Take Command: A Leadership Podcast

Do the Right Thing, Every Time: Lessons on Leadership and Agency 09.06.2026 44m

Eric Ries has spent the last two decades reshaping how companies are built and led, emphasizing continuous innovation, long-term thinking, and purposeful governance. He says, “It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing the right things consistently. Your small actions compound, and they define the future of your organization.” In this episode, Eric dives into the principles behind the Lean Startup method, why leaders need to create structures that empower others, and how long-term thinking can transform organizations. He shares insights on why experimentation is a competitive advantage, how to influence without authority, and the value of making decisions with both vision and humility. Tune in for actionable strategies and thought-provoking advice from one of the most influential voices in modern entrepreneurship.

No Shortcuts, No Excuses: Building What Lasts 12.05.2026 47m

Today’s guest made history as the first African American woman to found and build a multi-billion-dollar company, now a global organization operating in more than 30 countries and connecting talent with opportunity at scale. She is a best-selling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and global speaker on leadership, business, and opportunity in a changing world. Janice Bryant Howroyd built her success on a simple belief: “No shortcuts, no excuses.” In this conversation, she reflects on growing up in a large family in a segregated Southern community and how those early experiences shaped her mindset around discipline, resilience, and opportunity. She shares powerful leadership lessons, including “Ask the right questions, then listen, listen, listen,” and the reminder that “No circumstance deserves to overwhelm your goals… nobody has the right to steal your joy.” Her perspective on leadership is rooted in clarity, consistency, and keeping people at the center. Janice also explores how AI is reshaping work, emphasizing that while technology evolves, human judgment, communication, and character remain essential. This episode is a grounded look at building something lasting through mindset, discipline, and purpose-driven leadership.

Running the Long Game: Small Steps, Big Impact. 14.04.2026 31m

Jake Rawson, CEO of Craft Sportswear North America, thinks of business like an endurance race. “It’s not one moment… it’s the stacking of goals… incremental gains,” he says. In this episode, Jake shares how patience, consistency, and a long-term mindset have shaped both his leadership and his life. From mentoring teams to coaching his kids, he emphasizes positive reinforcement, embracing opportunities, and applying lessons from Dale Carnegie to create lasting impact. Tune in for practical insights on building confidence, fostering growth, and running the long game—on and off the track.

Grit Is Not Optional: Leading Through Crisis with Courage and Heart 24.03.2026 33m

Mr. Wai Phyo is someone who has defined his leadership through grit, resilience, and a deep belief in people. When he took over his father’s instant noodle business at age 23 with only two years of experience, he faced a crisis that could have broken anyone. He says, “Grit is the single most important characteristic that separates the extraordinary from the ordinary… you have to acknowledge failure, embrace it, and overcome it.” Wai Phyo’s episode is filled with practical leadership insight. He shares how he moved from ego-driven expansion into unrelated businesses to focused, synergistic growth across food manufacturing, nationwide distribution, and technology. He explains why succession is “not a right, it’s a privilege,” and how building a culture of trust starts with the mindset of “this is our workplace.” He also reflects on Myanmar’s connection to How to Win Friends and Influence People, and how that philosophy shaped his people-first leadership style.

Nothing to Lose, Everything to Build 10.03.2026 38m

Wemimo Abbey is a purpose-driven entrepreneur transforming financial inclusion in the U.S. through Esusu, a fintech that helps renters build credit and access flexible payments. His leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in resilience, faith, and the principle of “falling forward” from failure. Abbey believes that meaningful impact comes from combining bold ambition with humility, saying, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." He shares vivid stories from his journey—from growing up in the slums of Lagos, Nigeria, to navigating predatory loans in the U.S., to building a billion-dollar company alongside his co-founder, Samir Goel. Abbey reveals how embracing failure, learning from each setback, and maintaining an unwavering focus on purpose can turn adversity into opportunity. Tune in for an episode packed with actionable insights on leadership, resilience, and building organizations that uplift communities.

Beyond Shareholders: Rethinking What Winning Means 24.02.2026 28m

Ivan Tornos is a purpose-driven CEO leading one of the world's top medtech companies, and his leadership philosophy was profoundly shaped by Dale Carnegie principles. Ivan brings his complete self to every challenge, balancing high-stakes results with genuine care for people, saying, "Great leaders are able to inspire performance and execute performance—that's my 4P model: Purpose, planning, people, and processes." Ivan shares powerful stories from his journey—from early family tragedies that ignited his healthcare passion to transforming Zimmer Biomet into a bold solutions innovator with partners like Arnold Schwarzenegger. He reveals his "winning in five dimensions" framework (spiritual, personal, physical, mental, professional) and hard-won wisdom: "What you're not gonna do is far more important than what you're gonna do." Tune in for an episode packed with actionable insights on authentic leadership, calendar discipline, and patient-first urgency.

Keep Sharp in Chaos: A Surgeon's Mindset Hack 10.02.2026 44m

Sanjay Gupta is someone who has balanced a high-stakes career as a practicing neurosurgeon and CNN Chief Medical Correspondent through curiosity, humility, and lifelong learning. He says, “Everyone's a teacher, if you allow them to be, and you should be a good student, a good and willing student, and then also teach at the same time when you can.” Sanjay’s episode is packed with amazing advice. He talks about Dale Carnegie's transformative impact on public speaking and relationships, the power of admitting "I don't know" to build collaboration, and brain health hacks like brisk walks over intense runs. Sanjay wants others to thrive, saying, “What Dale Carnegie really taught me: It's not that hard to do, it's just that most people don't—spend the extra minute building someone up.” Tune in for this and other shining nuggets of Sanjay’s wisdom.

Driven: Danica Patrick on High-Performance Mindset and Modern Leadership 27.01.2026 38m

Danica Patrick has built a career defined by fearless choices, relentless drive, and embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth. She shares, “Ignorance is bliss... you don’t know what to be afraid of then,” reflecting on her bold decision at 16 to race in England. This special 100th episode of Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast is packed with inspiration. Danica opens up about building confidence through tough decisions, trusting your potential even when the path is uncertain, and staying resilient by loving what you do. She champions action over hesitation, saying, “Always saying yes to the hard steps.” Tune in for her raw stories and timeless insights on the Take Command podcast.

Seismic Shift in the Age of AI: Building Teams That Feel Seen, Heard, and Valued 13.01.2026 38m

What happens when productivity keeps rising, but people feel more disconnected than ever? In this episode, Michelle K. Johnston, Ph.D., challenges leaders to make a seismic shift back to genuine human connection in an age of AI, nonstop notifications, and relentless busyness. Michelle shares her powerful insight, “Productivity without connection equals emptiness,” and explains why checking boxes without meaningful relationships leaves leaders and teams drained rather than fulfilled. This conversation is packed with practical leadership moments, from why real connection means feeling seen, heard, valued, respected, and appreciated, to how your calendar quietly reveals what you truly prioritize. You’ll also hear simple but impactful practices, like removing the word “but” from feedback and asking people how they prefer to connect. Drawing from her work with Marshall Goldsmith and decades of executive coaching, Michelle offers ideas you can use immediately to lead with greater impact, humanity, and purpose.

Eagles Don’t Fly in Packs: Courage, Faith, and Leadership 09.12.2025 42m

Some people follow the crowd. John Hope Bryant pursues transformation. From personal growth to inspiring leaders worldwide, John shares how courage, optimism, and intentional action shaped his journey. He says, “If you become the person that Dale Carnegie’s trying to evolve you into, there’s a high likelihood that most people are not going to understand you anyway.” This episode dives into stepping into fear, leading with faith, and embracing principles that turn potential into action. John reminds us, “Keep the faith, ignore the noise, punch right through it, because light defines darkness, not the other way around.”

95% Decisions, 100% Impact: Rethinking Leadership 25.11.2025 39m

Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer, has built his career by transforming organizations from the inside out, focusing on empowering people and breaking through bureaucracy. He says, “I didn’t need more of a work ethic, I didn’t need more attention to detail, I needed to be focused on helping other people be successful.” Bill’s episode is packed with actionable insights. He shares why giving decision-making power to the people doing the work is key, how to redesign organizations around purpose and customers, and why curiosity and relentless improvement are critical traits for leaders. Bill believes, “Probably the most common principle that they all share is that the people doing the work need to be the ones making the decisions… 95% of decisions should be made by the people doing the work.” Tune in for this and other practical leadership wisdom from Bill.

When the World Stopped, They Kept Moving: A Journey from Fear to Freedom 11.11.2025 41m

Mark Fitzmaurice and Juliette Dennett’s journey is a testament to resilience, partnership, and the power of living your values. From humble beginnings in the UK to leading one of Dale Carnegie’s most successful franchises worldwide, their story is about turning passion into purpose—and navigating life’s toughest challenges with grace. Mark got into Dale Carnegie after a breakfast seminar in 1986. A young baker at the time, full of insecurity and imposter syndrome, he enrolled in a leadership program that changed everything. “I saw myself differently,” he recalls. Promotions followed, confidence grew, and by 1990, Mark joined Dale Carnegie full-time—a decision that shaped the next four decades of his life. Juliette entered the business in the mid-90s, drawn by the culture and mission. Together, they built a thriving franchise in Northern England, weathering storms like the 2008 financial crisis and the global pandemic. “When you’ve got skin in the game, you have no choice but to move forward,” Mark says. Their secret? Living in day-tight compartments, focusing on what they could control, and leaning on Dale Carnegie principles like Give honest, sincere appreciation and Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to. Their leadership philosophy was simple yet profound: create an environment where people flourish and serve a purpose bigger than themselves. They modeled authenticity, consistency, and respect—values that shaped a culture of teamwork and trust. “If people can’t see it, they can’t be it,” Mark says. That mindset helped them develop master trainers, groom successors, and leave a legacy that still defines Dale Carnegie’s DNA today.

Empathy, the Hidden Superpower of a Modern CEO 28.10.2025 40m

Nate Rempe’s journey is anything but ordinary. From writing code in grade school to becoming the first non-family CEO of Omaha Steaks in over 100 years, his story is a masterclass in adaptability, courage, and human-centered leadership. In this episode, Nate shares how stepping into uncomfortable situations shaped his rise from CIO to CEO—and why empathy became his greatest leadership advantage. He says, “Empathy is absolutely necessary at the CEO level if you want to win hearts and minds. And if you can’t win hearts and minds, you can’t be successful as a CEO.” You’ll also hear his advice for aspiring leaders: “Before you take the role, you should have been in the role without the title long enough that when you actually get the title, everyone says, ‘Wasn’t Nate already the president?" This conversation is packed with insights on breaking self-imposed limits, building confidence, and creating cultures where people thrive. Tune in to learn why fear is relative, how hobbies can unlock leadership skills, and why the best leaders know when to step forward—and when to let go.

Climbing Higher: Leadership Lessons from Adversity to Impact 14.10.2025 39m

From war-torn Nicaragua to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and purpose. Jose shares how growing up as a refugee shaped his mindset, how West Point taught him the value of followership, and how feedback—given with care and conviction—became the cornerstone of his leadership style. He says, “Making it clear when you're giving the feedback that it is your job and your responsibility as the leader to make that person successful.” This episode is packed with insights on leading through adversity, building trust, and creating environments where people thrive. You’ll hear how a mentor’s tough love led to Dale Carnegie training, and how a single half-marathon sparked a nonprofit that’s changing lives in Nicaragua. Tune in to learn how grit, gratitude, and growth mindset fuel one leader’s journey—and why feedback, humility, and optimism are essential tools for anyone who wants to lead with impact.

Fearless by Design: Building Global Brands with Purpose 23.09.2025 35m

Some people chase trends. Adam von Gootkin builds legacies. From selling candy in high school to founding one of the world’s most prestigious gin brands, Adam shares how bold thinking, authentic connection, and a fearless mindset shaped his entrepreneurial journey. He says, “If you don’t have much to lose, then you learn to become bold… either fearless by intention or too stupid to be afraid.” This episode is packed with insights on overcoming fear, embracing awkwardness, and leading with passion. You’ll hear how a single email to a British castle led to a business partnership with royalty, and how Dale Carnegie’s timeless principles helped shape a confident, purpose-driven leader. Tune in to learn how Adam turns vision into reality and why enthusiasm, authenticity, and storytelling are the most underrated tools in leadership.

Convicted, Not Defeated: A Real Talk on Ethics and Redemption 09.09.2025 30m

Rashmi Airan’s story is one of grit, grace, and radical accountability. A former attorney turned ethics advocate, Rashmi shares how a series of missteps led to a federal prison sentence—and how that experience became the foundation for her life’s mission. She says, “I had to lose my freedom to gain freedom,” and her journey is a masterclass in how to rise through struggle with courage and clarity. In this episode, Rashmi introduces her four-step RISE framework—Reframe, Identify, Surrender, and Evolve—and explains how each step helped her rebuild her life and career. She also reflects on the power of vulnerability, the trap of ego, and the importance of surrounding yourself with truth-tellers. One of her most powerful insights: “People are very forgiving of our humanity when we give them the opportunity to see their humanity in us.”

Generation AI: Why People Skills Are the Ultimate Competitive Advantage 12.08.2025 37m

Matt Britton is a trailblazer who’s made a career out of understanding what’s next—especially when it comes to youth culture, digital behavior, and the future of brands. He believes, “Culture moves faster than companies can keep up. If you want to lead, you have to stop reacting and start anticipating.” In this episode, Matt breaks down what it takes to stay relevant in a world of constant disruption. He dives into generational shifts, how AI and automation are changing consumer expectations, and why Gen Z is rewriting the rules of brand loyalty. Matt encourages leaders to stop looking backward and start building for what’s coming. “It needs leaders who are willing to reinvent before they’re forced to.” He says.

Forged in the Dark: Why Real Leaders Run Toward Problems 22.07.2025 38m

John Venhuizen, CEO of Ace Hardware, knows firsthand that business is tough — a constant battle against some of the biggest players out there. But for John, it’s never just about products or profit. It’s about people, relationships, and a deep sense of purpose. In this conversation, John opens up about how Ace’s unique model — combining a powerful global brand with locally owned stores — creates something special that can’t be easily replicated. He talks about the daily grind of leadership, the importance of embracing problems head-on, and why a servant heart is the true competitive edge in today’s tech-driven world. John also gets candid about balancing leadership with life, why humility matters more than titles, and how AI is helping Ace’s frontline heroes serve customers better — all while never losing sight of the human connection that really moves people. If you’re looking for honest, practical leadership advice rooted in real-world experience, this episode is for you.

Next-Gen Influence: PACSUN’s Strategy to Own the Future of Youth Culture 08.07.2025 34m

What does it really take to keep a legacy brand relevant to Gen Z and Gen Alpha? For Brieane Olson, CEO of Pacsun, it’s all about leading with purpose, embracing creativity, and truly listening to your customers. In this open and insightful conversation, Brieane shares how Pacsun has stayed grounded amid shifting trends and digital disruption by staying focused on a clear mission. She dives into how the brand builds lasting love with its community, the role vulnerability plays in her leadership, and how her team has stayed connected and strong for over 15 years. From collaborations with artists and athletes to bold moves like TikTok Shop and the Pacsun Collective, Brieane shows what it means to co-create culture—not just chase trends. At the heart of her leadership style is a simple but powerful approach: “pausing with purpose,” staying curious, and always remembering the bigger “why.”

Refocus and Rise: Thrive in the Era of AI 24.06.2025 41m

What happens when a Fortune 20 executive blends sharp strategic thinking with a lifelong learner’s mindset? You get Sowmyanarayan Sampath, Chief Executive of Verizon Consumer. In this wide-ranging conversation, Sampath pulls back the curtain on how he leads one of the world’s largest tech-driven organizations—with clarity, calm, and a deep belief in people. From reshaping careers through AI to building lasting trust in teams, Sampath shares what it means to lead intentionally in a time of rapid change. He opens up about his personal philosophies, including why he thinks in three-year chapters, how karma influences his choices, and why self-discipline and communication are the new power skills. And his take on AI? It’s not something to fear—it’s “borrowing another brain.” He explains how it’s already transforming productivity, reshaping job roles, and giving professionals a chance to grow in entirely new ways.