POPULARITY
Leaders have more advice, tools, and resources than ever. So why are so many still overwhelmed? Don Gregori says we've been missing the bigger picture. He's the COO of First Factory and author of The Emergent Leader, a book about leadership, self-mastery, and building a strong brand. We're talking about what it takes to become a leader and build something that really lasts. What You'll Learn in This Episode How building yourself and building a brand are the exact same project Why empathy needs to be treated as a hard skill for managers What separates "emergent" leadership from static management models How to avoid getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of new tech tools Why AI should serve the individual rather than replace human judgement Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:46) Building Yourself vs Building a Brand (04:30) Empathy as a Core Management Skill (06:08) Defining the Emergent Leader (09:34) Navigating Modern Information Overload (12:32) Managing Stress and Fear in Leadership (18:33) The Theater and Business Connection (22:34) Managing AI and the Human Element (28:44) A Brand That Made Don Smile About Don Gregori Don Gregori is the Chief Operating Officer of First Factory, a nearshore software development firm, and the author of The Emergent Leader. With a background spanning technology, strategy, and the performing arts, he focuses on self-mastery, organizational culture, and navigating rapid industry change through empathetic leadership. What Brand Has Made Don Smile Recently? During a recent trip to Maine, Don was brought a smile by Gelato Fiasco—a local favorite in Brunswick—and Middle East Coast, a regional brand making exceptional tahini-forward hummus. Resources & Links Connect with Don on LinkedIn. Check out his book, The Emergent Leader. Learn more on his website. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I'll see you on the Internet! Listen & Support the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Inside Business Podcast Presented by The Mesa Chamber of Commerce
On this episode of the Inside Business Podcast, Mesa Chamber President & CEO Sally Harrison sits down with Lisa Mont-Ros, AI Consultant and co-founder of The Strategy Ninjas, for an engaging conversation about how she got started with AI and built her business, how the technology has evolved throughout her career, and how businesses can leverage artificial intelligence to improve efficiency. They also discuss the upcoming panel Lisa will be speaking on at the Mesa Chamber's August Women's Business Connection event, why it's a valuable opportunity to learn practical AI strategies, and how attendees can gain the knowledge and confidence to start using AI in their own businesses. Strategy Ninjas: https://thestrategyninjas.com/ RSVP to August's Women's Business Connection panel: https://business.mesachamber.org/events/Details/women-s-business-connection-presented-by-carreon-payments-august-2026-1666505?sourceTypeId=Website ----more---- The Mesa Chamber of Commerce Inside Business Podcast is a production of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Inquiries regarding the MCIBP can be made via email to info@mesachamber.org. The Podcast interviews members and individuals/organizations on topics of interest to Mesa Chamber members. Learn more at mesachamber.org. ©2026 Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Repeat of 11-23-24See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Inside Business Podcast Presented by The Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Kayla Carrizosa, founder of Carreon Payments, joins Mesa Chamber President and CEO Sally Harrison for an engaging conversation about the upcoming Women's Business Connection on June 23rd: "Women who Shape Mesa" This will include a powerful discussion that will highlight some of the influential women who help shape the Mesa community through leadership, business, and public service. The conversation will focus on leadership journeys, personal influence, challenges faced in public-facing roles, community impact, and how others can become more involved in shaping their local community. The panelists include: Mesa Chamber of Commerce President/CEO: Sally Harrison Mesa City District 4 Councilmember: Jenn Duff Mesa City District 5 Councilmember: Alicia Goforth Mesa City District 2 Councilmember: Dorean Taylor This will be moderated by Women's Business Connection Presenting Sponsor: Kayla Carrizosa of Carreon Payments. Learn more about Carreon Payments at www.carreonfinancial.com. RSVP here: Women's Business Connection Presented by Carreon Payments- June 2026 - Mesa Chamber of Commerce ----more---- The Mesa Chamber of Commerce Inside Business Podcast is a production of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Inquiries regarding the MCIBP can be made via email to info@mesachamber.org. The Podcast interviews members and individuals/organizations on topics of interest to Mesa Chamber members. Learn more at mesachamber.org. ©2026 Mesa Chamber of Commerce
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We've always mingled with the same executive leaders who make Baltimore and our region grow and go, so it was a pleasure to hear more about the I95 Business story from founder Vicki Franz, who shares her story of publishing and local business connection for C-level professionals and business owners throughout the area. The post Vicki Franz of I95 Business gives Nestor her story of publishing and local business connection for leaders first appeared on Baltimore Positive WNST.
Inside Business Podcast Presented by The Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Pauline Young, Event Coordinator for Holiday Inn & Suites, joins Mesa Chamber President and CEO Sally Harrison for a discussion of the upcoming Women's Business Connection event, on April 28th from 11:30-1pm. Thank you to Pauline and the Holiday Inn Staff for hosting our monthly Women's Business Connection events. Join us for a fun, fast-paced event featuring speed networking, an easy way to make meaningful connections and grow your circle! Register now: Women's Business Connection Presented by Carreon Payments - Mesa Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber's mission is to improve, promote and advocate for the business community. The Mesa Chamber of Commerce Inside Business Podcast is a production of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Inquiries regarding the MCIBP can be made via email to info@mesachamber.org. The Podcast interviews members and individuals/organizations on topics of interest to Mesa Chamber members. Learn more at http://mesachamber.org. © 2026 Mesa Chamber
Inside Business Podcast Presented by The Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Kayla Carrizosa, founder of Carreon Payments, joins Chamber President and CEO Sally Harrison for an engaging conversation about the company's services, its origins, future vision, and the vital role the Mesa community has played in shaping its growth. Learn more about Carreon Payments at www.carreonfinancial.com. Thank you to Carreon Payments for being our presenting sponsor for the monthly Women's Business Connection, RSVP to the next event at www.mesachamber.org. The Mesa Chamber of Commerce Inside Business Podcast is a production of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Inquiries regarding the MCIBP can be made via email to info@mesachamber.org. The Podcast interviews members and individuals/organizations on topics of interest to Mesa Chamber members. Learn more at mesachamber.org. ©2026 Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Inside Business Podcast Presented by The Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Kahri Thompson, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, joins Sally Harrison to discuss this month's Women's Business Connection happening on March 24th. This event will spotlight a Healthcare Panel for Busy Women, focusing on practical health guidance for women who are balancing careers, families, and personal health. Kahri will interview three leading women's healthcare experts as they discuss symptoms women often ignore, actionable habits, and when to seek professional help. Learn more about this month's WBC at Women's Business Connection Presented by Carreon Payments- March 2026 - Mesa Chamber of Commerce, or go to https://linke.to/us5sDu. Chamber's mission is to improve, promote and advocate for the business community. The Mesa Chamber of Commerce Inside Business Podcast is a production of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Inquiries regarding the MCIBP can be made via email to info@mesachamber.org. The Podcast interviews members and individuals/organizations on topics of interest to Mesa Chamber members. Learn more at http://mesachamber.org. © 2026 Mesa Chamber