Confessions of an Implementer

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed, giving you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.   Let's dive in!   In this episode of Confessions of an Implementer, I sit down with Ken DeWitt, also known as “Hurricane Ken.”   Early in his career, Ken was an intense, driven business owner whose leadership style was creating fear, turnover, and dysfunction inside his company. It took brutally honest feedback from a workplace psychologist for him to realize something that changed his life: He was the problem.   We talk about Ken’s 35-year journey of self-awareness, learning to control his reactions, and becoming the kind of leader who builds trust instead of fear. We dive into powerful leadership lessons, including: the mindset shift of “everything is my fault”, how self-awareness changes leadership forever and why Failure is required for growth   If you’re a CEO, founder, EOS leader, or business owner, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the hardest leadership challenge isn’t managing your team, it’s managing yourself.   Timestamps 03:10 - Meeting Hurricane Ken 08:06 - The Flag System 20:53 - The Big Pill & Bravery 29:26 - Can People Fundamentally Change? 35:50 - Apologies & Triggers 47:04 - Manage Others, Manage Self 1:00:00 - The "One Thing" Exercise 1:13:13 - Finding the Right Client Chemistry   Guest Links Email: kdewitt@eosworldwide.com EOS Website: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/ken-dewitt/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethdewitt/

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.   Let's dive in!   In Episode 43 of Confessions of an Implementer, Randall Taussig, an Expert EOS Implementer, breaks down why leaders who actively seek out honest input from their teams build stronger cultures and drive better results. Randall shares why the best managers are driven by a genuine desire to help others succeed, and why removing obstacles for your team matters more than your own individual output. He also reveals the one question every business owner should ask before promoting someone into a leadership role: do they actually want to coach and mentor others?   1:12 Passion for Mid-Management Coaching 5:46 Qualities of a Great Manager 8:52 Promoting the Right People 11:15 Setting Expectations and Accountability 18:41 Optimizing Time with LMD Framework 24:26 Examples of Leadership and Management Activities 27:27 Coaching Up and Coaching Out 31:04 Tips for Tough Conversations 41:36 Commitment to the Company 46:44 Aviation: Lessons in Process   Episode Resources   * EOS Website: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/randy-taussig/ * Blue Core Website: https://www.bluecoreleadership.com/about/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randytaussig/

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.   Let’s dive in!   In this episode, I sit down with Jake Wells, an EOS Implementer, who shares why real entrepreneurship requires resilience, humility, and a willingness to have uncomfortable conversations. He explains how structure, external facilitation, and honest dialogue help leaders avoid burnout and build businesses that can truly scale. Hear how embracing change, welcoming outside perspectives, and choosing a humble, committed leadership team create the foundation for lasting success.   00:00 The Reality of Entrepreneurship 02:07 Learning from Failure: State Angels 06:50 Scaling Challenges and the Role of Luck 12:26 Entrepreneurial Ego and EOS Client Profile 17:48 The Entrepreneur’s Journey: Adversity and Age 22:50 The Vision of an EOS Implementer 28:22 Overcoming Obstacles with EOS 33:51 The Power of an Unbiased Third Party 41:17 Identifying Ideal Clients and Moderation Skills   Episode Resources   Website: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/jake-wells/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobcwells/ Email: jake.wells@eosworldwide.com

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.   Let’s dive in!   In this episode, I sit down with Katie Koester, an EOS Implementer, who shares how embracing the natural seasons of work and rest helped her build a healthier rhythm for growth. From redefining work life balance to weaving hobbies and clarity breaks into her routine, she explains how resilience, self awareness, and intentional planning create space for both high performance and genuine well being. Hear how managing expectations, tracking personal goals, and aligning energy with purpose can transform the way you work and live.   04:56 Athletics, Farm Life, and Mindset 16:02 Overcoming Workaholism and Embracing Flexibility 19:10 A Woman in IT and Construction 25:04 The Importance of Hobbies and Clarity 32:30 Defining Balance and Managing Time 44:03 Seasons of Entrepreneurship and Rest 49:52 Performance vs. Perception 51:19 Client Success & In-Person Facilitation   Episode Resources   Website: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/katie-koester/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekoestereos/ Email: katie.koester@eosworldwide.com

Alex Hodgkin, an EOS implementer and Booth educator who advises ETA operators on post-close value creation. He breaks down Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition, explores why many acquisitions fail from leadership misalignment, and contrasts search fund structures. He discusses when EOS helps align boards and CEOs, operator traits that succeed, and practical ETA implementation cautions.

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.   Let's dive in!   In Episode 39, we sit down with Dale Williams,  an expert EOS Implementer, to break down what it really takes to lead a company through change  and build something that actually lasts. From major business pivots to technological disruption like AI, Dale shares why alignment matters more than direction, and why fostering conviction within your core leadership team is the difference between chaos and momentum. If you're navigating growth, considering a pivot, implementing EOS, or trying to scale without losing alignment, this conversation delivers practical frameworks you can apply immediately.   4:00 The Masochistic Love of Structure 6:27 Running from Burning Buildings 12:49 Discernment and Professional Filters 17:27 Adapting to New Realities 22:00 Navigating Inflection Points with EOS 29:50 Capitalizing on Waves 38:18 Team Alignment and Interrogatory Skills 46:50 Hiring Internal vs External 57:08 Connecting with Dale Williams   Show Links Talent Harbor:https://talentharbor.com LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/   Guest Links Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalecwilliams/ Email: dale.williams@eosworldwide.com  EOS Worldwide: eosworldwide.com

Ed Robinson, longtime Vistage Master Chair and leadership consultant who coaches CEOs and entrepreneurs. He recounts finding Vistage young, leading with curiosity and courage, and building win-win, community-focused leadership. Topics include handling information overload and fear, leading through turbulence, thinking in three horizons for strategy, and practical tips for recruiting and building momentum.

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed to give you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.   Let's dive in!   Continuing last week's conversation with Ned Tomasevic, we dive deeper into the personal cost of leadership and what it really takes to lead well. Ned reflects on paying the price of leadership, finding purpose after major career transitions, and the importance of self-reflection after exits and high-stakes roles. We explore how leaders can keep ego in check, stay connected to their “why,” and use EOS as an operating system to align teams, build culture, and support new CEOs, especially in private equity, search fund, and growth-stage environments. This episode is a must-listen for EOS Implementers and operators navigating leadership, identity, and long-term impact.   3:00 Post-Exit Reflection & New Calling 12:12 The Power of Journaling 19:38 Search Fund Investments: Risks and Rewards 38:43 Finding Your Ideal Business 44:40 The Role of the Board 52:21 Values and Leadership Transition 1:01:48 The Importance of 'Your Why'   Show Links   Talent Harbor: https://talentharbor.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/   Guest Links   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-tomasevic-6587901/ EOS Worldwide: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/ned-tomasevic/ Website: https://www.searchers.fund/ 

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed, giving you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.  Let’s dive in! In this episode, I sit down with Ned Tomasevic, an EOS Implementer with deep experience in private equity, search funds, and operating businesses. We talk about what leadership really looks like when the stakes are high. Ned shares lessons from distressed companies, investor-backed turnarounds, and stepping into the operator seat for the first time. We dig into motivation, core values, decision-making under pressure, and why leadership is always a human experience, not just a financial one. If you work with EOS companies navigating growth, ownership changes, or private equity involvement, this conversation offers honest insight from someone who has lived it. Let’s dive in. Episode Resources:  Microsite: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/ned-tomasevic/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-tomasevic-6587901/ Timestamps 00:00 From Banking to Private Equity 05:39 The Reality of Private Equity 09:26 Distressed Investing: Risks & Returns 15:56 PE Fund Decision-Making & Oversight 19:04 Entrepreneurial Roots & Career Path 23:29 The Allure of Search Funds 33:18 How Search Funds Work 36:42 The Art of Sourcing Deals 41:12 Raising Capital and Deal Sourcing 43:04 The Solo Searcher Experience 45:14 The Search Timeline and Investor Returns 46:50 Acquiring Easy Shipper Racks 49:43 Reframing the ‘Flip’ in Search Funds 53:16 Motivating Leadership Teams 01:00:09 Company Values and Culture 01:03:47 Living and Breathing Core Values   Show Links   Talent Harbor: https://talentharbor.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanehogan/   Guest Links   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ned-tomasevic-6587901/ EOS Worldwide: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/ned-tomasevic/ Website: https://www.searchers.fund/ 

Welcome to Confessions of an Implementer, a podcast by Talent Harbor. We share unique stories of implementers and the companies they’ve transformed, giving you a rare glimpse into the system's successes and challenges. I'm your host, Ryan Hogan.    Let’s dive in!   In this episode, I sit down with Kris Snyder, an EOS Implementor and lifelong entrepreneur, who shares how a “I’m going to do it and learn from it” mindset shaped his confidence, curiosity, and ability to spot patterns across business. From developing a deep curiosity across finance, sales, marketing, and software to learning when to listen to customers and when to protect the integrity of the system, Kris explains why consistent progress matters more than perfection. Hear how embracing AI, shifting from teaching to true facilitation, and preparing for changing market dynamics are reshaping EOS, leadership, and the future of scalable, resilient businesses.    2:37  Kris’ Early Career 10:00 Discovering EOS & Joining 90 20:02 Evolving Moats in SaaS 27:26 AI’s Impact on EOS Implementation 27:38 AI’s Future: Challenges and Adoption 43:04 Thinking 10X for Growth 49:50 The ‘Getting What You Want’ Tool   Episode Resources:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krissnyder/ 90: https://www.ninety.io/