Rise to Lead: The Leadership Shift That Changes Everything
Release Date: 08/21/2026
The Jon Gordon Podcast
On this episode, I sit down with Doug Dentler, CFO and author of Rise to Lead, for an honest, insightful conversation about what it really takes to elevate your leadership in today’s workplace. Doug shares the highs and lows of his corporate journey, from early days “mimicking” leadership styles he thought would help him succeed, to reaching a breakthrough when he realized true leadership starts from within. Drawing from decades in finance and executive roles, Doug opens up about the transformative moments that led him to create the RISE Framework: Root yourself in purpose,...
info_outlineThe Jon Gordon Podcast
Join me and legendary Northwestern women’s lacrosse coach Kelly Amonte Hiller for an insightful and inspiring conversation about championship culture, adversity, and the mindset that drives sustained excellence. Kelly’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and evolution—from leading her team through an uncharacteristically tough start to the season, to capturing her ninth national championship as a coach on home turf. She shares the behind-the-scenes process of overcoming setbacks, the power of reflection, and the importance of getting everyone “rowing in the same direction.” Kelly...
info_outlineThe Jon Gordon Podcast
On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Chris Hodges, founder and former lead pastor of Church of the Highlands and current chancellor of Highlands College, for an inspiring conversation around his new book, Legacy Letters: Timeless Principles I Learned, Lived, and Leave Behind. Chris shares the heart and story behind Legacy Letters—a collection of the values, wisdom, and practical principles he’s lived, taught, and now wants to pass on to the next generation. From humble beginnings and a move inspired by faith, Chris built one of America’s largest churches and...
info_outlineThe Jon Gordon Podcast
On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, join Jon and Kathryn Gordon for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to write, publish, and market a book that makes an impact. Drawing from their own experience - rejections, bestselling success, and the wisdom gained along the way - Jon and Kathryn share why your message matters and how a single book can ripple across lives, industries, and even generations. From the “burning desire” that signals it’s time to write, to the struggles of clarifying your core message and avoiding the trap of cramming several books’ worth of...
info_outlineThe Jon Gordon Podcast
On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Brad Holcman—a Hollywood executive-turned-story coach—for an inspiring conversation about the power of story, embracing the unexpected, and using your unique journey to impact the world. Brad’s journey is anything but typical: Growing up in Detroit, he followed his heart to California after college, left his management consulting job and worked his way from coffee runs at Paramount to shaping some of television’s most memorable shows, including Sons of Anarchy, Intervention, 60 Days In, and Duck Dynasty. Along the way, Brad...
info_outlineThe Jon Gordon Podcast
On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Jess Ekstrom—entrepreneur, acclaimed speaker, and author for an inspiring exploration of what it truly means to “make it without losing it.” From launching Headbands of Hope in college and scaling it into a nationally recognized business, to becoming one of the busiest keynote speakers and founding Mic Drop Workshop to empower women speakers, Jess’s story is one of pursuing ambition with presence and heart. Jess opens up about her early days hustling for speaking gigs, the moment she realized her impact could multiply by...
info_outlineThe Jon Gordon Podcast
On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Britt Reid—Super Bowl-winning coach, son of Andy Reid, and now an inspiring speaker dedicated to helping others overcome life’s hardest moments. Britt’s journey is one of remarkable highs and deeply challenging lows. From growing up as the son of NFL head coach Andy Reid, to earning his place on the Kansas City Chiefs’ coaching staff and celebrating a Super Bowl victory, Britt seemed to have it all. But behind the scenes, he battled addiction that ultimately led to a tragic accident, prison time, and the loss of his...
info_outlineThe Jon Gordon Podcast
On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with legendary UConn basketball coach Dan Hurley for an honest and energizing conversation about building a championship culture, relentless leadership, and the transformative power of purpose-driven coaching. From his early days learning from a Hall of Fame father, to guiding players through the rigors of college basketball’s toughest moments, Dan opens up about the realities of forming a great team in the era of the transfer portal, NIL, and social media. He shares the values at the core of the UConn program—relentless...
info_outlineThe Jon Gordon Podcast
On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Dr. John Gildea—a pioneering researcher on gut health, soil and healing. Our conversation goes deeper than science, tracing Dr. Gildea’s unlikely journey from the lab at the University of Virginia to becoming an integral voice in the movement to restore health through soil-based nutrition. Dr. Gildea shares how his partnership with Dr. Zach Bush set him on the path to groundbreaking discoveries in gut health. Together, we discuss the debilitating personal battle I faced with gut issues for over a decade, and how his...
info_outlineThe Jon Gordon Podcast
On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, Jon sits down with Justin Roethlingshoefer, performance coach, and author of Holy Health, for a deeply inspiring conversation about the intersection of faith, science, and holistic well-being. Justin Roethlingshoefer shares his own journey from witnessing burnout and health struggles among leaders, to stepping away in search of true wholeness, and ultimately returning with a renewed vision that integrates faith, science, and self-stewardship. Together, they explore the meaning of “holy health”—living set apart by honoring your body, mind, and...
info_outlineOn this episode, I sit down with Doug Dentler, CFO and author of Rise to Lead, for an honest, insightful conversation about what it really takes to elevate your leadership in today’s workplace.
Doug shares the highs and lows of his corporate journey, from early days “mimicking” leadership styles he thought would help him succeed, to reaching a breakthrough when he realized true leadership starts from within. Drawing from decades in finance and executive roles, Doug opens up about the transformative moments that led him to create the RISE Framework: Root yourself in purpose, Implement an intentional plan, Serve others, and Elevate with positivity.
In our discussion, Doug reflects on how leadership has evolved from the days of tough accountability to a more human, purpose-driven approach. He reveals powerful stories of personal change - how re-centering his purpose impacted both his career and family, why coaching was a turning point, and the legacy that comes from serving others and fostering positive cultures. Doug’s practical tips for being intentional, learning from mistakes, and investing in people will inspire any leader, seasoned or aspiring, to rethink what’s possible in their own journey.
About Doug –
Doug Dentler is a financial executive and leadership strategist with more than 25 years of experience across Fortune 500 and privately held organizations. He combines operational finance expertise with a disciplined, people-centered leadership approach that drives execution and performance.
He leads complex, global operations, including oversight of more than $1.5B in revenue, 1,900 employees, and multi-site organizations. He builds teams that operate as strategic partners, aligns cross-functional leaders around clear priorities, and implements processes that increase efficiency, accountability, and results.
Grounded in values learned working in his family’s business, he serves others with transparency, consistency, and a commitment to both performance and people. Colleagues consistently recognize his ability to remain steady under pressure, quickly identify core issues, and guide teams toward focused execution.
But he also experienced burnout, disconnection, and promotions that felt hollow. He was climbing but not growing, until he finally learned to lead as his authentic self.
He developed the RISE Framework to give leaders and teams what he wished he had – a clear, proven system for leading from the inside out, backed by time-tested leadership principles. His work strengthens leaders, improves team engagement, and creates cultures that sustain performance.
To work with Doug for coaching, team development, executive strategy, or speaking engagements, visit dougdentler.com.
Connect with Doug: doug@dougdentler.com
Buy the book plus claim the bonus resource: http://dougdentler.com/risetolead
Here’s a few additional resources for you…
Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11
Check out my newest book, The Power of Positive Habits.
Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters.
Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It’s a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You’ll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here!
Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!