The Journey To CEO Success

EPISODE# 51: Embracing Change And Finding Joy In Transitions with Laurie Barkman of The Business Transition Sherpa

In this episode, Patrick Thean [https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickthean/], co-Founder of Rhythm Systems [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rhythm-systems-inc/?viewAsMember=true], sits down with Laurie Barkman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/], Founder of The Business Transition Sherpa [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebusinesstransitionsherpa/posts/?feedView=all], and shares insights on creating scalable, valuable businesses, the importance of transition planning, and embracing change for joy and success. She discusses her journey from aspiring rock star to leading a billion-dollar company and offers practical advice for CEOs on exit strategies and personal growth. Key Takeaways * Creating scalable, sellable businesses * The importance of transition planning and exit strategies * Embracing change and finding joy in transitions

EPISODE #50: From Runway to CEO, Building an Ecosystem That Puts People First with Dale Noelle, TRUE Model Management

In this inspiring interview, Patrick Thean [https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickthean/], co-founder of Rhythm Systems [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rhythm-systems-inc/?viewAsMember=true], sat down with Dale Noelle [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalenoelle/], founder and CEO of TRUE Model Management [https://www.linkedin.com/company/truemodelmgt/posts/?feedView=all], who shares her journey from top model to industry innovator. Discover how her values-driven approach, resilience through illness, and commitment to diversity and authenticity are reshaping the fashion industry and offering lessons on leadership, authenticity, and joy. Key Takeaways * Build an ecosystem, not just a company — True leadership is about connecting people and creating something bigger than yourself * Your calling shows up before the paycheck does — Dale was doing the work long before it was her business; if you'd do it for free, you've found your purpose * Health is your most strategic asset — Invest in yourself first; you cannot lead others well from empty * Play the long game — Build good habits, make choices for the future, and trust that doing right by people compounds over time

EPISODE #49: A Journey of Education and Community with Dr. Clyne Namuo, Joliet Junior College

Patrick Thean [https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickthean/] of Rhythm Systems [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rhythm-systems-inc/?viewAsMember=true] sat down with Dr. Clyne Namuo [https://www.linkedin.com/in/clyne-namuo-394079100/], the 10th president of Joliet Junior College [https://www.linkedin.com/school/joliet-junior-college/posts/?feedView=all], who shares his vision for community engagement, student success, and the importance of joy and purpose in leadership. Discover how his personal story and commitment to first-generation students are shaping a legacy of opportunity and hope. Key Takeaways * The importance of community engagement and student success * The impact of personal mission and legacy in leadership * Strategies for supporting first-generation students * The role of joy and well-being in effective leadership

EPISODE #48: Flexibility, Resilience, and the Joy of the Journey with Lonni Kieffer and Lyndon Lattie, SmartCert

In this episode of 'The Journey to CEO Success', Patrick Thean [https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickthean/], co-founder of Rhythm Systems [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rhythm-systems-inc/?viewAsMember=true], engages with ⁠Lonni Kieffer⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonnik/] and Lyndon Lattie [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndon-lattie-a293256/], co-founders of SmartCert [https://www.linkedin.com/company/aramid/posts/?feedView=all]. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a technology platform that streamlines documentation processes in highly regulated industries. The conversation explores their entrepreneurial journey, the dynamics of working as a married couple, and the importance of communication and flexibility in both business and personal life. The episode concludes with valuable insights on achieving joy and success in leadership. Key Takeaways * SmartCert was founded to eliminate paper documentation issues in supply chains. * Balancing work and personal life is crucial for success. * Business flexibility allows for more opportunities and less stress. * Success is defined by solving bigger industry problems.

EPISODE #47: Goals, Growth, and Leading With Your Whole Self with William Cason, The Cason Group

William Cason [linkedin.com/in/william-cason/?skipRedirect=true], President of The Cason Group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cason-group-inc./posts/], didn't join his father's company right out of college, and that honesty alone tells you everything about who he is. In this conversation with Patrick Thean [https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickthean/], co-founder of Rhythm Systems [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rhythm-systems-inc/?viewAsMember=true], William opens up about the spiritual journey that eventually led him to the family business, what it looks like to run a 200-person company with faith at the center, and why he believes culture and purpose aren't soft concepts; they're the business strategy. William leads The Cason Group, a wholesale insurance brokerage founded in 1991 that serves agents and brokers throughout the Southeast. Under his leadership, the company has set a bold 10-year goal: to organically double twice, from $26M to $100M, while remaining privately held, because, as William puts it, whoever owns the company owns the why. Key Takeaways: * Define your purpose before you climb. William keeps his personal purpose statement on his desk - "I'll be a focused, accountable man of God who loves and leads by serving my family and others" - as a daily compass. His advice: make sure you're not leaning your ladder against the wrong building. * Celebrating is a skill, and it's okay to need help with it. William admits celebration is one of his biggest weaknesses. His solution: build systems and ask trusted people to surface those moments for him. Humble leadership means knowing your blind spots and filling them. * Daily disciplines build the foundation. Morning time in Scripture, exercise five to six days a week, 10,000 steps, and daily self-measurement. William tracks what matters, so small adjustments stay small. * Culture grows best organically. The Cason Group's 10-year vision is to be "a bigger and brighter light", the best place to work, and the best at what they do, because William believes performance and people are inseparable. * Working with family is a calling, not just a convenience. William and his brother run separate entities under a shared family holding company, and it works because the why is shared.