Afleveringen
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In this episode of The Sharpen Podcast, Dan Cooper sits down with Zack Nicholson, Executive Director at Minding the Gap, to talk about leadership, service, and what it takes to build trust in schools and communities over time.
Zack shares his journey from entrepreneurship to ministry to nonprofit leadership, along with practical lessons on serving real needs, leading volunteers, and creating lasting impact through consistency and commitment.
Learn more about Minding the Gap here
Connect with Zack Nicholson on LinkedIn
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In this episode of The Sharpen Podcast, Drew Hiss sits down with Duane Donner, founder and CEO of Founder Advisors, to talk about what it takes to build a company that is valuable, transferable, and aligned with a larger purpose. Duane shares how early failure, burnout, and a hard reset in both business and life shaped the way he rebuilt his career and eventually grew an M&A advisory firm focused on stewardship, trust, and long-term impact.
Together, Drew and Duane unpack what CEOs and business owners need to understand about succession, deal readiness, valuation, private equity, and leadership depth. The conversation matters for leaders because it reframes transition planning as more than a financial event. It is also a leadership decision about reducing risk, preserving influence, and building something that can last beyond the founder.
Learn more about Duane Donner and Founder Advisors hereConnect with Duane on LinkedInTake the Investment Grade AssessmentLearn more about Abide and Lead MinistryInterested in learning more about Acumen visit us here.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode of The Sharpen Podcast, Dan Cooper sits down with Clint Overton, founder and managing partner of Boardroom Bullpen, for a conversation about sabbaticals, faith, entrepreneurship, and the role of the trusted advisor. Clint shares how a 21-year career in large organizations, followed by private equity, fractional COO work, and a season of reflection, shaped the way he now helps businesses grow.
Dan and Clint also explore the practical side of leadership, including strategy, organizational structure, execution, and the levers business owners can pull to unlock growth. For CEOs and leaders, the episode offers a grounded perspective on building the right support around the business, identifying what gets in the way, and making smarter decisions about how growth actually happens.
Learn more about Boardroom Bullpen or The Mercury Collective
Connect with Clint on LinkedIn
Listen to Call to The Bullpen Podcast
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In this episode of The Sharpen Podcast, Steve Van Diest sits down with Drew Lints, founder of Revflow Growth Partners, to talk about systems, AI, and how to scale a business without losing the human element.
They break down common misconceptions about automation, where businesses waste time on manual work, and how to identify the right opportunities for AI. Drew shares his approach to building custom solutions, why one size fits all systems fall short, and how leaders can use process to create more capacity for people, not less.
If you are trying to grow your business while staying focused on what matters most, this conversation will help you think more clearly about where to start.
Connect with Drew:
https://revflowpartners.ioLearn more about Acumen:
https://acumenimpact.com -
In this episode of the Sharpen Podcast, Dan Cooper (CEO, Acumen) and Brian Lunt (St. Louis Growth Catalyst, Acumen) discuss relational capitalâwhat it is, how itâs built, and why it still matters in business.
As technology continues to increase speed and efficiency, relationships can become secondary. This conversation brings it back to the fundamentals: trust, consistency, and understanding people.
They break down what builds trust, what damages it, and the simple habits that keep relationships active over time. The discussion also touches on how leaders shift from building their own success to helping others grow and how that impacts the strength of their network.
If you lead a business or a team, this episode offers a practical look at how relationships still influence outcomes, even in a more automated world.
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In this episode of the Sharpen Podcast, Steve Van Diest sits down with Blaine Cheshire, Founder & CEO of Level 10 CFO, to talk about money, growth, and the financial decisions that can make or break a business.
They unpack the common lies leaders believe about revenue, introduce the idea of the âRevenue Fairy,â and explain why CFOs arenât risk-averseâtheyâre risk-conscious. Blaine also shares hard-earned lessons from walking through a personal health storm while leading a growing company, and why building a business that runs without you isnât optional.
If you're a CEO in the growth stage wondering whether your financial leadership matches your ambition, this episode delivers clarity, wisdom, and practical perspective.
