In this episode of Voices of Leadership, Chris Atwell sits down with Jamie for a grounded conversation about how real leadership is built over time. Rather than pointing to a single defining moment, Jamie reflects on how consistency, responsibility, and simply refusing to let the ball drop shaped his leadership journey. For him, leadership wasn’t claimed, it was earned by showing up and caring deeply about making people better.

A central theme of the conversation is the connection between leadership and fatherhood. Jamie shares how becoming a parent forced him to step fully into responsibility, a mindset that naturally carried into his professional life and continues to guide how he leads others.

Chris and Jamie also explore one of the toughest moments in Jamie’s leadership: navigating an employee’s substance abuse issue. Jamie discusses the difficult balance between grace and accountability, offering support while maintaining clear standards, and the reality that leaders can create opportunity, but individuals must choose growth.

Throughout the episode, Jamie emphasizes the importance of daily habits and self-discipline. From early mornings and exercise to faith, gratitude, and journaling, he explains how reflection creates clarity and presence. Looking back, journaling and goal setting are the habits he wishes he had embraced earlier, and now encourages in both his team and his family.

Looking ahead, Jamie shares his excitement about the future of the industry, particularly the opportunity to educate and develop the next generation. As technology evolves, he believes the role of reps is shifting from selling products to becoming trusted educators and problem solvers.

Chris and Jamie explore:

• Why leadership is built through consistency, not single moments
• How fatherhood shapes responsibility and leadership mindset
• Balancing grace and accountability in difficult people decisions
• The role of journaling, reflection, and intentional routines
• Resistance to change and adopting new technology
• Shifting from a sales mindset to an education-driven approach

This episode offers an honest, relatable perspective for leaders seeking to grow themselves, their people, and their impact within the manufacturers’ rep community.

Chris Atwell is the Founder of Mindset-Conquest, a leadership and mindset coach working with manufacturers’ rep agencies across North America. He helps leaders strengthen their mindset, elevate their leadership, and create the clarity and structure needed to grow their business and their people.

In this episode of Voices of Leadership, Chris Atwell sits down with Justin Elis for a grounded, insightful conversation about the experiences that shape real leadership. Justin reflects on a defining moment early in his career, being thrust into a failing property integration and tasked with “fixing it.” What he learned through that challenge continues to influence his leadership today: growth often comes from being thrown into the fire, and effective leaders understand the motivations, strengths, and perspectives of every person involved.

Justin and Chris dive into one of the most common leadership hurdles: gaining buy-in. Justin shares how his organization’s approach to CRM adoption shifted dramatically once they focused on communicating the why, proving that people naturally want to add value when they understand the purpose behind the work.

Throughout the episode, Justin challenges the myth that leaders must be the best at everything. Instead, he underscores the importance of humility, self-awareness, and recognizing and elevating the strengths of others. Looking ahead, he shares his vision for becoming an even stronger strategic partner to manufacturers and developing the next generation of leaders within his organization.

Chris and Justin explore:

• The value of being “thrown into the fire” and learning through pressure
• Why explaining the why drives buy-in and organizational alignment
• The importance of time management, presence, and starting the day with intention
• How self-awareness and humility elevate a leader’s impact
• The shift toward becoming a true strategic partner to manufacturers
• The responsibility and opportunity of developing future leaders within the organization
  
  

This episode offers practical wisdom, relatable challenges, and a refreshing perspective for anyone on their leadership journey, especially those in the manufacturers’ rep community.

Chris Atwell is the Founder of Mindset-Conquest, a leadership and mindset coach working with manufacturers’ rep agencies across North America. He helps leaders strengthen their mindset, elevate their leadership, and create the clarity and structure needed to grow their business and their people.

In this first episode of the Voices of Leadership – AIM/R Series, Chris Atwell sits down with Scott Cooper, President of New England Sales Inc. and a second-generation leader with nearly 40 years of experience in the manufacturers’ rep industry. Scott offers a grounded, humble, and deeply seasoned perspective on what it truly takes to lead with purpose over the long term.

Scott shares why leadership isn’t shaped by a single “aha” moment, but by a lifetime of experiences; watching his father lead, learning from other business owners, and being exposed to the realities of people, relationships, and decision-making. He opens up about navigating economic cycles, sticking to a plan under pressure, and balancing decisiveness with flexibility.

One theme that comes through clearly is Scott’s commitment to servant leadership. From simple daily habits like greeting every employee to the deeper belief that “if you take care of your people, they’ll take care of everything else,” Scott reveals the mindset that has guided his company forward for decades.

Chris and Scott also explore:

• The challenges and opportunities facing reps today
• How to maintain composure when the pressure is on
• Why asking for help is a superpower, not a weakness
• The importance of humility, presence, and staying in the moment
• Scott’s vision for the future as his agency enters its third generation

This conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of a leader who has grown through decades of change — and continues to grow today.

If you’re a leader in the manufacturers’ rep world (or on your own leadership journey), this episode delivers wisdom, clarity, and practical truth from someone who has lived it.

Chris Atwell is the Founder of Mindset-Conquest, a leadership and mindset coach working with manufacturers’ rep agencies across North America. He helps leaders strengthen their mindset, elevate their leadership, and create the clarity and structure needed to grow their business and their people.