• AI is not just for big tech—small businesses can see real ROI within months by automating repetitive work.
• The most effective leaders are those learning how to apply AI strategically, not just tactically.
• “Human-in-the-loop” workflows are essential to keep authenticity and prevent what Dustin calls work slop—AI output without human empathy.
• Use frameworks like ICE (Impact, Confidence, Ease) to prioritize where to apply AI in your business.
• The next revolution is agentic AI—systems that act on tasks autonomously—but we’re not there yet. Start simple, start now.
• AI adoption isn’t about replacement; it’s about reallocation—freeing people to do more meaningful, creative work.

• AI is not just for big tech—small businesses can see real ROI within months by automating repetitive work.
• The most effective leaders are those learning how to apply AI strategically, not just tactically.
• “Human-in-the-loop” workflows are essential to keep authenticity and prevent what Dustin calls work slop—AI output without human empathy.
• Use frameworks like ICE (Impact, Confidence, Ease) to prioritize where to apply AI in your business.
• The next revolution is agentic AI—systems that act on tasks autonomously—but we’re not there yet. Start simple, start now.
• AI adoption isn’t about replacement; it’s about reallocation—freeing people to do more meaningful, creative work.

• Small starts spark big wins: Steven began with campus maps but embraced the internet pivot, building a recruiting powerhouse that's thriving into 2025.
• Survival through adaptation: Dumping print for digital pre-dot-com bust was clutch—lessons that echo in today's AI-shifting recruiting landscape.
• EOS for the win: Structuring with visionary and integrator roles brought clarity, especially post-'08 recession, and it's still powering teams today.
• Mission matters: Focusing on great careers for every student and easy hiring for employers keeps the business laser-sharp—don't veer off course.
• Build or buy evolves: License early for testing, but own core tech as you grow to cut risks, a strategy holding strong in 2025's market.
• Customer-driven growth: One key shift to performance pricing quadrupled results—aligning wins that fuel ongoing success in high-volume hiring.

• Small starts spark big wins: Steven began with campus maps but embraced the internet pivot, building a recruiting powerhouse that's thriving into 2025.
• Survival through adaptation: Dumping print for digital pre-dot-com bust was clutch—lessons that echo in today's AI-shifting recruiting landscape.
• EOS for the win: Structuring with visionary and integrator roles brought clarity, especially post-'08 recession, and it's still powering teams today.
• Mission matters: Focusing on great careers for every student and easy hiring for employers keeps the business laser-sharp—don't veer off course.
• Build or buy evolves: License early for testing, but own core tech as you grow to cut risks, a strategy holding strong in 2025's market.
• Customer-driven growth: One key shift to performance pricing quadrupled results—aligning wins that fuel ongoing success in high-volume hiring.

Hey, folks! Steve Margerin here with The Unscripted Leader, and I’m pumped to kick off our first episode with Pete Steege, bestselling author of Radical Clarity. We dive deep into the challenges accidental CEOs face—those brilliant experts who wake up leading a business without a playbook. Pete shares how to find your true story, align your team, and scale without losing your soul. From tackling myopic thinking to building a lasting legacy, this episode is packed with insights for founders and leaders. If you’re ready to lead with authenticity and purpose, hit play and join us! Check out Pete’s resources at b2b-clarity.com/unscripted. Don’t forget to subscribe and share your thoughts in the comments!

Guest Introduction: I’m thrilled to have Pete Steege on today’s show! A rewired engineer turned leadership guru, Pete’s the bestselling author of Radical Clarity: How Accidental CEOs Unlock Meaning and Lead with Purpose. With years of experience coaching B2B tech CEOs, he’s a master at helping founders scale their businesses while staying true to their vision. His insights on authentic leadership are pure gold!

Key Takeaways:

• Accidental CEOs often try to do too much—focus on what matters by cutting the noise. • Your product won’t sell itself; connect with customers by solving their real problems. • Find your true story to align your team and unlock engagement across the business. • Use customer journey mapping to spot friction and prioritize what’s blocking growth. • Purpose-driven leadership means clarity, shared meaning, and actionable initiatives. • Scaling requires humility—embrace a growth mindset to let go without losing control.

Chapter Markers: 0:00 - Intro 0:26 - Guest Introduction 2:02 - The Making of Radical Clarity 3:23 - Top Challenges for Accidental CEOs 5:24 - Overcoming Myopic Thinking 9:38 - The Power of a Leadership Story 12:00 - Customer Journey as a Diagnostic Tool 15:08 - Defining Purpose-Driven Leadership 22:49 - Scaling Without Losing Control 28:36 - Where to Find Pete’s Book 30:30 - Closing

Keywords: Steve Margerin, Pete Steege, The Unscripted Leader, Radical Clarity, accidental CEO, leadership, authentic leadership, purpose-driven leadership, business scaling, founder challenges, B2B tech, customer journey, team alignment, leadership story, business growth

Hey, folks! Steve Margerin here with The Unscripted Leader, and I’m pumped to kick off our first episode with Pete Steege, bestselling author of Radical Clarity. We dive deep into the challenges accidental CEOs face—those brilliant experts who wake up leading a business without a playbook. Pete shares how to find your true story, align your team, and scale without losing your soul. From tackling myopic thinking to building a lasting legacy, this episode is packed with insights for founders and leaders. If you’re ready to lead with authenticity and purpose, hit play and join us! Check out Pete’s resources at b2b-clarity.com/unscripted. Don’t forget to subscribe and share your thoughts in the comments!

Guest Introduction: I’m thrilled to have Pete Steege on today’s show! A rewired engineer turned leadership guru, Pete’s the bestselling author of Radical Clarity: How Accidental CEOs Unlock Meaning and Lead with Purpose. With years of experience coaching B2B tech CEOs, he’s a master at helping founders scale their businesses while staying true to their vision. His insights on authentic leadership are pure gold!

Key Takeaways:

• Accidental CEOs often try to do too much—focus on what matters by cutting the noise. • Your product won’t sell itself; connect with customers by solving their real problems. • Find your true story to align your team and unlock engagement across the business. • Use customer journey mapping to spot friction and prioritize what’s blocking growth. • Purpose-driven leadership means clarity, shared meaning, and actionable initiatives. • Scaling requires humility—embrace a growth mindset to let go without losing control.

Chapter Markers: 0:00 - Intro 0:26 - Guest Introduction 2:02 - The Making of Radical Clarity 3:23 - Top Challenges for Accidental CEOs 5:24 - Overcoming Myopic Thinking 9:38 - The Power of a Leadership Story 12:00 - Customer Journey as a Diagnostic Tool 15:08 - Defining Purpose-Driven Leadership 22:49 - Scaling Without Losing Control 28:36 - Where to Find Pete’s Book 30:30 - Closing

Keywords: Steve Margerin, Pete Steege, The Unscripted Leader, Radical Clarity, accidental CEO, leadership, authentic leadership, purpose-driven leadership, business scaling, founder challenges, B2B tech, customer journey, team alignment, leadership story, business growth