Podcast · Business

CEO: Behind the Scenes

by The CEO Magazine · English · Business

It's easy to forget that behind the title of CEO lies a human. In CEO Behind the Scenes , a podcast from The CEO Magazine , we want to explore the human behind the company and the figure behind the figurehead role as CEOs share their journeys with us. STAY CONNECTED Access our free digital

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 45 min
Latest: 2 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

2 Sep 2026 · 43 min

What nobody tells you about scaling a growing business

Growth looks like success from the outside, but inside the business it often means changing the way almost everything works. In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Charlie Maas, Co-Founder and CEO of Papa Salt Coastal Gin, shares how scaling has forced him to rethink operations, marketing and decision-making. Maas explores the discipline of saying no and explains small businesses can compete through speed, consistency and alignment. It’s a candid look at the less visible side of growth – the trade-offs, difficult decisions and constant recalibration. Access our free digital…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

26 Aug 2026 · 44 min
Why the best engineering decisions happen before design begins
Before drawings take shape or construction begins, some of the most important engineering work is already happening. In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Kevin Berry, Managing Director of TTW, explores why understanding the problem comes before designing the solution – and how early questions around function, longevity and client priorities can fundamentally change a project’s direction. Berry also reflects on leadership, long-term client relationships and the growing role of AI in engineering, making the case that technical capability matters most when paired with…
19 Aug 2026 · 57 min
Why human connection matters more in an AI-driven world
As AI reshapes how we work, decide and communicate, the qualities that remain distinctly human may become more valuable – not less. In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Andrew Everingham, Founder and CEO of CAPITAL-e, explores trust, empathy, judgment and genuine connection in an increasingly digital world. He shares his perspective on why gathering in person still matters and how leaders can create more space for reflection and better decision-making. Drawing on his own experience of profound personal loss, Everingham also reflects on resilience, community and making each…
12 Aug 2026 · 27 min
How leaders can build systems where people thrive at work
Strong performance starts with creating the conditions for people to do their best work. In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Karlie Cremin, CEO of Dynamic Leadership Programs Australia, explains why leaders should look beyond individual behavior and examine the systems shaping it. Cremin explores how clearer accountability and greater trust can help teams adapt and thrive. For leaders rethinking performance, culture and development, this conversation offers a practical starting point for building workplaces where people and businesses can succeed together. Access our free digital…
5 Aug 2026 · 46 min
Why better healthcare begins with more precise treatment
Modern medicine is moving beyond the assumption that the same treatment works for everyone. In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Nathan Hill, CEO and Co-Founder of Strive Pharmacy, discusses the role compounding pharmacies play in meeting individual patient needs. Hill explores personalized dosing, quality, access and the challenge of leading through regulatory uncertainty as interest in GLP-1s and other compounded medications grows. For executives navigating fast-moving markets, complex regulation and rising customer expectations, this is a timely conversation about how to scale…
29 Jul 2026 · 59 min
What leaders get wrong when preparing for cyber breaches
The most damaging cyber incidents often begin long before anyone realizes an attacker is inside.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Andrew Rubin, Founder, CEO and Board Member at Illumio, explains why leaders need to shift from trying to stop every attack to limiting the damage when one gets through.Rubin examines the blind spots that allow attackers to remain inside networks for months and explains how AI is increasing the pressure to improve visibility and make decisions faster.The conversation challenges leaders to start thinking differently about cybersecurity. Access our free…
22 Jul 2026 · 47 min
Why staying invested matters more than timing the market
Market volatility can test even the most disciplined investor, but reacting to short-term noise often creates more risk than it removes.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Daniel Shrimski , Managing Director – Asia Pacific at Vanguard , explains why long-term behavior matters more than trying to predict the perfect moment to enter or exit the market. He explores the role of trust, transparency and financial literacy in helping investors stay focused.Shrimski also shares what long-term conviction looks like in practice when building an organization around the interests of the…
15 Jul 2026 · 38 min
How a credit union paid off member debt and kept growing
Paying off member debt is not the kind of growth strategy most financial institutions would put on paper.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Andrew Swoger, President and CEO of Keesler Federal Credit Union, discusses how the credit union doubled assets, expanded branches and built a service culture around doing more for members.Swoger shares how Keesler Federal turned generosity, discipline and member trust into a model for sustainable growth. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us: LinkedIn: @the-ceo-magazine-global Facebook:…
8 Jul 2026 · 28 min
How leaders can unlock potential in a changing workforce
Potential is easy to talk about but much harder to build a business around.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Karen Meredith, Global CEO of Drake International, discusses how a 75-year staffing legacy continues to shape the company’s view of purpose, profit and human potential. She traces that perspective back to Founder Bill Pollock, whose belief in opportunity and meaningful work still runs through the organization today.Meredith reflects on what leaders need to understand as AI accelerates change across the workforce, including the challenge of helping young people find…
1 Jul 2026 · 49 min
Why longevity starts with the choices you make every day
The way we age is shaped less by one big decision and more by the patterns we repeat every day.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Dawn Mussallem, Chief Medical Officer at Fountain Life, discusses why prevention, early detection and daily lifestyle choices are changing the way we think about aging, vitality and long-term health. Mussallem also shares how her own experience with stage four cancer and a heart transplant changed her perspective on good health.Exploring nutrition, movement, sleep and health data, this episode is about learning to pay attention sooner and seeing personal…
24 Jun 2026 · 54 min
What CEOs miss when they focus on strategy before people
What if the strongest business strategy isn’t strategy at all – but how you treat people? In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Jeff Jackson, CEO of Cabinetworks Group, shares the leadership philosophy that has shaped his career: people first, strategy second. From growing up in rural Georgia to leading large-scale business transformations, Jackson reflects on the hard decisions behind leadership, the importance of customer trust and why culture can’t be built through slogans alone. He also discusses second chances, operational excellence and the small daily habits…
17 Jun 2026 · 48 min
Leading healthcare technology where precision matters most
In healthcare technology, trust is built through discipline.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Fon Hah, CEO and Managing Director of Clinic to Cloud, discusses what it takes to lead a healthcare technology business where customer expectations, regulatory obligations and cybersecurity risks are part of the daily operating environment.Hah shares why composure under pressure depends on preparation and situational awareness and how Clinic to Cloud approaches demanding customers as a source of continuous improvement rather than friction. For leaders navigating pressure and rising…
10 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
What most builders get wrong about growth and reputation
Growth in construction is often judged by output, but reputation is what determines whether it lasts.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Hibbard Homes CEO Jon Hibbard and General Manager Michael Hibbard share how they’ve scaled a third-generation building company without compromising the standards it was built on.The twin brothers unpack why many builders lose trust as they grow, how their fixed price model reshaped the customer experience and the disciplined approach they use to expand into new markets.Tune into the full episode to hear how Hibbard Homes continues to grow…
3 Jun 2026 · 27 min
Why integrity matters in high-pressure construction work
The construction industry tests your integrity long before a project reaches its most difficult moment. In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Abdullah Haddara, Co-Director and Head of Operations at Haddarco, shares how his approach to leadership is shaped by honesty, clear communication and the discipline to make decisions that protect the quality of the work. Haddara discusses why complex builds rely on trust from the start – with clients, contractors, suppliers and internal teams all needing to understand the standard being worked toward. For leaders navigating pressure, risk…
27 May 2026 · 33 min
How to rebuild a company around AI while still running it
AI has moved from a technology question to a leadership one.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Tiago Paiva, Founder and CEO of Talkdesk, discusses what it takes to reshape a company around customer experience automation while still running it at scale.Paiva explains why AI has shifted from curiosity to urgency and how Talkdesk rebuilt around speed and simplicity.A grounded conversation on conviction, leadership and the discipline required to keep moving when there is no plan B. Access our free digital content: https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com Follow us: LinkedIn:…
20 May 2026 · 30 min
How private equity is reshaping accounting firm growth
Private equity can accelerate growth, but the real work begins once the model changes.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Michelle Thompson, CEO of Cherry Bekaert Advisory, shares how the firm approached private equity as a way to speed up modernization and rethink a traditional accounting firm model built over nearly 80 years.Thompson explains why capital alone does not create value, and how culture, structure and integration shape whether acquisitions become part of a firm’s long-term growth story.She also reveals the wider changes reshaping accounting, including AI,…
13 May 2026 · 41 min
The execution gap in wealth management today
Strategy is easy to present. Execution is where most wealth plans fall apart.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Kunal Varma, Chairman and CEO of InvestGate Private Wealth, explains why rising global wealth has widened the gap between advice on paper and outcomes in reality. Drawing on 25 years of experience across multiple markets, Varma shares how listening, disciplined risk management and a clear moral compass shape his leadership approach. He argues that clients do not fear volatility – they fear poor timing and bad surprises.Watch the full episode to see how a sharper…
6 May 2026 · 53 min
Why human connection still leads in a digital-first world
In a world built for speed, real connection is becoming the differentiator.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Eugenia Lista-Zaharchuk, President of E.L. Productions, reflects on building a culture people want to stay in and why connection still sits at the center of great communication.Lista-Zaharchuk shares how the COVID-19 pandemic affected her events production company, forcing her and her team to adapt and reimagine connections in a digital-first environment. She also explains what leaders often miss about attention, presence and creating experiences that actually matter.A…
29 Apr 2026 · 51 min
The CEO playbook for leading through healthcare disruption
Disruption tests every part of leadership. In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Patrick Leonard, CEO of CorroHealth, reveals how he has led the business through rapid expansion, multiple acquisitions and the pressure of navigating change in one of the most complex sectors in the market.Leonard reflects on growth, integration and why strong leadership means paying attention to both strategy and operational detail.Tune in for a grounded conversation on leadership, resilience and how to scale globally while staying true to your values. Access our free digital content:…
22 Apr 2026 · 25 min
Turning breakthrough science into a scalable business
Building a company around breakthrough science requires far more than a promising discovery.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Kjirstin Breure, President and CEO of HydroGraph, explains what it takes to move advanced materials from early research into real commercial adoption.Breure shares the leadership decisions behind scaling a deep tech company and how teams must evolve as technology moves from the lab to full commercialization.Tune into the full episode to hear Breure’s perspective on scaling innovation into a real business. Access our free digital content:…
15 Apr 2026 · 49 min
What happens when joy at work becomes a leadership choice
Fear shapes more workplaces than leaders care to admit, and that has consequences for how teams build, collaborate and grow.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Rich Sheridan, CEO, Co-Founder and Chief Storyteller at Menlo Innovations, talks about building an environment where people can collaborate closely, learn quickly and take pride in their work.Sheridan explores paired work and the limits of hero-driven culture. He also explains how thoughtful workplace design can lead to stronger teams and better software.Tune in for a revealing discussion on leadership, culture and the pursuit…
8 Apr 2026 · 29 min
What military leadership teaches about team decision-making
Leadership under pressure often comes down to how well the whole team can think and act together. In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , John O’Donnell, President and CEO of Pinnacol Assurance, reflects on how his military experience continues to shape the way he leads and makes decisions in business. Drawing on his time flying attack helicopters in the United States Marine Corps, O’Donnell explains why effective leadership depends less on hierarchy and more on clarity, trust and shared intent. He shares how that mindset translates into business leadership today –…
25 Mar 2026 · 58 min
What buyers really look for when acquiring a business
An unsolicited offer can look like a win – until the terms start shifting. In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Scott Bushkie, Managing Partner and Founder of Cornerstone Business Services, explains what buyers really evaluate when they acquire a business.You’ll learn the signals that drive value – a strong management team, diversified customers, durable margins and clean, predictable cash flow – plus the risks that quietly drag your price down. Watch the episode for a clear view of how buyers think and how to position your business before you ever go to…
18 Mar 2026 · 54 min
Why risk is the most misunderstood tool in leadership
Janice Price, President and CEO of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) Governors, has spent decades leading major arts and cultural institutions through moments of disruption and growth. In this episode, she explains why the word ‘risk’ gets a bad reputation in leadership – and why embracing calculated risk can unlock opportunity, innovation and career growth. Price shares lessons from leading through crisis, managing complex nonprofit organizations like high-performing businesses and building authentic relationships with donors and teams alike. It’s a candid conversation…
11 Mar 2026 · 41 min
The future of work belongs to creative thinkers
Creativity is becoming the ultimate competitive edge in an AI-driven world. As technology transforms every industry, human judgment, empathy and imagination are what set leaders apart.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes, Jason Fox, Chief Academic Officer at Savannah College of Art and Design, explains why the future of work belongs to creative thinkers. Fox shares how applied AI, deep industry partnerships and real-world learning are reshaping how students prepare for evolving careers.If you want a grounded perspective on AI, leadership and what it really takes to stay relevant, this…
4 Mar 2026 · 32 min
Can AI bring joy back to work?
Karla Congson, CEO and CTO of Agentiiv, believes most professionals spend nearly 30 percent of their time on work they never wanted to do. The real opportunity of AI, she argues, lies in eliminating cognitively numbing tasks so people can focus on what they do best.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Congson shares how she built AI digital twins of the top experts inside her organization, giving teams instant access to structured thinking and workflow support. The result was higher engagement, stronger output and teams able to punch above their weight.She explains why leaders must…
2 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Can AI make illness optional?
AI is transforming every industry – but healthcare may be where its impact is most profound.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Naveen Jain, Founder and CEO of Viome Life Sciences, explains why advances in data collection, molecular biology and AI have finally converged to make personalized health possible at scale. He unpacks how AI can move healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive prevention – identifying disease years before symptoms appear.Jain outlines what it takes to turn overwhelming data into meaningful insight and why the future of medicine depends on…
25 Feb 2026 · 45 min
Think bigger before AI leaves you behind
A business collapse. A last-minute wire transfer. A billion-dollar ambition.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Mark Moses, Founding Partner and Executive Chairman of CEO Coaching International and bestselling author of Make BIG Happen and Making BIG Happen , explains why thinking bigger is no longer optional – especially in the age of AI.Moses reflects on rebuilding after coming within two days of bankruptcy, the leadership discipline behind scaling to US$1.6 billion in annual revenue and the four traits he sees in CEOs who consistently outperform. He also makes the case that…
18 Feb 2026 · 36 min
The mindset that transforms small beginnings into lasting success
What does it take to turn a single project into a multibillion-dollar business that’s built to last? In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Ron Bakir, Founder and CEO of Homecorp, shares the mindset and principles that shaped his journey to lead one of the most impactful property groups in the industry. Bakir discusses the power of doing the right thing, building with legacy in mind and creating a culture driven by transparency and continuous improvement. From scaling sustainably to developing communities with real meaning, Bakir reveals how a long-term vision can transform not…
4 Feb 2026 · 28 min
The leadership cost of treating people as expenses
Many leaders still approach efficiency through cost reduction, but that mindset may be quietly undermining performance, trust and long-term growth.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes , Toru Takahashi, Global Chief Strategy Officer at GLOBIS Corporation, explains why treating people as expenses rather than assets creates hidden leadership costs that traditional ROI metrics fail to capture. Drawing on his research into human capital and cross-cultural leadership experience across Iran, Europe and Japan, Takahashi reframes efficiency as a long-term investment in human potential rather…

About CEO: Behind the Scenes

CEO: Behind the Scenes is a English business podcast from The CEO Magazine. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The CEO Magazine
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 45 min
Latest episode: 2 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1704808260

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