Create the Future

19 - The Growth Formula: Empowering Teams to Scale a Family Business with Adam Povlitz

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, your host Rick Williams speaks with Adam Povlitz, CEO & President of Anago Cleaning, about his journey from finance and IBM to leading his father's three-tier commercial cleaning franchise. Adam shares how he started at the bottom, learned every role, and eventually scaled the company from $67M to $100M in just 19 months by delegating strategically and hiring senior leaders. He also discusses repositioning Anago as a technology-driven company, developing the Clean Com app and Anago Clean Suite, and fostering a collaborative leadership culture that values constructive challenge over conformity. Check out Adam's work HERE [https://anagocleaning.com/]. Connect with Adam on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/apovlitz/]. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE [https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest].

18 - Where Science Meets Politics: Leadership for Peacebuilding with Dr. Zafra Lerman

In this episode of the Create the Future podcast, host Rick Williams interviews Dr. Zafra Lerman, President of the Malta Conferences Foundation. Dr. Lerman shares her journey as a scientist and leader, highlighting her courageous efforts to unite scientists from conflicting Middle Eastern countries to promote peace through science. She discusses overcoming personal and political challenges, the power of science diplomacy, and the importance of resilience and collaboration in leadership. The episode offers inspiring insights into making tough decisions, building bridges across divides, and the ongoing quest for peace in turbulent regions. Check out Dr. Zafra Lerman's work HERE [https://zafralerman.com/]. Connect with Dr. Zafra Lerman on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zafralerman/]. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE [https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest].

17 - Building Bridges: How to Integrate Real Human Connection into Your Marketing Strategy with Desiree Martinez

In this episode of Create the Future, your host Rick Williams interviews Desiree Martinez, Founder of The Kast Agency. Desiree shares her journey from early social media marketing to making a pivotal decision: shifting her business from chasing rapid growth to focusing on sustainable, values-driven strategies. She discusses adapting to industry changes, especially the rise of AI and the renewed need for human connection. Desiree emphasizes the importance of community, emotional intelligence, and seeking support when making tough decisions, offering practical insights for leaders navigating uncertainty and change. Check out Desiree's work HERE [www.mrsdesireerose.com]. Connect with Desiree on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsdesireerose/]. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE [https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest].

16 - Cultivating Authentic Leadership: Embracing Vulnerability and Self-Awareness with Rick Williams

In this episode, host Rick Williams and guest Dusty Holcomb, Founder and CEO of Arcqus Group, engage in a thoughtful discussion on effective leadership, focusing on decision-making, vulnerability, and self-leadership. They share personal stories and practical strategies, highlighting the importance of seeking diverse perspectives, managing fear, and separating self-worth from outcomes. The conversation emphasizes authentic vulnerability, the value of mentorship, and the need for clear decision-making processes. Listeners gain actionable insights on leading oneself, fostering trust, and building aligned teams, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills. Check out Dusty's work HERE [arcqusgroup.com]. Connect with Dusty on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustyholcomb]. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE [https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest].

15 - Accountability on Ice: How a Hockey Coach’s Tough Decision Transformed His Team with Paul Thornton

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, host Rick Williams interviews leadership coach and author Paul Thornton. Paul shares his journey from corporate HR leader to college professor and prolific writer. He recounts a pivotal lesson from coaching hockey: enforcing accountability by leaving late players behind, despite their importance to the team. The discussion explores the challenges of leadership, the importance of living by one’s values, and how sports foster discipline and growth. Paul emphasizes that effective leaders make tough decisions, prioritize team standards, and consistently align actions with their core beliefs. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn HERE [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-thornton-5061216/]. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE [https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest].