Leadership Archives - Page 2 of 50

How Your Favorite Movies Reveal Your Leadership Style, with Bryan Coley, REEL Experiences

June 9, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

How Your Favorite Movies Reveal Your Leadership Style, with Bryan Coley, REEL Experiences

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How Your Favorite Movies Reveal Your Leadership Style, with Bryan Coley, REEL Experiences (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 877)

What if your favorite films could unlock insights about your leadership, communication style, and team dynamics? Bryan Coley, founder of Reel Experiences, joins North Fulton Business Radio host John Ray to explore how the movies we love are mirrors of our personal stories and powerful tools for team connections. With a background in film and a heart for helping people feel seen, Bryan explains how he’s worked with organizations like Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, and Mercedes-Benz to build trust, emotional intelligence, and collaboration through curated movie experiences. He also shares how this innovative method has transformed everything from corporate cultures to personal relationships.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from this Episode

Movies as Personal Fingerprints – Your favorite films reveal your unique “story thumbprint” and core desires. No two people have identical top 10 movie lists among 6,000+ participants.

Accelerated Team Formation – Traditional team-building can take 6 months; movie-based approach achieves results in one session. Teams develop trust, vulnerability, and collaboration faster through shared movie experiences.

The Science Behind Movie Connection – Movies trigger empathy and human emotions in ways that prepare us for an AI-dominated future. Neuroscience supports the connection between storytelling, personal revelation, and team bonding.

Corporate Applications – Successfully implemented at major companies: Chick-fil-A (150+ sessions), Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Mercedes-Benz. These applications have proven to be particularly effective during organizational change, new leadership transitions, and post-layoff recovery periods. Helps executive teams articulate company brand stories and cultural values

Beyond Entertainment Value – Combines fun with deep insight, avoiding the typical choice between engagement and learning. Addresses symptoms like low engagement, team disconnection, and difficulty with change management. Works for both movie enthusiasts and non-movie people through guided app-based selection process.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
02:09 Introducing Bryan Coley and REEL Experiences
03:27 Bryan’s Journey: From NYU to REEL Experiences
09:09 The Power of Movies in Team Building
13:22 Movies as a Tool for Self-Discovery and Team Dynamics
18:43 The Future of Movies in a Digital Age
21:29 The Magic of Communal Movie Experiences
22:32 The Birth of REEL Experiences
24:48 How REEL Experiences Works
29:04 The Fun and Insight of Team Building
33:13 Success Stories and Impact
36:40 Expanding Beyond Corporate Teams
38:34 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Bryan Coley, Founder and CEO, REEL Experiences

Bryan Coley, REEL Experiences

A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Bryan Coley began his career at Turner Broadcasting, where he developed and launched the first media management system for the entertainment networks.

After 12 years at Turner, he quit and started Art Within, a non-profit arts and entertainment company, where he served as the producer and artistic director of Art Within’s resident theater company, the creative team and script development process, writer/producer showcases and symposiums, and Art Within Labs, a screenwriting fellowship. Bryan has also written and directed both plays as well as a feature film, Crackerjack, which was narrated and executive produced by Jeff Foxworthy.

The creation of REEL Experiences was a fortunate result of Bryan’s 30 years of experience in storytelling. Now, Bryan is sometimes referred to as the Movie Whisperer because of his unique ability to guide Reel participants in discovering their story through their top 10 movies. To date, REEL Experiences has served leaders and teams with over 500 experiences, with such organizations as Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Mercedes-Benz, the YMCA, CDC, PepsiCo/Frito-Lay, CarMax, Georgia-Pacific, and over 145 experiences for the Chick-fil-A support center.

Bryan lives in Marietta, GA, with his wife of 30 years and has two wonderful works of art as children, Houston and Haviland.

Website | LinkedIn

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 870 shows and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, host of *North Fulton Business Radio*, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, and it is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Leading Through Chaos and Finding Clarity in Change, with Amy Comeau, Author of Every Storm Runs Out of Rain

May 22, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Leading Through Chaos and Finding Clarity in Change, with Amy Comeau, Author of Every Storm Runs Out of Rain

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Leading Through Chaos and Finding Clarity in Change, with Amy Comeau, Author of Every Storm Runs Out of Rain (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 874)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray speaks with Amy Comeau, consultant, speaker, and author of Every Storm Runs Out of Rain. Amy shares the story behind her book, a leadership memoir drawn from her experience leading a healthcare marketing team through the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She discusses the power of reflection, the importance of communication during uncertainty, and the lessons leaders can draw from moments of upheaval. Amy explains how leaders can stay focused on what truly matters, manage change in a way that builds trust, and maintain clarity even when nothing feels certain. The conversation touches on emotional resilience, practical leadership tools, and the difference between reacting and responding when everything is shifting.

This episode is a thoughtful resource for anyone navigating organizational change or seeking to lead with intention during uncertain times.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Leadership Is Grounded in Presence: Amy’s practice of writing weekly emails created stability and connection for her team during crisis.
Focus on the “Squiggly Middle”: Great leaders direct energy toward what truly matters and what they can control—not the chaos around them.
Reflection Builds Clarity: Sharing real-time thoughts helped Amy process the moment and lead more effectively.
Change Is Constant: The lessons she shares apply beyond the pandemic and offer a framework for any chaotic or transitional season.
Simple Tools Have Power: Whiteboarding exercises and asking better questions are small actions that produce strategic clarity.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:29 Guest Introduction: Amy Comeau
01:44 Amy’s Background and Book Overview
02:36 Leadership Lessons from the Pandemic
06:13 Managing Change and Team Dynamics
08:11 Balancing Control and Responsibility
18:20 Burnout and Personal Reflections
20:22 Recovering from Burnout
21:02 Burnout and Grief: Unexpected Similarities
22:19 Finding Joy in Dark Times
23:08 Recognizing Non-Clinical Healthcare Workers
26:07 The Importance of Every Role in Healthcare
29:50 Consulting Through Chaotic Change
32:53 The Therapeutic Power of Writing
35:02 Where to Find Amy’s Book
36:17 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Author, Consultant, and Speaker Amy Comeau

Amy Moudy Comeau, MBA, is an acclaimed and award-winning marketing executive with decades of experience leading marketing teams in health care, education and the arts.

A graduate of Northwestern University and Goizueta Business School at Emory University, Comeau is a respected thought leader in marketing, health care, and leadership.

She is the author of the award-winning book Every Storm Runs Out of Rain: Leading a Health Care Marketing Team Through a Global Pandemic, and she currently speaks and consults on marketing, communications, and leadership.

She resides in Conyers, Georgia, with her family and is a proud Buffalo native.

Website | LinkedIn

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Powerful, with Diana Fritz

May 21, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Be Powerful, with Diana Fritz

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You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Powerful, with Diana Fritz (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 133)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, executive coach and author Diana Fritz shares the story behind her hard-earned wisdom. She talks about how surviving cancer, navigating single parenthood, and leading in high-stakes environments taught her that strength is not about perfection. It is about showing up with honesty, clarity, and conviction, especially when life gets messy.

Diana and host John Ray explore how embracing your own imperfection can make you a more powerful leader and service provider. They discuss emotional resilience, self-leadership, and the quiet confidence that comes from doing the work no one sees. If you have ever felt like you needed to have it all together to lead, sell, or grow your business, this conversation will help you let go of that belief and replace it with something more truthful and lasting.

The Price and Value Journey is presented by John Ray and produced by North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of the Business RadioX® podcast network.

Diana Fritz, Leadership and Change Consultant

Diana Fritz is a dynamic executive leader, cancer thriver, and passionate advocate for authenticity, resilience, and positive impact.

With over 25 years of experience spanning executive leadership, operations, human resources, business planning, and technology, Diana has built a reputation for fostering teamwork, driving organizational health, and leading with influence, not just a title.

A member of the Maxwell Leadership Executive Program, a Corporate Facilitator, and a Certified DISC Consultant, Diana is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations through open, engaging, and values-driven leadership. Her mission is to create a meaningful impact and ensure every person she encounters feels valued.

Diana is the author of Uniquely Imperfect. Uniquely Qualified: Overcome Adversity, Escape the Imperfection Mentality, and Journey from Self to Serve. In her inspiring book, Diana shares her powerful journey through cancer, blending personal experience with reflection and practical guidance. Her message is both vulnerable and empowering: we all have some “type of cancer,” and our flaws often make us the best leaders and servants. This book encourages readers to navigate emotional and high-stakes decisions with grace, to recognize their inherent value even in the midst of struggle, and to reframe adversity as a source of strength and a light for others.

Beyond her professional achievements, Diana is a devoted wife, mother, and committed volunteer. She thrives on sharing insights about leadership, resilience, and navigating challenges with authenticity.

Website | LinkedIn

Key Takeaways from Diana Fritz in this Episode

You don’t have to be perfect to lead with impact. Diana shares how her experiences with cancer, single parenthood, and executive leadership taught her that power comes from showing up honestly, not flawlessly.
Hardship can sharpen your purpose. Instead of weakening her, Diana’s challenges gave her clarity about what matters and how she wanted to lead and serve.
Authenticity builds deeper trust than performance ever will. Clients and teams don’t need polished personas. They need someone who’s real, grounded, and present, even when things are uncertain.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Diana Fritz
02:38 Diana’s Personal Journey with Cancer
05:55 Mindset and Adversity
09:23 Influence of Viktor Frankl and Stephen Covey
13:10 Applying Lessons in Leadership and Life
16:59 Resilience and Reflection
24:33 The Gold in Our Broken Edges
26:01 Embracing Uniquely Imperfect
28:45 The Power of Authenticity
31:16 Overcoming Self-Doubt
34:03 Redefining Normal
35:09 Confidence in Imperfection
39:47 Practical Tips for Imperfect Leadership
42:13 Connecting with Diana Fritz

About The Price and Value Journey Podcast

The Price and Value Journey is a show for expert-service professionals who want more than formulas and quick fixes. If you’re a solo or small-firm provider—consultant, coach, attorney, CPA, or fractional executive—you know the real work of building a practice goes far beyond pricing. It’s about finding clarity, showing up with confidence, and learning how to express the full value of what you do in ways that clients understand and appreciate.

Hosted by John Ray, business advisor and author of The Generosity Mindset, this podcast explores the deeper journey behind running a services business: how you think about your work, how you relate to clients, and how you sustain a business that’s not only profitable but deeply fulfilling. Yes, we talk pricing, but we also talk mindset, business development, trust, empathy, positioning, and all the intangible ingredients that make a practice thrive.

With solo episodes and conversations featuring thoughtful guests, The Price and Value Journey is a companion for professionals who are building something meaningful. Produced in partnership with North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, the podcast is accessible on all major podcast platforms. The complete show archive is here.

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray, Author of The Generosity Mindset and Host of The Price and Value Journey — John Ray, Author of *The Generosity Mindset* and Host of *The Price and Value Journey*

John Ray is the host of The Price and Value Journey.

John owns Ray Business Advisors, a business advisory practice. John’s services include business coaching and advisory work, as well as advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their pricing. John is passionate about the power of pricing for business owners, as changing pricing is the fastest way to change the profitability of a business. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, consultants, coaches, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

In his other business, John is a podcast show host, strategist, and the owner of North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®. John and his team work with B2B professionals to create and conduct their podcast using The Generosity Mindset® Method: building and deepening relationships in a non-salesy way that translates into revenue for their business.

John is also the host of North Fulton Business Radio. With over 850 shows and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in its region like no one else.

John’s book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

John is the #1 national best-selling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

If you are a professional services provider, your goal is to do transformative work for clients you love working with and get paid commensurate with the value you deliver to them. While negative mindsets can inhibit your growth, adopting a different mindset, The Generosity Mindset™, can replace those self-limiting beliefs. The Generosity Mindset enables you to diagnose and communicate the value you deliver to clients and, in turn, more effectively price to receive a portion of that value.

Whether you’re a consultant, coach, marketing or branding professional, business advisor, attorney, CPA, or work in virtually any other professional services discipline, your content and technical expertise are not proprietary. What’s unique, though, is your experience and how you synthesize and deliver your knowledge. What’s special is your demeanor or the way you deal with your best-fit clients. What’s invaluable is how you deliver outstanding value by guiding people through massive changes in their personal lives and in their businesses that bring them to a place they never thought possible.

Your combination of these elements is unique in your industry. There lies your value, but it’s not the value you see. It’s the value your best-fit customers see in you.

If pricing your value feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar to you, this book will teach you why putting a price on the value your clients perceive and identify serves both them and you, and you’ll learn the factors involved in getting your price right.

The book is available at all major physical and online book retailers worldwide. Follow this link for further details.

Connect with John Ray:

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Business RadioX®: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Self-Leadership for Sustainable Success, with Dr. Kate McCombs

May 14, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Self-Leadership for Sustainable Success, with Dr. Kate McCombs

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Self-Leadership for Sustainable Success, with Dr. Kate McCombs (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 132)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, host John Ray discusses the often-overlooked aspect of self-leadership with Dr. Kate McCombs, assistant professor of management at Samford University and founder of RH Leadership. Kate defines self-leadership as the practice of influencing one’s own thoughts, behaviors, and motivations to achieve goals. She explains its critical importance for solo and small firm professionals, emphasizing that self-leadership is not a personality trait but a learned skill set. Kate shares her personal journey in leadership, particularly highlighting how becoming a mother taught her the vital need for self-leading in everyday life. She also discusses how self-leadership can prevent burnout, foster employee engagement, and ensure sustainable personal and organizational growth. Practical tips on setting intentional goals, self-observation, and balancing efficiency with effectiveness are also explored.

The Price and Value Journey is presented by John Ray and produced by North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of the Business RadioX® podcast network.

Dr. Kate McCombs, Samford University and RH Leadership

Kate McCombs, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Management at Samford University’s Brock School of Business in Birmingham, Alabama. She joined the faculty in 2021 and teaches courses in leadership, human resource and organizational management, and entrepreneurship. In addition to her academic role, Kate is the founder of RH Leadership, where she provides leadership coaching, workshops, and training for businesses, with a focus on developing emerging leaders.

Kate holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration and Management from Florida Atlantic University, a master’s degree in international business, and a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Florida. Before entering academia, she worked in finance with Siemens Healthcare in New York City and Raleigh, North Carolina, and later in sales in Nashville, Tennessee.

Her research explores leadership, identity work, and gender roles, with recent publications on topics such as narcissism, charisma, and character in U.S. presidential elections. She has also co-authored studies on self-leadership strategies and work-life conflict.

Kate is actively involved in professional development organizations. She completed Momentum’s Upward Early Career Program, which supports the growth of female leaders in Alabama, and currently serves as the 2023–2024 Rotary Transition Chair for the Rotaract Club of Birmingham.

Her work has been recognized with several honors, including the inaugural Brock School of Business Mission Impact Award and the Professor Larron C. (Larry) Harper Service Award for her integration of community service into leadership education.

LinkedIn | RH Leadership website | Samford University website

Key Takeaways from Kate McCombs in this Episode

Self-leadership is a skill, not a personality trait. You don’t have to be naturally confident or extroverted to lead yourself well. You just need to build habits and stay intentional.
You can look successful on the outside and still feel like you’re falling apart. Many professionals appear to be thriving while quietly burning out. Kate emphasizes the importance of aligning your business with your energy and values.
Consistent, intentional action matters more than doing more. Instead of chasing productivity, Kate encourages professionals to choose one focus, track it, and reflect on how it’s working.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to The Price and Value Journey
01:18 Meet Kate McCombs: Leadership Expert
02:43 Kate’s Journey to Self-Leadership
04:42 Understanding Self-Leadership
09:43 Self-Leadership for Solopreneurs
12:37 The Importance of Self-Leadership in Business
21:03 Engagement and Personal Agency
26:53 The Importance of Pausing and Intentional Reactions
29:35 Balancing Efficiency and Effectiveness
31:55 Self-Leadership Skills and Technology
36:44 Overcoming Overwhelm with Intentionality
42:12 Advice for Emerging Leaders
45:05 Practical Tips for Self-Leadership
46:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

About The Price and Value Journey Podcast

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray is the host of The Price and Value Journey.

John’s book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

John is the #1 national best-selling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Your combination of these elements is unique in your industry. There lies your value, but it’s not the value you see. It’s the value your best-fit customers see in you.

The book is available at all major physical and online book retailers worldwide. Follow this link for further details.

Connect with John Ray:

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Business RadioX®: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Clear the Clutter

May 8, 2025 by Amanda Pearch

Forsyth Studio

Clear the Clutter

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Welcome to Human Together podcast where we hear inspiring stories, learn leadership lessons and explore how we can thrive at work and in our communities by being Human Together.

The series that elevates the potential in people so that people thrive and become Human Together. Hosted by Linnea Miller and Presented by Long Table Consulting.

This episode:

Meet Zoe Kim and Matt Paxton
Overcoming clutter and mental barriers
Building intentional relationships
Minimalism
Discover your voice!

Series presented by:

#HumanTogether

Cultivating Future Leaders, with Randy Hain, Author of Practical Virtue

April 7, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Cultivating Future Leaders, with Randy Hain, Author of Practical Virtue

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Cultivating Future Leaders, with Randy Hain, Author of Practical Virtue (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 861)

In this engaging episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes back executive coach and prolific author Randy Hain to discuss his newest book, Practical Virtue: An Actionable Guide to Help You Become a Leader Worth Following. Aimed at Gen Z and early-career professionals, the book serves as a resource for building essential leadership skills and virtues. Randy emphasizes the importance of mentorship, encouraging senior professionals to invest in the younger generation by sharing their own experiences and wisdom. The conversation covers key virtues like accountability, generosity, hard work, candor, and humility, offering practical tips and stories. Randy also introduces the “One Plus Three” project, urging mentors to guide three young professionals through the book. The episode calls for a collective effort to prepare future leaders by modeling and teaching virtuous leadership.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Randy Hain, Author of Practical Virtue: An Actionable Guide to Help You Become a Leader Worth Following

Randy Hain is the founder and president of Serviam Partners and the co-founder of the Leadership Foundry.

With a successful 30+ year career in senior leadership roles, corporate talent and executive search, Randy is a sought-after executive coach for senior leaders at some of the best-known companies in the U.S. and globally who are seeking candid and expert guidance on how to overcome obstacles to their success or develop new leadership skills.

Randy is a husband, father, and active community leader and serves on the boards of the causes he cares about most. Randy has earned a reputation as a creative business partner and generous thought leader through his books, articles and speaking engagements.

Randy is the award-winning author of 12 books, including the newly released Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, and a past guest of North Fulton Business Radio.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:29 Introducing Randy Hain and His New Book, Practical Virtue
02:16 The Importance of Mentoring Gen Z
07:31 Book Structure and Virtues
09:56 Deep Dive into Key Virtues
17:58 The Power of Encouragement
18:27 Understanding Candor
21:38 The Importance of Humility
23:23 Destigmatizing Mentorship
24:42 The “One Plus Three” Project
27:38 Call to Action for Mentors
32:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 850 shows and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Exceptional Leadership Insights with John Ott

April 2, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Exceptional Leadership Insights with John Ott

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Exceptional Leadership Insights with John Ott (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 858)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews John Ott from Exceptional Leaders. Ott shares his journey into leadership coaching, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and understanding group dynamics, personal growth, and effective communication. He discusses the significance of being “inwardly sound” and “others focused” as key leadership qualities. John also highlights the importance of self-awareness and presents a 360-degree feedback tool to help leaders understand their strengths and areas for improvement. The episode concludes with John sharing success stories and offering insights into the holistic growth of leaders and their businesses.

John Ott, Co-Founder & Executive Coach, Exceptional Leaders

John Ott

Since 1999, John has led and developed hundreds of leaders in a variety of organizations: corporations, small businesses, startups, and non-profits. He is a co-founder and principal of Exceptional Leaders, LLC, a venture focused on guiding leaders and teams to achieve long-term, sustained excellence through advanced leadership development and integral coaching.

In the coaching context, John blends creative strategy with a deep understanding of human behavior and development. His approach is rooted in a long-standing curiosity around three questions:

How do people grow?
How do groups of people work together to accomplish amazing things?
How are ideas effectively communicated from one person or group to another?

John’s work consistently revolves around the alignment of people and resources with a unified mission. While portions of his time have been spent honing these skills in the non-profit sector, he has also actively consulted with a variety of for-profit and non-profit organizations in the areas of strategic operations and leadership development.

John began his career on the staff of a church in Nashville, TN, where he gained exposure to a broad spectrum of leadership opportunities. He went on to help found an industry-leading, high-tech, audio-visual firm. After that firm had gained sufficient traction, John went back into the non-profit sector, eventually joining the staff of North Point Ministries—one of the largest and most influential churches in the country. While at North Point, John led the development of leader training and operational infrastructure accessed by more than 1500 volunteer leaders locally and thousands more globally. Prior to co-founding Exceptional Leaders, John was the president of a private capital group specializing in real estate development, residential construction, and cellular tower development.

John holds professional coaching credentials with New Ventures West and a Bachelors Degree in Biblical Studies with a minor in Greek from Lipscomb University. He currently lives in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, with his amazing wife and four children.

Connect with John Ott: Website | LinkedIn

Connect with Exceptional Leaders: Website

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:26 Meet John Ott: Exceptional Leaders
01:51 John Ott’s Journey to Coaching
02:20 The Role of Curiosity in Career Development
03:46 Taking the Leap: Starting a Business
06:23 The Importance of Leadership
08:16 Defining Leadership Effectiveness
11:58 Inwardly Sound and Others Focused
14:15 The Identity Crisis of Business Leaders
15:45 The Isolation at the Top
18:23 Navigating Leadership Challenges
19:57 Recognizing the Need for Coaching
25:40 Self-Awareness and Leadership
27:49 Success Stories and Outcomes
30:37 Connecting with John Ott
31:15 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Leadership and Innovation in the Roswell Fire Department, with Chief Joe Pennino

February 25, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Leadership and Innovation in the Roswell Fire Department, with Chief Joe Pennino

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Leadership and Innovation in the Roswell Fire Department, with Chief Joe Pennino (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 845)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray speaks with Chief Joe Pennino of the Roswell Fire Department. Chief Pennino shares insights on leadership lessons that can be applied in various business sectors, discussing his career journey and the significant transitions at the Roswell Fire Department. The conversation highlights the shift from part-time to full-time staffing, the innovative measures implemented for firefighter health and safety, and the importance of vision and communication in leadership. Additionally, the episode explores how Chief Pennino fosters a culture of transparency and trust while addressing the mental and emotional well-being of firefighters. The discussion also touches on the broader challenges and innovations within public safety and government organizations.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Dr. Joe Pennino, DPA, EFO, CFO, MIFireE, PMP

**Dr. Joe Pennino, Fire Chief, City of Roswell, Georgia**

Dr. Joe Pennino is a seasoned public safety leader, educator, consultant, and leadership coach with over two decades of experience in fire service, emergency management, and public administration. Since 2021, he has served as the Fire Chief and Emergency Manager for the City of Roswell, GA, leading a department of more than 150 personnel and managing a $17 million budget to enhance public safety and community resilience.

Under Dr. Pennino’s leadership, the Roswell Fire Department was recently honored with the 2025 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award for its groundbreaking research on the effects of shift schedules and adjusted start times on firefighter performance and well-being. This study, conducted in collaboration with researchers, aims to improve firefighter health by addressing sleep quality, reducing fatigue, and enhancing long-term wellness. The award, presented at the 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC, recognizes departments that make significant contributions to firefighter safety and health.

Prior to his tenure in Roswell, Dr. Pennino was Deputy Fire Chief in Largo, Florida, where he oversaw the department’s five operational divisions and played a pivotal role in modernizing emergency medical services, data-driven decision-making, and intergovernmental coordination. His diverse career includes experience as a hazmat technician, SWAT medic, flight medic, and emergency management coordinator, providing him with a broad perspective on crisis response and strategic leadership.

Beyond his operational leadership, Dr. Pennino is an educator, consultant, and leadership coach. He teaches in both the Fire Administration bachelor’s and Doctor of Public Administration programs at Liberty University, mentoring future public safety and government leaders. He also provides leadership coaching for professionals seeking to enhance their strategic thinking, team development, and personal effectiveness.

Dr. Pennino holds a Doctorate in Public Administration from Valdosta State University and a Master’s in Public Policy from Liberty University. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP) certified by the Project Management Institute and holds professional designations including Executive Fire Officer (EFO), Chief Fire Officer (CFO), and Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE), reflecting his commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in leadership.

A strong advocate for data-driven governance, organizational efficiency, and leadership development, Dr. Pennino continues to shape the future of public safety and professional leadership through innovation, strategic planning, and coaching.

Roswell Fire Department, Roswell, Georgia

The Roswell Fire Department, located in Roswell, Georgia, is a progressive, ISO Class 2 all-hazards agency dedicated to providing comprehensive public safety services. The department operates out of seven fire stations, a separate fire headquarters, and the Roswell-Alpharetta Public Safety Training Center (RAPSTC). The department’s apparatus includes seven fire engines, two ladder trucks, a heavy/technical rescue truck, two rescue ambulances, and one Battalion Chief/Incident Command vehicle, all of which are Advanced Life Support (ALS) capable and staffed with paramedics.

The Roswell Fire Department offers a wide range of services, including fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), technical rescue, and public education. The technical rescue services encompass swift water rescue, motor vehicle and machinery rescue, rope rescue, trench rescue, collapse rescue, confined space rescue, and hazardous materials response. The department’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its ISO Class 2 rating, which places it among only 84 departments in Georgia and 2,200 departments nationwide with an ISO rating of 2 or better. This rating indicates that the department provides excellent fire protection services to the community.

The department has received several notable awards and recognitions for its outstanding performance. Recently, it was selected to receive the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award for its collaborative study on the effects of shift schedules and start times on firefighter health and performance. Additionally, two members of the department were honored with Life Saving Valor Awards by Governor Brian Kemp during Firefighter Recognition Day in 2024. These recognitions highlight the Roswell Fire Department’s dedication to innovative practices, firefighter safety, and excellence in fire protection services. The department continues to strive for improvement, maintaining its high standards while adapting to the evolving needs of the community it serves.

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Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:40 Guest Introduction: Chief Joe Pennino
02:01 Chief Pennino’s Career and the Roswell Fire Department
07:03 Leadership Lessons from Chief Pennino
11:09 Managing Change in the Fire Department
20:43 Innovations in Firefighter Health and Safety
31:24 Public Perception and Community Engagement
36:53 Closing Remarks and Resources

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 800 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, Business RadioX - North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Carol LaBranche, President of AboutFace-USA

February 7, 2025 by Amanda Pearch

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

Carol LaBranche, President of AboutFace-USA

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Carol LeBranche and Amanda Pearch

Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Carol LaBranche/ President of AboutFace-USA

Carol LaBranche is a key figure at AboutFace-USA^®, where she has dedicated the past decade to creating supportive environments for veterans and their families. With a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of North Georgia and a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Michigan, Carol brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Her background in business management, sales, and administration across both for-profit and non-profit sectors enriches her ability to lead and advocate effectively.

Carol’s professional journey includes significant experience in real estate as an Associate Broker and Director at the Crye-Leike School of Real Estate, coupled with expertise in mortgage originations and insurance transactions. These roles have honed her leadership, management, and communication skills, making her a compassionate and effective leader within the veteran community.

Her commitment extends beyond her professional duties; Carol is actively involved in various veteran and mental health organizations. She holds leadership positions with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary and is a proactive member of the Forsyth County Mental Wellness Coalition and the Criminal Justice Mental Health Task Force. Her volunteer work includes significant contributions to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she instructs and facilitates courses aimed at educating veteran families on mental health issues.

Carol’s passion for improving veteran care is evident in her ongoing research and education in trauma-informed care and behavioral health treatments. Her deep understanding of the challenges faced by veteran families drives her continuous effort to enhance the supportive services offered by AboutFace-USA^®, ensuring it remains a cornerstone for veteran community wellness.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by