The Steward Chair

In this episode of The Steward Chair, host Jeff Bond sits down with Jackie Cardello, President of GRF CPAs & Advisors, to discuss how values, independence, and community impact drive sustainable success. Jackie shares how her background in English, philosophy, and psychology fuels human-centered leadership in a technical industry. We explore GRF's courageous pivot from an "eat what you kill" compensation model to a goals-based system that rewards collective stewardship and leadership behaviors. Jackie also shares the strategic advantages of remaining fiercely independent and managing difficult partner conversations with vulnerability. Key Takeaways The Humanities Edge: A background in philosophy and psychology builds the empathy and communication skills required to lead people and navigate tough organizational shifts. Incentivizing Stewardship: Swapping out individual profit models for goals-based compensation allows a firm to intentionally reward mentorship and collaboration over short-term revenue. Independence as a Magnet: Staying independent preserves a firm's core values, allowing for client-first decision-making and an authentic culture that naturally attracts and retains top talent. Resources Mentioned Visit https://www.grfcpa.com/ Follow Shane on LinkedIn at  Follow GRF CPAs & Advisors (GRF) on social media at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grf-cpas-and-advisors Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/grfcpas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grfcpas/ Follow Jackie on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-cardello-grf/ Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, John Sensiba, retiring CEO of Sensiba, and Monique Ramirez, his successor, share a masterclass on why intentional succession is the ultimate act of stewardship. John shares his journey of leading the firm through two major economic crises by refusing to abandon core values. They explore how the Golden Rule and simple, unwavering priorities—family, community, and firm—drive meaningful, long-term success. We discuss the courage it takes to hand off a legacy gracefully, and how an "eat what you kill" compensation model can destroy culture. We also cover the immense privilege of receiving a planned, six-year leadership transition, providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact. Key Takeaways The Ultimate Act of Stewardship is Succession: A leader’s most important duty is to prepare the organization for the next generation, viewing their role as a "transient caretaker" for the benefit of employees and the community. Values Are Non-Negotiable in Crisis: Establishing simple, clearly articulated priorities (like family, community, and firm in that order) and refusing to abandon values when they become "inconvenient" provides clarity and resilience during financial crises or global pandemics. Culture Over Compensation: The courage to abandon an "eat what you kill" compensation model for a subjective, values-based approach is necessary to cultivate a culture of collaboration, trust, and shared success. Resources Mentioned Visit Sensiba's Website Sensiba B Corp Certification Information Follow John Sensiba on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndsensiba/  Follow Monique Ramirez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicramirez/    Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Rob Kuehl, CEO of Maier America, shares his insights on servant leadership and building inclusive company cultures that thrive across global contexts. He reflects on his journey of transforming company culture, investing in his own leadership growth, and staying grounded in values while leading through challenges in a global enterprise. We discuss what it takes to lead with humility, the reality of cultural transformation, and how empathy and active listening create stronger teams and better business outcomes. Key Takeaways Servant leadership is about serving others and fostering a supportive environment. Cultural transformation takes time and persistence. Empathy and active listening are key to effective leadership. Resources Mentioned Visit Maier America: https://www.maieramerica.comFollow Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robkuehl Follow Maier America on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maier-america/ Join the Conversation The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn @ChatWithLeaders.Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does making tamales have to do with running a world-class movie studio? In this inspiring conversation, host Jeff Bond sits down with Frank Patterson, President and CEO of Trilith Studios, a name synonymous with the booming film industry in Georgia. Trilith is now the largest production facility in Georgia and the largest purpose-built studio outside of Hollywood. In this conversation, Jeff and Frank unlock the critical importance of leveraging your values to build a purpose-driven community and business. Frank’s leadership journey is defined by connection, creativity, and conscious capitalism. He shares how early influences shaped his philosophy of stewardship, the incredible story behind Trilith's intentional "placemaking," and discusses the future of AI as a tool for human flourishing. This conversation is for every business leader who knows that true competitive advantage isn’t just about what you do, but how you do it. Key Takeaways Stewardship Through Connection: How Frank’s Uncle Oscar used tamales to connect his community, providing a foundational lesson on leadership.  The Power of Empowerment: Why great leaders must be fans of their team's talent and create an environment that empowers them to execute on their ideas.  Building with Purpose: The vision behind Trilith to create a "place,” not just a facility, that cares for the well-being of the creative community.  An Optimistic View of AI: Why Frank believes AI and other emerging technologies are powerful tools that will enhance, not replace, genuine human creativity and connection.  The Leader as a "Rung on the Ladder": A powerful perspective on a leader's obligation to lift up the next generation.  Resources Mentioned Learn more about Trilith https://www.trilith.com/ Trilith was designed by Lew Oliver. Learn more here: https://www.lewoliverinc.com/  Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn @ChatWithLeaders. Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com and eotlproductions.com to learn more about how we can help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, John Lauseng, CEO of Aldrich, shares his insights on stewardship and leadership, emphasizing the importance of servant leadership, culture, and the need for rest and disconnection in a high-pressure environment. You’ll hear how John navigated the challenges of leading during the COVID-19 pandemic, the significance of aligning growth with organizational values, and the legacy he hopes to leave as a leader. Key Takeaways Leadership often involves giving opportunities to individuals before they feel ready. During crises, true leadership is tested and revealed. Culture can be a strategic advantage in driving performance. Rest and disconnection are essential for effective leadership. Growth should align with the organization's core values and purpose. Modeling behavior is crucial for encouraging team unplugging. Resources Mentioned Learn more about Aldrich at https://aldrichadvisors.com/ Follow John on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lauseng-18313a2b/    Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn @ChatWithLeaders. Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leslie Zinn, CEO of Arden’s Garden, shares insights from her journey growing a family business into a beloved wellness brand. She discusses the tension between her mother Arden's unwavering commitment to health and the practical demands of running a profitable enterprise. Leslie highlights pivotal moments, such as navigating the industry's E. coli crisis and unintentionally establishing successful stores in food deserts. Her reflections reveal the powerful impact of mission-driven decisions, customer loyalty, and the growth mindset that sustains their business today. Key Takeaways Leslie’s early experiences balancing her mother's passion for wellness with business profitability. How Arden’s Garden navigated critical decisions during industry-wide health scares without compromising their core values. Unplanned strategic moves into underserved communities that led to surprising success and deep community impact. Resources Mentioned Visit Arden's Garden at https://www.ardensgarden.com Follow Leslie Zinn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliezinn Follow Arden’s Garden on social media at: Facebook: https://facebook.com/ardensgardenatl Instagram: https://instagram.com/ardensgardenatl Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ardensgardenatl Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/.  Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Steve Carse, Co-Founder & Franchising Director of King of Pops, shares his journey of building a joyful, community-driven business from a popsicle stand into an iconic Atlanta brand. He explores how intentional culture, community stewardship, and long-term thinking drive meaningful, sustainable growth. We discuss navigating the balance between fun and responsibility, maintaining culture through growth, and creating impact beyond profit, providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact. Key Takeaways Intentional culture-building: How creating space for joy, fun, and community can fuel a purpose-driven business. Stewardship through scaling: Lessons learned in maintaining culture and stakeholder relationships while growing King of Pops into a multi-city brand. Balancing joy and responsibility: How to lead a business that brings happiness to customers and meaning to employees, while being accountable to the broader community. Resources Mentioned Visit King of Pops official website Follow King of Pops on Instagram X/Twitter LinkedIn Visit Steve’s official website Read Steve’s book, Work is Fun Follow Steve Carse on LinkedIn Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/ Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.