A Life of Climb: The CEO's Journey

Apr 15 2024 14
A Life of Climb: The CEO's Journey Podcast artwork

CEOs are in the business of making decisions. And it's the outcome of those decisions that define their success. A Life of Climb: The CEO’s Journey is a business and leadership podcast by CEOs for CEOs. High-integrity business leaders share how they've overcome some of the most difficult challenges of their careers while growing their businesses and actively supporting their families and communities. Vistage CEO Sam Reese connects with executive coaches for the 10,000-foot view of the leadership lessons that CEOs can apply to their businesses. Join us for a unique journey on the path of leadership development.

RSS feed Share
Copy RSS


Subscribe on Podcast Addict


15: Winning Customer Experience Strategies with Road Runner Sports President Mike Gotfredson Jr.

Apr 15 2024 28 mins  
Road Runner Sports President and Owner Mike Gotfredson Jr. joins the podcast to share how his athletic shoe company evolved into a nationwide retailer over 41 years. Mike also talks with Vistage CEO Sam Reese about how his company uses technology to transform the in-store experience and create new levels of customer personalization and brand loyalty. For show notes and more leaders

14: Secrets to Building & Scaling a Business with Cleanlogic Co-CEO Mike Ghesser

Mar 13 2024 23 mins  
Cleanlogic Co-CEO and Vistage Member Award Winner Mike Ghesser joins Vistage CEO Sam Reese to talk about how his passion for prioritizing workplace accessibility grew from his personal experiences as a father and friend. Mike also shares how he persevered through challenges and roadblocks to build a thriving business from the ground up.For show notes and more leadership development

13: AmeriVet CEO Tom Thill on Managing Massive Growth & Successful Business Transactions

Jan 02 2024 28 mins  
AmeriVet Veterinary Partners CEO Tom Thill joins the podcast to share how his values-led approach to acquisitions has fueled explosive growth and led to happier vets and healthier pets. Tom also talks with Vistage CEO Sam Reese about what he learned navigating PE acquisition and why a CEO’s vision is so crucial to a successful sale.For show notes and more leadership development i

12: The Line Up Owner Deb Erickson on How an Accidental Entrepreneur Built a Culture of Success & Successors

Nov 30 2023 22 mins  
The Line Up Owner and Founder Deb Erickson joins the podcast to share her journey from working in social services to making apparel for some of the biggest sports teams in the country. Deb also talks with Vistage CEO Sam Reese about how learning to ask for help unlocked new potential for herself and her company, and the lessons she’s learned while putting in place a concrete succ

11: Ricos CEO Tony Liberto on Inventions, Innovations & Achieving the Impossible

Jul 31 2023 21 mins  
Ricos Products CEO and Vistage Lifetime Award Winner Tony Liberto joins the podcast and shares the amazing story of the invention of the ballpark nacho and how smart diversification strategies have helped his family business thrive through four generations. Tony also talks to Vistage CEO Sam Reese about how his investments in marketing and company culture have fueled the next wave

10: Greyston CEO Joseph Kenner on the Win-Win-Win Approach to Hiring

Jun 26 2023 23 mins  
Greyston President and CEO Joseph Kenner joins Vistage CEO Sam Reese to share his organization’s bold ideas for re-thinking hiring, mentorship and advancement in today’s workforce. Joseph also explains his experience reshaping his organization as a first-time CEO and his plan to work with major brands to make a $3B economic impact.Discover how Joseph:Adapted the company’s mis

09: Woom CEO Mathias Ihlenfeld on the Balancing Act of Scaling a Business

Mar 09 2023 20 mins  
Woom CEO and “Chief woomster” Mathias Ihlenfeld takes us on his journey from assembling kids’ bikes in a garage to leading one of Inc.’s fastest-growing privately held companies in the US. Mathias also shares lessons learned trying to reimagine a 200-year-old product and the importance of creating magical moments for customers.Discover how Mathias:Established a company visi

08: FC Cincinnati Co-CEO Jeff Berding on Winning on and off the Field

Nov 14 2022 18 mins  
Fresh off his team’s banner season, FC Cincinnati Co-CEO Jeff Berding shares how he turned his audacious dream of bringing a professional soccer club to his hometown into a reality. Plus, Jeff discusses how he used a grassroots approach to create a culture of raving fans and brought different stakeholders together to build a world-class soccer stadium. For show notes and more lea

07: JEM Group CEO Jessica Meyers on Building to Improve Lives

Aug 01 2022 21 mins  
JEM Group President & Owner Jessica Meyers shares how increasing diversity has helped her women-led company raise the bar in the construction industry. Plus, she talks about the work it takes to cultivate an authentic leadership style and why she ties business growth to lives impacted.Learn more about how Jessica has: Established transparency with customers and mapped the custo

06: Burns 1876 CEO Braydan Shaw on Staying Ahead of the Curve Through 145+ Years

Jun 03 2022 26 mins  
Burns 1876 CEO Braydan Shaw shares how he balances 145+ years of company tradition with a relentless spirit of innovation. Plus, Braydan discusses how viral TikTok videos and a spot on the hit TV show Yellowstone have brought Cowboy swagger to a new generation. Discover how the company has:-Found a new and distinct customer base in recent years-Repeatedly innovated while staying tr