Podcast
Igniting the CEO Within
Hosted by Mark McFatridge · EN
Welcome to "Igniting the CEO Within," your go-to podcast for inspiring and insightful conversations with today's business leaders. Hosted by connector and leader Mark McFatridge, this podcast is an extension of the Quade community, bringing together visionary CEOs and business owners from the Quade network and beyond to share their stories, insights, challenges, and triumphs in leadership. We'll dive into impactful discussions about fostering professional and personal growth, the power of diversity, the benefits of a strong CEO peer group, and actionable advice to enhance your leadership.
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ethical Leadership and Integrity in Action with Maureen Metcalf
May 500:17:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Maureen Metcalf, CEO and founder of the Innovative Leadership Institute, to discuss what sets exceptional leaders apart. Maureen emphasizes the importance of integrity, ethical decision-making, and aligning personal and organizational values to build trust, retain talent, and drive long-term success. She also explores how emerging tools like AI can enhance leadership effectiveness, enabling better decision-making and accelerating growth in today's rapidly changing business landscape. Quade is a community of CEOs and entrepreneurs. We offer an exciting opportunity for executives to become licensed circle directors who can earn up to six-figure revenues. After you complete the Quade License Circle Director Program, you'll lead your own peer advisory circles, helping other CEOs and solopreneurs excel in their professional and personal lives while providing a community of support, accountability, and challenge. We help you do this while putting in only 60 hours per year per circle. If you'd like to learn more, go to https://quadecircle.com/
Transcribe →Listening and Emotional Intelligence in Leadership with Ken Stasiak
May 500:14:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Igniting the CEO Within, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Ken Stasiak, CEO and founder of NegotiatorIQ, to explore what separates great leaders from the rest. Ken shares that effective leadership starts with strong listening skills, emotional intelligence, and creating intentional space for meaningful conversations that build trust and empower teams. He also discusses the importance of vulnerability, continuous self-improvement, and fostering a culture where employees feel heard and confident leading at any level. Quade is a community of CEOs and entrepreneurs. We offer an exciting opportunity for executives to become licensed circle directors who can earn up to six-figure revenues. After you complete the Quade License Circle Director Program, you'll lead your own peer advisory circles, helping other CEOs and solopreneurs excel in their professional and personal lives while providing a community of support, accountability, and challenge. We help you do this while putting in only 60 hours per year per circle. If you'd like to learn more, go to https://quadecircle.com/
Transcribe →Reducing Leadership Friction with Alex Draper
May 500:19:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Mark McFatridge sits down with Alex Draper, founder and CEO of DX Learning, to explore the leadership habits that reduce friction and build high-performing teams. Alex shares why ego is the biggest leadership barrier and introduces his CARE framework to drive clarity, trust, and alignment. He also dives into the importance of curiosity, self-awareness, and defining what winning truly means as a leader. Quade is a community of CEOs and entrepreneurs. We offer an exciting opportunity for executives to become licensed circle directors who can earn up to six-figure revenues. After you complete the Quade License Circle Director Program, you'll lead your own peer advisory circles, helping other CEOs and solopreneurs excel in their professional and personal lives while providing a community of support, accountability, and challenge. We help you do this while putting in only 60 hours per year per circle. If you'd like to learn more, go to https://quadecircle.com/
Transcribe →Reducing Business Owner Stress with Brook Gratia
May 500:25:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Mark McFatridge interviews Brook Gratia, president and founder of Edgewater CPA Group, about her unconventional journey into accounting and her mission to reduce stress for business owners. Brooke shares how her experiences led her to go beyond traditional accounting by helping clients navigate both financial strategy and the mental barriers holding them back. She also discusses the creation of peer groups through The Owner's Circle, designed to help entrepreneurs grow through shared experiences, accountability, and meaningful connection. Quade is a community of CEOs and entrepreneurs. We offer an exciting opportunity for executives to become licensed circle directors who can earn up to six-figure revenues. After you complete the Quade License Circle Director Program, you'll lead your own peer advisory circles, helping other CEOs and solopreneurs excel in their professional and personal lives while providing a community of support, accountability, and challenge. We help you do this while putting in only 60 hours per year per circle. If you'd like to learn more, go to https://quadecircle.com/
Transcribe →Empowering Leaders to Step Back with Daryl Lawrence
May 500:16:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Daryl Lawrence, a leadership and career coach who runs his own coaching practice, to explore what truly separates great leaders from the rest. Daryl shares powerful insights on why effective leaders step back to empower others, remove fear from their teams, and focus on developing people, even if it means helping them grow beyond the organization. Through real-world examples and personal stories, he emphasizes that true leadership is about humility, accountability, and creating an environment where others can thrive. Quade is a community of CEOs and entrepreneurs. We offer an exciting opportunity for executives to become licensed circle directors who can earn up to six-figure revenues. After you complete the Quade License Circle Director Program, you'll lead your own peer advisory circles, helping other CEOs and solopreneurs excel in their professional and personal lives while providing a community of support, accountability, and challenge. We help you do this while putting in only 60 hours per year per circle. If you'd like to learn more, go to https://quadecircle.com/
Transcribe →Creativity and Courage in Leadership with Debbie McCullough
May 500:17:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Debbie McCullough, Founder/CEO and Executive Communications Coach of Hanging Rock, to explore the key traits that set exceptional leaders apart, namely creativity and bravery. Debbie shares powerful stories from her work as an Executive Communications Coach at Hanging Rock, illustrating how embracing discomfort, building visibility, and communicating authentically can unlock career growth and leadership impact. The conversation highlights practical ways leaders can develop confidence, overcome fear, and elevate their presence both inside and outside their organizations. Quade is a community of CEOs and entrepreneurs. We offer an exciting opportunity for executives to become licensed circle directors who can earn up to six-figure revenues. After you complete the Quade License Circle Director Program, you'll lead your own peer advisory circles, helping other CEOs and solopreneurs excel in their professional and personal lives while providing a community of support, accountability, and challenge. We help you do this while putting in only 60 hours per year per circle. If you'd like to learn more, go to https://quadecircle.com/
Transcribe →Growing Faster Than Your Organization with Courtney De Ronde
Apr 1700:16:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Courtney De Ronde, CEO of Forge Financial and Management Consulting, to explore how great leaders must grow faster than their organizations to successfully scale. Courtney shares insights on "time traveling" as a leader, balancing future vision with present execution while building a strong leadership team to sustain growth. Drawing from her experience, she highlights the importance of intentional delegation, verification, and development to build trust and effectively empower others within the organization. Quade is a community of CEOs and entrepreneurs. We offer an exciting opportunity for executives to become licensed circle directors who can earn up to six-figure revenues. After you complete the Quade License Circle Director Program, you'll lead your own peer advisory circles, helping other CEOs and solopreneurs excel in their professional and personal lives while providing a community of support, accountability, and challenge. We help you do this while putting in only 60 hours per year per circle. If you'd like to learn more, go to https://quadecircle.com/
Transcribe →Trust, Credibility, and Leadership Growth with Joe Feest
Apr 1700:18:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Mark McFatridge sits down with Joe Feest, business coach at Focal Point Business Coaching, to discuss the foundational role of trust and respect in effective leadership. Joe shares practical strategies for building credibility in the first 100 days, emphasizing authenticity, listening, and addressing low-hanging opportunities before making major changes. Drawing from his experience coaching leaders, he highlights how strong communication and genuine engagement drive buy-in, performance, and long-term organizational success. Quade is a community of CEOs and entrepreneurs. We offer an exciting opportunity for executives to become licensed circle directors who can earn up to six-figure revenues. After you complete the Quade License Circle Director Program, you'll lead your own peer advisory circles, helping other CEOs and solopreneurs excel in their professional and personal lives while providing a community of support, accountability, and challenge. We help you do this while putting in only 60 hours per year per circle. If you'd like to learn more, go to https://quadecircle.com/
Transcribe →Influence and Accountability in Leadership with Milford Beagle Jr.
Apr 1700:19:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Mark McFatridge sits down with retired Lieutenant General Milford Beagle, Jr., founder of Beags and Associates, to explore the core traits that define exceptional leadership. Beagle shares insights on the power of influence, accountability, adaptability, and the importance of helping every team member see their role in a larger mission. Drawing from his military and executive coaching experience, he offers practical lessons on motivating teams, communicating vision, and developing leaders at every level. Quade is a community of CEOs and entrepreneurs. We offer an exciting opportunity for executives to become licensed circle directors who can earn up to six-figure revenues. After you complete the Quade License Circle Director Program, you'll lead your own peer advisory circles, helping other CEOs and solopreneurs excel in their professional and personal lives while providing a community of support, accountability, and challenge. We help you do this while putting in only 60 hours per year per circle. If you'd like to learn more, go to https://quadecircle.com/
Transcribe →Discipline and Patience for Success with Keith Karchmar
Apr 1700:19:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Mark McFatridge interviews Keith Karchmar, President and CEO of K&H Wealth Partners, about the key traits that drive success among top-performing leaders. Keith highlights discipline and patience as essential qualities, emphasizing the importance of process, teamwork, and staying focused amid distractions. He also shares insights on leadership, mentorship, and building strong client relationships while navigating the evolving expectations of today's workforce. Quade is a community of CEOs and entrepreneurs. We offer an exciting opportunity for executives to become licensed circle directors who can earn up to six-figure revenues. After you complete the Quade License Circle Director Program, you'll lead your own peer advisory circles, helping other CEOs and solopreneurs excel in their professional and personal lives while providing a community of support, accountability, and challenge. We help you do this while putting in only 60 hours per year per circle. If you'd like to learn more, go to https://quadecircle.com/
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