From a Corporate Pivot to Restaurant Owner: Dewey Hasbrouck on the Hard Question Every Leader Should Ask

From a Corporate Pivot to Restaurant Owner: Dewey Hasbrouck on the Hard Question Every Leader Should Ask

In this episode of Lead The Fine Print, Dewey Hasbrouck shares a leadership journey shaped by unexpected pivots, personal challenges, and a return to the hospitality industry later in life. From navigating a career path that never quite felt like his own to starting over and building restaurants rooted in community, Dewey reflects on what it means to lead with intention rather than control. He discusses the tension between moving quickly and creating space for others, and why the most effective leaders resist the urge to always provide the answer. The conversation explores how curiosity can become a leadership advantage, how empowering employees to contribute ideas strengthens both culture and performance, and why creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up is essential. Dewey also offers a candid perspective on the responsibility leaders carry in supporting their teams beyond day-to-day operations, including the importance of providing a living wage and treating employees as contributors rather than costs. This episode highlights a form of leadership that is grounded in trust, shared ownership, and the belief that when people are supported and valued, they will rise to meet the moment.

From Directing the Broadcast to Developing the Next Generation: Rodney Verrill on Leadership, Mentorship, and the “Meat and Potatoes” of Teamwork

In this episode of Lead The Fine Print, Rodney Verrill, reflects on a career that began behind the scenes in broadcast production and evolved into a lifelong commitment to developing the next generation of professionals. From directing live television in high pressure environments to helping build educational programs that prepare students for the realities of the industry, Rodney shares how leadership is shaped through experience, reflection, and the influence of mentors along the way. Drawing from decades in broadcast and education, he explains why strong teams matter more than individual expertise, why genuine recognition carries more weight than routine praise, and why the most effective leaders focus on what he calls the “meat and potatoes” of leadership. The conversation explores decision making under pressure, learning from past mistakes, and creating environments where people feel trusted to grow. Rodney offers a grounded perspective on leadership that values humility, relationships, and the quiet work that often goes unseen but ultimately defines success.

From Getting on A Plane at 18 To Removing Barriers: Michelle Simpson on Leadership Through Curiosity

In this episode, Michelle Simpson reflects on a leadership journey that began with a bold leap of faith and evolved into a deeply human approach to coaching and administration. From arriving in the US at 18 years old with little more than curiosity and confidence, to shaping team cultures grounded in joy, connection, and self awareness, Michelle shares how her philosophy of leadership was formed through experience rather than title. She discusses the influence of mentors, the importance of creating environments where people feel seen and safe to grow, and why quiet leadership often has the greatest impact.  The conversation explores lessons learned from both good and poor leadership examples, the pressure coaches face under constant evaluation, and the responsibility leaders carry in shaping culture beyond wins and losses. Michelle also reflects on her transition from head coach to senior administrator, and how authentic connection remains at the core of meaningful leadership. This episode invites listeners to reconsider where leadership begins, how it develops over time, and why the moments that matter most are often the ones that go unnoticed.

From Mission Focused to Steady in the Air and on the Ground: Dustin Smiley on Trust, Teams, and Preparation

In this episode of Lead the Fine Print, Dustin Smiley reflects on leadership shaped through relationships, not rank. Drawing from his experience in the military and flying for LifeFlight, Dustin shares how effective leadership is less about individual expertise and more about building teams that know, trust, and support one another. Rather than focusing on moments of crisis, the conversation centers on the everyday work of leadership. Dustin describes his leadership style as one grounded in helping others reach their potential by taking the time to know people well, talk openly, and understand how individuals respond under stress. He reflects on the importance of trying new approaches, learning alongside others, and creating environments where calm and confidence can take hold even in demanding situations. At its core, his approach to leadership is about anticipating needs, communicating clearly, and adapting in ways that allow people and teams to perform at their best. The episode also explores how leadership develops outside formal roles and checklists, through curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn from others. Whether in high-stress professional settings or in everyday life, Dustin’s perspective highlights leadership as a steady, relational practice built over time, often quietly and without recognition.

From Waiting to Be Chosen to Claiming the Page: Suzanne Carver on Writing Flight Path and Leading Herself

In this episode of Lead the Fine Print, Suzanne Carver shares the quiet leadership journey behind her debut novel, Flight Path. Trained as a social worker, longtime massage therapist, writer, and coach, Suzanne reflects on the years spent writing, rewriting, being rejected, and ultimately choosing to publish on her own terms. This conversation explores what it means to stop waiting for permission, how self-trust is built one courageous step at a time, and why leadership often shows up long before a title, contract, or external validation ever arrives. Suzanne speaks candidly about fear, impostor syndrome, rejection, and the deeply personal work of reclaiming one’s voice, while weaving in insights from her work with women around authenticity, self-permission, and inner sovereignty. From rewriting her manuscript multiple times to reframing rejection as redirection, this episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is not always loud or linear. Sometimes it lives in the decision to keep going, to honor your voice, and to choose yourself when no one else does. For more information about Suzanne visit her website https://www.thetrueyoublog.net/ To purchase Suzanne's book Flight Path: https://www.amazon.com/Flight-Path-Suzanne-C-Carver/dp/1966799918