful leaders inspire more loyalty and effort from their teams. Lori’s message is clear: true leadership begins with self-regulation and showing up as the person your team wants to support.

Want to learn more about Lori Saitz's work? Check out her website at https://zenrabbit.com/.

Connect with Lori on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorisaitz/.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrews’ work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Christian Brim, founder of Core Group, talks about the realities of leading a business through growth and financial challenges. Christian shares his journey of scaling back to grow intentionally, emphasizing the importance of sound accounting processes and focusing on margin improvement. He dives into the role of a leader in guiding a company towards meaningful goals, not just growth for its own sake. Christian offers actionable insights on managing labor efficiency and building a sustainable business model that balances profitability with purpose. His leadership philosophy centers on creating value for others, staying true to your unique strengths, and making tough decisions that steer the business in the right direction.

Want to learn more about Christian Brim's work? Check out his website at https://christianbrim.com/.

Connect with Christian Brim on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianbrim/.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrew’s work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Robert Hunt, a leader who believes in the power of accountability and vulnerability to drive true leadership. Hunt, known as “the accountability guy,” emphasizes that leadership isn’t about self-glory but about equipping others to succeed. He draws on personal experiences, discussing how embracing accountability changed his life, business, and relationships. Hunt stresses the importance of vulnerability in leadership, encouraging leaders to admit their challenges and seek support from peers. He believes that leadership requires creating space for clear thinking and owning one’s actions to drive change. His approach offers a transformative view of leadership, where embracing accountability leads to success and fulfillment.

Want to learn more about Robert Hunt's work? Check out his website at nobodycaresbook.com.

Connect with Robert Hunt on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthuntceo/.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at Podcast Guest.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at allies4me.com.

Lenora Edwards, Chief Knowledge Officer at Better Speech, shares her insights on leadership through the lens of speech therapy. In this episode, Lenora discusses how effective communication is crucial not only for personal well-being but also for leadership in any setting. She explains the broad scope of speech therapy, which extends far beyond speech clarity to include cognitive skills, memory, and even swallowing. Lenora’s approach to leadership is deeply rooted in her commitment to empowering individuals, whether they are recovering from severe trauma or simply looking to improve their communication skills. Her work demonstrates that true leadership involves understanding and addressing the unique needs of each person, fostering their ability to communicate effectively and confidently.

Want to learn more about Lenora Edwards' work? Check out their website at https://www.betterspeech.com/.

Connect with Lenora Edwards on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-speech/mycompany/.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Mitch Carson, a seasoned media expert, talks about the vital role of media exposure in leadership. Carson, who cut his teeth on the Home Shopping Network, shares his journey from a nervous beginner to a confident pitchman, emphasizing the importance of practice and preparation. He discusses the fear many leaders face when stepping into the spotlight, particularly on live television, and offers practical advice on overcoming it. Carson highlights the power of media in amplifying a leader’s message and stresses the necessity of consistency in public relations efforts. He encourages leaders to embrace media opportunities, starting small with podcasts and radio before tackling live TV. Carson’s insights are a powerful reminder that media mastery is not just for celebrities—it’s a critical tool for any leader looking to make a lasting impact.

Want to learn more about Mitch Carson's work? Check out his website at https://www.mitchcarson.com.

Connect with Mitch Carson on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchcarsoninstantcelebrity.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Scott Springer, founder of Chelwood Consulting Group, discusses the critical steps needed to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. and make it globally competitive. Springer emphasizes the importance of automation in maintaining cost efficiency and product quality. He highlights how Germany and Japan have excelled by focusing on high-quality production and extensive automation. Springer also underscores the need for a strong workplace culture, arguing that investing in employees' well-being can significantly reduce turnover and boost productivity. Lastly, Springer touches on the importance of favorable tax policies to support reshoring efforts. His message is clear: without innovation and investment in automation, U.S. factories will struggle to stay competitive in the global market.

Want to learn more about Scott Springer's work? Check out their website at https://chelwoodgroup.com/.

Connect with Scott Springer on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/springer-scott/.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrews' work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Jed Harris, CEO of Puretec Industrial Water, discusses his unique approach to leadership within the challenging water purification industry. Harris, whose company handles water essential for manufacturing processes, shares insights into steering a family business inherited from his grandfather and expanded by his father. His journey has been marked by innovation, resilience, and a strategic pivot away from conventional models to ensure business sustainability.

Under Harris’ leadership, Puretec has navigated crises and achieved remarkable milestones, demonstrating the importance of a well-prepared team. His philosophy centers on empowering employees, encouraging a culture where making mistakes is a pathway to learning, which has proven essential during unexpected challenges, such as Harris' own temporary incapacitation due to an accident.

Listeners gain valuable lessons on nurturing a business environment conducive to growth and adaptation, crucial for leaders aiming to leave a lasting impact.

Want to learn more about Jed's work? Check out their website at https://puretecwater.com/

Connect with Jed on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedharris/.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.