Leadership Backstage Podcast

How a Former Marine Became a People‑First Leader

Every once in a while, I sit down with someone whose leadership journey stays with me long after the microphones are turned off — and my conversation with Michael Bistline was one of those moments. What struck me most about Mike wasn’t just the breadth of his experience — from Marine Corps discipline to building a thriving business, to stepping into the unfamiliar territory of becoming an employee again — but the honesty with which he talked about it. His willingness to share the discomfort, the relearning, and the recalibrating that came with this transition reminded me that leadership is never a straight line. It’s a continual evolution. Mike’s reflections on empathy, accountability, investing in people, and learning to trust others with what he once built himself felt incredibly human and deeply relatable. There’s a grounded wisdom in the way he approaches growth — both personal and professional — and I know his story will resonate with anyone navigating big shifts or questioning what leadership really means. I’m grateful we had this conversation, and I’m excited to share it with you. If this conversation speaks to you, please take a moment to like, comment, and subscribe. Your engagement helps us bring more raw, meaningful leadership stories to leaders everywhere. And if you know someone navigating a transition or wrestling with letting go of control — send this their way. It might be exactly what they need today. #LeadershipBackstage #MichaelBeislein #LeadershipJourney #CareerTransitions #MarineLeadership #PeopleFirstLeadership #BusinessGrowth #EmpathyInLeadership #ScalingBusiness #AcquisitionJourney #LeadershipPodcast

From Multi-Million Dollar Business to Spiritual Awakening: Nate Wakeford’s Story

When I first met Nate Wakeford, I knew this conversation would be different. Nate built one of Australia’s leading specialty beverage companies, supplying thousands of cafes and even tech giants like Google and Twitter. By all accounts, he had “made it.” But what happens when success and comfort still leave you feeling empty? In this episode of Leadership Backstage, I go behind the curtain with Nate to explore his incredible journey—from corporate success to a spiritual awakening that changed everything. Nate opens up about: ✅ Losing his mother and how that triggered a profound shift ✅ Why more money and more success didn’t equal fulfillment ✅ The moment he embraced “the void” and let go of fear ✅ How sovereignty became his guiding principle ✅ His vision for Thrive Villages and creating environments where humanity can truly flourish This is one of the most raw and inspiring conversations I’ve had. If you’ve ever felt stuck, wondered what’s next, or questioned the meaning of success, this episode is for you. 📌 Connect with Nate: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-wakeford-48ab32/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-wakeford-48ab32/] 🎧 Subscribe to Leadership Backstage for more unfiltered conversations about leadership, growth, and transformation. 👉 If this resonates with you, please like, comment, and share—I’d love to hear your thoughts! #LeadershipBackstage #NateWakeford #SpiritualAwakening #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipTransformation #EntrepreneurJourney #Sovereignty #ThriveVillages #LifeOptimization #LeadershipPodcast #MindsetShift #SelfRealization #ConsciousLeadership #IdentityShift #SuccessBeyondMoney

Leadership Secrets: Building Ownership Culture | Jason Fralick

I had the privilege of sitting down with Jason Fralick, President and CEO of HRG, for this episode of Leadership Backstage. Jason’s story is incredible; he went from a college graduate to leading an engineering services firm with over 400 employees. What makes HRG unique? Their commitment to employee ownership through an ESOP. In our conversation, Jason shares the benefits and challenges of building an ownership culture, why accountability matters, and how strategic planning shapes long-term success. He also opens up about his leadership style, personal experiences, and the importance of having a strong support system. If you’re curious about leadership, organizational culture, or what it takes to grow a sustainable business, you’ll love this episode. What you’ll learn: • How ESOP transforms company culture • Jason’s leadership journey and lessons learned • Strategic planning for growth and engagement • Balancing visionary thinking with execution • Why support systems matter for leaders Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Employee Ownership 00:39 Welcome to Leadership Backstage 01:25 Meet Jason Fralick: CEO and President 03:43 HRG's Growth and Expansion 04:34 Understanding ESOP and Ownership Culture 11:37 Jason's Journey and Leadership Insights 22:02 Navigating Leadership Challenges 28:06 The Role of a Founder in Business 29:08 Visionary Leadership and Organizational Redesign 30:58 Strategic Planning and Long-Term Vision 35:45 Balancing Deep Thinking and Execution 46:52 The Importance of a Support System 51:06 Personal Insights and Reflections 55:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let me know what resonated with you. Like, Share, and Subscribe for more leadership conversations! Hit the bell so you never miss an episode. #Leadership #EmployeeOwnership #ESOP #BusinessGrowth #OrganizationalCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #HRG #Podcast #LeadershipBackstage #CEOInsights #StrategicPlanning #EmployeeEngagement #VisionaryLeadership

Mark Bonsall: Lessons from an Introverted CEO

Hi, I’m Claudia Williams, and this episode of Leadership Backstage is one you don’t want to miss. I had the privilege of sitting down with Mark Bonsall, former president of Conrad Siegel, to talk about his incredible journey from introverted number cruncher to respected leader. Mark opens up about the challenges of leadership, the power of mentorship, and how sports shaped his approach to personal growth. We also dive into Conrad Siegel’s unique client-first culture, navigating generational shifts, and leading through crises like COVID-19. If you’ve ever wondered whether introverts can thrive in leadership, this conversation will inspire you. If this episode resonates with you, please like, comment, and subscribe for more real leadership stories. I’d love to hear your thoughts—what’s the most valuable leadership lesson you’ve learned? Share it in the comments! What you’ll learn in this episode: How high school sports shaped Mark’s leadership style His journey from introverted professional to CEO Navigating generational shifts and leading through COVID-19 Why listening matters more than speaking Practical advice for aspiring leaders and introverts Building a client-first culture and mentoring future leaders #LeadershipBackstage #MarkBonsall #IntrovertedLeader #LeadershipPodcast #MentorshipMatters #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessLeadership #COVIDLeadership #SportsAndLeadership #CareerGrowth #LeadershipSkills

The CEO’s Path: From Humble Beginnings to Community Impact

I had the privilege of sitting down with Mary Quinn, CEO of YWCA Harrisburg, for one of the most inspiring conversations I’ve ever had on Leadership Backstage. Mary’s story moved me deeply—from growing up in a poor, working-class family in Detroit to leading a major nonprofit that impacts thousands of lives. She opened up about balancing full-time work with night school, overcoming the devastating loss of her husband, and navigating the complexities of nonprofit leadership. What struck me most was Mary’s unwavering commitment to discipline, education, and integrity. She also shared eye-opening insights into the essential services YWCA provides, the challenges of funding, and how we can all play a role in supporting their mission. If you’ve ever wondered what resilience looks like in action, this episode is for you. Chapters: 00:00 – Loneliness and Struggles 00:49 – Introduction to Leadership Backstage 01:20 – Meet Mary Quinn 02:31 – Mary’s Journey to CEO 09:07 – Balancing Personal and Professional Life 12:16 – The Challenges of Leadership 26:09 – Ethical Dilemmas in Leadership 29:03 – The Work of YWCA Harrisburg 36:34 – The Importance of Nonprofits in Community Safety 37:00 – Challenges of Funding and Budget Management 37:24 – The Role of Leadership in Nonprofit Success 38:22 – The Importance of Accountability and Transparency 39:03 – Community Support and Fundraising 39:49 – The Impact of Budget Impasses on Nonprofits 40:27 – The Value of Donating to Well-Run Nonprofits 40:48 – Taking Over Dress for Success 41:34 – Vetting Nonprofits for Financial Health 42:46 – Personal Life and Hobbies 44:47 – The Importance of Community and Support Systems 49:27 – Empathy and Leadership 53:08 – Balancing Empathy with Accountability 56:00 – Post-Pandemic Shifts in Employee Expectations 01:00:45 – The Importance of Integrity and Notice in Employment 01:08:20 – Supporting the YWCA 01:10:23 – Conclusion and Call to Action 👉 Watch now and be inspired by Mary’s incredible story of perseverance and leadership. ✅ Don’t forget to LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to the channel, and hit the 🔔 bell so you never miss an episode! 💬 Comment below: What’s your biggest takeaway from Mary’s journey? #LeadershipBackstage #MaryQuinn #NonprofitLeadership #YWCAHarrisburg #LeadershipJourney #CommunityImpact #Resilience #LeadershipPodcast #WomenInLeadership #SocialImpact