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/
🎧 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!
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#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

Innovation, Growth, and Grit: Leadership Lessons from Amy Murray

What does leadership really look like when the cameras are off?
In this episode of Leadership Backstage, I sit down with Amy Murray, Partner at Pavone Group, for a conversation that goes beyond titles and success stories. We talk honestly about what it means to be a partner — the responsibility, the sleepless nights, the weight of decisions, and the moments that test you in ways no job description ever could.
Amy shares her 30+ year journey growing alongside one company as it evolved from a small startup into a multi-agency organization. Along the way, we unpack how early life lessons shape the way we lead, why institutional memory can quietly become a risk, and how leadership has changed in a faster, more data-driven world.
What stood out to me most was how deeply personal leadership is for Amy — from her love of handwritten thank-you notes to the influence of her mother, her faith, and the people who helped her along the way. This conversation is a reminder that leadership isn’t just about strategy or growth — it’s about intention, resilience, and the small choices that leave a lasting impact.
If you’ve ever wondered whether leadership is supposed to feel this heavy… you’re not alone.
In This Episode, We Talk About:
What becoming a partner really requires
The loneliness that often comes with leadership
How perseverance and problem-solving are learned early
The hidden risks of relying on institutional memory
Why asking better questions builds stronger teams
How small, thoughtful actions can matter more than big moments
About My Guest
Amy Murray is a Partner at Pavone Group, a multi-agency marketing and communications organization. With more than three decades of experience, Amy has helped guide the company through growth, diversification, and change — always with a people-first approach.
🌐 pavonegroup.com
📧 abeamer@pavone.net
Join the Conversation
If this episode resonated with you:
👍 Please like the video
💬 Comment and tell me what part of leadership you find most challenging
🔁 Share this with someone who could use this conversation
🔔 And subscribe for more honest, behind-the-scenes leadership stories
Thanks so much for being here! I’m grateful you’re part of this community.
— Claudia
#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveLeadership #WomenInLeadership #BusinessGrowth #CareerJourney #Resilience #LeadershipPodcast #MarketingLeadership #AgencyLife #LeadershipBackstage #ProfessionalGrowth #LeadershipMatters #LeadershipTips

Navigating Leadership and Business Growth in Law Firms: A Conversation with Steve Williams

In this episode of Leadership Backstage, host Claudia Williams sits down with Steve Williams, a leading expert in landlord-tenant law and the managing partner of Cohen Segs Palace, Greenhall, and Furman.
Steve shares his remarkable journey from working in a small real estate firm to leading a multi-state national law practice. Discover how he approaches leadership, business development, rainmaker-tactician dynamics, firm culture, professional growth, and the evolving landscape of client relationships.
He also opens up about work-life balance, a major health scare, and his heartfelt advice for young lawyers looking to build a purposeful and successful career.
If you enjoy conversations that unpack real leadership, legal practice, and professional growth—don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Leadership Backstage
01:21 Meet Steve Williams: Legal Expert and Managing Partner
03:45 Steve's Journey to Cohen Segs
05:39 Challenges and Leadership at Cohen Segs
00:39 Balancing Business Development and Legal Expertise
02:36 The Importance of Firm Culture and Opportunities
14:11 Navigating Professional Growth and Firm Structure
24:18 Committee Structures and Firm Management
30:40 Investing in People and Technology
32:15 Steve's Path from Trial Lawyer to Leader
32:46 Managing Partner Journey
33:45 Balancing Careers and Family Life
34:15 Work-Life Balance Challenges
40:54 Building a Professional Network
49:24 Health Scare and Team Support
53:08 Advice for Young Lawyers
57:33 Firm Services and Conclusion
#Leadership #LawFirm #BusinessDevelopment #ProfessionalServices #ClientRelationships #WorkLifeBalance #EntrepreneurMindset #LawyerLife #LeadershipBackstage #LegalProfession

From Marketing Intern to CEO: Inside Betsy Hamm’s Leadership Journey | Leadership Backstage

In this episode of Leadership Backstage, we sit down with Betsy Hamm, whose career journey spans from a marketing intern at Hershey to the CEO of Duck Donuts, one of the most beloved franchise brands in the world.
Betsy takes us behind the scenes of scaling a family-owned business into an international franchise, navigating rapid growth, maintaining consistency, and leading through major organizational change. She also opens up about the challenges women face in leadership, why strategic planning matters, and how relationships and team culture drive long-term success.
From surviving early career mistakes to launching a new business of her own, Betsy shares actionable lessons, candid stories, and leadership insights for anyone navigating growth, franchising, team building, or entrepreneurship.
Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction to Leadership Backstage
00:15 Meet Betsy Hamm: From Roller Coasters to Donuts
00:59 Betsy’s Career Journey: From Marketing to CEO
03:08 The Rise of Duck Donuts: From Local to Global
06:24 Challenges of Franchising & Maintaining Consistency
10:14 Navigating Rapid Growth & Scaling
16:43 Transitioning Leadership & Private Equity
24:40 Working with Founders & Driving Change
29:30 Universal Business Strategies
31:05 Learning from Mistakes
33:09 Proud Moments & Career Highlights
34:48 Launching a New Venture
37:00 Supporting Women in Leadership
46:01 Professional Development & Growth
54:05 Strategic Planning for Business Success
56:49 Closing Thoughts & Contact Info
#LeadershipBackstage #BetsyHamm #DuckDonuts #WomenInLeadership
#Entrepreneurship #Franchising #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipPodcast
#CareerDevelopment #ScalingBusinesses #CEOInsights #LeadershipJourney

From Blind Spots to Breakthroughs: Leadership Starts Here | Introducing The Leadership Backstage Podcast

Welcome to Episode 1 of Leadership Backstage, a podcast dedicated to uncovering the REAL, unfiltered truth about leadership, growth, and the often-lonely journey behind the title.
In this solo kickoff episode, host Claudia Williams shares her personal story, from growing up in a traditional Italian-American household to building a powerful career in law, consulting, and leadership development. With more than 30 years of experience working with CEOs, founders, and executive teams, Claudia reveals the mindset shifts, blind spots, and defining lessons that shape extraordinary leaders.
This episode explores:
🔹 Why leadership feels lonely and why that’s normal
🔹 The importance of organizational design and people decisions
🔹 How childhood & early influences shape leadership styles
🔹 What Claudia learned working with global CEOs
🔹 Why continuous learning is the ultimate advantage
🔹 The mission of Leadership Backstage and what to expect next
If you're a founder, executive, team leader, or an aspiring leader, this podcast will help you grow with more clarity, courage, and confidence.
Subscribe and join us for honest stories, tactical strategies, and conversations that take you beyond the title… and backstage into real leadership.
TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Welcome to Leadership Backstage
01:00 – Meet Your Host: Claudia Williams
01:48 – How Leadership Shapes Us
04:45 – What This Podcast Is Really About
06:09 – Claudia’s Story & Early Influences
10:32 – Career Lessons from Working with Leaders
16:31 – Final Thoughts & What’s Coming Next
#LeadershipBackstage #ClaudiaWilliams #LeadershipPodcast #ExecutiveDevelopment #LeadershipGrowth #BusinessLeadership #CEOMindset #FounderMindset #LeadershipLessons #PersonalGrowth #OrganizationalDesign

Leadership Backstage: The Conversations That Change Leaders