Sitting down with Darren Marshall was a delight! Darren brings a rich history of exceptional leadership, strategic growth, vision, and corporate governance to his current role as CEO at Steven Smith, Teamaker- a luxury tea brand dedicated to producing original, delicious, and innovative blends that continually delight their loyal and growing customer base. Our conversation covers Darren’s journey to the leadership team at Smith, including experiences at Coca-Cola, Proctor and Gam and Steinway and Sons. Darren offers thoughtful and wise insights into his various endeavors and the lessons he has learned along the way. Darren’s approach to empowering his team and building loyalty through his dedication to listening and learning are truly inspiring. Have fun listening to this engaging and fun conversation!

It was always a given that Namrata Saroj would be a doctor. Her story of changing course, finding success in an industry she never anticipated joining, then turning around and using her success to help build companies at all stages, is unexpected, beautiful, and somehow exactly right. Hearing her thoughts on leadership, team building, and her career journey is inspirational, thought provoking, and galvanizing. Our conversation with Namrata is a master class on how to build a tremendous professional life through hard work, brilliance, ambition, and the willingness to take chances. Have fun listening to this fascinating and fun conversation!

It is always exciting to meet with a new guest in the studio, but we were not prepared for how meaningful and special our conversation with Ryan Buchanen would be. Speaking with Ryan about his journey as an entrepreneur, executive leader, and respected community organizer was like attending an unexpected professional development seminar you didn’t know you desperately needed. Ryan’s willingness to be vulnerable, discuss the setbacks he’s experienced along his path as well as his triumphs and examine his desire to give back to his community after successfully scaling his company made for an engaging and motivating discussion. Particularly meaningful were Ryan’s thoughts on the definition of success, paying attention to who your heroes are, and the important ways those with privilege are called to show up.

The commitment and passion Dawn Jagger brings to her work is more than inspiring. It’s galvanizing. We left the interview with Dawn feeling like it was time to go out and run for office! It is easy to be cynical about the government these days, but Dawn made us believe anything is possible and that when wielded properly, the power of the government can be used to enact tremendous good in the lives of its citizens. We discuss Dawn’s fascinating journey to her current high-ranking position today, including a childhood infused with creativity, service, and entrepreneurism; her road to public service and unplanned law degree; her experiences working at the highest levels of state government and as a policy advisor at the federal level; and how she has continually and intentionally integrated her work with her core values and beliefs. Enjoy this compelling and motivational discussion with Dawn!

From his early beginnings in the wine industry, multiple pivots in the fast-paced world of tech start-ups, and his eventual leap into leadership at Stoller Wine Group, Gary Mortensen exemplifies the idea that a wide range of experience fosters agility and vision in organizational leaders. Gary is passionate about growth, creatively approaching challenges, and learning from the past. We left our interview with Gary having only scratched the surface of his wisdom and generosity. This episode was a joy to record from start to finish, and we need to get Gary back in the studio because we know you’ll want to hear more from him, just as we do!

We chat with Marcella Vail, COO of the Oregon Non-Profit ALSO, about experiences that have shaped her leadership style, the entrepreneurial spirit that she was raised with, and her beautiful thoughts regarding what constitutes a successful hire. It was a privilege and honor to participate in this interview. We know you’ll be inspired by Marcella’s generous, intelligent insights into leadership, organizational growth, and giving back.