The Impact of Leadership

a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } As we wrap up 2025, this episode dives deep into the lessons, challenges, and breakthroughs that shaped the year for leaders everywhere. This episode reflects on the highs and lows—not just the wins, but the crashes that taught resilience and growth. Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about how you respond in the shock moments of life. This episode revisits some of the most impactful conversations from this year: John Greenwood (Ep. 161) – The Five Driver Model: People, Culture, Strategy, Structure, Process. Kevin Calhoun (Ep. 165) – Buy vs. Build: Two paths to business growth. Steve Black (Ep. 168 & 169) – Unmasking fear and overcoming the people-pleasing trap. Steve Baue (Ep. 171 & 172) – Burnout and finding balance through intentional wins. Tim Hanley (Ep. 175) – Resilience before the crisis & getting through the shock moments. Kathy Pinero (Ep. 178) – People before profits and leading with empathy. This episode also introduces the Five Pillars of IOL—Faith, Family, Foundation, Leadership, and Work—as a compass for navigating uncertainty and leading with purpose. These pillars aren’t just words; they’re a way of life that shapes how we show up for our teams, families, and communities. Key Takeaways: Leadership starts with how you respond in tough moments. People come before profits—empathy matters. No one drifts into excellence; growth requires intention. Faith and family are the foundation for everything else. Join us as we reflect on 2025 and gear up for an incredible 2026. Because at IOL, we believe you are loved—not just by us, but by the Lord.

In this episode, I share lessons from a powerful C‑Suite for Christ event that reminded me how vital it is for leaders to stay spiritually fueled. Inspired by Paul Neuberger’s message, we’ll explore three principles of stewardship — Appreciate, Activate, and Authenticate — and how they can transform both your leadership and your faith. From cultivating gratitude, to boldly using your God‑given gifts, to living with authentic integrity, these truths challenge us to lead with purpose and courage. I’ll also reflect on Moses’ journey and what it teaches us about trusting God fully. Tune in to be encouraged, equipped, and reminded that when we put faith first, God moves in amazing ways through our leadership and our lives. Resources: C-Suite For Christ Locations: Midwest, East, South, and West Paul M. Neuberger – IOL Episode #146 Songs: Phil Wickham – Battle Belong Chris McClarney – Defender 

As a dad, there’s nothing more terrifying than watching your child face death—and nothing more humbling than seeing God’s hand carry him through it. In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of my son’s survival through three near-death experiences: a childhood fire, teenage seizures, and a recent 60 mph car crash. These moments shattered my illusion of control and forced me to confront the fragility of life, the power of prayer, and the sovereignty of God. What emerged wasn’t just survival—it was transformation. This isn’t just a story about pain; it’s a testimony of purpose. I unpack 10 life-changing lessons that shaped me as a father and a believer—lessons rooted in Scripture and forged in crisis. If you’ve ever questioned why storms come or how to hold onto hope when everything feels broken, this episode is for you. It’s raw, it’s real, and it might just change how you see your own story, your faith, and the God who never lets go. Songs: Whom Shall I Fear – Chris Tomlin / God Story – Anne Wilson

In this powerful episode, we explore what it truly means to lead with unwavering conviction and Christ-centered grace. This theme runs throughout the stories and insights shared—from Jack Phillips’ courageous stand for religious freedom to Deborah Dishong’s transformative message on countercultural leadership. Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, opens the episode with a keynote that’s both sobering and inspiring. His business became the center of a Supreme Court case after he declined to design a custom cake for a same-sex wedding, citing his religious beliefs. Jack’s story is not one of exclusion, but of integrity—he offered other services, but couldn’t cross a line that violated his conscience. The Supreme Court’s 7-2 ruling in his favor affirmed that the government cannot compel artists to express messages they don’t believe in. Jack’s journey reminds us that leadership often demands courage, especially when the stakes are high. We then hear from Deborah Dishong, whose session on countercultural leadership challenges us to live and lead with Christ at the center. She breaks down her message into three powerful principles: live like Christ, lead others to their God-given potential, and leave a legacy that reflects Him. Her insights are practical and profound—balancing grace and truth, coaching with intention, and making decisions that echo into eternity. Lead with Conviction & Compassion is more than a title—it’s a call to action. Whether you’re navigating tough decisions, mentoring your team, or shaping your workplace culture, this episode will inspire you to lead with purpose, grace, and eternal perspective. Links: Impact Conference 2025 – Cedarville University  Jack Phillips Story  Email [email protected] if you need prayer. 

Kathy Panaro, founder and CEO of Panaro Group, who’s marking an incredible milestone: 30 years in business. From launching her company with nothing but a newborn in her arms and a vision in her heart, Kathy has built more than just a business—she’s built a legacy rooted in purpose. Her personal mantra, “People Before Profits,” isn’t just a slogan—it’s the foundation of every decision she makes. Kathy leads with empathy, always pulling back to reflect on culture, values, and the people who make it all possible. When one of her employees lost a spouse, the entire company paused—not to chase more business, but to support each other through grief. That moment wasn’t just about compassion—it was a living example of how love and leadership can coexist in a high-performance culture. What started as a bold leap into entrepreneurship has grown into a thriving, 100% woman-owned firm in the tech space for manufacturing and construction. Kathy’s journey is one of resilience, learning, and leadership. She’s not just a recruiter—she’s a culture builder, a mentor, and a champion of meaningful impact. In this episode, we’ll explore what it means to build something from scratch, the power of asking the right questions, and how Kathy’s leadership philosophy has shaped lives—both inside and outside her company. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Kathy’s insights will inspire you to lead with heart, live with intention, and never forget why you started.