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In this episode of The Edge, host Alex Rodriguez sits down with Orus Guerra, CEO of Southwest Labs based in Albuquerque, to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of recognizing opportunities. Orus shares his journey from sales and marketing to founding multiple successful businesses, highlighting how his natural curiosity and willingness to take calculated risks have shaped his career. They explore the importance of building strong teams, fostering open communication, and creating a culture where ideas are valued and welcomed from all levels of the organization. Connect with Orus on LinkedIn. Learn more about Southwest Labs. Key Takeaways: The origin story of Southwest Labs (2:00) Orus's natural ability to recognize opportunities (9:40) Commit now and figure it out later (11:10) The value of surrounding yourself with smart people (19:21) Creating a collaborative team culture (22:16) Orus's edge (24:44) Balancing business and family (30:33)
In this episode of The Edge, Tim Leman sits down with Jeff Shuck, Founder & Principal of Plenty, a consulting firm that helps conscious leaders and organizations grow. Jeff discusses learning to love what you do, the importance of eliminating ego, and how purpose often "finds you" rather than the other way around. Jeff also offers insights on creating abundance in your organization and reveals his personal leadership philosophy that has guided his journey. Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn. Learn about Plenty. Key Takeaways: What Plenty is and the meaning behind the name (00:48) The role of purpose in for-profit business (3:58) Learning to love what you do (5:34) Your purpose is looking for you (9:47) Start with where you find alignment (11:32) The journey to writing "Leading with Light" (13:53) Jeff's edge: "I believe in you" (19:25) Characteristics of great teams (25:22) The importance of clear boundaries in leadership (28:44)
In this episode of The Edge, host Courtney Montfort sits down with Amber Fields, Chief Culture Officer at trueU, and Stephanie Neale, CEO of Blind Zebra, for a dynamic conversation about leadership, sales, and work-life integration. They explore how these three successful women have created their own "board of directors" to support each other professionally and personally. The conversation dives into goal setting, mentorship, maintaining authenticity in leadership, and the challenges of balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities. Along the way, they share personal insights on what gives each of them their unique edge in business and life. Connect with Amber on LinkedIn and learn about trueU. Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn and learn about Blind Zebra. Key Takeaways: Amber’s journey from sales to culture leadership (1:04) Stephanie’s shift from teaching to leading a coaching organization (3:23) Each leader's unique edge (7:34) Mentorship and reverse mentoring (9:50) “Personal” board meetings (12:37) Setting business and personal goals (13:01) Work-life integration strategies (23:30) The power of a word-of-the-year (34:20)
In this episode, Tim Leman sits down with Dr. Mike Godard, President of Indiana State University, to discuss leadership, mentorship, and creating a culture of care. Dr. Godard shares his journey from first-generation college student to university president, highlighting the importance of building authentic relationships and maintaining a student-centered approach. They explore the synergy between the university and the Terre Haute community, the impact of social media on campus engagement, and what gives Indiana State its distinctive edge in preparing students for success. Connect with Dr. Godard on LinkedIn. Learn more about Indiana State University. Key Takeaways: What makes Indiana State University special (0:47) Dr. Godard’s leadership journey from professor to president (4:18) The importance of authenticity in leadership (11:28) Using social media as a connection point with campus community (13:49) Collaborating with the Terre Haute community (16:46) Attributes of great teams (18:39) Dr. Godard's edge (22:55) The role and impact of mentorship (24:33) The importance of alumni engagement (29:54) Creating memories for students beyond academics (37:15) Aligning academic programs with workforce needs (38:14) Athletics as the "front porch" of the university (41:47) Measuring success as university president (44:25)

On this episode of The Edge, co-host Taylor Covey sits down with Cory Tanner, President & Founder of Exit IQ based in Salt Lake City. Cory shares his entrepreneurial journey from his first venture in the green energy space to founding Exit IQ with his father. Throughout the conversation, they explore how Cory's competitive mindset shaped his business approach, the lessons he learned from both successes and failures, and the importance of putting people in positions where they can win. Cory also discusses how he finds harmony between work and family life while maintaining meaningful relationships that drive his success. Connect with Cory on LinkedIn. Learn more about Exit IQ. Key Takeaways: The power of a competitive mindset (1:16) Winning & the feeling that propels you to the next win (3:12) Learning from business successes and failures (4:15) The biggest challenges in selling a business (10:08) Creating Exit IQ with his father (11:22) Putting people in positions to win (16:52) Finding what motivates your people, but adjusting your system over time (18:03) Cory’s favorite team experience and knowing people’s strengths (21:04) Finding harmony between work and family (23:46) What gives Cory his edge in business and life (28:42)
In this episode, Tim Leman sits down with Laura Langehaug, a Vistage Chair based in Salt Lake City, to explore the power of empathetic leadership. Laura shares her journey from an HR professional to an executive coach, highlighting the importance of fostering a safe space for business leaders to grow, connect, and navigate the challenges of leadership. Connect with Laura on LinkedIn. Learn more about Vistage. Key Takeaways: Vistage and the role of a Chair (00:48) Laura’s journey to Vistage (3:43) Her HR background and its impact on Laura’s role today (6:45) Community of support (9:20) The attributes of a good team (10:41) Asking leaders tough questions (15:45) Laura’s edge (21:46)

On this episode of The Edge, host Tim Leman sits down with Ashley Bontrager Lehman, Founder & CEO of Ember Recreational Vehicles. Ashley shares her journey from growing up in a family deeply rooted in the RV industry to forging her own path as an entrepreneur. She opens up about launching a business during the pandemic, the power of branding, and navigating family dynamics in business. They also discuss leadership, team culture, and the intentionality that drives her success. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, vision, and the fire that fuels great leadership. Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn. Learn more about Ember Recreational Vehicles. Key Takeaways: How Ember came to be (2:08) Starting a business during the pandemic (4:35) Ashley’s marketing background and influence on current role (6:01) The origin of the name Ember (8:05) Navigating the family side of the business (10:06) Handling differing opinions (11:58) Best team and what made it special (13:00) Defining who you want to be as a leader (16:54) Ashley’s edge (18:19) Intentionality (20:41)
Lane Monson, founder of Platinum Circle Coaching, and co-host Taylor Covey dive into his leadership journey from CEO to entrepreneur to executive coach. Lane talks about leveraging structure for good, how the greatest leaders work on their thoughts & beliefs, and the power of authentic connection. Connect with Lane on LinkedIn. Learn more about Platinum Circle Coaching. Key Takeaways: Growing up (2:20) Getting started in the tech industry (4:16) Leadership development as part of the culture (6:30) Transition to being a first-time CEO (8:48) The role of structure (12:18) Characteristics of great leaders (15:35) Leadership as an infinite game (17:51) The power of authentic connection (21:01) Invaluable mentors and coaches (22:00) Lane’s edge (28:00) Seek first to understand, then to be understood. (29:10) The Four Abilities (31:00)

Juliana Lindsay, a Professional EOS Implementer from Utah, joins host Tim Leman to discuss the lessons she’s learned as a mom and entrepreneur. They explore the impact EOS has had on her life – personally, family, and professionally, especially the importance of letting go of the vine. Juliana & Tim also talk about the importance of peer groups, getting the right people in the right seats, casting a clear vision, and more. Connect with Juliana on LinkedIn. Learn more about EOS Worldwide. Key Takeaways: How does EOS give entrepreneurs an edge? (0:51) Juliana’s entrepreneurial journey (2:25) Introduction to RocketFuel and Traction (4:30) Letting go of the vine (5:58) Right person in the right seat (9:15) Importance of peer groups (10:40) Unique challenges franchises face (19:00) Employees desire a clear vision (23:37) Characteristics of the best leadership teams (26:36) The team at home (34:10)