Every once in a while, I sit down with someone whose leadership journey stays with me long after the microphones are turned off — and my conversation with Michael Bistline was one of those moments.

What struck me most about Mike wasn’t just the breadth of his experience — from Marine Corps discipline to building a thriving business, to stepping into the unfamiliar territory of becoming an employee again — but the honesty with which he talked about it. His willingness to share the discomfort, the relearning, and the recalibrating that came with this transition reminded me that leadership is never a straight line. It’s a continual evolution.

Mike’s reflections on empathy, accountability, investing in people, and learning to trust others with what he once built himself felt incredibly human and deeply relatable. There’s a grounded wisdom in the way he approaches growth — both personal and professional — and I know his story will resonate with anyone navigating big shifts or questioning what leadership really means.

I’m grateful we had this conversation, and I’m excited to share it with you.

If this conversation speaks to you, please take a moment to like, comment, and subscribe. Your engagement helps us bring more raw, meaningful leadership stories to leaders everywhere.

And if you know someone navigating a transition or wrestling with letting go of control — send this their way. It might be exactly what they need today.

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When I first met Nate Wakeford, I knew this conversation would be different. Nate built one of Australia’s leading specialty beverage companies, supplying thousands of cafes and even tech giants like Google and Twitter. By all accounts, he had “made it.” But what happens when success and comfort still leave you feeling empty?

In this episode of Leadership Backstage, I go behind the curtain with Nate to explore his incredible journey—from corporate success to a spiritual awakening that changed everything. Nate opens up about:

✅ Losing his mother and how that triggered a profound shift

✅ Why more money and more success didn’t equal fulfillment

✅ The moment he embraced “the void” and let go of fear

✅ How sovereignty became his guiding principle

✅ His vision for Thrive Villages and creating environments where humanity can truly flourish

This is one of the most raw and inspiring conversations I’ve had. If you’ve ever felt stuck, wondered what’s next, or questioned the meaning of success, this episode is for you.

📌 Connect with Nate:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-wakeford-48ab32/

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👉 If this resonates with you, please like, comment, and share—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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I had the privilege of sitting down with Jason Fralick, President and CEO of HRG, for this episode of Leadership Backstage. Jason’s story is incredible; he went from a college graduate to leading an engineering services firm with over 400 employees. What makes HRG unique? Their commitment to employee ownership through an ESOP.

In our conversation, Jason shares the benefits and challenges of building an ownership culture, why accountability matters, and how strategic planning shapes long-term success. He also opens up about his leadership style, personal experiences, and the importance of having a strong support system.

If you’re curious about leadership, organizational culture, or what it takes to grow a sustainable business, you’ll love this episode.

What you’ll learn:

• How ESOP transforms company culture

• Jason’s leadership journey and lessons learned

• Strategic planning for growth and engagement

• Balancing visionary thinking with execution

• Why support systems matter for leaders

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Employee Ownership

00:39 Welcome to Leadership Backstage

01:25 Meet Jason Fralick: CEO and President

03:43 HRG's Growth and Expansion

04:34 Understanding ESOP and Ownership Culture

11:37 Jason's Journey and Leadership Insights

22:02 Navigating Leadership Challenges

28:06 The Role of a Founder in Business

29:08 Visionary Leadership and Organizational Redesign

30:58 Strategic Planning and Long-Term Vision

35:45 Balancing Deep Thinking and Execution

46:52 The Importance of a Support System

51:06 Personal Insights and Reflections

55:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let me know what resonated with you.

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