

The Executive Appeal with Alex D. Tremble
Alex D. Tremble
The Executive Appeal is the show for CEOs of early eight‑figure, operations‑heavy companies who feel like the business only really moves when they push.
If you’re running a $10M–$25M company and every big decision still rolls up to you… your leaders are smart but misaligned… and you’re tired of being the hero that keeps everything moving… this is your room.
Host Alex D. Tremble – Industrial‑Organizational Psychologist, bestselling author, and CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions – sits down with CEOs and senior leaders (especially from multi‑location and logistics / industrial services businesses) to talk about what it actually takes to:
Stop being the bottleneck in every major decision
Build leaders who own problems and bring solutions
Install a simple leadership operating system so the company runs fast without you in every fire
You’ll hear unfiltered stories about wins, misses, and the behavior changes that made the biggest difference – not canned talking points.
Alongside CEO interviews, Alex releases occasional short solo episodes breaking down specific leadership behaviors, operating rhythms, and 90‑day plays you can apply directly in your company.
New episodes available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.
If you want a company that can run without you carrying it on your back, hit play.
If you’re running a $10M–$25M company and every big decision still rolls up to you… your leaders are smart but misaligned… and you’re tired of being the hero that keeps everything moving… this is your room.
Host Alex D. Tremble – Industrial‑Organizational Psychologist, bestselling author, and CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions – sits down with CEOs and senior leaders (especially from multi‑location and logistics / industrial services businesses) to talk about what it actually takes to:
Stop being the bottleneck in every major decision
Build leaders who own problems and bring solutions
Install a simple leadership operating system so the company runs fast without you in every fire
You’ll hear unfiltered stories about wins, misses, and the behavior changes that made the biggest difference – not canned talking points.
Alongside CEO interviews, Alex releases occasional short solo episodes breaking down specific leadership behaviors, operating rhythms, and 90‑day plays you can apply directly in your company.
New episodes available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.
If you want a company that can run without you carrying it on your back, hit play.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 29, 2025 • 27min
EP 158: Knowing Your Worth | Thriving Beyond a Disengaged Workplace
Are You Undervalued at Work? Here’s How to Take Back Control.Too many high-performing executive leaders stay stuck in workplaces that don’t recognize their worth. They’re overworked, underappreciated, and disengaged—waiting for someone else to see their value.Here’s the truth: If you don’t know your worth, no one else will.On today’s episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast, Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & #KeynoteSpeaker) breaks down:🔹 How to identify when your workplace is limiting your growth🔹 The mindset shift successful leaders use to break free from disengagement🔹 Proven strategies to position yourself for new opportunities and career advancementIf you’re tired of feeling stuck and ready to step into your full potential, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and start thriving beyond a disengaged workplace!#LeadershipDevelopment #KnowYourWorth #CareerGrowth #ThrivingAtWork #AlexDTremble #TheExecutiveAppealPodcast #GPSLeadershipSolutions

Jan 24, 2025 • 23min
EP 157: Trust | The Foundation for Retention, Engagement, and Proactivity
Do You Struggle to Build Trust with Your Team?If you’re finding it hard to retain top talent, engage your employees, or inspire proactive behavior, there’s one root cause you can’t ignore: trust.Without trust, even the best strategies fall apart. Teams become disengaged, performance drops, and leaders are left wondering where they went wrong.In today’s episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast, Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & #KeynoteSpeaker) dives into:Why trust is the foundation for employee engagement and proactivityCommon mistakes leaders make that break trustPractical strategies to build trust that drives retention and performanceIf you’re ready to unlock the secret to building stronger, more effective teams, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and start transforming your leadership approach!

Jan 15, 2025 • 49min
EP 156: Purpose-Driven Leadership: Coaching for Impact with Chris Hughes
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & #KeynoteSpeaker) and Chris Hughes, President & CEO of The Way Forward, delves into the essence of purpose-driven leadership. He explores the importance of aligning purpose with impact, coaching and developing teams toward shared goals, and preparing for future opportunities and challenges. Learn how to maximize your leadership potential, foster team growth, and create meaningful change in this insightful conversation.GUEST BIOMajor General (RET.) Christopher P Hughes is a result-driven Consultant and Executive Coach with expertise in strategic planning, innovation, leadership, and operational and organizational design. Chris has spent the last five years helping C-Suit executives improve and train their junior leaders in the business and federal domains. Christopher Hughes brings 35 years of leadership experience in the U.S Army, from platoon leader to Commanding General. Over the course of his career, Chris served as the Executive Officer for the Secretary of the Army, the Army Senior Liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives, and he commanded an Infantry Battalion from the 101st Airborne Division during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Chris is the author of the book “War on Two Fronts” that recounts his experiences in Iraq and the Pentagon. He assisted in the creation of five major organizations within the Department of Defense and served as an investigator on the USS Cole Commission in 2000.After retiring from military service, Chris became the President and CEO of Northwest Consulting, LLC. He's also the author of 'War on Two Fronts: an Infantry Commander's War in Iraq and the Pentagon'. Of which he was awarded the Army Historical Foundation's Distinguished Writing Award for Excellence in U.S. Army History Writing in 2008.

Jan 8, 2025 • 42min
EP 155: Fostering Proactivity and Embracing Diverse Perspectives with Tony L. Butler-Sims
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & #KeynoteSpeaker) and Tony L. Butler-Sims (Chief Operating Officer at the Center for International Private Enterprise) as they explore strategies for fostering proactivity in teams and the value of learning from diverse perspectives. Gain actionable insights on leadership and team dynamics from an accomplished executive and thought leader.Guest BIOTony currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the Center for international Private Enterprise With over 30 years of experience as a dedicated HR practitioner, Tony has worked in the private, for-profit, and non-profit sectors. Before joining CNFA, he served as the Director of Human Resources and Administration for Cardno Emerging Markets, overseeing operations in Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. His career also includes senior director roles at a federal government contractor in Northern Virginia and at the largest international public-sector labor union. A U.S. Army veteran, Tony served at military installations in Heidelberg, Germany; Yongsan, South Korea; and across the United States.Tony holds a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He is certified as a Senior Certified Professional in Human Resources by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and as a Senior Professional in Human Resources by the HR Certification Institute. Tony is a founding member of the SHRM Executive Network, currently serves as President-Elect on the board of the District of Columbia Chapter of SHRM, and is an official member of the Forbes Human Resource Council and the HR Leadership Forum.In his spare time, Tony is an active member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and enjoys volunteering, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Dec 18, 2024 • 38min
EP 154: Balancing Information and Intentionality with Timothy Horn
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & #KeynoteSpeaker) and Timothy Horn, Director, Integrated Talent Management as they discuss expertise on balancing information and intentionality in leadership and decision-making. Tune in to learn how to navigate complexity with purpose and clarity from a seasoned talent management professional.Guest BioTim currently serves as the Director, Integrated Talent Management at QinetiQ US. Tim began his career in the Air Force as a communications systems operator but soon was selected as an Airman Leadership School instructor, teaching first-line supervisors how to lead and develop their subordinates. He would ultimately be promoted to serve as the Chief of Enlisted Developmental Education, managing professional military education for 250,000+ members of the Air Force and finally, Command Chief Master Sergeant for Air University, providing strategic advice to the Commander on human capital management and mission execution. After leaving the Air Force in 2019 he started his current leadership journey at what is now QinetiQ US. His passion for leadership and professional development led him to move to the corporate office where he’s been leading those efforts for the company. That includes everything from running our flagship mentorship program to executive development... and anything that fits into the leadership and learning and development portfolio.

Dec 11, 2024 • 40min
EP 153: Find Fulfillment in Your Work and Focus on Your Passion with Scott Sell
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & #KeynoteSpeaker) and Scott Sell, Chief Talent Acquisition Officer at Mercy as they discuss how focusing on your passion can lead to greater fulfillment in your work. Gain valuable insights on aligning your career with your purpose from an expert in talent acquisition and leadership.Guest BIO:Scott Sell is a strategic and innovative talent acquisition leader that has led teams within the technology, executive search, hospitality, and health care sectors. He currently serves as the Chief Talent Acquisition Officer for Mercy, where he’s recognized for his proven ability to build and manage high performing, diverse teams across a multi-state area. As a seasoned professional with more than 25 years of recruitment experience, Scott is known for driving employment brand growth, maximizing operational excellence and providing a premiere candidate experience. Scott also serves as a Board Member on TALK (Talent Acquisition Leadership Keynotes) which is the world’s largest society of Talent Acquisition professionals. And prior to his current Chief role he served as the Director of Talent Acquisition and Administration at Ameristar Casino.

Nov 27, 2024 • 37min
EP 152: Progress at Your Pace: Kimberly Covington on Leadership & Patience
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Kimberly Covington (Human Resources Director at Pathways to Housing DC) as they discuss navigating today’s fast-paced “microwave” world, finding balance in leadership, and embracing personal progress. Learn how to boost productivity with flexible strategies, patience, and a big-picture perspective on growth and success.Guest BIO: Proven Human Resource professional, who works to translate business strategies into HR actions that drives business results, and who also focuses on developing efficient processes using knowledge of HR Information Systems, employee relations, benefits and industry best practices to accomplish organizational goals. Core competencies include:Project Management~Benefits Administration~ HRIS~Employee Relations~Performance Management~Strategic Planning~ Client Relations

Nov 20, 2024 • 39min
EP 151: Building Cohesive Cultures: HR Insights from Sarah Ghessie
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Sarah Ghessie (Senior HR Director at Fundrise) as they discuss how to create strong workplace cultures, build HR departments from scratch, and use data to predict trends. Dive into her journey of understanding diverse perspectives and the human side behind every data point in today’s evolving society.Guest BIO:With over ten years of experience in human resources and operations, I am a passionate and strategic leader who drives organizational excellence and employee engagement. As the Senior Director of Human Resources at Fundrise, I oversee the People function for a high-growth, direct-to-investor alternative asset management platform, overseeing talent acquisition, performance management, compensation and benefits, learning and development, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. I hold a SHRM-CP certification and am graduate of the People Leader Accelerator, a program that equips HR professionals with the skills and tools to create high-performing and inclusive teams, and the Redefining HR Accelerator - Charlie Cohort. Previously, I held various HR and operations roles at Asurity Technologies, NJI Media, Social Tables, and Hukkster, where I supported the growth and success of different organizations in the technology, media, and retail sectors. I have a strong background in retail management and organizational leadership and learning, with master's degrees from the University of South Carolina and the George Washington University. I also hold a diversity and inclusion certificate from Cornell University, and I am committed to fostering a culture of belonging and respect at Fundrise and beyond.

Nov 13, 2024 • 37min
EP 150: Lead with Purpose: Juan Ramirez on Choosing Your Why & Inspiring Change
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Juan Ramirez (Regional Growth Director at Oak Street Health) as they discuss insights on defining your purpose, doing what's right, and taking actionable notes to drive change. Discover his approach to leading teams, understanding people, and creating a positive impact in HR.

Nov 6, 2024 • 42min
EP 149: Inside Executive HR: Jason Risoli on Growth, Discipline & Success
On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Jason Risoli (Founder of Grassroots Talent Solutions and Global Head/VP of Human Resources P&O) as they discuss powerful lessons on the realities of executive growth, balancing sacrifice with success, mastering self-discipline, and minimizing distractions. Learn how every decision shapes your journey in this inspiring episode for ambitious professionals.Guest BIO:Jason Risoli is an accomplished Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience in various industries. He has a proven track record of driving business improvements through employee engagement, enhancing company culture and strategies initiatives. Jason's career began with a dual Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management as well as Management and Organizational Behavior from Rider University. He then went on to complete a Master's degree in Labor and Employment Relations from Rutgers University. Since then, he has worked with a variety of top organizations, including large corporations and small businesses, to develop and implement effective HR strategies. In his most recent role as the Sr. Director People Operations Head of HR at Transformco Sears Home Services, a leading Home Services company, Jason oversaw all aspects of HR operations, including employee relations, while strategically partnering with Talent Acquisition and Total Rewards subject matter experts. He has also played the lead role in developing and implementing employee engagement and retention strategies at the company. Throughout his career, Jason has demonstrated a passion for employee development and engagement. He is an advocate for ongoing learning and development, and has led numerous training sessions on topics such as leadership development and conflict resolution and has mentored countless people throughout his career and personal life. Outside of work, Jason is nature lover and enjoys spending time with his family. He is also actively involved in his community, volunteering with local non-profit organizations including being Merit Badge Counselor with the Boy Scouts of America for 6 Eagle Merit badges as well being a mentor for HR students attending Rutgers University.


