What happens when an engineer and small business owner steps into public office—and decides to run for governor?

Summary:
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger joins us to share how his background as an engineer and entrepreneur shaped his approach to leadership, public service, and running statewide systems that impact millions of people.

We explore the parallels between running a business and running a state agency—from managing payroll stress and navigating recessions to building teams and maintaining public trust. Brad explains how early lessons in risk and cash flow influenced his leadership style and why mentorship and peer accountability were critical to building strong organizations.

The conversation also dives into what the Secretary of State actually oversees beyond elections, including professional licensing and modernization efforts like Georgia’s paperless licensing system. Brad walks us through the 2020 recount process, ongoing election security improvements, and why transparency matters in maintaining confidence in the system.

Finally, we discuss his decision to run for governor and the priorities shaping his platform, including affordability, job growth, public safety, and education.

If you're a business owner, you'll recognize many of the same leadership challenges—just at a much bigger scale.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallBusinessSafari

💡 GOLD NUGGETS
• How an early entrepreneurial leap taught Brad critical lessons about risk and cash flow
• Surviving boom-and-bust cycles in construction and manufacturing
• Why mentors and peer accountability help leaders make better decisions
• What the Georgia Secretary of State actually manages beyond elections
• How Georgia modernized professional licensing with a paperless system
• Inside the 2020 recount and the push for stronger election security
• Why Raffensperger believes business experience matters in government leadership

🔗 Guest Links
• Website: https://sos.ga.gov

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-raffensperger/

🌍 Follow The Small Business Safari
• Instagram | @smallbusinesssafaripodcast
• LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislalomia/
• Website | https://chrislalomia.com

Thanks to our sponsor Smart Hire Solutions LLC!

What Running A Business Teaches You About Running A State | Brad Raffensperger