“It’s not just about winning clients. It’s about building a culture where people want to stay and grow.”

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson welcomes Cassie Dunn, Managing Partner at Haines, Isenbarger & Skiba LLC, to share her journey of leadership in the accounting world. Cassie opens up about the lessons she’s learned leading through growth, acquisitions, and client transitions, including why sometimes letting go of clients can be the best move for employee happiness and long-term success. She reflects on her earliest leadership roles, from high school cross country captain to coxswain in college, and how those experiences shaped her approach to humility, hard work, and empowering others. Craig and Cassie also tackle the role of soft skills in leadership, the challenges of talent shortages in accounting, and why culture is at the center of every decision she makes.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Cassie Dunn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-dunn-b037a846/

• Learn more about Haines, Isenbarger & Skiba LLC: http://www.hainescpa.com

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/

• Sign up for Craig’s Monthly Business Leadership Webinars: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3GDgSdp_RfGqegxIXIbAYg

Key Takeaways

• Culture is the foundation for sustainable growth

• Employee happiness drives efficiency and client success

• Soft skills are just as important as technical expertise

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(02:01) Lightning round leadership insights

(04:16) Why peer support matters in leadership

(07:17) Defining leadership and business growth

(08:19) How acquisition affects culture fit

(10:43) Reframing accounting as a decision-making discipline

(13:01) Leadership lessons from a former cross country team captain

(16:05) What to focus on as a leader of a growing company

(21:35) Value of learning soft skills early

“Sales success isn’t about the perfect pitch. It’s about building trust that lasts.”

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson welcomes Mandy Minitello, sales coach and host of Chasing Impact, Not Sales, to explore what it takes to sell and lead in today’s world. Mandy shares how being “volun-told” into training others sparked a passion for teaching and coaching that shaped her career. Craig and Mandy unpack why the best leaders let others shine, how to reverse-engineer goals with the end in mind, and why confidence and mindset matter more than tactics. From AI’s growing role in sales to the importance of creating authentic relationships, Mandy reveals why impact, not transactions, drives sustainable success.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Mandy Minitello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyminitello/

• Check out Mandy’s website: https://mandyminitello.com/

• Check out Mandy’s podcast Chasing Impact, Not Sales: https://mandyminitello.com/podcast

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/

Key Takeaways:

• Great leaders are guides, not heroes

• Sales success depends on trust, not slide decks

• Mindset and confidence fuel lasting impact

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:25) Craig and Mandy’s shared history

(02:15) Books that shaped Mandy’s leadership style

(03:29) Mandy’s leadership crush

(04:07) Defining leadership in ten words

(06:34) Being “volun-told” into leadership

(08:19) Lessons from early leadership

(11:08) Rethinking sales leadership today

(15:04) How AI is changing the sales process

(22:59) Key lessons from Mandy’s leadership journey

“Leadership is about turning people into doers.”

In this episode, Craig Anderson talks with Marc Rust, CEO and Founder of Consequently Creative, about the intersection of creativity, leadership, and vision. Marc shares his journey from creative director to business owner, highlighting the importance of setting clear standards, fostering initiative, and balancing passion with structure. He talks about how hiring people with strong personal passions leads to stronger teams, why fear holds so many leaders back, and how gratitude can open doors to success. Marc also reflects on leadership lessons from Richard Branson, the power of audacity, and why finishing what you start is just as crucial as starting in the first place.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Marc Rust on LinkedIn

• Visit Marc’s website at marcrust.com

• Check out Consequently Creative

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

• Subscribe to Craig’s "The Evolving Leader" newsletter
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace audacity and take initiative, even when the path isn’t clear

• Hire people with personal passions and foster an environment where creativity thrives

• Set a clear vision, reinforce appreciation, and don’t let fear hold you back
  
  

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Intro
(01:25) Marc’s early leadership journey
(02:38) Lightning round: leadership insights
(09:08) How creativity and leadership intersect
(16:05) Hiring passionate people and building great teams
(20:30) The role of vision in scaling a business
(24:54) Why gratitude and appreciation matter in leadership
(28:15) Leadership advice Marc would give his younger self