Take Command: A Leadership Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Some leaders walk into a room and instantly change the energy—and Liz Haberberger is absolutely one of them. Liz is president of Dale Carnegie Missouri, a high-impact leadership coach, and a keynote speaker with a contagious blend of confidence, authenticity, and grit. Her superpower? Helping people see what's possible and empowering them to show up as the best version of themselves. She lives by the belief that “When you said yes to being a leader, you gave up the right to have a bad attitude.” In this episode, Liz shares how that mindset informs her approach to leadership, culture, and performance—and how anyone can build the emotional discipline to lead with intention. Whether she's guiding a Fortune 500 executive or a frontline manager, Liz brings clarity and candor. You'll also hear how her commitment to gratitude journaling and mindset training has helped her “train [her] brain to just look for what’s right instead of what’s wrong.”

Hal Elrod’s story is nothing short of miraculous. At 20, he died for six minutes after a car accident, broke 11 bones, and was told he would never walk again. But Hal didn’t just survive—he thrived. After overcoming incredible odds, including a battle with a rare form of cancer, he now helps others transform their lives through the power of mindset. As Hal says, "I will take 100% ownership for my health and healing for my life, and I will relentlessly research every holistic practice known to man, and I will implement all of them." Now, Hal shares his journey and his framework for success in his bestselling book The Miracle Morning. His approach has helped millions start their days with intention and clarity, and he continues to inspire others to take command of their lives. "The difference between successful and unsuccessful people," Hal says, "is not that they don’t face fear or insecurity. It’s whether they allow those mental and emotional roadblocks to stop them, or push forward despite them."

Scientific and medical research are critical aspects of our lives and even the economy. And no one knows this better than Dr. Bruce Stillman. Bruce is president and CEO of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. He’s led this distinguished organization by wholeheartedly expressing his belief in what the company stands for. He says, “I think if you believe in the mission we have, which I do, then it's easy to pitch the mission, and if you pitch the mission right, then people can buy into it.” Bruce knows a thing or two about leading people to greatness. Listen out in this episode for his advice concerning the benefits of a flat organization, the paradox of the freedom and restrictions of science, the potential of AI in business and medical systems, and why mentoring is critical to an invested workforce. Bruce says, “We can afford to take a lot of risk, and we can hire people who are risk-takers. And that is the secret, I think.” Discover more of Bruce’s secrets in this eye-opening episode.

Guy Fieri is arguably one of the most recognizable and well-known chefs in the culinary TV and restaurant world, and he owes it all to How to Win Friends and Influence People. Guy brings his whole self to everything he does, not worrying about anything standing in his way. Of his doubters, he says, “There may have been people deterring [me], but I don't really listen to that stuff. I pay attention to the things that are positive.” Guy has plenty of stories on this episode, as well as invaluable advice for anyone wanting to get along with others (which, let’s face it, is everyone in the workplace). From his early experience with Dale Carnegie’s teachings to his time on reality TV, Guy has built a brand of empathy, understanding, and genuine curiosity for others’ stories. He tackles life head-on, saying, “Empower yourself to engage in the situation, and at least be standing up taking the punches versus hiding in the corner laying down.” Learn plenty more from Guy when you tune in to this amazing and riotously funny episode.