JM Ryerson on Authentic Leadership, Building Culture That Lasts, and Becoming the Best Version of Yourself

JM Ryerson on Authentic Leadership, Building Culture That Lasts, and Becoming the Best Version of Yourself

This week, Jessica sits down with JM Ryerson, entrepreneur, author, and founder of Let's Go Win, to explore why sustainable leadership begins with personal alignment. After building and selling multiple companies while navigating professional success alongside personal struggles, JM shares how embracing authenticity transformed not only his business, but his marriage, family, and approach to leading others. JM explains why vulnerability is not a weakness but one of the most powerful leadership skills an executive can develop. He reflects on the lessons learned from building organizations with unhealthy cultures, why so many companies fail to define and reinforce their core values, and how consistent behaviors, clear expectations, and daily habits create cultures that endure. Drawing on both his consulting work and his own family life, he makes the case that leadership principles should be lived just as intentionally at home as they are in the workplace. The conversation also explores personal growth, coaching, and the mindset required to embrace change. JM shares why he prefers the word "upgrade" over "change," how leaders can overcome resistance by reframing transformation as an opportunity, and why surrounding yourself with people who challenge your assumptions is essential for long term success. About JM Reyerson JM Ryerson spent nearly two decades in the C-suite — building companies, leading teams, and learning the hard way what separates leaders who thrive from leaders who survive. The gap wasn't strategy, resources, or even talent. It was the work happening (or not happening) on the inside. Leaders who couldn't quiet the self-doubt. Teams whose dysfunction traced back to the top. High achievers who had checked every box and still felt empty. JM had lived it himself. So he made it his life's work to help others break through it. Today, he works with entrepreneurs, executives, and sales teams across industries — helping them align who they are, build the belief required to lead at the next level, and choose the habits and people that will define their legacy. He's taken the stage 100+ times. Written 3 books. Launched one of the top leadership podcasts in the country. And built a coaching platform that delivers transformation at scale. JM's passion extends beyond mindset and leadership — he's committed to helping companies of every size run leaner without sacrificing quality. That means connecting clients to fully vetted partners and solutions available directly through the WIN platform. Because the best leaders know that winning isn't just about revenue — it's about protecting what you've built. That same mission led JM to create Winning Coverage [https://winning-coverage.vercel.app/] — a resource helping small and mid-size business owners dramatically reduce health insurance costs through ICHRA, without cutting benefits quality. It's the kind of practical, vetted solution JM's clients have been asking for. But the work that matters most happens one conversation at a time. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jm-ryerson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jm-ryerson/]              Website: https://letsgowin.com/ [https://letsgowin.com/] Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com [https://jessicakriegel.com/] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel] Instagram: @jess_kriegel [https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/] Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com [https://culturepartners.com/] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners [https://linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/]

Scott Pulsipher on Reimagining Higher Education, Innovation with Accountability, and Creating Opportunity at Scale

This week, Jessica sits down with Scott Pulsipher, President of Western Governors University, to explore how education must evolve to meet the realities of a rapidly changing world. Drawing on his background in technology, business, and leadership, Scott shares why traditional assumptions about higher education are breaking down and what it takes to build an institution designed around outcomes rather than convention. Scott explains how WGU grew into one of the largest universities in the country by focusing relentlessly on student success, affordability, flexibility, and competency rather than seat time. He discusses why innovation requires both autonomy and accountability, how an innovation bias became part of WGU’s culture, and why organizations must continually challenge their own assumptions if they hope to remain relevant. The conversation also explores the future of learning in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, accelerating technological change, and shifting workforce demands. Scott reflects on the role of education as a pathway to economic and social mobility, the importance of stewardship in long term leadership, and why institutions must be willing to reinvent themselves before the world forces them to. At its core, this episode is about building systems that create opportunity, leading with purpose rather than tradition, and preparing people not just for today’s challenges, but for a future that is arriving faster than ever. About Scott Pulsipher Scott Pulsipher serves as president of Western Governors University (WGU), the nation’s first and largest competency-based university, leading all academic, operational, and organizational functions. Pulsipher came to WGU in 2016 and blends a personal drive for making a difference in the lives of individuals and families through education and a passion for technology-powered innovation. At WGU, he is driving continuous innovation to improve student outcomes by focusing on rapidly advancing curriculum quality, new faculty models, data-driven learning, and an innovative cost model. In 2020, EdTech Digest named him one of the Top 100 Influencers in EdTech. Pulsipher chairs the President’s Forum, a collaborative network of nearly 20?college and university presidents committed to the reinvention of higher education.He also serves as a member of Handshake’s Impact Advisory Board, and on the board of the American Council on Education. Before coming to WGU, Pulsipher had more than 20 years of leadership experience in technology-based, customer-focused businesses, including Amazon, Sterling Commerce (now part of IBM), and two successful startups that traverse retail, supply chain, banking, payments, and manufacturing sectors. Pulsipher holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Brigham Young University and an MBA from Harvard University.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pulsipher-5735143/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pulsipher-5735143/]             Website: https://www.wgu.edu/ [https://www.wgu.edu/]   Host: Jessica Kriegel   Culture Partners LinkedIn:  [https://linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/]linkedin.com/company/culturepartners [https://linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/] Website:  [https://jessicakriegel.com/]jessicakriegel.com [https://jessicakriegel.com/]LinkedIn:  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel]linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel]Instagram:  [https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/]@jess_kriegel [https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/]Website:  [https://culturepartners.com/]culturepartners.com [https://culturepartners.com/]

Reverend Eric J. Hall on Spiritual Care, Whole Person Healing, and Bringing Meaning into Modern Leadership

This week, Jessica sits down with Reverend Eric J. Hall, CEO of the Spiritual Care Association, to explore the often overlooked role of spiritual care in both healthcare and organizational leadership. Drawing on decades of experience across healthcare, nonprofit leadership, and chaplaincy, Eric shares a compelling perspective on why caring for the human spirit is not optional—but essential to true healing and performance. Eric explains how spiritual care differs from religious care, reframing it as the pursuit of meaning and purpose that applies to everyone, regardless of belief system. He walks through the growing body of research showing that integrating spiritual care into healthcare improves outcomes, shortens recovery times, and supports both patients and staff in high-stakes environments. The conversation also explores the expansion of chaplaincy beyond hospitals into corporate environments, first responders, and everyday workplaces. Eric addresses common misconceptions, the challenges of funding and perception, and why organizations that invest in supporting the whole person ultimately see stronger culture, retention, and engagement. About Reverend Eric Hall Rev. Eric J. Hall is president and CEO of HealthCare Chaplaincy Network™, a 55-year-old global nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the integration of spiritual care in health care to increase patient satisfaction and help people faced with illness and grief find comfort and meaning—whoever they are, whatever they believe, wherever they are.  HCCN is a leader in clinical pastoral education and spiritual care research, and provides professional chaplaincy services at major health care institutions in New York, including Hospital for Special Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and NYU Langone Medical Center. Since Rev. Hall joined the New York-based HCCN in August 2013, the organization has been making important advances in clinical pastoral education, research into the evidence of the value of chaplaincy interventions, and alliances with like-minded organizations.  He has also led the organization’s expansion beyond traditional hospital bedside chaplaincy by innovating a suite of cost-effective, technology-driven programs and services to provide spiritual support to individuals and their families throughout the health care continuum—whether in hospital or outpatient settings, hospice, long-term residences, or at home. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-j-hall/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-j-hall/]              Website: https://ericjhall.org/ [https://ericjhall.org/] Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com [https://jessicakriegel.com/] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel] Instagram: @jess_kriegel [https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/] Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com [https://culturepartners.com/] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners [https://linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/]

Jon Yaged, CEO of Macmillan Publishers: Reaching Modern Readers and Leading in a Changing Publishing Landscape

This week, Jessica speaks with Jon Yaged, CEO of Macmillan Publishers and longtime publishing executive, to explore how books, reading habits, and consumer expectations are evolving in a rapidly changing world. With experience leading major book organizations through growth and transformation, Jon shares a grounded perspective on what it takes to keep reading relevant in an era defined by constant distraction and shifting attention. Jon explains how successful book companies think beyond individual titles and instead focus on building lasting relationships with readers. He walks through the realities of scaling a modern publishing business, from understanding changing consumption patterns to creating experiences that meet readers where they are. He also reflects on the role of leadership in balancing commercial performance with the deeper mission of fostering curiosity, learning, and long term engagement. The conversation also explores how technology, distribution, and audience behavior are reshaping the industry, and why adaptability has become a core requirement for publishers and leaders alike. Jon shares insights on building teams that can operate through uncertainty, staying focused on the customer, and continuing to invest in books as a meaningful and enduring medium. About Jon Yaged Jon Yaged is Chief Executive Officer of Macmillan Publishers. Jon previously served as President, Macmillan Publishers, and President & Publisher, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. During his tenure as CEO and President, the company recorded the highest revenue and operating income in its history. Over the course of his 20-year career in children’s publishing, Jon oversaw the publication of many bestselling books while working with critically acclaimed, award-winning authors and illustrators, including Katherine Applegate, Leigh Bardugo, Angeline Boulley, Eoin Colfer, Taye Diggs, Shane W. Evans, Jimmy Fallon, Jules Feiffer, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Marissa Meyer, Rick Riordan, Mo Willems, and Gene Luen Yang.  Jon is passionate about fostering publishing programs that reflect the communities in which we live. He is committed to leading a company that invests in its employees by creating a culture of collaboration, mentorship, inclusion, and innovation. Jon began his publishing career at The Walt Disney Company, reaching the level of Vice President, US Publisher, Disney Book Group. He also served as Chief Operating Officer of a social media marketing company and, before joining Disney, he practiced entertainment and technology law.  Jon currently serves on the Boards of the Association of American Publishers, National Book Foundation, and National Coalition Against Censorship. He has a JD from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the George Washington University. Jon lives with his family in New York City. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonyaged/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonyaged/]              Website: https://us.macmillan.com/ [https://us.macmillan.com/] Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com [https://jessicakriegel.com/] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel] Instagram: @jess_kriegel [https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/] Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com [https://culturepartners.com/] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners [https://linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/]

Lothar Schupet on Building a Brand from Scratch, Aligning Culture at Scale, and Leading Through Global Complexity

This week, Jessica sits down with Lothar Schupet, Acting CEO of Zeekr EU, to explore what it really takes to build a premium brand from the ground up in one of the most competitive and complex industries in the world. With more than 25 years in automotive, Lothar brings a rare perspective on the shift from legacy organizations to high-speed, startup-like environments. Lothar shares the realities of launching a new brand in Europe, from designing products without historical customer feedback to building distribution, infrastructure, and operations simultaneously across multiple markets. He explains why early success depended on hiring “doers” who could operate without structure, and how the next phase required layering in deep industry expertise to stabilize and scale the business. The conversation also dives into culture as a performance driver. Lothar reflects on the challenge of aligning teams across dozens of nationalities, backgrounds, and legacy mindsets, and how clear cultural beliefs, like trust paired with accountability, enabled faster decision making, decentralized ownership, and sustained growth. He offers practical insight into embedding culture through repetition, leadership modeling, and systems that reinforce behavior over time. About Lothar Schupet Lothar Schupet is the Acting CEO of Zeekr Europe, a role he assumed in January 2025. Prior to this, he served as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Head of Commercial Operations at Zeekr from January 2023 to December 2024, overseeing sales, network development, financial services, logistics, training, and retail operations. Lothar's extensive experience in the automotive industry and his leadership roles across various European markets position him to drive Zeekr Europe's growth and expansion in the electric vehicle sector. Lothar holds a Master's in International Business from Grenoble Graduate School of Business. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lothar-schupet-a354a21/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lothar-schupet-a354a21/] Website: https://www.zeekr.eu/ [https://www.zeekr.eu/] Host: Jessica Kriegel Website: jessicakriegel.com [https://jessicakriegel.com/] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel] Instagram: @jess_kriegel [https://www.instagram.com/jess_kriegel/] Culture Partners Website: culturepartners.com [https://culturepartners.com/] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/culturepartners [https://linkedin.com/company/culturepartners/]