From West Point to the Boardroom: Jack Blaha's Leadership Odyssey
Release Date: 12/06/2023
2 Min CxO Clip- Carlos Perez
CXO Conversations
What does it take to build a high-performing sales organization from scratch? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Carlos Perez, CRO of Simuwatt, shares lessons from leading revenue teams at startups, global enterprises, and everything in between. He talks about the changing nature of sales leadership, the importance of aligning marketing and sales under a unified revenue vision, and why adaptability is critical in a post-COVID world. From closing his first $25M outsourcing deal to scaling SaaS organizations, Carlos offers actionable advice for leaders building sales orgs designed to last....
info_outline
10 Min CxO Clip- Carlos Perez
CXO Conversations
In “CRO Carlos Perez, Building a Sales Org from Scratch,” shares how he’s grown revenue organizations across startups and billion-dollar companies alike. From his early consulting days to CRO roles at Wowza and now Concept3D, Carlos reflects on the evolving role of the Chief Revenue Officer, aligning sales, marketing, and customer success to accelerate growth. He also discusses how sales has changed post-COVID, why trust and creativity matter more than ever, and how to build scalable sales teams from the ground up. For executives and entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with insights...
info_outline
2 Min CxO Clip- Heather Callender-Potters
CXO Conversations
What does it take to know when to step aside and hire the right CEO? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Heather Callender-Potters—global investor, co-founder of PharmaJet, and experienced board member—discusses the lessons she’s learned from founding companies, navigating leadership transitions, and serving on boards. From her international upbringing to launching one of the first private equity funds in Eastern Europe, Heather’s journey offers a unique perspective on resilience, cultural awareness, and executive selection. Her advice for aspiring leaders and board members...
info_outline
10 Min CxO Clip- Heather Callender-Potters
CXO Conversations
In “Heather Callender-Potters, Founder and Board Member. Hiring a CEO and Board Member Perspectives,” shares lessons from a remarkable career that began in Poland just after the fall of the Berlin Wall, bringing access to capital during a time of historic transformation. Now co-founder of PharmaJet and a seasoned board member, Heather reflects on the challenges of handing over leadership to a CEO, the importance of cultural fit versus just résumé credentials, and why resilience and trust are critical in executive roles. She also offers candid advice for first-time board members on...
info_outline
2 Min CxO Clip- Doug Gattuso
CXO Conversations
What does it mean to lead with authenticity in the C-suite? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Doug Gattuso talks about the importance of leaving ego at the door and focusing on creating value for people and organizations. He shares lessons from building teams, returning to companies multiple times, and leading international initiatives across Europe, Mexico, and India. Doug offers candid advice for those aspiring to executive leadership: don’t chase titles—invest in learning, seize opportunities, and always contribute to the bigger picture. For the full interview:...
info_outline
10 Min CxO Clip- Doug Gattuso
CXO Conversations
In “C-Suite Perspective in Leading with Authenticity,” shares why true leadership is about focusing on opportunities and outcomes—not titles or ego. A veteran of the Naval Academy and Marine Corps, Doug reflects on a career spanning executive roles including President and Chief Customer Officer. He explains why burning bridges is never wise, the lessons gained from international work experiences in Prague and India, and how patience, teamwork, and humility shape long-term success. Doug’s story is a reminder that authentic leadership and continuous contribution create lasting impact in...
info_outline
2 Min CxO Clip- Casey Woo
CXO Conversations
What does it take to admit a prestigious path isn’t for you—and have the courage to pivot? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Casey Woo, CFO of Landing.com, discusses his journey from West Point to Harvard, from Wall Street hedge funds to executive leadership roles at startups like WeWork and Zozi. Casey shares how he found fulfillment in finance by building teams, driving strategy, and embracing the operational challenges of scaling businesses. Along the way, he offers candid advice on following passion over prestige, understanding the differences between CFO and COO roles, and...
info_outline
10 Min CxO Clip- Casey Woo
CXO Conversations
In “Making the Hardest Call – Admitting it’s Not for You,” , former CFO forLanding.com, shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career journey—from starting at West Point and pivoting to Harvard, to walking away from Wall Street to pursue his passion for building and leading companies. With CFO and COO roles at firms including WeWork and Zozi, Casey reflects on following your own path instead of others’ expectations, the lessons he’s learned on his way to the C-suite, and why choosing finance allowed him to combine strategy with impact. His story is a powerful reminder...
info_outline
2 Min CxO Clip- John Oechsle
CXO Conversations
What does it take to plan a career all the way to the CEO chair? In this episode of CXO Conversations, John Oechsle discusses the strategic decisions that helped him rise from technology leadership at J&J and IHS to CEO of Derive Systems. He reflects on how international assignments shaped his leadership style, why embracing “crackpot projects” at Kellogg’s accelerated his growth, and the importance of taking roles for the right reasons—not just for compensation. For aspiring executives, John’s story is a roadmap on career planning, resilience, and the values that define strong...
info_outline
10 Min CxO Clip- John Oechsle
CXO Conversations
In “Career Planning and Strategic Decisions to Become CEO,” was CEO of Derive Systems and now Bolt On Technology, shares how purposeful choices shaped his path from CIO roles at Johnson & Johnson and IHS to leading multiple organizations, including Swiftpage and now Derive. John explains how he set a goal early to become a CEO, took on challenging assignments others avoided, and leveraged international experiences across Europe, Latin America, and Asia to expand his leadership perspective. He also offers candid insights on why money is the wrong reason to pursue the C-suite and why...
info_outlineJoin host Michael Mitchel in a conversation with Jack Blaha, CEO of Cendyn, as they delve into his journey from West Point and military service to becoming a prominent figure in the corporate world. Blaha delves into the synergy between his military discipline and his achievements in the fast-paced world of SaaS industries like hospitality and social media marketing. He sheds light on the pivotal role of emotional intelligence in shaping company culture and the profound impact of a CEO's leadership style, offering invaluable advice for ambitious leaders on mastering the art of adaptability, the art of building robust professional networks, and the subtle art of leading successful teams.
What you will learn in this episode:
-
How military experience can be effectively leveraged in corporate leadership.
-
The significance of adaptability and leadership skills in business success.
-
Strategies for transitioning successfully from a military to a civilian career.
-
The impact of emotional intelligence on shaping company culture and performance.
-
The importance of mentorship and building a robust professional network.
-
Best practices for team building and operational efficiency in new companies.
-
Insights into navigating different sectors within the SaaS industry.
-
Key lessons learned from various CEO roles and how they can apply to your career.
-
Practical advice for aspiring leaders on career advancement and skill development.
Timestamps
🎙️ Meet Jack Blaha: A Leader's Journey (00:00:48)
🏛️ Why West Point? Unveiling Jack's Choice (00:01:36)
⚔️ Battlefield to Boardroom: Military Impact (00:02:04)
🔄 The Soldier to CEO Transition (00:03:11)
🛠️ Skills Forged in Service (00:03:43)
📊 Melding Military Tactics with Business Strategy (00:04:31)
👨💼 CEO Chronicles: Hard-Earned Lessons (00:05:39)
📚 Embracing Feedback and Lifelong Learning (00:08:29)
🤔 Confronting Leadership Hurdles (00:09:40)
🚀 CEO Success Stories and Challenges (00:10:21)
🌐 Diving into Diverse SaaS Domains (00:11:03)
🏅 First-Time CEO: Thrills and Fears (00:12:11)
🤝 The Power of Networking and Mentorship (00:13:40)
🧠 The Emotional Intelligence of a CEO (00:15:53)
🙏 A Word of Thanks to Our Sponsors (00:18:35)
💼 Private Equity vs. Public Markets Leadership (00:19:01)
📈 The Sweet Spot of Mid-Market Leadership (00:20:53)
🌟 Guiding VPs to CEO Success (00:21:02)
🔗 Cultivating a Strong Professional Network (00:22:42)
🏢 Assembling Winning Teams in New Ventures (00:23:37)
🚀 Fostering Future Leaders (00:24:49)
🌐 Broadening Horizons: Beyond Core Functions (00:27:44)
⚙️ Military Precision in Corporate Strategy (00:29:19)
🔄 Never Stop Evolving as a Leader (00:30:52)
This episode is not just a journey through Blaha's life but a great resource for anyone aspiring to climb the corporate ladder or seeking to refine their leadership prowess.
Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.
Enjoy the show? Leave us a review on iTunes - thanks!
Thank you Jalan Crossland for lending your award-winning banjo skills to CXO Conversations.