Hosted by entrepreneur, CEO, and public speaker Cedric Francis, the Lead to Greatness Podcast helps leaders reach their greatest potential and together change the world. Over 20+ years of leadership experience. Whether you are leading a non-profit or for-profit corporation, you'll learn tips on leadership and business from some of the top leaders today.
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Christine Blosdale is The Expert Authority Coach™ who helps entrepreneurs, creators, coaches, and thought leaders get seen, trusted, and paid for what they already know. She's an award-winning media personality and five-time #1 bestselling author with over 25 years expertise in broadcasting, branding, and business growth. Christine has worked with global giants like America Online and Microsoft,…
Lee Caraher, CEO of Double Forte, is a widely acclaimed communication strategist known for her practical solutions to big problems. Her company works with some of the top consumer lifestyle, digital life, and wine and spirits brands in the country at many stages, from startups to mid-cap public, private and B-Corp companies. She is a straight-talker who doesn't hold too many punches, although she…
CHRISTIAN RAY FLORES was a refugee at 5. By 7, he had lived in 4 countries. By 21, he had witnessed a military coup in Chile, a civil war in Mozambique, and the fall of the Soviet Empire not in textbooks, but in person. By 25 a Master's in Economics, fluent in 4 languages, and a personal brand built from zero to millions of fans across 15 countries as a recording artist, producer, and…
PATRICK ENGASSER is a unique and sought-after bestselling author, business coach, and motivational speaker. He began his career as a top sales representative for a Fortune 500 insurance company, earning "Top Account Closer" by his third year and later becoming a district manager. Patrick built and led a seven-figure sales team, coaching many agents into successful outside sales careers. He is a…
Gregory Kovsky is the President & CEO of International Business Associates (IBA), the Pacific Northwest's oldest and largest business brokerage firm, established in 1975. With over 30 years of experience as a mergers & acquisitions intermediary, Gregory has personally facilitated over 300 transactions involving privately held companies and family businesses across multiple states. His expertise…
Adam Povlitz is the CEO & President of Anago Cleaning Systems, where he is redefining what it means to lead in a blue-collar industry. Adam doesn't run a commercial cleaning franchise; he operates a technology company that happens to clean. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and holder of an MBA from the University of Miami, he believes that "if you can't measure it, you can't scale it." This philosophy…
GRIFFIN BRAND served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 2015 to 2023. His experience ranged from maneuvering tanks on the dusty trails of Fort Benning, GA, to advising senior leaders at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan during his final deployment. Much of his service was spent in airborne and special operations units, with several years stationed in Europe working alongside NATO partners.…
NATHAN STRUM is the CEO of Abby Connect, where he leads the company's mission to fuse human connection with cutting-edge technology. Under his leadership, Abby has evolved from a leading virtual receptionist service into a full-suite customer engagement platform offering AI-powered and human receptionist services, live chat, and smart scheduling solutions. His focus: helping businesses scale…
Fay Niewiadomski is an international, award-winning change management strategist and culture transformation consultant. She coaches and trains leading multinationals globally. As a strategic intervention and leadership coach, Fay has worked with leaders, CEOs, board members, presidents and government ministers to meet the challenges of change within their organisation and is the founder and CEO of…
ERIK DODIER is a lifelong entrepreneur, EOS Implementer, and former CEO whose journey is defined by one core belief: the most meaningful success comes from playing the long game. Whether building a company, raising a family, investing in health, or redefining life after a major exit, Erik views every chapter through the lens of durability, intention, and personal evolution. He co-founded…
Julie Nise is a Relationship Trainer and Communication Strategist known for her direct, results-oriented approach. With more than two decades of combined corporate, entrepreneurial, and clinical experience, Julie brings a rare balance of empathy and practicality to her coaching. She has successfully guided over 8,000 individuals and couples through challenges in communication, trust, and…
Gary Ashworth is the founder of the Double Up Money Mastery Community, serial entrepreneur, investor, best-selling author and business writer. Gary has started, scaled, or backed more than 30 businesses - including taking businesses public and later selling one for 10x the float price. As a business advisor, his role is to help leaders define their offer, grow company value, and plan a successful…
Dr. Garland Vance and Dorothy Wood Vance, the visionary founders behind AdVance Leadership. In their early 20s when they were tasked with building a leadership development program. They knew very little about leadership, but what they lacked in expertise, they made up for in curiosity. They devoured books, interviewed countless leaders, and immersed ourselves in the world of organizational…
DANIEL HINDI is a founder, software engineer, and CXO with more than 25 years of experience turning ideas into multi-million dollar SaaS products. A US based entrepreneur with five successful exits, he has spent his career at the intersection of AI, automation, and building systems that scale. Today, Daniel is the Founder and CEO of NOEM.ai, where his team builds AI chatbot agents that convert…
Natalie Pickering, PhD, is a TEDx speaker, organizational psychologist, and executive coach who helps leaders trade performance pressure for authentic influence. For more than two decades, she has partnered with executives, founders, and teams across healthcare, education, startups, and global organizations to navigate change, strengthen culture, and lead with courage. She is the founder of The…
Barbara Salopek is an innovation strategist, founder of Vinco Innovation, and adjunct lecturer at BI Norwegian Business School. With over two decades of experience, she helps organizations turn ideas into real-world impact through innovation strategies, culture-building, and hands-on leadership of transformative projects. Passionate about making innovation more human and less abstract, she works…
Cameron Magee is the Founder & CEO of avad3, a national production company known for helping planners deliver flawless, high-stakes events and conferences. For more than 20 years, Cameron has been behind the scenes of some of the most visible events in the country-producing conferences, summits, and galas for Walmart, the White House, and major national associations. But he's best known not just…
MATT GLAZER builds things that matter. As a founder, nonprofit leader, and educator, he's spent his career helping individuals and organizations grow with purpose and integrity. From launching Progress Texas, the state's largest multi-issue advocacy group, to leading a major turnaround and pivot at the Austin Young Chamber, Matt knows how to make an impact while staying focused on the mission.…
MICHELLE CAMPBELL was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and began her educational journey in South Dakota before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, to continue her studies. During her academic pursuits, she launched a real estate investment firm, marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial path. Over the years, Michelle expanded her ventures into various industries, including horticulture, where…
Kurt Avery is the founder and president of Sawyer Products , a company at the forefront of innovation in outdoor protection and humanitarian aid. With a background in marketing for Fortune 500 companies and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, Kurt launched Sawyer with a mission to develop practical, life-saving solutions most notably in water filtration and insect…
Sara Daw is passionate about designing the future of work for C-level talent and organizations. As well as publishing the first research on the Access Economy for C-suite talent in her second book, Strategy and Leadership as Service, she is business owner and group CEO of The CFO Centre and The Liberty Group, the global number one provider of part-time and fractional C-suite professionals. CONNECT…
Bianca D'Alessio as a powerful guest for your podcast to talk about how to achieve enduring success. Star of HBO Max's acclaimed series, Selling the Hamptons, she's one of the top real estate brokers in New York, a global speaker, and the author of the new book, Mastering Intentions: 10 Practices to Amplify Your Power and Lead with Lasting Impact. CONNECT WITH Bianca D'Alessio Website:…
John Donnelly serves as the Executive Director of Sales at Service First Mortgage, a company dedicated to community enrichment and financial empowerment. Passionate about leadership development, John focuses on fostering growth and achievement through speed, service, and synergy. He believes success stems from strong leadership, a growth mindset, and partnering with organizations that deliver…
JUSTIN LONG is an author, podcast host, and the hospital administrator for Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic, which he owns with his wife, Dr. Erica Lacher. Known for fostering a strong culture of learning and mentorship, their clinic has helped shape the careers of many future veterinarians. Justin is passionate about the power of positive culture, mental health, and effective teamwork—values…
Chris Bilyk is the founder and CEO of State of Gratitude, a purpose-driven lifestyle brand focused on recovery, intention, and building community. He is a recovering drug and alcohol addict who turned his own sobriety journey into a movement that empowers others dealing with addiction by offering handmade apparel and philanthropic initiatives supporting individuals new to recovery. Born and raised…
MICHELLE CAMPBELL was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and began her educational journey in South Dakota before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, to continue her studies. During her academic pursuits, she launched a real estate investment firm, marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial path. Over the years, Michelle expanded her ventures into various industries, including horticulture, where…
Nicolas Breedlove is a visionary entrepreneur and the CEO of NVB Playgrounds, a company dedicated to creating safe, engaging, and inclusive play spaces that bring communities together. With over a decade of experience in the playground industry, Nic has revolutionized how schools, parks, and organizations approach play design by offering innovative solutions that combine creativity, safety, and…
KASH ROCHELEAU served as the chief financial officer for Icon Foods soon moving into the CEO role (as of May 10, 2024). She oversees the financial operations, reporting, and compliance of these organizations, as well as drives their growth and profitability. She has a strong background in legal matters, such as acquisition negotiation, trademark applications, regulatory compliance, and contract…
JIM MATUGA, founder of InnerAction Media and author of the new book Humble Influence: The Strength of True Followership, is on a mission to spark a conversation about the overlooked power of followership. In a world obsessed with leadership, Jim flips the script showing how everyday people, not just those in charge, hold the keys to real, lasting impact. Humble Influence combines powerful stories,…
No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in my Town — that is the mission driving Luke , the Founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a nonprofit building and delivering beds for kids in need. What started as a holiday project in Luke's garage is now a life-changing initiative helping 250,000+ kids, who have comfortable beds to sleep in. SHP's movement is only growing, with 350 chapters across 4 countries, and…
Dr. Linda Henman is an advisor, speaker, coach, and author or coauthor of 11 books. She founded Henman Performance Group, a leadership consulting firm that works with C-suite leaders from organizations like Avon, Emerson Electric, Estee Lauder, Kraft, and Tyson Foods. Her work with executives is guided by her PhD research on how American POWS (including John McCain) maintained resilience by making…
Marc A. Wolfe is an executive coach, podcast host, and consultant with 25 years of Fortune 500 experience across healthcare, retail, finance, nonprofits, and entertainment. After witnessing talented executives sabotage their own success with self-limiting beliefs, Marc wrote YEAH, BUT… Cut Through the Noise to Live, Learn, and Lead Better to share practical lessons about overcoming those limits.…
WILL WATROUS is passionate about helping teams achieve their biggest goals. With experience leading four companies ranging from 3 to 250 employees, he understands the challenges of business ownership firsthand from making payroll to navigating key hires. In his last company, working with over 200 business owners, he saw the need for a complete system to drive lasting success. After experiencing…
Bri Seeley is a seasoned entrepreneur with more than 18 years of business experience, renowned for her dynamic presence as a TEDx speaker and award-winning entrepreneur. With over 100 podcast appearances, Bri has become a pioneering voice in redefining success for ambitious high achievers. As a certified hypnotherapist and business strategist, she offers a uniquely holistic approach—empowering…
Eric Fiegoli co-founded Exbo Group in 2017. Since its inception, he has played a pivotal role in providing finance, operations, and strategy support to more than 50 growth-stage companies. His expertise is centered on helping companies scale by offering strategic guidance and operational support, particularly in industries experiencing rapid innovation and growth. CONNECT WITH Eric Fiegoli…
Skip Wilson's journey in advertising, creating DRAFT Media Partners, an advertising execution company that now serves over a hundred clients across four locations. As a bestselling author and the host of "The Advertising Podcast," Skip Wilson continues to make his mark in the advertising world. In 2023 his company won "Most Intuitive Software Developer" at the Innovation in Business MarTech…
Frank Carone is an attorney, public affairs strategist, and founder of Oaktree Solutions, a venture consulting firm specializing in government relations, crisis management, and business development. A former Chief of Staff to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Frank is also the co-author of Everyone Wins! with a second edition releasing in February 2025. With over 30 years of experience bridging…
John D. Marvin is a visionary entrepreneur, acclaimed columnist, and influential leader dedicated to empowering others to unlock their full potential. As President and CEO of Texas State Optical, John has cultivated a thriving business network while spearheading initiatives in health and wellness consulting and eye care partnerships. With a steadfast commitment to personal growth, John has spent…
Jenna Capozzi is a veteran creative producer and award-winning marketing strategist with over 30 years of experience scaling brands and building loyal audiences through compelling content and strategic positioning. As the founder of Capozzi Productions, Jenna spent over a decade producing high-performing brand films and content for major companies like Target, BMW, and Samsung—earning multiple…
Kelli Lester is the Co-founder and Partner of Onyx Rising, a consulting firm specializing in transforming individual, team, and organizational behavior. With more than two decades of experience in leadership development, coaching, and change management, Kelli is passionate about fostering environments where inclusive leadership and employee well-being thrive. Named one of EBONY's "30 Young Leaders…
Jimmy offers a fresh and unique perspective on topics like public speaking anxiety by blending voice work with anxiety management strategies. As a voice and public speaking coach, Jimmy Cannon belief is simple: whether you're speaking or singing, your voice is your most powerful tool. The key difference between the two lies not in the voice itself but in how we shape it. When we speak, we separate…
Tom Ulbrich, a dynamic entrepreneur, educator, and CEO of Goodwill of Western New York. With a decades long background in both for-profit and non-profit leadership. He brings a data-driven, entrepreneurial approach to solving systemic challenges. He's helping individuals build generational wealth through Goodwill's Goodskills Career Builder, addressing workforce barriers like transportation gaps…
Hugh Massie is the Executive Chairman and Founder of DNA Behavior International – the Behavior and Money Insights Company. Hugh's purpose is to empower people worldwide to optimize the alignment of their natural "hard-wired" talents and financial behaviors to make quantum leaps for creating an Exponential Future with reduced stress. Thereby enabling greater happiness, more success and improved…
Palmy and Nancy Kitti are apartment syndicators, entrepreneurs, and educators with big dreams and a $400 million multifamily apartment portfolio. They teach real estate entrepreneurs how to raise MORE money for their deals, while guiding them toward building wealth, achieving financial security, and leaving a lasting legacy! CONNECT WITH Palmy and Nancy Kitti Website:…
Dr. Sharon Spano is an Executive Coach who helps high-impact leaders uncover hidden barriers to success and fulfillment. With a PhD in Human and Organizational Systems, Sharon blends science and personal development to guide CEOs, consultants, and entrepreneurs toward radical growth. She's the host of The Other Side of Potential podcast and the author of The Pursuit of Time & Money. Today, Sharon…
Valerie Sandjivy is an adaptive leadership mentor and business coach with over 20 years of experience. As the founder of Ellipus, she helps executives, C-suite leaders, and entrepreneurs to lead with emotional intelligence, adaptability, and innovation. Valerie's unique method combines self-leadership, emotional mastery, and soul care to break through limitations and drive sustainable growth. She…
Ken Bogard, founder of Know Honesty, is dedicated to enhancing professionals' lives and delivering on the organization's truest needs and wants. With extensive experience and entrepreneurial grit, Ken fosters leadership collaboration and empowers individuals to achieve their goals. His relentless pursuit of organizational clarity has positively impacted over 300 owners, thousands of employees, and…
Diane Taylor is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Glow Leadership, as well as an accomplished speaker, author, and leadership development coach. With over thirty years of professional experience and a deep passion for helping others unlock their highest potential, Diane brings a unique perspective on personal growth and conscious leadership. CONNECT WITH Diane Taylor Website:…
As the Director of Talent Operations and Culture and a pivotal leader in talent and marketing at ZRG Partners and Founder of Do Better Consulting, Desiree Goldey stands at the forefront of revolutionizing workplace dynamics. With a career steeped in advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Desiree leverages a rich tapestry of experience in talent acquisition, leadership…
Dr. Laura Gallaher is an Organizational Psychologist, Speaker, USA Today Best-Selling Author and Leadership Coach. She began her career at NASA Kennedy Space Center. After the Space Shuttle Columbia exploded upon re-entry in 2003, killing everybody aboard, Kennedy Space Center hired Laura and a team of organizational psychologists to change the cultural influences that were deemed to play a role…
