Executive Evolution – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

Executive Evolution

Craig P. Anderson

Business

Education

Frequency: 1 episode/14d. Total Eps: 80

This is the only leadership podcast that shows how today's successful leaders developed the competence, confidence, and calm to lead their team and organization to success. We have in-depth conversations with exceptional people to unpack the leadership lessons they learned the hard way, so you don't have to.

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇫🇷 France - management
19/01/2026
#83
🇫🇷 France - management
18/01/2026
#72

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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RSS feed quality and score

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RSS feed quality

To improve

Score global : 63%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

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The Role of Mentorship in Shaping Leaders with Phillip Wambsganss

Thursday, October 23, 2025 • Duration 30:50

"When you're growing, it's really easy to lose connection with people."

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson welcomes Phillip Wambsganss, President of Higher Education Servicing Corporation (HESC), to explore how mentorship, humility, and intentional connection shape great leadership. Phillip shares how early career failures, strong mentors, and self-reflection guided his evolution from a young banker to a seasoned nonprofit executive. He and Craig discuss the challenges of leading a growing organization, staying present with teams, and the lifelong balance between confidence and empathy. With stories that bridge personal growth and professional purpose, Phillip reminds us that leadership begins with listening and grows through service.

After You Listen:

Get your copy of Management Waste by Larry O'Donnell: https://www.amazon.com/Management-Waste-Steps-Clean-Purpose/dp/1952421101
Connect with Phillip Wambsganss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-wambsganss-2019829/
Check out Higher Education Servicing Corporation: https://www.hescloans.com/
Check out North Texas Higher Education Authority: https://www.nthea.com/
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/

Key Takeaways

Mentorship and positive reinforcement can completely transform a leader's trajectory
Staying present and connected with your team becomes harder and more vital as organizations grow
Effective leaders communicate openly, reflect often, and don't take things personally

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:01) Mentorship and professional growth

(02:08) Influences on Phillip's leadership style

(05:02) What leadership means and owning the vision

(08:03) First leadership roles and early failures

(15:22) Growth through mentorship and self-reflection

(18:42) Leading a growing team and staying connected

(21:34) Decompression, service, and balance outside work

(24:14) From peer to boss: navigating the shift

(26:04) Phillip's advice to his younger self

Read moreCollapse

Developing Leadership Beyond Accounting Skills with Cassie Dunn

Thursday, October 9, 2025 • Duration 24:43

"It's not just about winning clients. It's about building a culture where people want to stay and grow."

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson welcomes Cassie Dunn, Managing Partner at Haines, Isenbarger & Skiba LLC, to share her journey of leadership in the accounting world. Cassie opens up about the lessons she's learned leading through growth, acquisitions, and client transitions, including why sometimes letting go of clients can be the best move for employee happiness and long-term success. She reflects on her earliest leadership roles, from high school cross country captain to coxswain in college, and how those experiences shaped her approach to humility, hard work, and empowering others. Craig and Cassie also tackle the role of soft skills in leadership, the challenges of talent shortages in accounting, and why culture is at the center of every decision she makes.

After You Listen:

Connect with Cassie Dunn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-dunn-b037a846/
Learn more about Haines, Isenbarger & Skiba LLC: http://www.hainescpa.com
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/
Sign up for Craig's Monthly Business Leadership Webinars: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3GDgSdp_RfGqegxIXIbAYg

Key Takeaways

Culture is the foundation for sustainable growth
Employee happiness drives efficiency and client success
Soft skills are just as important as technical expertise

Building Great Teams through Empowerment and Empathy featuring Peter Dunn

Thursday, June 5, 2025 • Duration 32:36

"Leadership is about building others up while getting out of their way."

In this episode, Craig Anderson talks with Peter Dunn, founder and CEO of Your Money Line, about what it really takes to grow into a leadership role. Pete shares candid reflections on how he went from a self-focused leader to someone committed to empowering others through trust, transparency, and support. He opens up about past missteps, the guilt he carries over early leadership choices, and the ongoing work of becoming someone worth following. Pete also explores why feedback is an act of care, how empathy and performance go hand in hand, and why the mission behind Your Money Line is so deeply personal. Whether you're a new leader or a seasoned executive, Pete's story is a reminder that leadership is less about having the answers—and more about asking the right questions.

After You Listen:

Connect with Peter Dunn on LinkedIn
Check out Your Money Line
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
Subscribe to Craig's "The Evolving Leader" newsletter

Key Takeaways:

Feedback is an investment in someone's growth
Empathy makes hard conversations more effective
Leadership is about helping others shine, not just hitting goals

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Intro
(01:11) Seeing leadership potential in others
(02:15) Pete's book for HR leaders
(03:00) The difference between givers and takers in leadership (04:06) What it means to truly empower your team (05:39) Creating a coaching tree inside your business (07:00) Pete's leadership role model (08:11) Learning from a strong executive team (09:56) Valuing teammates' career journeys (11:22) Pete's first leadership experiences (13:25) Recognizing privilege and using it for good (15:10) Identifying and developing high-potential team members (17:11) Leadership lessons from unexpected places (18:34) Telling the truth with empathy (20:07) Leading with curiosity and compassion (21:17) The impact of mission-driven leadership (26:11) How culture reinforces the mission (27:18) The advice Pete would give his younger self (28:53) The role of self-awareness in leadership growth

Bringing Your Authentic Self is Key to Leadership with Debra Chromy

Thursday, May 22, 2025 • Duration 34:09

"Leadership is about authenticity, vulnerability, and building strong connections."

In this episode, Craig Anderson talks with Dr. Debra Chromy, President and CEO of Trellis Company, about her evolution as a leader and the lessons she's learned over her career. Debra shares her journey from early leadership roles to becoming a CEO, emphasizing the importance of being your authentic self and leading with vulnerability. She discusses how showing up as your true self fosters trust within teams, why curiosity is essential in leadership, and how making tough decisions for the organization, even at personal cost, defines strong leadership. Debra also reflects on the challenges of leading through change, the power of strategic planning, and how surrounding yourself with the right team can help drive success.

After You Listen:

Connect with Dr. Debra Chromy on LinkedIn
Check out Trellis Company
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
Subscribe to Craig's "The Evolving Leader" newsletter

Key Takeaways:

Lead with authenticity to build trust and drive results
Use vulnerability as a leadership tool to foster collaboration
Surround yourself with the right people to enable success

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Intro
(01:00) The importance of authenticity in leadership
(03:15) How vulnerability builds trust within teams (06:30) The role of curiosity in addressing leadership challenges (09:00) Making tough decisions for the organization's future (12:45) The impact of strategic planning on organizational success (15:30) Debra's leadership lessons from past experiences (18:00) Creating a culture of transparency and feedback within teams (20:45) The leadership advice Debra would give her younger self

Navigating the Shift from Individual Contributor to Leader with Ben Pippenger

Thursday, May 8, 2025 • Duration 25:34

"Great leaders know when they're wrong."

In this episode, Craig Anderson talks with Ben Pippenger, Co-Founder and Staff Product Manager of Zylo, about the evolution of leadership and the lessons learned from building and scaling a company. Ben shares his journey from an individual contributor to a leader, emphasizing the importance of understanding what truly motivates a team. He discusses how recognition—not just money—keeps employees engaged, why leaders must carve out time for their people, and how making mistakes can be a powerful learning tool. Ben also reflects on lessons from his time at Salesforce, the challenges of maintaining company culture at scale, and why leadership isn't just about getting things done—it's about bringing people along with you.

After You Listen:

Connect with Ben Pippenger on LinkedIn
Check out Zylo
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
Subscribe to Craig's "The Evolving Leader" newsletter

Key Takeaways:

Understand what motivates your team to drive engagement and performance
Prioritize recognition over money to build lasting team appreciation
Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities to grow as a leader

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Intro
(01:30) Ben's transition from contributor to leader
(04:12) The role of motivation in building a high-performance team
(07:28) How Salesforce's leadership principles influenced Ben's approach (10:18) Why leadership isn't just about more productivity (14:23) The importance of career paths for non-managers (18:30) Creating a culture of recognition and peer feedback (22:45) The one leadership lesson Ben would tell his younger self

How Structure Turns Passion into a Thriving Business with Marc Rust

Thursday, April 24, 2025 • Duration 31:09

"Leadership is about turning people into doers."

In this episode, Craig Anderson talks with Marc Rust, CEO and Founder of Consequently Creative, about the intersection of creativity, leadership, and vision. Marc shares his journey from creative director to business owner, highlighting the importance of setting clear standards, fostering initiative, and balancing passion with structure. He talks about how hiring people with strong personal passions leads to stronger teams, why fear holds so many leaders back, and how gratitude can open doors to success. Marc also reflects on leadership lessons from Richard Branson, the power of audacity, and why finishing what you start is just as crucial as starting in the first place.

After You Listen:

Connect with Marc Rust on LinkedIn
Visit Marc's website at marcrust.com
Check out Consequently Creative
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
Subscribe to Craig's "The Evolving Leader" newsletter

Key Takeaways:

Embrace audacity and take initiative, even when the path isn't clear
Hire people with personal passions and foster an environment where creativity thrives
Set a clear vision, reinforce appreciation, and don't let fear hold you back

Leadership in Medicine: Lessons for Every Professional with Ian McCoog

Thursday, April 10, 2025 • Duration 25:58

"What you put out as a leader will be heard and will affect every level of the organization."

In this episode, Craig Anderson talks with Ian McCoog, Assistant Professor of Medical Education at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and author of Leadership Bites. Ian explores the challenges healthcare professionals face when transitioning from clinical expertise to leadership roles. Drawing from his book and personal experience, Ian shares how leadership theories can guide decision-making and foster team collaboration. He also emphasizes the importance of self-care for maintaining balance in high-pressure environments and discusses how storytelling can make leadership lessons stick.

After You Listen:

Visit Ian's website at ianmccoog.com
Connect with Ian McCoog on LinkedIn
Get a copy of Ian's book, Leadership Bites
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
Subscribe to Craig's "The Evolving Leader" newsletter

Key Takeaways:

Build confidence by understanding that everything you say or do as a leader has an impact on your team and organization
Develop competence by leveraging leadership frameworks and reflecting on lessons learned from experience
Maintain calm by finding moments for self-care, even during hectic and demanding days

Why Developing People Strengthens Your Business with Brook Gratia

Thursday, March 27, 2025 • Duration 33:47

"A good leader is someone who is helping others become the best of themselves."

In this episode, Craig Anderson sits down with Brook Gratia, President of Edgewater CPA Group, to explore the realities of leadership, scaling a business, and the challenges of integrating new teams. Brook shares her journey from launching her firm to leading a team of 20, reflecting on key leadership lessons—like hiring the right people, adapting to team dynamics, and navigating the emotional complexities of leadership. She opens up about the difficulties of merging company cultures, setting clear expectations, and balancing the demands of running a business while supporting employees.

After You Listen:

Connect with Brook Gratia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brook-avey-gratia-54275b6/
Check out Edgewater CPA Group: https://www.edgewatercpa.com/
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/
Subscribe to Craig's "The Evolving Leader" newsletter: https://clearpathcoaches.com/stay-in-touch

Key Takeaways:

Hire the right people from the start to save time, stress, and money
Separate your identity from employee decisions while still showing care
Build structured processes to keep teams aligned and accountable

From Dog Lovers to Business Leaders with Uptown Pup

Thursday, March 13, 2025 • Duration 32:08

"Oftentimes, positive reinforcement training ability translates well to humans too."

In this episode, Craig Anderson talks with Mandy Stetzel and Kathleen Schonsheck, Co-owners of Uptown Pup, about how they built a successful pet care business by prioritizing transparency, trust, and a strong team culture. Mandy and Kathleen share their journey from passionate dog lovers to business owners despite having no formal business or leadership training. They discuss how they learned to lead, the importance of hiring and mentoring the right people, and how staying true to their values has helped them grow a business that serves both people and pets. They also explore how positive reinforcement—used in training dogs—can apply to leadership, the role of financial transparency in building team trust, and why leading by example is the best way to create a thriving workplace.

After You Listen:

Visit Uptown Pup's website at uptownpupindy.com
Follow Uptown Pup on Instagram: @uptownpupindy
Like Uptown Pup on Facebook: Uptown Pup
Follow Mandy & Kathleen on BlueSky: The Uptown Girls
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
Subscribe to Craig's "The Evolving Leader" newsletter

Key Takeaways:

Trust your instincts and learn from experience—even when you make mistakes

Why Trusting Your Gut Matters for Building Strong Teams with Jack MacKenzie

Thursday, February 27, 2025 • Duration 32:28

"It's our job to make sure that we hire someone who is the right fit. Because not being a good fit is a terrible thing for someone who you offer a job to."

In this episode, Craig Anderson sits down with Jack MacKenzie, President of CollegeAPP to discuss his journey as a leader and the lessons he's learned from building successful teams. Jack reflects on stepping into his first major leadership role as a student body president and leading a fast-growing company, sharing insights on hiring challenges, why a 50% success rate can be a win, and the importance of addressing misalignment early. He also emphasizes the power of creating a vision that inspires belief and drives alignment, offering practical advice for cultivating transparency, trust, and accountability within teams.

After You Listen:

Connect with Jack MacKenzie on LinkedIn
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn
Subscribe to Craig's "The Evolving Leader" newsletter

Key Takeaways:

Trust your instincts in hiring; red and yellow flags often point to deeper alignment issues
Lead with vision and conviction to inspire belief and motivate teams toward shared goals
Balance vulnerability and confidence to build trust while staying true to your vision

Executive Evolution – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Executive Evolution – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other99+

LinkedIn80

Amazon52

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other99+

LinkedIn80

Amazon52