This is the only leadership podcast that shows how today's successful leaders developed the competence, confidence, and calm to lead their team and organization to success. We have in-depth conversations with exceptional people to unpack the leadership lessons they learned the hard way, so you don't have to.
The Role of Mentorship in Shaping Leaders with Phillip Wambsganss
“When you’re growing, it’s really easy to lose connection with people.”
In this episode, Craig P. Anderson welcomes Phillip Wambsganss, President of Higher Education Servicing Corporation (HESC), to explore how mentorship, humility, and intentional connection shape great leadership. Phillip shares how early career failures, strong mentors, and self-reflection guided his evolution from a young banker to a seasoned nonprofit executive. He and Craig discuss the challenges of leading a growing organization, staying present with teams, and the lifelong balance between confidence and empathy. With stories that bridge personal growth and professional purpose, Phillip reminds us that leadership begins with listening and grows through service.
After You Listen:
Get your copy of Management Waste by Larry O’Donnell: https://www.amazon.com/Management-Waste-Steps-Clean-Purpose/dp/1952421101
Connect with Phillip Wambsganss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-wambsganss-2019829/
Check out Higher Education Servicing Corporation: https://www.hescloans.com/
Check out North Texas Higher Education Authority: https://www.nthea.com/
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/
Key Takeaways
Mentorship and positive reinforcement can completely transform a leader’s trajectory
Staying present and connected with your team becomes harder and more vital as organizations grow
Effective leaders communicate openly, reflect often, and don’t take things personally
Things to listen for:
(00:00) Intro
(01:01) Mentorship and professional growth
(02:08) Influences on Phillip’s leadership style
(05:02) What leadership means and owning the vision
(08:03) First leadership roles and early failures
(15:22) Growth through mentorship and self-reflection
(18:42) Leading a growing team and staying connected
(21:34) Decompression, service, and balance outside work
(24:14) From peer to boss: navigating the shift
(26:04) Phillip’s advice to his younger self
9 Oct 2025
Developing Leadership Beyond Accounting Skills with Cassie Dunn
“It’s not just about winning clients. It’s about building a culture where people want to stay and grow.”
In this episode, Craig P. Anderson welcomes Cassie Dunn, Managing Partner at Haines, Isenbarger & Skiba LLC, to share her journey of leadership in the accounting world. Cassie opens up about the lessons she’s learned leading through growth, acquisitions, and client transitions, including why sometimes letting go of clients can be the best move for employee happiness and long-term success. She reflects on her earliest leadership roles, from high school cross country captain to coxswain in college, and how those experiences shaped her approach to humility, hard work, and empowering others. Craig and Cassie also tackle the role of soft skills in leadership, the challenges of talent shortages in accounting, and why culture is at the center of every decision she makes.
After You Listen:
Connect with Cassie Dunn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-dunn-b037a846/
Learn more about Haines, Isenbarger & Skiba LLC: http://www.hainescpa.com
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/
Sign up for Craig’s Monthly Business Leadership Webinars: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3GDgSdp_RfGqegxIXIbAYg
Key Takeaways
Culture is the foundation for sustainable growth
Employee happiness drives efficiency and client success
Soft skills are just as important as technical expertise
Things to listen for:
(00:00) Intro
(02:01) Lightning round leadership insights
(04:16) Why peer support matters in leadership
(07:17) Defining leadership and business growth
(08:19) How acquisition affects culture fit
(10:43) Reframing accounting as a decision-making discipline
(13:01) Leadership lessons from a former cross country team captain
(16:05) What to focus on as a leader of a growing company
(21:35) Value of learning soft skills early
25 Sept 2025
Chasing Impact Over Transactions in Sales With Mandy Minitello
“Sales success isn’t about the perfect pitch. It’s about building trust that lasts.”
In this episode, Craig P. Anderson welcomes Mandy Minitello, sales coach and host of Chasing Impact, Not Sales, to explore what it takes to sell and lead in today’s world. Mandy shares how being “volun-told” into training others sparked a passion for teaching and coaching that shaped her career. Craig and Mandy unpack why the best leaders let others shine, how to reverse-engineer goals with the end in mind, and why confidence and mindset matter more than tactics. From AI’s growing role in sales to the importance of creating authentic relationships, Mandy reveals why impact, not transactions, drives sustainable success.
After You Listen:
Connect with Mandy Minitello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyminitello/
Check out Mandy’s website: https://mandyminitello.com/ (https://mandyminitello.com/)
Check out Mandy’s podcast Chasing Impact, Not Sales: https://mandyminitello.com/podcast
Connect with Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigpanderson/
Key Takeaways:
Great leaders are guides, not heroes
Sales success depends on trust, not slide decks
Mindset and confidence fuel lasting impact
Things to listen for:
(00:00) Intro
(01:25) Craig and Mandy’s shared history
(02:15) Books that shaped Mandy’s leadership style
(03:29) Mandy’s leadership crush
(04:07) Defining leadership in ten words
(06:34) Being “volun-told” into leadership
(08:19) Lessons from early leadership
(11:08) Rethinking sales leadership today
(15:04) How AI is changing the sales process
(22:59) Key lessons from Mandy’s leadership journey
Who has been a guest on Executive Evolution
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Brian Wheeler
Craig Anderson
Kyle Lacy
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100
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Quality
74
Social presence
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YouTube
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Engagement
60
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