Leaders & Legacies

Chris Greco is the founder of Operator Up and author of 8 Steps to Overcoming Adversity. Greco recounts his journey of turning around a struggling company, emphasizing that true leadership emerges in times of hardship. He reveals how he revitalized a retail tech firm, guiding it through economic challenges and scaling it by nine times. Greco underscores the role of core values, teamwork, and an unyielding commitment to resilience in his leadership strategy. His approach to overcoming adversity—embracing discomfort to achieve greatness—offers a practical blueprint for any leader aiming to elevate their impact. With poignant stories and practical advice, Greco makes a compelling case for building a culture where employees know their leader “has their back,” which he argues is key to inspiring extraordinary results.

Want to learn more about Chris Greco’s work? Check out his website at https://www.grecospeaks.com/.

Connect with Chris Greco on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgreco/.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrews' work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

In this inspiring podcast episode, Colin Sanburg shares his remarkable journey from struggling student to successful entrepreneur and leadership guru. Despite failing English and barely graduating high school, Sanburg's passion for leadership roles and innovative thinking paved his way to an MBA without an undergraduate degree and the helm of multiple businesses.

Sanburg emphasizes the importance of effective communication, the transformative power of asking "why not," and leveraging financial acumen for business growth. Sanburg's story is a testament to the idea that unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary outcomes, underscoring the pivotal role of persistence, curiosity, and strategic financial management in achieving success.

Want to learn more about Colin's work? Check out their website at https://finelevate.com/ .

Connect with Colin on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinsanburg/.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Eden Lovejoy is a dynamic leader and the founder of Your Business Lifestyle discusses the essence of impactful leadership. Eden shares her journey from a whirlwind upbringing to becoming a pioneer in creating self-reliant business systems. Drawing from her book Activate Your Virtual GM, she explains how empowering teams with accountability and a clear mission transforms businesses. Eden emphasizes the importance of clarity, cultural alignment, and structured systems to allow business owners to focus on what they love. She outlines strategies to avoid common pitfalls, such as overburdening owners or employees lacking growth opportunities.

Eden’s actionable insights inspire owners to foster a high-performing, self-sustaining business culture. Whether it's building resilience or embracing failure as a learning tool, her advice resonates deeply with leaders seeking to leave a lasting legacy. This episode is a masterclass on leadership for freedom and purpose.

Want to learn more about Eden Lovejoy's work? Check out her website at https://www.yourvirtualgm.online/.

Connect with Eden Lovejoy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/edenlovejoy/.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at Podcast Guest Application.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrews' work at allies4me? Check out his website at allies4me.com.

Olga Pechnenko, a leader whose story is one of resilience, grit, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Born in Kazakhstan, raised in Russia, and ultimately settling in the United States, Olga’s journey is marked by transformation. She talks candidly about the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language and the lessons she learned along the way. As a CEO and founder of Revenue Hire, Olga shares her approach to building teams, the importance of hiring the right salespeople, and her unique formula for success, which focuses on sales DNA, skills, and work ethic. Her insights are practical and hard-hitting, ideal for leaders looking to refine their approach to team-building and personal growth.

Want to learn more about Olga Pechnenko's work? Check out her website at https://www.revenuehire.com.

Connect with Olga on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgapechnenko/.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrews’ work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Your host, Craig Andrews, talks with the CEO of The Johnson Leadership Group, Kevin Johnson. Kevin's journey is an inspiring one. After graduating from college during a recession, he found it challenging to secure employment. However, following his mother's advice, he applied for a job in the federal government and was selected. This marked the beginning of his 34-year career in government, where he worked in various roles related to acquisition and contracting.

His responsibilities ranged from purchasing goods and services for his agency, from office supplies to major weapon systems. He enjoyed his role as it allowed him to be a property manager, negotiator, and even part attorney. After 25 years, Kevin transitioned to a different work role to gain more experience and perspective.

During our conversation, Kevin shared some valuable leadership lessons. He emphasized the importance of communication and understanding in leadership. Leaders, he believes, need to have conversations with their team members to determine the best fit for them and address any stagnation. By being good listeners, leaders demonstrate that they care about what their team members have to say.

Kevin also highlighted three fundamental needs that everyone has: affirmation, a sense of belonging, and inclusion. Leaders should appreciate and acknowledge their team members, make them feel part of a tribe or community, and ensure they feel included. These three needs are crucial for individuals' well-being and can contribute to their overall happiness and productivity.

Kevin's involvement in suicide prevention is another aspect of his work that he shared. He noticed an increasing feeling of isolation, loneliness, and depression among people, leading to thoughts of suicide. Kevin is passionate about raising awareness and educating others on this topic. Kevin was appointed as the faith community commissioner on the Commission for Suicide Prevention in Maryland, where he works to share information, manage state plans, and collaborate with faith community leaders.

To learn more about Kevin's work, check out their website at https://thejohnsonleadershipgroup.com/.

Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwaynejohnson/.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.