Alex Wendling & the Flavor Factory: From ERP Chaos to Triple-Year Hyper-Growth

ADAPT or die

#MBA #Business #Andreas Pettersson #Entrepreneur #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement

28:36

Get your free custom nutrition plan (exclusive to podcast listeners) when you join Wits & Weights Physique University for just $27/month -- There was a day when everything we thought we knew about losing weight got turned upside down. For decades, the advice was simple: eat less, move more. But then scientists started asking why weight loss always seemed to get harder over time, and what they discovered changed everything. This landmark Episode 350 explores the paradigm shift that revolutionized our understanding of metabolism, fat loss, and why 95% of people regain lost weight. Main Takeaways: Your body doesn't just passively lose weight, it actively fights back by slowing metabolism and increasing hunger within 2-3 weeks of dieting The shift from moral food judgments to flexible, data-driven nutrition revolutionized sustainable fat loss Three game-changing strategies emerged: macro tracking as a foundation, working with (not against) metabolic adaptation, and strength training as metabolic insurance This scientific revolution changed how we view our bodies, from broken machines needing punishment to intelligent adaptive systems responding to our lifestyle signals Episode Mentioned: Fat Loss vs. Weight Loss Timestamps: 0:01 - The day everything changed about weight loss 4:30 - Why the "eat less, move more" approach failed 8:47 - How your body fights back: the hormone cascade 10:47 - The rise of flexible dieting and evidence-based coaching 12:29 - Key people who changed the game 14:37 - From food restriction to food awareness 19:35 - 3 game-changing strategies from the research Support the show 🎓 Lose fat for good in Physique University, now just $27/mo ( tap here and I’ll create a FREE custom nutrition plan when you join ) 👥 Join our Facebook community for Q&As & support 👋 Ask a question or find me on Instagram 📱 Try MacroFactor 2 weeks free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS (my favorite nutrition app)…

about a year ago 30:37

MP3•Episode home

Challenge → COVID demand spikes and runaway costs exposed brittle pricing models while a “can’t-fail” software switch ground production to a halt.
Adaptation → Alex pulled the plug, rebuilt on a real-time operating system, and shifted from hands-on “chief problem solver” to process-first strategist—empowering leads to own decisions and standardizing every meeting, hand-off, and metric.
Success → Lead times shrank, margins rebounded, and a coast-to-coast expansion (new North Carolina plant +15 staff) will push headcount past 100. With tariffs now hitting raw materials, the team’s live-cost pricing engine lets them adjust before profits erode.

🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Alex’s inbox rule and “remove the choke-point” test for founders stuck in the weeds.

If you think letting go means losing control, Alex’s story will change your flavor—and your playbook.

Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs.

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson

22 episodes

ADAPT or die

Alex Wendling & the Flavor Factory: From ERP Chaos to Triple-Year Hyper-Growth

ADAPT or die

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Challenge → COVID demand spikes and runaway costs exposed brittle pricing models while a “can’t-fail” software switch ground production to a halt.
Adaptation → Alex pulled the plug, rebuilt on a real-time operating system, and shifted from hands-on “chief problem solver” to process-first strategist—empowering leads to own decisions and standardizing every meeting, hand-off, and metric.
Success → Lead times shrank, margins rebounded, and a coast-to-coast expansion (new North Carolina plant +15 staff) will push headcount past 100. With tariffs now hitting raw materials, the team’s live-cost pricing engine lets them adjust before profits erode.

🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Alex’s inbox rule and “remove the choke-point” test for founders stuck in the weeds.

If you think letting go means losing control, Alex’s story will change your flavor—and your playbook.

Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs.

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson

22 episodes

#MBA #Business #Andreas Pettersson #Entrepreneur #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement

All episodes

1
Scott Allen: Leading Through Curiosity, Not Control 40:21

11 days ago40:21

40:21

On this episode of Adapt or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations , Andreas Pettersson sits down with award-winning educator, consultant, and podcast host Scott J. Allen, Ph.D.—a leadership expert who’s trained organizations like NASA, Cleveland Clinic, and Toyota. Scott unpacks why most leaders fail not because of change, but because they cling to control. From psychological safety to adaptive leadership, this conversation rewires how we think about effective teams and decision-making in complexity. Challenge → Too many leaders believe they must have the answers—creating environments where silence, blame, and outdated mindsets prevent growth. Adaptation → Scott leans on strategic vulnerability, curiosity, and co-creation to build organizations that solve real problems instead of protecting egos. Success → A culture of experimentation, breakthrough thinking, and empowered teams—backed by 60+ peer-reviewed publications and global impact across education and executive leadership. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: The two leaders Scott admires most? John Wooden and Terry Francona—for winning with humility, constraints, and constant reinvention. His must-read book for leaders is Mindset by Carol Dweck. And his definition of real leadership? Vulnerability, humility, curiosity, intention, and consistency. Want more Scott? 🔗 LinkedIn 🔗 scottjallen.net 🎙️ Practical Wisdom for Leaders – Ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

1
Michel Langlois & Calix: Reinventing a Company, Rewiring an Industry — All In, No Turning Back 37:01

18 days ago37:01

37:01

On this episode of ADAPT or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations , tech CEO-turned-coach Andreas Pettersson sits down with Michel Langlois, one of the most respected CTOs in the U.S. and author of Beyond the Code . Michel shares how he helped transform Calix from a struggling hardware company into the #1 rural fiber provider in America. With zero safety nets and a bold vision, he led the company through a radical seven-year reinvention that scaled market cap 8X—and reshaped an entire industry. Challenge → A collapsing hardware model, legacy resistance, and the sudden loss of 40% of revenue as the company bet everything on a vision years ahead of its time. Adaptation → Michel restructured engineering from 100 to 1,000+, pioneered a self-assembling virtual test lab, and pushed a new Wi-Fi gateway class that prioritized user experience over speed and feeds. Success → Calix emerged with 95% of revenue tied to its new product suite, enabling critical broadband access during COVID—and Michel’s team rewrote the playbook for rural connectivity. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Michel reveals why being a CTO is more about seeing the future than selling the now, recommends Geoffrey Moore's Crossing the Chasm , and defines leadership in just three words: “providing the context.” If you think it’s too late to pivot big, Michel’s story proves you can lead from any starting point—even a chicken farm in Quebec—and still change the game. 📘 Learn more and grab Michel’s book Beyond the Code Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

1
Spencer Horn: Delegate to Elevate—How to Let Go and Lead Forward 35:12

19 days ago35:12

35:12

On this episode of Adapt or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations , Andreas Pettersson welcomes Spencer Horn, President & CEO of Altium Leadership & Coaching and former NASDAQ company executive. Spencer reveals the hard-earned leadership lessons behind his “Delegate to Elevate” philosophy—helping overwhelmed leaders escape bottleneck mode and build high-functioning teams that think, act, and lead. He unpacks how micromanagement nearly cost him everything and why vulnerability and accountability are now his greatest strengths. Challenge → Spencer went from running a struggling training firm during the 2008 recession to becoming CEO—with no budget, rising pressure, and a command-and-control style that backfired, fast. Adaptation → Fired after trying to preserve the old culture, he rebuilt himself and his approach—shifting from control to trust, asking “Whose job am I doing right now?” and empowering teams to think critically and take ownership. Success → Spencer now helps senior leaders dismantle self-imposed limitations, transform team culture, and create organizations where employees want to work—not just have to. His formula has driven 50% productivity gains and lasting culture change at fast-growing companies. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Spencer shares why letting go isn’t just about task lists, how conflict done right is a sign of real teamwork, and the surprising truth behind delegation: it’s not what you hand off, it’s what you invite people into. His go-to mindset shift? “Leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about helping others think more.” Tired of being the bottleneck? Spencer’s playbook will help you build teams that lead with you, not wait on you. 🔗 Learn More: altiumleadership.com Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

1
Nicolas Pokorny: Leading the People Who Do the Business 32:31

20 days ago32:31

32:31

On this episode of Adapt or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations , Andreas Pettersson sits down with Nicolas Pokorny, neuroscientist, global executive, and Founder & CEO of Mammoth Leadership Sciences. With over 30 years of experience leading multicultural teams, Nicolas unpacks a pivotal leap: moving from managing a small group of direct reports to guiding a large, layered organization. His approach—rooted in neuroscience, organizational behavior, and strategic transformation—has helped shape cultures so strong, one was accused of being “too good to be true.” Challenge → Nicolas went from leading a team of 8 to overseeing a 100-person department through multiple leadership layers, cultural tensions, and post-merger complexity—without a roadmap for scaling human behavior. Adaptation → He let go of control and shifted his mindset from “How do I do this?” to “Who can do this with us?”—investing real time in understanding his managers’ personal lives, motivators, and blind spots to build a high-functioning leadership ecosystem. Success → Nicolas built a culture so unified and high-performing that it raised eyebrows during an internal audit. That success sparked his book The Mammoth in the Room , a podcast, and now a global leadership academy helping others transform chaos into coherence. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Nicolas breaks down why new leaders often feel overwhelmed, the emotional cost of control, and why understanding human drivers—not just P&Ls—is the fastest route to scalable leadership. His golden rule? You don’t lead the business. You lead the people who do the business. Great leadership isn’t about doing more. It’s about knowing who to grow—and letting go so they can lead. 📘 Learn More: The Mammoth in the Room – Book & Resources Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

1
Graeme Watt: Creating Hope in a Crisis — and a New Creative Future 37:10

25 days ago37:10

37:10

When COVID shut down every client contract and wiped out his production pipeline, Graeme Watt—Principal and Lead Strategist of the award-winning agency Anthem Creative—faced an unthinkable leadership moment. On this episode of Adapt or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations , host Andreas Pettersson unpacks how Graeme chose purpose over panic and commissioned a self-funded storytelling project that became a viral beacon of hope. From launching grassroots nonprofits to helping organizations like World Vision and The Chosen raise over $50 million, Graeme’s career has centered on human flourishing. But when the pandemic struck, his team’s future was at risk—until a 7-year-old narrator, a bold script, and a bet on creativity changed everything. Challenge → In March 2020, COVID-19 brought Anthem’s entire film production slate to a standstill. Within 48 hours, client work vanished, and the team had no projects, no revenue, and no certainty. Adaptation → Rather than lay off staff, Graeme and his brother lit their cash reserves on fire and doubled down on purpose. They wrote and produced Dear COVID-19 —a no-budget, heart-first anthem of resilience voiced by Graeme’s 7-year-old niece, stitched together from archived client footage and crafted in lockdown. Success → The film won multiple global film festival awards, reached people across the world in lockdown, and brought in a wave of new clients—helping to reignite Anthem’s momentum and pivot the business toward long-form, original storytelling. Today, the agency is producing docu-series for platforms like Prime and pitching seven-figure projects to Netflix. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Graeme shares why “empathetic imagination” drives his leadership style, why ruthless prioritization is the real definition of strategy, and how asking what will be more human in an AI-powered world is the key to future-proofing any business. When the world hit pause, Graeme hit record—and proved that storytelling isn’t just branding, it’s survival. Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

1
Tom Galido: Heart Transplants, Company Turnarounds, and the Fight to Lead Again 35:44

27 days ago35:44

35:44

On this episode of ADAPT or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations , Andreas Pettersson speaks with Tom Galido—5x founder, 3x CEO, and heart transplant survivor—about what it really takes to scale businesses and survive life-altering adversity. From collapsing in the CEO seat to rebooting his life during COVID lockdown, Tom shares raw truths about operational risk, startup culture traps, and why resilience is the most undervalued trait in business. Challenge → A life-threatening heart condition hit just as Tom was leading a turnaround—forcing him to balance hospital stays with board meetings, succession planning, and shielding his kids from fear. Adaptation → Tom handed off leadership with grace, rebuilt his strength through disciplined recovery, and returned to the trenches—taking another company through rapid growth while uncovering hidden risks others had missed. Success → A thriving second act as an advisor, novelist, and operator—helping founders scale smarter, raise capital cleaner, and avoid the landmines buried in HR, culture, and leadership. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Tom shares why most startup cultures self-destruct without early intentionality, how founder health and isolation kill more companies than competition, and why MBA programs don’t teach you how to survive 100+ heartbeats per minute while running a board meeting. His top advice? Build networks before you need them—and write your story while you still can. Think you're under pressure? Tom's comeback will make you rethink resilience, leadership—and what it truly means to live. Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

1
Bill Weathersby: From Bankrupt to $500M+ in M&A—Hard Truths on Scaling Fast, Firing Faster 28:53

5 weeks ago28:53

28:53

On this episode of ADAPT or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations , former tech-CEO-turned-executive-coach Andreas Pettersson sits down with Bill Weathersby, 8-time founder and Chairman of Next Stage Trajectory. Bill shares raw, battle-tested lessons from 40+ years of building, scaling, and selling founder-led businesses—offering sharp insight into when to fire a salesperson, how to accelerate go-to-market without a perfect product, and why “success starts with knowing your walk-off number.” Challenge → Hiring top sales talent with <50% success rate, balancing speed vs. perfection, and recovering from betting his family’s net worth—and losing. Adaptation → Instituted a 2-quarter sales cut-off policy, prioritized market share over product polish, and reframed failure as fuel with the support of his wife after personal bankruptcy. Success → Led six companies to $20M+ in revenue, helped generate $500M+ in M&A value, and now coaches founders scaling from $1.5M to $15M with 14 partners across the US and UK. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Red flag? Founders too slow to market. Best leaders? Humble team builders. Biggest myth? “Capital is easy.” Most needed question? “What’s your walk-off number?” Best advice he never wanted? “Don’t let failure define you.” If you're stuck between grit and growth—or ready to scale but unsure how—Bill’s blueprint is your wake-up call. Listen now, take notes, and trim the dead weight. Connect with Bill: 🌐 nextstagetrajectory.com 🔗 LinkedIn Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

1
Rick Williams: From Physics Labs to Boardrooms with a Bestseller Blueprint 33:16

5 weeks ago33:16

33:16

On this episode of ADAPT or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations , former tech-CEO-turned-executive-coach Andreas Pettersson sits down with Rick Williams—physicist-turned-CEO, board advisor, and author of the Amazon #1 best-seller Create the Future . With decades of cross-industry leadership experience, Rick distills a lifetime of insight into one radical premise: Success is a choice . From boardrooms that fear dissent to entrepreneurs climbing toward irrational dreams, this conversation delivers a masterclass in intentional decision-making. Challenge → Leaders often make decisions in a vacuum—disconnected from long-term impact and driven by conformity, not clarity. Too many let business plans collect dust and call luck a strategy. Adaptation → Rick developed a five-step method from his book Create the Future , prompting leaders to define what success actually looks like—before they chase it. With the mindset that “you can change the outcome with the choices you make today,” he urges executives to lead with conviction, clarity, and courage. Success → From startup pivots to seasoned boards, Rick’s philosophy now shapes thousands through speaking engagements, a 50,000-subscriber newsletter, and a bestselling playbook for high-stakes decision-making. His message: choose boldness, define success, and climb your mountain—no matter how irrational it may seem. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat Rick flags conformity as the biggest boardroom trap and stands by one rule: lead with your values. He recommends The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People , and says writing Create the Future was his most defining decision. Favorite leadership quote? Don’t give up the ship. Ready to create the future, not just drift into it? Rick’s framework and mindset will help you lead with purpose—and make decisions that count. Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

1
Alex Kuhn & Born to Lead: Coaching Giants, Burning the Playbook, and Leaving by 5PM 34:28

5 weeks ago34:28

34:28

On this episode of ADAPT or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations , former tech-CEO-turned-executive-coach Andreas Pettersson sits down with Alex Kuhn, founder of Born to Lead®—one of the fastest-growing coaching companies in the world. From NCAA swim coach to serial entrepreneur, Alex shares why most business models crush true leaders—and how ditching $200K worth of “expert advice” helped him scale purpose-driven brands and a portfolio of impact, all while prioritizing dinner with his family. Challenge → Leaving a successful coaching career to launch a business that earned just $4,225 in its first year, despite sinking $200,000+ into programs, masterminds, and systems that didn’t fit his leadership DNA. Adaptation → Alex ditched the cookie-cutter formulas, trusted his instincts, and built Born to Lead® by aligning business models around the individual—not the other way around. He walked away from a booming agency when misaligned values poisoned his leadership and re-centered on people-first transformation. Success → Global impact, thousands of leaders coached, features in Forbes and Entrepreneur , and a thriving coaching company that ends by 5 PM. Today, Alex helps leaders grow by knowing themselves—then building businesses that fit them . 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Why conversations matter more than spreadsheets, the "personal record" metric, and how every great day starts with asking: How am I really doing? If you're tired of selling out for growth, Alex’s story proves that doing business your way isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

1
Ryan Schonfeld & HiveWatch: From Policing Terror to Securing Tech with Scalable Smarts 33:41

6 weeks ago33:41

33:41

On this episode of ADAPT or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations , former tech-CEO-turned-executive-coach Andreas Pettersson sits down with Ryan Schonfeld, a former police officer and the founder & CEO of HiveWatch—a SaaS security platform reshaping how enterprises protect their people and assets. Ryan shares how frustration with outdated security systems pushed him to leave a Fortune 500 role and build a venture-backed startup amid a global pandemic. Challenge → A career bound by “that’s how it’s always been done,” disconnected legacy systems, and a security industry slow to innovate—just as COVID-19 shut down the world and decentralized every workplace. Adaptation → Ryan launched RAS Consulting to modernize enterprise risk strategy, followed by RAS Watch (a GSOC-as-a-service), and ultimately pivoted again to launch HiveWatch—a tech-first, compliance-ready platform giving security leaders real-time situational awareness and scalable coordination tools. Success → HiveWatch has raised venture capital, onboarded Fortune 500 clients, and attracted top-tier legal and security advisors, including a former SEC senior counsel—becoming the operational nerve center for a modern security industry. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Why “done right” beats “done fast,” the red flags VCs helped him rethink, and how HiveWatch hires for trust, alignment, and grit—plus Ryan’s counterintuitive wind-down ritual. Think security is all guards and gates? Ryan’s story proves true safety starts with disrupting the system—and building one smart swarm at a time. Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

1
Marius Vygantas & the Global Bet: Building Across Borders with Integrity 35:59

6 weeks ago35:59

35:59

On this episode of ADAPT or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations , executive coach and former tech CEO Andreas Pettersson speaks with Marius Vygantas, founder of Soling Partners and former Project Manager in the Executive Office of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. From Chicago to Dubai and back, Marius shares how trusting his gut—and preserving his integrity—shaped a 20-year global career spanning sovereign strategy, aerospace, and international business development. Challenge → Marius left Goldman Sachs and the Federal Reserve to move to the Middle East at 23—with no local contacts. He faced high-stakes negotiations, geopolitical nuance, and personal moments that tested his values. Adaptation → From cold-calling his way into Mubadala to launching Soling Partners, Marius embraced calculated risk, learned through loss, and built a career on relationships, resilience, and relentless curiosity. Success → With $1.7B in cross-border capital raised, partnerships with global giants like Airbus and Boeing, and a reputation built on integrity, Marius now connects global businesses to opportunity in the Middle East—all while building a life that’s as intentional as his work. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: The surf ritual that resets his mindset, the value he never compromises on, and why international leaders should never underestimate who’s across the table. If you’ve ever wondered whether to make the leap, this conversation will remind you: bold moves build the best stories—and character is the real currency that compounds. Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

1
Annette Franz & the Culture Reset: Why Fixing CX Starts at the Top 30:02

7 weeks ago30:02

30:02

On this episode of ADAPT or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations, executive coach and former tech CEO Andreas Pettersson sits down with Annette Franz, globally recognized thought leader, author of three books, and CEO of CX Journey Inc. With 30+ years of experience in culture transformation, EX, and CX, Annette shares what most leaders get wrong about customer experience—and why it’s rarely a “communication” issue. Challenge → Companies struggling with retention, poor CX, or stagnant growth often blame surface issues—but Annette reveals that the true bottleneck is cultural misalignment and disengaged leadership at the top. Adaptation → From direct executive coaching to redefining core values and removing resistant leaders, Annette equips organizations to move from dysfunction to alignment—building values-driven cultures where employees thrive and customers feel the difference. Success → She’s helped Fortune 500s and growing firms alike overhaul their cultures, rebuild trust, and drive business results—all by putting leadership accountability and cultural clarity at the center. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Why “accountability” is her most overrated buzzword, the leadership lesson you can’t coach into people, and how one core value pivot completely reshaped a company’s customer reputation. Think CX starts with tech or tactics? Annette’s story proves the real work begins with culture—and that adapting at the top unlocks transformation across the business. Visit ADAPTorDIEpod.com for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson/ Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

1
Marina St. Cyr & the 35-Day Deal: Adapting Through Acquisitions, Motherhood, and Mindset 31:04

7 weeks ago31:04

31:04

On this episode of ADAPT or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations , executive coach and former tech CEO Andreas Pettersson sits down with Marina St. Cyr, Partner & SVP of Operations at Access Partners, commercial real estate investor, published author, and mother of four. With a career shaped by complex M&As and cross-functional leadership, Marina brings battle-tested insights on navigating professional reinvention—without losing sight of what matters most at home. Challenge → Leading multiple companies and teams through high-stakes acquisitions while balancing personal responsibilities, Marina was repeatedly forced to adapt, reset, and reframe her path. Adaptation → Marina embraced change as a strength—not a threat. Through mindset mastery, strategic prioritization, and a deep commitment to both leadership and family, she built a resilient operating model that scaled across business and life. Success → Her proudest metric? Closing a major acquisition in just 35 days—despite multiple course corrections along the way. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Why Einstein’s quote—"The measure of intelligence is the ability to change"—drives her leadership philosophy, and how to show up fully in both boardrooms and living rooms. Think it’s impossible to lead aggressive growth and a grounded home life? Marina’s story will show you it’s not about balance—it’s about being willing to evolve. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson/ Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

1
Carolina Hernandez & the Luxury Paint Empire: From Bookkeeper to Boss in a Man’s World 36:03

7 weeks ago36:03

36:03

On this episode of ADAPT or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations , former tech CEO turned executive coach Andreas Pettersson sits down with Carolina Hernandez —CEO, real estate investor, and proud Latina leader breaking barriers in construction and beyond. As co-owner of LouisGloria Painting LLC , Carolina runs a 50+ employee luxury painting firm serving the top 1% of Dallas-Fort Worth. But she started as an 18-year-old bookkeeper who solved an IRS audit and earned the trust of her now-mentor and business partner. Challenge → Being both the founder’s family and the only woman on job sites meant constantly proving her credibility in a male-dominated field. Adaptation → Carolina built confidence through small wins, developed rock-solid emotional intelligence, and learned to lead with warmth and authority—turning resistance into rocket fuel and mentoring others to do the same. Success → She now leads multiple ventures including Legacy Funds and Legatum Companies , manages a growing real estate portfolio, and is building community through upcoming workshops for Latinas and women in trades. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: The fire that tested her leadership under pressure, the mindset shift that reframed fundraising as an invitation—not a pitch—and why generational wealth starts with healing, not just dollars. Think leadership means playing small or playing it safe? Carolina’s story proves it’s about showing up, doing it scared, and bringing others with you. Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

1
Tim McVay & Marco Transport: Hauling Heavy Iron — and Stage-4 Cancer — with Unbreakable Grit 35:48

8 weeks ago35:48

35:48

On this episode of ADAPT or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations , former tech-CEO-turned-executive-coach Andreas Pettersson sits down with Tim McVay, second-generation president of Marco Transport—a 31-truck heavy-haul fleet moving 260-thousand-pound “yellow iron” across the Southwest. Tim recounts how a routine scan in 2023 blindsided him with Stage-4 colorectal cancer and why he still shows up at 6 a.m., greets every nurse with “I’m fantastic,” and opens the company books so employees feel like owners. Challenge → A sudden terminal diagnosis, surging insurance costs, and a labor market where driver turnover can hit 100 %—all while Tim’s father’s legacy company faced expansion decisions and six-figure safety liabilities. Adaptation → Tim set a strict “10-minute pity limit,” shifted to radical transparency, and invested in Saturday safety summits, load-board tech, and a one-year payroll reserve—empowering crews while he tackled bi-weekly chemo and radiation. Success → Zero catastrophic accidents, industry-low turnover, a new Kingman, AZ outpost, and a culture so tight former drivers come out of retirement for another rig. Doctors now rank Tim in the 95th-percentile for treatment response—and he’s shopping new skis for the next powder run. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Tim’s “fantastic” greeting rule, the open-books buy-in hack, and why every crisis gets a chair at the campfire (but only one beer). Think cancer means hitting the brakes? Tim’s story will make you floor the throttle—on business and on life. Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

ADAPT or die

1
Stella Han & Fractional: From DIY Chaos to a $400 Million Community-Capital Engine 33:39

8 weeks ago33:39

33:39

On this episode of ADAPT or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations , former tech-CEO-turned-executive-coach Andreas Pettersson sits down with Stella Han, software-engineer-turned-founder of Fractional, the platform letting everyday investors pool small checks into big real-estate deals. Stella traces her journey from “cheap family labor” on Bay-Area flips to hacking a one-page mock-site that drew 2,000 wait-listers and vaulted her into Y Combinator—then reveals the high-stakes pivot that saved the company. Challenge → Legal and accounting chaos crushed early group deals, and a consumer-focused product stalled when rising rates froze $5k hobby investors. Adaptation → After a six-hour co-founder debate, Stella yanked the consumer roadmap, rebuilt Fractional as a B2B2C engine for seasoned operators, and flew to Phoenix to pitch creative-finance icon Pace Morby in person—securing a marquee customer and proof of product-market fit. Success → Fractional now automates compliance and back-office pain, has funneled $400 million into deals, and counts Fifth Wall, Y Combinator, Will Smith, and Kevin Durant among its backers—tripling operator sign-ups in 2024 alone. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Stella’s “fly there, ask anyway” rule and the journaling habit that turns reflection into rocket fuel. Think capital raising is only for the rich? Stella’s story will rewrite your playbook—and your cap table. Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

ADAPT or die

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Bethany LaFlam & Other People’s Everything: Turning Failure into Your Fast-Track 36:01

9 weeks ago36:01

36:01

When securities attorney & serial entrepreneur Bethany LaFlam watched her first investment fund implode, she lost more than cash—she lost confidence. In this premiere of ADAPT or Die , host Andreas Pettersson unpacks the exact moment Bethany hit rock-bottom, the mindset pivot that set her free, and the measurable wins that followed. Challenge → A brilliantly complex $50 M fund no investor could understand—followed by debt, doubt, and angry LPs. Adaptation → Bethany gave herself permission to fail forward, invested in masterminds & coaching, and coined her core philosophy: OPE—Other People’s Everything. Success → She rebuilt credit, launched a thriving securities law firm, and now helps founders leverage other people’s money, skills, and ideas to scale safely. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Bethany’s mantra for overwhelm—“I can do hard things”—and how to spot (and prune) misaligned partnerships fast. If you’ve ever felt chained to a past mistake, this episode hands you the key. Listen, adapt, thrive. Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

ADAPT or die

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AI at Bat: Jeff Kunzelman on 10× Disruption 36:02

9 weeks ago36:02

36:02

Serial entrepreneur and technologist Jeff Kunzelman (3 exits out of 6 startups) joins Andreas to unpack why today’s AI wave is “10 × bigger—and faster—than the original internet boom.” They cover: Challenge - Spotting market-shifting tech before it’s obvious—and the risk of waiting even 12 months. Adaptation - Using generative-AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Notebook LM) to collapse weeks of research and prototyping into minutes—and the culture shift CEOs need to spark that curiosity. Success - Building leaner, higher-impact teams, saving 2–3 hours per day, and turning interns into instant thought partners. Lightning Round highlights: Jeff’s current AI tool stack, one use-case most execs miss, and his two-year prediction for “hyper-personalized apps that won’t even be called apps.” “If you’re not running company-wide AI experiments today, you’ll be ‘too far behind to catch up’ in 12 months.” —Jeff Kunzelman Stick around to the end for a 60-second Hot-Seat Coaching segment and Andreas’s signature closing:N “Remember, in leadership we adapt and thrive, or we don’t survive.” New episodes every Tuesday. Show notes and free resources at LeadersAdapt.com . Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

ADAPT or die

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Leila Entezam on Emotional Mastery: The Neuroscience Behind Peak Performance 28:15

9 weeks ago28:15

28:15

Most elite leaders swear by data—but ignore the data their own bodies generate. Neuro-emotional performance coach Leila Entezam joins host Andreas Pettersson to prove that feelings are the missing metric at the top. Challenge → High-stakes CEOs, founders, and athletes hit a wall: detachment, compartmentalization, and a nagging sense of emptiness despite record-breaking results. Adaptation → Leila blends neuroscience, psychology, and EQ to show why the brain processes information emotion-first . By slowing down, cultivating somatic awareness, and seeing emotions as a critical dataset, high performers unlock deeper decision-making, richer connections, and sustainable momentum. Success → Clients trade burnout for balance, rebuild their most intimate relationships, and still smash business goals. Leila’s own four-year book journey— The Heart of Peak Performance: Emotional Mastery for High-Performing Men —demonstrates the payoff of purpose-driven persistence. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Leila’s personal re-centering cue—remembering that time is precious and choosing every minute with intention. Listen in to learn why “what got you here won’t get you there” unless you master the emotional game. Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

ADAPT or die

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Alex Wendling & the Flavor Factory: From ERP Chaos to Triple-Year Hyper-Growth 30:37

9 weeks ago30:37

30:37

Supply-chain whiplash, 40 % ingredient hikes, and an ERP rollout that face-planted—2022 nearly soured Alex Wendling, 28-year-old president of Custom Flavors. In this episode of ADAPT or Die , Alex reveals how scrapping a six-figure system (and 13 months of work) became the catalyst for three straight years of double-digit growth. Challenge → COVID demand spikes and runaway costs exposed brittle pricing models while a “can’t-fail” software switch ground production to a halt. Adaptation → Alex pulled the plug, rebuilt on a real-time operating system, and shifted from hands-on “chief problem solver” to process-first strategist—empowering leads to own decisions and standardizing every meeting, hand-off, and metric. Success → Lead times shrank, margins rebounded, and a coast-to-coast expansion (new North Carolina plant +15 staff) will push headcount past 100. With tariffs now hitting raw materials, the team’s live-cost pricing engine lets them adjust before profits erode. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Alex’s inbox rule and “remove the choke-point” test for founders stuck in the weeds. If you think letting go means losing control, Alex’s story will change your flavor—and your playbook. Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

ADAPT or die

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Ryanna Hammond on Writing Your Way Back: From Darkness to "All With Heart" 37:46

9 weeks ago37:46

37:46

In her teens, poet and entrepreneur Ryanna Hammond felt life slipping out of reach. By 28, she’d published seven books, launched the lifestyle brand All With Heart, healed generational wounds—and is now preparing for motherhood. In this episode of ADAPT or Die , Ryanna walks host Andreas Pettersson through the inner work that turned a private journal into a public mission. Challenge → Years of depression, disordered eating, and self-doubt left Ryanna stuck in numbing routines. Adaptation → A four-month, full-time therapy program—mixing CBT, breath-work, group sessions, and daily writing—taught her radical honesty and vulnerability. With a nudge from a friend, those pages became her debut collection, We Are Human . Success → The book cracked Amazon’s Poetry Top 100, snowballed into six more titles, and inspired her coaching practice helping others “live all with heart.” Next up: guiding Andreas’ forthcoming leadership book. 🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: The mindset flip that dissolves “sleazy” sales anxiety—reframe it as helping , not selling—and Ryanna’s one rule for anyone feeling stuck: be brutally, beautifully honest with yourself. Listen for a blueprint on turning life’s darkest chapters into purposeful art and business. Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs. Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson…

ADAPT or die

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Introducing ADAPT or die: Transformative Leadership Conversations 1:39

12 weeks ago1:39