Igniting the CEO Within – Details, episodes & analysis

Behind every thriving business lies untold stories of sacrifice, struggle, and unexpected challenges.

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Mark talks with Tina Moe, Founder and CEO of ACT Services, to share her incredible journey from humble beginnings to thriving business owner.

Tina opens up about her challenges, including a breast cancer diagnosis in 2022, and the tough decisions she had to make as a leader.

Tune in for a candid conversation about overcoming obstacles and rising stronger.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn
Learn more about Quade
Take the CEO Mindset Assessment
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network 

Key Takeaways:

• Delegation is Crucial – Tina emphasizes how trusting her team allowed her to step away during her cancer treatment while ensuring the business continued to thrive.
• Adversity Tests Leadership – Facing breast cancer forced Tina to confront not only her health but also the fears of her employees and clients, making her redefine what it means to be a CEO.
• Self-Care for Leaders – Tina's journey is a testament to the importance of putting your health first, especially when life throws unexpected challenges.

What happens when a designer with a passion for problem-solving becomes an entrepreneur without a plan?

In this episode, Mark sits down with Samantha (Sam) Julka, Founder of DORIS Research, to explore her remarkable journey from commercial interior designer to leader of a thriving business focused on human-centered solutions.

Sam opens up about the importance of listening to all voices—especially those who often go unheard—while sharing her challenges of building a business as an introvert and a first-time entrepreneur.

Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or just curious about how to blend passion with purpose, Sam’s story will leave you inspired and thinking differently about the importance of giving a voice to everyone.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn
Learn more about Quade
Take the CEO Mindset Assessment
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network

DORIS Research
Connect with Sam Julka on LinkedIn

Amy Woodall, founder of Conscious Habit, joins host Mark McFatridge on this inaugural episode of Igniting the CEO Within. She shares her transformative journey from young motherhood to entrepreneurial success. Starting with Image Savvy at 24, Amy's path led her to Conscious Habit, focusing on workplace consciousness.

Amy discusses the necessity of balancing masculine and feminine energies, embracing vulnerability, and being unapologetically authentic. She highlights her High Vibe Tribe retreats, women-only gatherings aimed at self-discovery and healing.

Mark and Amy explore the importance of supportive networks and living by one's own rules in leadership.

Subscribe to "Igniting the CEO Within" for more inspiring stories from top business leaders.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn 
Connect with Amy on LinkedIn
Learn more about Quade Take the CEO Mindset Assessment
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Welcome to "Igniting the CEO Within," your go-to podcast for inspiring and insightful conversations with today's business leaders. Hosted by connector and leader Mark McFatridge, this podcast is an extension of the Quade community, bringing together visionary CEOs and business owners from the Quade network and beyond to share their stories, insights, challenges, and triumphs in leadership. Beginning June 2024, we’ll dive into impactful discussions about fostering professional and personal growth, the power of diversity, the benefits of a strong CEO peer group, and actionable advice to enhance your leadership.

Ready to rethink your approach to culture?

In this episode, Mark welcomes serial entrepreneur Michael Edell, who’s built and exited eight companies, to unpack the mystery of company culture.

Michael shares how culture isn’t something you can define—it’s something you feel. From leading his first company at age 19 to taking on industry giants like Oracle and SAP, he reveals how a strong, people-focused culture can drive real business success.

Tune in for practical, no-fluff advice on building a culture that fuels growth and keeps your team all-in.

Additional Resources:
Connect with Mark on LinkedIn
Learn more about Quade
Take the CEO Mindset Assessment
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Can you lead a company without letting ego get in the way?

Jeff Smith, CEO and Founder of City Wide Maintenance, turned his frustration with corporate America into a thriving business by mastering the art of leading without ego.

In this episode, Jeff shares how his journey from corporate America to successful entrepreneurship was shaped by bad leadership examples, fueling his passion for building a people-first company.

Get actionable insights on creating environments that elevate people, building lasting teams, and driving organizational growth.

Additional Resources:

Take the CEO Mindset Assessment
Visit City Wide Maintenance
Connect with Mark on LinkedIn
Learn more about Quade

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network

In this episode, leadership development expert and executive coach, Deseri Garcia. Founder of Vida Aventura, Deseri shares her unique journey from a 20-year corporate career to becoming a leader in the field of team building and leadership development.

The conversation dives deep into the power of peer groups—what Deseri calls “tribes”—and how they serve as sounding boards, support systems, and catalysts for both personal and professional growth. Whether you're leading a team or navigating your entrepreneurial journey, this episode explores the importance of surrounding yourself with people who hold you accountable and push you toward success.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn

Connect with Deseri Garcia on LInkedIn
High Vibe Tribe Retreats
Download a guide on Building a Winning Team
Learn more about Quade
Take the CEO Mindset Assessment 
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn 
Learn more about PeopleForward Network

The conversation explores emerging trends in leadership, including the importance of staying up-to-date on trends, the journey to becoming a CEO, and the impact of leadership trends on organizations with guest Jim Gibbons.

Gain valuable insights into the importance of critical thinking, how technology and AI can serve as valuable tools for feedback and coaching, and the essence of emotionally intelligent leadership, characterized by humility and genuine stakeholder engagement.

Additional Resources:
Connect with Mark on LinkedIn
Learn more about Quade 
Take the CEO Mindset Assessment
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Host Mark McFatridge interviews Loren Snyder, Managing Director of The Matthews Snyder Group of Baird Private Wealth Management.

They discuss social impact and purposeful leadership, as well as Loren’s journey to becoming a managing director. Lauren emphasizes the importance of integrating profits and purpose, and how organizations that do so can optimize their financial results. He also shares his belief in being a good teammate, taking risks, and the value of giving back to the community.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn
Learn more about Quade
Take the CEO Mindset Assessment
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Ann Murtlow’s career journey is anything but linear. From her engineering roots to leading companies and navigating the international business scene, Ann's path to the C-suite is packed with valuable lessons and revelations.

In this discussion with host Mark McFatridge, Ann opens up about the realities of managing personal and professional pressures as a CEO. Ann is an experienced corporate and large nonprofit CEO and board member with 30 years experience.

This episode is an honest take on work-life balance, the absolute necessity of a strong support network, and the importance of stress management.

Not to be missed: Ann's advice to future CEOs. Trust your abilities, see your role as both a gift and a huge responsibility, and never underestimate the power of a trusted circle.

Listen for wisdom on leadership, balance, and lifelong learning. It's a masterclass in navigating the C-suite with grace and grit.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn
Learn more about Quade
Take the CEO Mindset Assessment
Connect with Ann Murtlow on LinkedIn 
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn 
Learn more about PeopleForward Network