Climbing Higher: Leadership Lessons from Adversity to Impact

Special Listener Offer:As a thank-you for tuning in, enjoy 20% off orders of $149 or more at Omaha Steaks! Use this link to shop and automatically get your discount: https://www.omahasteaks.com/daleOffer expires: November 30, 2025Business holiday gifts: Companies can also get a free gift with qualifying orders here: www.omahasteaks.com/CEOAbout the Guest:Nate Rempe is the President and CEO of Omaha Steaks—the first non-family member to hold this role in over a century. A former CIO turned CEO, Nate is a technologist at heart, a passionate advocate for talent development, and a leader who believes in empowering others to do more than they think possible. He’s also a musician, a mentor, and a dedicated husband and father.What You Will Learn:Why empathy is the ultimate leadership superpowerHow to prepare for a role before you have the titlePractical ways to push past fear and build confidenceThe secret to hiring and empowering great talentWhy balance—not burnout—fuels long-term successJoin us for this inspiring conversation about grit, growth, and the kind of leadership that leaves a legacy. Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring others, or navigating your own career pivot, this episode will help you take command—one bold step at a time.🎧 Listen now and discover why empathy might just be your greatest leadership advantage. Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share. 

About the Guest:Jose Garcia is the President of Alberici Constructors, one of the top construction firms in the U.S. He’s a West Point, Stanford, and MIT graduate, a passionate advocate for mentorship, and the founder of Strong to Serve, a nonprofit supporting orphans in Nicaragua.His story is one of bold choices, deep character, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.What You Will Learn:Why adversity can be the foundation for leadershipHow feedback, when given with care, unlocks growthWhy self-awareness is the #1 predictor of leadership successHow Dale Carnegie’s principles shaped a servant leaderThe power of mindset in building culture and thriving teamsJoin us for this inspiring conversation about grit, growth, and the kind of leadership that leaves a legacy. Whether you're leading a team, mentoring others, or climbing your own mountain, this episode will help you take command—one step, one breath at a time. Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share. 

About the Guest:Adam von Gootkin was raised by a single mother and learned early on that humility and hustle go hand in hand. He built his first distillery from scratch, learned the liquor business by trial and error, and eventually launched Highclere Castle Gin a brand rooted in heritage, elegance, and authenticity.He’s a passionate storyteller, a bold risk-taker, and a firm believer in building brands that outlive their founders. His journey is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship.What You Will Learn:How early challenges can fuel bold leadershipWhy fear and procrastination are often two sides of the same coinHow Dale Carnegie’s principles shaped Adam’s fearless mindsetThe power of storytelling in building trust and influenceWhy authenticity and enthusiasm are essential leadership traitsJoin us for this inspiring conversation with Adam von Gootkin about dreaming big, acting boldly, and staying true to your values. Whether you're launching a brand, leading a team, or just trying to get out of your comfort zone, this episode will leave you energized and ready to take command. Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share. 

About the Guest:Rashmi Airan was a high-achieving attorney, Columbia Law graduate, and entrepreneur when a real estate transaction scandal changed everything. After serving time in federal prison, she chose to own her story and use it to help others. Today, she’s a global speaker, ethics consultant, and advocate for personal transformation. Rashmi’s work is rooted in the principles she learned as a Dale Carnegie graduate at age 16—and the resilience she inherited from her immigrant parents.What You Will Learn:How achievement can mask deeper insecuritiesWhy listening to your inner voice is critical—even when it’s inconvenientWhat it means to take radical ownership of your mistakesHow to build a support system that lifts you and holds you accountableWhy surrendering control can lead to personal evolutionJoin us for this deeply personal and powerful conversation with Rashmi Airan. Whether you’re facing a challenge or simply want to lead with more authenticity, this episode will inspire you to take command of your life—and rise through whatever comes your way. Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share. 

Matt Britton has been on the front lines of cultural and technological change for over two decades. He’s the founder and CEO of Suzy, a leading consumer intelligence platform that helps top companies make real-time decisions driven by human insights. Matt is also the author of Generation AI and a sought-after speaker known for his bold ideas and data-backed foresight.With a deep understanding of Gen Z and millennial consumers, Matt has helped Fortune 500 companies—from Pepsi to Microsoft—navigate everything from social media shifts to brand reinvention. His mission? To help businesses close the gap between what consumers want and what companies deliver.What You Will Learn:Why Gen Z values community and co-creation over traditional advertisingHow companies can build trust by being transparent, responsive, and realWhy staying static is the biggest risk a brand can takeThe key difference between data and insight—and why that mattersHow to foster a culture of innovation inside large organizationsJoin us for this future-focused conversation with one of the leading voices in consumer trends and innovation. Matt Britton doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges, but he also doesn’t believe in standing still. If you want to understand where your audience is headed—and how to meet them there—this episode is a must-listen. Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share. 

About the Guest:John Venhuizen leads Ace Hardware, a company with a proud 101-year history, built on the trust and hard work of thousands of local owners. With over 6,000 stores worldwide — nearly all independently owned — John believes that this combination of local entrepreneurship and global support is the secret sauce that keeps Ace strong and relevant.He’s a leader who values character, humility, and grit — the kind of qualities that get tested daily when you’re trying to solve problems and move a big organization forward. John’s perspective is both inspiring and grounded, reminding us that leadership is about service and connection as much as strategy and results.What You Will Learn:Why real leadership is about rolling up your sleeves and tackling problemsHow local ownership creates a powerful bond with communities and customersThe importance of putting faith, family, and character before work — and why that matters for long-term successHow AI is a tool to empower people, not replace themWhy a servant heart and human connection will always be a business’s greatest advantageJoin us for this heartfelt conversation with John Venhuizen and discover what it really takes to lead with purpose in a complex, fast-moving world. If you want to lead better and build something that lasts, this episode will give you plenty to think about — and put into action. Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share. 

Episode Notes:Brieane Olson has spent 18 years shaping Pacsun into a youth-focused lifestyle brand, stepping into the CEO role in 2023 after serving as President. Known for her digital-first mindset and passion for innovation, she’s deeply committed to empowering teams and promoting mental health awareness.  Key Takeaways:How Pacsun builds long-term brand loyalty through purpose and authentic partnershipsWhy vulnerability and intentionality are essential tools for leaders todayMoving beyond trends to a multi-pillar strategy rooted in California lifestyleThis episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about brand evolution and genuine leadership—reminding us all that staying real is the key to staying relevant. Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share. 

About the Guest:Sowmyanarayan Sampath is the CEO of Verizon Consumer, leading a multibillion-dollar division serving over 100 million customers across the U.S. Known for his calm leadership and strategic vision, he’s focused on operational excellence and reskilling teams to stay ahead in a fast-evolving digital landscape.What You Will Learn:Why AI is a deflationary force that every company needsHow to use AI as a personal growth and communication toolThe career advantage of thinking in three-year chaptersWhat to do when your job evolves—or disappearsEvergreen skills that matter more than ever: clarity, curiosity, and communicationThis episode is packed with insight, strategy, and practical optimism. Whether you're navigating a tech transformation or planning your next leadership chapter, Sampath will inspire you to think longer, lead better, and move with intention.  Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share. 

About the Guest:Liz Haberberger is the president of Dale Carnegie Missouri and a leadership powerhouse. With a decade of experience coaching professionals at every level, Liz is known for helping people unlock potential they didn’t know they had. Her training sessions and keynotes are packed with energy, actionable insights, and honest encouragement.Whether she’s working with a senior leadership team or speaking on stage, Liz's mission is the same: inspire people to lead themselves first—so they can better lead others.What You Will Learn:Why attitude is your greatest leadership assetThe “gap and the gain” mindset and how to apply it dailyThe role of optimism and energy in creating lasting culture changeHow to lead with more self-awareness and intentionalityWays to build stronger, more emotionally intelligent teamsGet ready to rethink how you show up. Liz brings practical wisdom, powerful mindset tools, and a spark that stays with you. Don’t miss this conversation on the Take Command podcast.  Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share. 

About the Guest:Meet Guy Fieri—chef, TV host, entrepreneur, and champion for communities in need. With his signature style and relentless energy, Guy rose to fame through shows like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, but his impact reaches far beyond entertainment. Through the Guy Fieri Foundation, he mobilizes disaster relief efforts across the U.S., bringing resources and volunteers to rebuild communities. Guided by the belief that “As soon as you are not learning, you are dying,”Guy continues to inspire others to lead with heart, humility, and hustle.What You Will Learn:How Dale Carnegie’s principles shaped Guy’s approach to leadership and lifeThe philosophy behind the Guy Fieri Foundation’s disaster relief effortsWhy it’s crucial to listen to those who love you—not the noise from strangersTune in for a fresh, powerful follow-up where we explore how Guy built a movement beyond food, why focusing on the right people matters, and why the right mindset changes everything. Whether or not you heard Part 1, you’ll walk away inspired. Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.