Land and Lead

"Forget everything you knew about what you did in a traditional business" - Dave Kehr of Schaeffler

In this episode of Land and Lead, Dr. Josh Elmore speaks with Dave Kehr on his transition into leading Schaeffler’s humanoid robotics startup after more than two decades in engineering, manufacturing, and global business roles. He reflects on moving from structured business units into a fast-moving internal startup, where speed, uncertainty, and quick decision-making define the work. Dave discusses the value of technical competence, global experience, executive access, and learning to stay effective while testing his comfort zone. His advice for leaders entering high-stakes roles: trust yourself, avoid the pressure to be perfect, rely on your team, and seek outside perspective.

"Alignment between our people, our systems and our strategies" - Reggie Newson of Wellpoint Care Network

In this episode of Land and Lead, Dr. Josh Elmore speaks with Reggie Newson, President and CEO of Wellpoint Care Network, about leading a 175-year-old nonprofit through alignment, culture-building, and renewed strategic focus. Reggie shares how he entered the role with deep listening, using rounding, stakeholder conversations, and direct engagement with associates to understand the organization’s strengths and opportunities. He discusses building a culture of accountability and care, breaking down silos, strengthening financial sustainability, and keeping Wellpoint’s mission connected to expectations. For leaders entering high-stakes roles, Reggie emphasizes clarity, alignment, culture, and decisive action grounded in learning.

"Be the change you want to see" - Charles Newnam of Perceptyx

In this episode of Land and Lead, Dr. Josh Elmore speaks with Charles Newnam, Vice President and General Manager of Leadership and Learning Strategy at Perceptyx, about entering a newly created executive role during a pivotal moment for the company. Charles reflects on how his Navy, consulting, and organization development experiences shaped his approach to leadership, behavior change, and systems thinking. He shares what it takes to guide organizational transformation while navigating his own transition, including staying disciplined, prioritizing what matters most, building belief, and remaining grounded in purpose. The episode offers practical insight for leaders stepping into complex new mandates.

"A Title Doesn't Earn You Respect, You Have to Earn Respect" - Kurtis Krentz of ALLO Fiber

In this episode of Land and Lead, Dr. Josh Elmore speaks with Kurtis Krentz, President of ALLO Fiber, about transitioning into a leadership role within a high-growth, founder-led organization. Kurtis shares how his move from a large firm to an entrepreneurial company required adapting his leadership approach, learning a new operating environment, and building credibility over time. He reflects on the shift from founder-driven leadership to a performance-driven model, and the importance of complementing, not replacing, the founder’s strengths. The conversation highlights the value of patience, listening, and earning trust. Kurtis offers practical advice for leaders entering new roles: stay grounded, resist the urge to pursue big acts quickly, and focus on enabling others to succeed.

“Leadership is a People’s Business” - Robert Robinson of Thermo Fisher Scientific

In this episode of the Land and Lead Podcast, Dr. Josh Elmore speaks with Robert Robinson, President of Laboratory Equipment at Thermo Fisher Scientific, about navigating his first year in a new executive role. Robinson explains why he spent his early months learning the organization, its people, history, and culture, before setting humble but ambitious goals. He shares how building trust, clarifying goals, and fostering accountability helped strengthen his team, and how embracing innovation, including AI, is shaping the organization’s future direction.