“When you’re growing, it’s really easy to lose connection with people.”

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson welcomes Phillip Wambsganss, President of Higher Education Servicing Corporation (HESC), to explore how mentorship, humility, and intentional connection shape great leadership. Phillip shares how early career failures, strong mentors, and self-reflection guided his evolution from a young banker to a seasoned nonprofit executive. He and Craig discuss the challenges of leading a growing organization, staying present with teams, and the lifelong balance between confidence and empathy. With stories that bridge personal growth and professional purpose, Phillip reminds us that leadership begins with listening and grows through service.

After You Listen:

• Get your copy of Management Waste by Larry O’Donnell: https://www.amazon.com/Management-Waste-Steps-Clean-Purpose/dp/1952421101

• Connect with Phillip Wambsganss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-wambsganss-2019829/

• Check out Higher Education Servicing Corporation: https://www.hescloans.com/

• Check out North Texas Higher Education Authority: https://www.nthea.com/

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

Key Takeaways

• Mentorship and positive reinforcement can completely transform a leader’s trajectory

• Staying present and connected with your team becomes harder and more vital as organizations grow

• Effective leaders communicate openly, reflect often, and don’t take things personally

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:01) Mentorship and professional growth

(02:08) Influences on Phillip’s leadership style

(05:02) What leadership means and owning the vision

(08:03) First leadership roles and early failures

(15:22) Growth through mentorship and self-reflection

(18:42) Leading a growing team and staying connected

(21:34) Decompression, service, and balance outside work

(24:14) From peer to boss: navigating the shift

(26:04) Phillip’s advice to his younger self

“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

“It’s not about being the smartest in the room—it’s about creating space for others to contribute.”

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson welcomes Tricia Naddaff, President of Management Research Group, to explore what it really means to lead through change, complexity, and feedback. Tricia shares how her earliest leadership lessons—like being a fourth-grade bus stop monitor—shaped her approach to self-awareness, responsibility, and building resilient teams. Craig and Tricia discuss why context matters as much as vision, how neuroscience reveals our leadership habits, and what happens when leaders shift from “I have to know everything” to “we’ll figure it out together.” Drawing from humanitarian work and years of coaching leaders, Tricia offers practical, human-centered advice for anyone who wants to grow as a leader—no matter where they start.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Tricia Naddaff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricianaddaff/

• Learn more about Management Research Group: https://www.mrg.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

• Self-awareness is foundational for authentic leadership

• Context, objectives, and resources shape every leadership decision

• Feedback is a tool for growth, not judgment

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(02:31) Why neuroscience matters for leaders

(05:44) Lessons from leading in humanitarian settings

(09:35) Defining leadership beyond style or vision

(16:24) Navigating raw moments and team dynamics

(18:25) Early leadership experiences and learning from feedback

(21:21) The importance of self-knowledge

(24:46) Tricia’s evolving leadership style

(29:50) Advice Tricia would give her younger self

“It’s okay to not know the answers, but it’s not okay to sit on that.”

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson speaks with Sean McDonald, President of MOR Associates, about navigating leadership in the face of autonomy, uncertainty, and change. Sean shares how his early experiences taught him to step into responsibility before he had a title - and why that mindset remains critical today. Sean and Craig explore the challenges leaders face when they don’t have all the answers, how to build trust during turbulent times, and why empathy requires action. Drawing on his own experiences and working with not-for-profit leaders, Sean offers a grounded, forward-looking perspective on leadership development.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Sean McDonald on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcdonaldsean/

• Check out MOR Associates: https://morassociates.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:

• Autonomy builds leadership muscles, especially when support is limited

• Listening creates trust, but action builds momentum

• In times of uncertainty, focus on what you can control

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:25) Recommended reading for leaders

(02:47) Lessons Sean learned from his father

(04:24) Leadership as choice, movement, and impact

(06:27) Navigating leadership in nonprofits

(09:02) Insights from Sean’s first leadership experience

(11:35) The impact of AI on leadership

(16:31) Sean’s professional leadership journey

(22:00) Challenges in leadership during change

(27:15) Advice for young leaders

“Enjoy the process and don't just focus on the future and the outcomes so much.”

In this episode of Executive Evolution, Craig Anderson sits down with Dan Fahrner, founder and CEO of Shake Up Cocktails and Hi & Mighty Distillery. From touring the country in a van with his band to leading a fast-growing canned cocktail brand, Dan shares how his leadership style evolved across wildly different stages of life. He reflects on lessons from working with creatives, managing part-time ambassadors across multiple states, and building a company around inspiration rather than control. He and Craig explore how casting a clear vision, pivoting with purpose, and aligning team incentives have been key to scaling with intention.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Dan Fahrner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielfahrner/

• Check out Shake Up Cocktails: https://drinkshakeup.com/

• Check out Hi & Mighty Distillery: https://www.drinkhiandmighty.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:

• Lead with inspiration, not fear, to unlock your team's potential

• Align incentives to drive behavior and reinforce company values

• Stay open to pivoting when new information reveals a better path

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(00:21) Lessons from leadership in a call center

(01:55) Dan’s leadership insights

(06:56) The privileges and challenges of leadership

(14:30) Building Shake Up Cocktails

(19:36) Adapting and pivoting in business

(23:58) Managing a part-time workforce

(28:02) The importance of enjoying the process

“Leadership is influence with purpose and direction and service to others.”

In this episode, Craig P. Anderson speaks with Dr. Lani Jones, Owner and Founder of HBL Advisory Group, about the mindset shifts leaders must make when stepping into positions of influence, regardless of whether they hold the title. Dr. Jones reflects on her early leadership experience training interpreters in a clinical setting, where she learned to own her expertise and communicate with clarity and confidence. She and Craig explore how impostor syndrome can be reframed as a sign of growth, why feedback must be timely and constructive, and how leadership is as much about serving others as it is about direction and decision-making.

After You Listen:

• Connect with Dr. Lani Jones on LinkedIn

• Check out HBL Advisory Group

• Connect with Craig on LinkedIn

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

Key Takeaways

• Influence begins before the title—leadership is about showing up with agency

• Give and receive feedback in real-time to build trust and momentum

• Reframe imposter syndrome as part of the growth process, not a flaw

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(00:36) The importance of timely feedback

(02:17) Discussing 'Necessary Endings' by Dr. Henry Cloud

(06:09) Pursuing your leadership crush

(10:28) Keeping the human touch as a leader

(11:21) Early leadership role reflections

(25:55) A nuanced take on imposter syndrome

(32:36) A better way to receive feedback