The Frustrated CEO

In this episode of The Frustrated CEO Podcast, we sit down with Joe Battaglia Sr. and his sons, Joey and Nick, the powerhouse family behind Senior Services of North America (SSNA). From a single postcard that sparked an idea to becoming a national leader in the Medicare insurance space, the Battaglias share their journey of building a business rooted in family values, driven by relentless vision, and powered by innovation. Hear how they navigate growth, technology, and the complexities of working with loved ones—while keeping their mission at the center of it all.Join us in this special episode as we dive deep into the Battaglia family's journey, their shared vision for SSNA, and how they continue to build one of the most successful insurance organizations in the industry.----Follow us on Instagram: @thefrustratedceopodcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-frustrated-ceo/id1560914781Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fG5mJ9lS6sobAthuak3Ns?si=6a112c0022064cf3LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lyons-group-consulting/?viewAsMember=trueTikTok:  @TheFrustratedCEOPodcast  Contact us: info@thelyonsgroupconsulting.com----#TheFrustratedCEOPodcast #InsuranceIndustry #FamilyBusiness #SSNA #MedicareInsurance #InsuranceSuccess #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipInInsurance #FamilyBusinessLeadership #InsuranceAgents #Mentorship #BusinessGrowth #LifeInsurance #Annuities #SSNAFamily #InnovativeLeadership #InsuranceTechnology #InsuranceCareer #HealthAndWealth #JoeBattaglia #JoeyBattaglia #NickBattaglia #InsuranceMentoring #InsuranceStrategies #BusinessPodcast #PodcastForSuccess #InsuranceCommunity #InsuranceProfessionalsThe Frustrated CEO is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Health insurance costs are rising, and most CEOs feel trapped in a system that seems impossible to control. But what if there was a way to cut costs, improve employee benefits, and take back control?In Part 2 of our conversation with Chris Hamilton, partner at Hotchkiss Insurance, we dive into practical strategies that business owners can use to build a high-performance, cost-saving health plan—without sacrificing quality care.

Welcome to the Frustrated CEO Podcast! In this episode, we're joined by Chris Hamilton, a Partner at Hotchkiss Insurance, as he dives deep into the complexities of healthcare and insurance costs that are draining business profits across America. Chris specializes in employee benefits consulting and has spent over a decade advising clients on how to reduce expenses, improve coverage, and enhance employee health outcomes.Chris breaks down the broken systems in healthcare, revealing how health insurers profit by charging businesses and their employees more, the lack of transparency in the insurance industry, and how big insurers control costs while limiting access. He shares valuable insights on how businesses can future-proof their healthcare plans to save costs and reclaim profits. **In this episode, we cover:**- How misaligned healthcare markets are hurting business profits- The true cost of healthcare and how to fix it- The hidden influence of insurance giants and pharma on rising costs- Practical steps to create cost-effective, high-performance health plans for your business**Special Giveaway:**  Chris is offering the *Insider Playbook* to help you fix your health insurance problems—download it here: [fixhealthinsurance.com](https://fixhealthinsurance.com)**Contact Chris Hamilton:**  

In this episode, Mark Williams, CEO of Brokers International, shares his approach to leadership that prioritizes people and culture. From balancing vision and execution to supporting mental health and embracing empathy, Mark dives into strategies for building a thriving workplace. He also reflects on adopting a "no more wasted days" mindset after a health scare and offers practical tips for leading with intention.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Welcome back Mark Reifenrath! This episode features a conversation with Mark Reifenrath, the CEO of Spinutech, a digital marketing agency. Mark discusses the challenges of leading a remote workforce during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of connecting with employees on a personal level and being vulnerable as a leader. He shares insights on creating a new leadership playbook, the value of in-person team meetings, and measuring and managing employee burnout. Mark also touches on the need for strategic alignment, activating the company's vision, and the potential impact of AI on the future of work. The episode provides practical tips for leaders looking to adapt their approach in the evolving business landscape.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

This episode of the Frustrated CEO podcast features an insightful discussion with Sharissa Deppen, CEO of the Leadership Mastery Alliance. The conversation focuses on the unique strengths and challenges of introverted leaders in corporate settings.Sharissa shares her expertise on what it means to be an introvert, debunking myths about introverted CEOs and senior leaders. She explains how introverts often excel in areas like empathy and reflective decision-making - qualities that can make them highly effective in top roles.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Leadership expert Christine Grimm shares her unique approach of "deep work fast" - getting to the core issues quickly to drive sustainable change. Learn how to uncover beliefs and assumptions holding your team back, build high-trust workplaces, and facilitate meaningful transformation, even in uncertain times.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

This episode features Chris Wise, a dynamic entrepreneur, visionary leader, and pioneer in law, technology, and community development. Chris discusses the lessons he learned from his formative experiences in sports and the military that prepared him for his current roles. He shares his approach to innovation and long-term vision, emphasizing the importance of building a team that shares the big picture. Chris also talks about using AI to automate lower-level tasks and evolve the workforce, as well as his intentional focus on work-life balance. He describes the open and creative culture he promotes, including his strategy of hiring overqualified candidates. Throughout the conversation, Chris provides practical advice for listeners on finding mentors, staying true to core values, and prioritizing character over qualifications when building a team.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

This episode features an interview with Rick Bettger, the owner of Omaha Car Care, a successful auto repair business. Rick discusses how he has grown the business over the past 23 years, including navigating a major rebranding as well as industry changes. Key topics covered include building a strong company culture focused on customer service, attracting and retaining top talent in a challenging labor market, and the importance of adapting to industry trends. Rick also shares his perspective on the role of businesses in supporting their local communities. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for business leaders on driving growth and creating a positive work environment.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

In this episode, listeners get an inside look at the family-owned business of Trade School Inc. Founders Lance and Madison Hallberg share their personal journeys and leadership strategies, including:  - Balancing "creators" and "maintainers" on their team - The importance of self-awareness and "brutal honesty" as a leader - Tips for integrating new talent into a family business - Insights on cultivating an intentional, service-oriented company culture  Whether you're navigating family dynamics or looking to inspire more creativity in your organization, this episode offers valuable wisdom from seasoned entrepreneurs.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

In this episode, serial entrepreneur Mac Lackey shares insights on maximizing business value and preparing for a successful business exit. Lackey emphasizes the importance of strategic value, leadership, and proactive planning, advising entrepreneurs to focus on creating optionality, surrounding themselves with experienced mentors, and designing their businesses for both wealth and personal freedom. Listeners will gain practical strategies for positioning their companies for a lucrative exit, whether selling to a third party or transitioning ownership internally.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

This episode of the Frustrated CEO podcast offers valuable insights for executives and professionals navigating personal and professional transformation in midlife. Our guest, Aneace Haddad includes topics on embracing change, navigating generational differences, finding purpose, and cultivating "superpowers" in the second half of one's career. You'll gain practical strategies to help you thrive in the unique landscape of midlife leadership in this episode.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

In this episode of the Frustrated CEO podcast, we interviewed Dr. Thom Mayer, a highly respected leader in times of crisis. Listeners will gain valuable insights on effective decision-making, the importance of listening and storytelling, and strategies for avoiding burnout as a leader. Dr. Mayer shares his experiences from high-pressure situations like 9/11 and the NFL, providing practical advice on building trust, embracing failure, and finding joy in leadership. This episode is a must-listen for any CEO or leader looking to improve their skills and lead their team through challenging times.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

This episode of the Frustrated CEO podcast features an interview with Charles Read, founder of Get Payroll and author of four books on payroll and small business topics.Charles has over 50 years of experience in financial leadership. The discussion covers Charles' experience in the military and how it impacted his leadership style and business. Charles emphasizes the importance of self-care for longevity in leadership roles. He also discusses how he has adapted his business and leadership approach over the decades to changing technologies, laws, and business environments. Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

In this episode, we investigate the crucial topic of organizational readiness for growth. Leveraging our real-world experience, we share practical steps for improving alignment, enhancing leadership development, and cultivating a growth-oriented culture. Drawing from our work with clients, we provide actionable advice and examples to help you prepare your organization for sustainable growth. Packed with insights on leadership development and organizational readiness, this episode is a must-listen for any business professional looking to drive effective growth.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

This episode equips CEOs and senior leaders with effective strategies and tools for proactively developing and sustaining resilience. We dive specifically into CEOs' resilience with the expertise of Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, once again! The conversation takes off with challenging common misconceptions CEOs hold about resilience, highlighting that it's not a fixed personality trait but rather requires active management.   The discussion moves on to explore the roles of vulnerability and transparency in strengthening resilience. The episode also covers the use of humor in leadership, outlines steps to create a personalized resilience plan, and offers ways for CEOs to enhance their awareness of their resilience levels to prevent burnout. Practical advice given includes identifying personal values, conducting a SWOT analysis of life factors, keeping track of daily resilience scores, sharing constructive feedback, and recognizing stress-induced assumptions. Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

In part two of Ben Pring's episode, we jump into the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce's future. Ben discusses young professionals' concerns about job automation and the challenges leaders face in adapting to rapid technological changes.  The episode shifts focus to enhancing customer service through human experiences, underscoring the value of personal connections in an AI-driven world. Industries like financial services, insurance, and retail, seen as most vulnerable to AI disruption, are examined. Concluding with practical advice for CEOs, Ben Pring emphasizes visiting AI innovators and blending new technologies with essential human skills to navigate the future successfully. Check it out!Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

This episode is aimed at leaders looking to build a more resilient organization. In this episode, we tackle this topic with insights from Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, a workplace mental health expert. The discussion covers what resilience means for organizations, the role of psychological safety and health in building a resilient workforce, and preparing for both predictable and unpredictable challenges.   It also touches on managing change, generational differences in resilience, and practical tips for leaders to enhance resilience within their teams. This includes prioritizing open conversations, adopting a growth mindset, and fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives. The episode concludes with methods for measuring resilience and a preview of Dr. Pelletier's latest book on developing a personal resilience plan. Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

In this episode of the Frustrated CEO podcast, we welcome back marketing and branding expert Mary Ann O'Brien to explore the power of thought leadership in today's digital world. Mary Ann demystifies how to leverage thought leadership to enhance your brand, offering strategies for developing a standout personal brand and setting effective goals. She touches on the impact of trends like artificial intelligence and streaming media, and provides tips for navigating controversial topics while keeping your brand's position strong. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to become an industry thought leader.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

In this episode, Futurist, Ben Pring delves into the transformative effects of technology and AI on the workforce's future. The discussion kicks off with an exploration of hybrid and remote work models, highlighting the ongoing adjustments as businesses strive to meet both corporate and employee goals. Specifically, this episode hots on the difficulties of attracting and retaining young tech talent, addressing the weakened social contract between employers and employees. AI, workforce shifts, trends for the year - this episode has it all. Check it out and stay tuned for Part 2 with this podcast guest!Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

In this episode of the Frustrated CEO podcast, we sit down with Mary Ann O'Brien, the visionary founder and CEO of OBI Creative Advertising Agency. We dive deep into Mary Ann's journey of transforming OBI into a rapidly expanding enterprise and the challenges and triumphs that come with leading such a dynamic organization. Discover her unique "ask and deliver" philosophy, the critical role of nurturing customer relationships, and how her upbringing with an entrepreneurial father shaped her approach to business. Mary Ann also shares her strategies for prioritizing employee well-being and fostering their growth, alongside maintaining a delicate balance between rapid growth and impeccable execution to ensure client satisfaction. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for any CEO looking to enhance their leadership skills, cultivate a thriving company culture, communicate effectively, and scale their business with success.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

In this episode of the Frustrated CEO podcast, we're joined by the distinguished Bill Canady, a global business executive with over 30 years of experience and the current CEO of two companies. Canady delves into his strategies for managing multiple firms simultaneously, emphasizing the importance of clear goals, strong leadership, and a vibrant company culture. He offers insights into data-driven decision-making and the balancing act of meeting stakeholder expectations while pacing organizational transformations for enduring success. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of leading with integrity in today's fast-paced business world.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

In this Frustrated CEO podcast episode, our hosts, seasoned in leadership development and culture change, explore coaching for strategic alignment. They detail how coaching can unite senior teams around shared goals, using a case study of a family business.This episode emphasizes that coaching isn't about fixing problems but promoting continuous growth and learning. It aids leaders in shifting from tactical to strategic thinking. They advocate for a coaching culture that values learning, retains talent, and adapts to business changes. Both internal and external coaching are crucial for skill-building and gaining new insights. Tune in to this episode to find out more!Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

This episode of the Frustrated CEO Podcast features an interview with Ryan Groth of Sales Transformation Group. Join us as Ryan discusses strategies for building a successful sales team and establishing a culture of prospecting and driving CRM adoption. He emphasizes the importance of caring for employees in order to transform company culture. CEOs looking to develop high-performing sales teams through mentorship and cultural change should check out this episode!Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Are you a CEO struggling to find clarity in your business? Join us for the latest episode of the Frustrated CEO Podcast where we sit down with leadership expert and host of "The Leadership Podcast" Jim Vaselopulos.In this episode, Jim shares insights from his new book all about the importance of clarity in business and how it can help streamline efforts and achieve more with less. We dive into the concept of a growth mindset and how questioning assumptions and listening are key skills for successful leaders. Plus, Jim offers practical strategies for overcoming fixed thinking and empowering others. So grab your notebook and get ready to lead with clarity!Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Are you tired of feeling like you have to be in a million places at once to be a successful leader? Well, The Frustrated CEO Podcast is here to help. In this episode, John Fehlen and Ryan Holloway discuss the importance of personal leadership development and self-care, and how these skills can actually help you build and lead high-performing organizations. So sit back, relax (yes, it's possible for a CEO to relax), and join us as we learn how to maximize our impact without wearing ourselves thin.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Are you in a leadership role but feeling completely alone? Don't worry - John Fehlen and Ryan Holloway have been there, too. In this episode of The Frustrated CEO Podcast, they're talking all about the world's loneliest job: being a leader. Join us as we discover how to make the most of a lonely position and lead with confidence! Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Technical challenges take resources, time, and effort to address, but they expand rather than change the accepted ways of doing business. On the other hand, adaptive challenges involve a fundamental change in an organization's culture and way of doing business. Join us as we go in-depth with Transforming Communication CEO Tom O'Connor to understand how an adaptive approach helps leaders overcome chronic organizational issues.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Too many leaders mistake monologue for dialogue, doing far more talking than listening and engaging others in sharing information. Join us as we meet Dr. Tom O'Connor, communication thought-leader and Founder of both Transforming Corrections and Transforming Communication, two missional companies achieving better results through dialogue.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

In The Balanced Scorecard, authors Norton and Kaplan report that 90% of organizations fail to execute their strategic priorities, and nothing frustrates CEOs like the lack of execution. Tune in to Episode 61 as we discuss and unpack three critical components to strategic execution, components without which you'll continue spinning your organizational wheels.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Offering both possibilities and risks, the cloud has become an increasingly important part of global business. In fact, a recent enterprise survey found that the average employee uses 36 cloud-based services every day! Join us for this episode as we bring back cloudEQ Founder and CEO Sean Barker to address the cloud issues keeping CEOs awake at night.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

It's not an accident when 95% of what your employees say about working for you is positive. That's what can happen when a business is built on the foundational premise that culture is everything. Join us as we go in-depth with cloudEQ CEO Sean Barker to learn how he built a multi award-winning business with virtual employees across the globe.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Solving old problems often requires looking at things through a new lens. In Episode 58, we examine employee workloads, productivity, revenue, burnout, and turnover through the unique lens of Benchmark Sixty Founder and CEO Jim Taylor, who's company is revolutionizing the restaurant industry with metrics and KPIs sure to make you rethink things in your own business.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Strategic Alignment is the primary input to effective strategy execution. How else can you possibly hope to execute in your business when your own leadership team isn't on the same page? Join our team for an easy-to-follow and idea-packed episode to help you overcome the biggest obstacle to executing your strategic plan.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Great companies aspire to lead their respective markets, acting instead of reacting. But how often do you feel like your corporate communication is in a constant state of reaction? More importantly, how do you get out in front of things to communicate more strategically to support your goals, protect your brand, and drive the message proactively? Join us as we answer these questions and more with Monique Farmer, ASP, communication strategist, industry thought leader, and Founder of Avant Solutions.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

We introduced you to ProCircular Founder and award-winning CEO Aaron Warner in Episode 54 to hear how to build an award-winning business of your own. Here in episode 55, we introduce you to Aaron Warner, cyber-security expert and industry thought-leader to help you make that award-winning business more secure and safer from the bad guys.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Who better to talk to about building an award-winning business than Aaron Warner, CEO of ProCircular and winner of Iowa's 2023 Small Business Person of the Year? Join us for an authentic discussion about leadership, scaling a business, and attracting & retaining talent, all while battling the all-to-common imposter syndrome plaguing CEOs worldwide.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

According to a recent Gallup poll, only 23% of U.S. employees strongly agree they can apply their organization's values to their everyday work. How the heck do you reach the other 77%? Join us for our most Value-able episode yet as we discuss going beyond just creating Core Values to learn several easy ways to leverage them in your business.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

You're not winning in business without winning the war for talent. But how do you find top talent with the most sought-after skillsets when everyone else is looking for those same people? Join us for part 2 of our interview with Acumen Executive Search Founder and CEO Suzanne Hanifin to learn how you can attract ideal team members for your company and retain them longer than ever.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

When good company culture is the price of entry to attract and retain top talent, every company in existence will tell you theirs is a great culture. But what do you do when your industry is traditionally known as highly competitive and every-employee-for-themselves? Join us for this in-depth discussion with CEO and Founder Suzanne Hanifin as we discover how she's cultivated a nontraditional company culture at Acumen Executive Search.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

We met Bivo Co-Founders Carina Hamel and Robby Ringer in Episode 49 to hear how strategic planning helped them close one business, start another, and relocate from one coast to the other during the chaos of the pandemic. Here in Episode 50, we pick up where we left off for Part 2 of our interview to hear how they grew as leaders and people through the challenges and benefits of executing their plan and the leadership skills required to stay on track.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

How did two smart young entrepreneurs launch one business, sunset another, start a family, and relocate 3,000 miles from one coast to the other, all during the pandemic without missing a beat? With a plan, that's how. Join us for Part 1 of an eye-opening interview with Carina Hamel and Robby Ringer, Cofounders of Bivo, to hear how their detailed planning in 2018 guided their decision-making and strategy during one of the most tumultuous periods in history.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

The Center for Creative Leadership defines psychological safety as “the belief that you won't be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes. At work, it's a shared expectation held by members of a team that teammates will not embarrass, reject, or punish them for sharing ideas, taking risks, or soliciting feedback.” How much would you pay for this level of honesty, transparency, and engagement from your employees? Join our team as we unpack this all-important topic to discuss the critical role psychological safety plays in your success.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Many of your frustrations at work are all rooted in the same issue: the inability of leaders below your Executive Team to cascade your Vision down into the organization, hold themselves and their people accountable, inspire high-performing teams, and ultimately execute your strategic plan. Weak or under-developed Next-Level Leaders are roadblocks to strategic execution, and their struggles make your job exponentially more frustrating.Join us for Episode 47 as we put Patsy Feeman, one of our own show hosts, directly in the spotlight to address the importance of developing your Next-Level Leaders, where to start, and how to set them all up for ongoing success.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Great CEOs understand that the primary function of leadership is to benefit the people they lead. Few would argue conceptually, but what does that look like on the job? Join us for an uplifting conversation with Chris Sarles, recently-retired CEO of Oregon Food Products about growing your skills, caring for the people, developing and engaging others, creating high-performing teams, leading through the chaos, and even transitioning beyond your career into “the Give-back phase of life” in retirement.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Culture is clearly a concern for every good CEO and senior leader, and you simply can't create a high-performing one without an honest and intentional focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Join us for an in-depth and honest DEIB discussion with Chief Executive Consultant and HR Executive Pleasure M. Allen. We hope this one challenges and inspires you to raise the bar in your organization.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

One great strategy for overcoming chronic issues is to change your perspective, and what better way to accomplish that than through the lens of acclaimed filmmaker Jesse Andrew Clark, whose work has been seen on PBS, Discovery Channel, Adult Swim and Comedy Central? Join us for a different, non-traditional examination of key CEO frustrations like diversity and sustainability through a new lens.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

The New Year brings with it all kinds of resolutions, and perhaps no resolution is more important in the workplace than conflict resolution. While most CEOs wish the conflict in their organizations would just go away, conflict is a great sign your people are invested and care about the state of things. You don't want to eliminate conflict, but you do need to navigate through it the right way. Join us as we welcome perspective mapper Ranjeeth Thunga to the show for a dive deep together into a topic no one loves but everyone needs to know.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

When last we spoke with decorated futurist and global business expert Ben Pring in episode 10, the pandemic still raged and the Great Resignation was in full swing. Ben's valuable vision and foresight were so helpful that it only made sense to bring him back for another round. If you're looking for the trends that'll shape business in 2023 and beyond, this is the episode for you.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

Purposeful work isn't just for Millennials and Gen Z. Not only are CEOs allowed to align life, work, and purpose together; one could easily argue you HAVE to align them if you hope to be an effective leader in 2022 and beyond. Your employees demand purpose filled lives and work for themselves, so here's your opportunity to lead by example to become someone others admire and want to follow. This is the one change you'll be glad you made.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn

It's often said the two loneliest jobs in the universe are Pastor and CEO, and a survey by the Harvard Business Review said 6 out of 10 CEOs believe loneliness hinders their own job performance. Always in the spotlight. Never allowed an off day. Always expected to have answers. Never allowed to feel lost. Always superhuman. Never simply human.If that's you, then this is the episode you've been waiting for, because you don't have to go it alone any longer. Join us for a spirited and uplifting discussion with Jimmy Z., author of Peak Perspective, to learn why and how to build your own personal board of directors. It might be your best chance to end the loneliness.Website: Frustrated CEOSocial: LinkedIn