A Life of Climb: The CEO's Journey

19: Grgich Hills Estate Winery President on Growing a Resilient Business

Violet Grgich, President and CEO of Grgich Hills Estate Winery, joins the podcast to discuss lessons she learned from her father, the literal “King of Chardonnay,” and how she’s applied those to her leadership journey. Violet also takes Vistage CEO Sam Reese through the strategies she’s built to prepare and succeed through natural disasters and an ever-changing customer landscape.    Key takeaways from this episode * Lead with simplicity and heart: Violet’s leadership is anchored in her father’s mantra: “Do your best. Learn something new. Make a friend.”  Reflect: What mantra guides your decision-making? * Preserve core values through change: Violet emphasizes protecting her company’s core values amid external challenges.  Reflect: Do your decisions reflect your values, even during crises? * Foster a collaborative, multi-skilled team: By hiring people — not just for positions — and encouraging cross-functional skills, Violet builds adaptability and loyalty.  Reflect: How are you cross-training your workforce?   * Prepare proactively for uncertainty: Regenerative organic farming shielded Grgich Hills’ vineyards from wildfire smoke damage. Reflect: Assess proactive strategies that can strengthen your business against external forces. * Delegate to focus on growth: Violet’s challenge of letting go of tasks is an ongoing struggle.  Reflect: What’s one thing you did today that could have been delegated to your team?  * Prioritize authentic customer connections: Despite tech advances, Violet affirms the irreplaceable value of in-person experiences. Reflect:  Are there areas where you can balance both digital and personal connections to build loyal customers? For show notes and more leadership development information visit vistage.com/podcast [https://www.vistage.com/podcast/] Learn more about Vistage Vistage is the world’s largest CEO executive coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize business leaders. Vistage offers the most effective approach to achieve better results, grow your company faster and maximize your impact as a leader. For 65 years, Vistage has helped CEOs, business owners and key executives reach new levels of success and leadership development.

18: Immaculate Grid Owner Sean Forman on Making ‘Home Run’ Business Decisions

Sports Reference President Sean Forman joins the podcast to share how he turned a lifelong love of statistics into a business that fuels data and information for the world’s top sports leagues. Sean also takes Vistage CEO Sam Reese through his pivotal decisions to stay out of the sports betting market but double down on the Immaculate Grid acquisition that changed the game for the business. For show notes and more leadership development information visit vistage.com/podcast [https://www.vistage.com/podcast/] Learn more about Vistage Vistage is the world’s largest CEO executive coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize business leaders. Vistage offers the most effective approach to achieve better results, grow your company faster and maximize your impact as a leader. For 65 years, Vistage has helped CEOs, business owners and key executives reach new levels of success and leadership development.

17: LUZCO Technologies CEO Lus Haberberger on the Exponential Impact of Working ON not IN Your Business

Lus Haberberger, CEO of LUZCO Technologies and a 2024 Vistage Member Excellence Award winner, joins Vistage CEO Sam Reese to share why she took the leap to found an engineering firm that has transformed into one of the fastest-growing firms in St. Louis over just 7 years. Lus also shares how staying rooted in her core values has helped her scale her rapidly growing business,  how diverse perspectives have led to business growth, and the pivotal role peer advisory played in helping her learn the skills to succeed as a new CEO. For show notes and more leadership development information visit vistage.com/podcast [https://www.vistage.com/podcast/] Learn more about Vistage Vistage is the world’s largest CEO executive coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize business leaders. Vistage offers the most effective approach to achieve better results, grow your company faster and maximize your impact as a leader. For 65 years, Vistage has helped CEOs, business owners and key executives reach new levels of success and leadership development.

16: Ascent Aviation CEO David Querio on How Breaking into Underserved Markets Elevates Your Company

David Querio joins the podcast to share his remarkable journey from airplane mechanic to CEO of Ascent Aviation Services, and what he learned about managing teams in an industry with no room for error.  He also talks with Vistage CEO Sam Reese about how out-of-the-box thinking fueled his company’s growth, transforming Ascent Aviation into a major player in aircraft maintenance, modification and storage.  David shares lessons learned from doubling his employees over 60 days – and why he’s still passionate about being an airplane “geek” after 40 years in the business.  For show notes and more leadership development information visit vistage.com/podcast [https://www.vistage.com/podcast/] Learn more about Vistage Vistage is the world’s largest CEO executive coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize business leaders. Vistage offers the most effective approach to achieve better results, grow your company faster and maximize your impact as a leader. For 65 years, Vistage has helped CEOs, business owners and key executives reach new levels of success and leadership development.

15: Winning Customer Experience Strategies with Road Runner Sports President Mike Gotfredson Jr.

Road Runner Sports President and Owner Mike Gotfredson Jr. joins the podcast to share how his athletic shoe company evolved into a nationwide retailer over 41 years. Mike also talks with Vistage CEO Sam Reese about how his company uses  technology to transform the in-store experience and create new levels of customer personalization and brand loyalty.  For show notes and more leadership development information visit vistage.com/podcast [https://www.vistage.com/podcast/] Learn more about Vistage Vistage is the world’s largest CEO executive coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize business leaders. Vistage offers the most effective approach to achieve better results, grow your company faster and maximize your impact as a leader. For 65 years, Vistage has helped CEOs, business owners and key executives reach new levels of success and leadership development.