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From Ambition to CEO: The Role of Resilience in Leadership with Grant Stanis

CXO Conversations

Release Date: 01/17/2024

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In this episode of "CXO Conversations," host Michael Mitchel welcomes Grant Stanis, a dynamic CEO renowned for his resilience and strategic acumen in the corporate world. Stanis shares his compelling journey from his first student council campaign to the helm of major corporations, revealing the pivotal role of resilience in climbing the corporate ladder. Delve into his insightful reflections on the multifaceted challenges of a CEO, from transforming struggling companies to fostering team growth and innovation. Stanis's unique approach, blending disciplined execution with a positive mindset, offers invaluable lessons for aspiring executives. 

 

Key highlights include:

  • Exploring his early ambition and path to becoming a successful CEO.

  • Discussing the comprehensive responsibilities and transformative influence of a CEO on an organization and its team.

  • Emphasizing how bouncing back from setbacks and learning from mistakes are crucial for business success.

  • Highlighting that effective execution is often more critical than the strategy itself in business growth and success.

 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that unveils the secrets of resilient leadership in the fast-paced business world.

 

Timestamps

  • 🎯 Grant Stanis' Leadership Ambition (00:01:42)

  • 🌿 CEO Growth and Team Evolution (00:03:04)

  • 🧭 Mentorship in CEO Journey (00:05:08)

  • 🔄 Business Resilience (00:07:56)

  • 🌐 From CFO to CEO: Learning Journey (00:10:14)

  • ✨ Embracing Risks for Success (00:14:06)

  • 💪 Leadership Resilience (00:17:47)

  • 🌞 Positive Leadership Approach (00:19:30)

  • 📚 Lessons from Each Role (00:20:10)

  • 🔑 Consistency and Discipline (00:22:33)

  • 🤔 Resilient Executive Leadership (00:24:09)

  • 📈 Discipline in Business Success (00:25:36)

  • 👥 Right People, Right Roles (00:27:45)

  • 🌟 Positive Resilience in Leadership (00:29:07)

  • 🌱 Young Executives: Resilience Key (00:32:28)

  • 👏 Closing Remarks (00:33:49)

 

Resources

 

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.  

 

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