The Journey To CEO Success

The Journey To CEO Success

Join us weekly for exclusive guest appearances from mid-market CEOs, where they share valuable insights, real-life experiences, and the challenges they've overcome! A new episode drops every Friday. I am on a mission to help CEOs and company leaders succeed in achieving their dreams. The journey to success is often a messy, unpredictable, and rewarding ride, full of twists, setbacks, and breakthroughs that shape who we become. This podcast shares interesting and unique paths that CEOs are taking. Their journeys are encouraging, with practical lessons for a successful and joyful life.

Episodes

September 11, 2026 24 mins

In this episode of the Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean of Rhythm Systems sits down with entrepreneur Piers Carey, who shares insights from his 26-year journey with Teneo, an IT solutions provider. The conversation explores the intersection of business and personal life, the impact of AI on cybersecurity, and the importance of giving back to the community. Piers emphasizes the need for a mindset that embraces courage, the valu...

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In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean of Rhythm Systems sits down with Shane Weyant, CEO of Creative Composites Group. Shane shares his extensive journey within the company, highlighting the importance of teamwork, leadership, and open communication. He discusses the challenges he faced transitioning to CEO, the strategies he employed to turn around a struggling company, and the joy he finds in mentoring othe...

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In this episode of the Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean of Rhythm Systems sits down with Tom Crane, President of Firetrace International. They explore Tom's extensive experience in the fire suppression industry, the importance of mentorship, and the dynamics of leadership across different cultures. Tom shares insights on balancing work and family life, the value of feedback, and the significance of building trust in profession...

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In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean of Rhythm Systems sits down with Ryan Huette, President of Nu-Way Transportation, Inc. Ryan shares his leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of trust, accountability, and customer commitment. He discusses how crises, like COVID-19, can be opportunities to build trust with customers and the significance of having a supportive team. Ryan also highlights the value o...

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In this episode of the Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean sits down with Travis Hevelone, Founder of SingletrackOps. Travis shares his journey as an entrepreneur, discussing the challenges and successes he faced while building his previous company, Jobzology, and how he applies those lessons to his current venture. The conversation delves into the role of AI in operations, the importance of tenacity, and the significance of find...

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In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean, Rhythm Systems, sits down with Michele Hecken, founder and CEO of Alpha Global Experts. Michele shares her journey of building a successful business that operates independently of her involvement, emphasizing the importance of offboarding and work-life balance. The conversation explores the challenges CEOs face in prioritizing their personal lives alongside their busines...

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In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success podcast, Patrick Thean, Rhythm Systems, sits down with Joe Maglio, CEO of the Cheil Agency Network. They explore the unique approach of the agency network, emphasizing the importance of empathy, trust, and communication in leadership. Joe shares insights on how to create a positive culture within organizations and the significance of signals in leadership, especially in a digital age. T...

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In this episode of the Journey to CEO Success podcast, host Patrick Thean of Rhythm Systems sits down with Irina Cruse, founder of OUTLOVE, a strategic growth agency. They discuss the importance of understanding customer needs, the challenges of maintaining customer intimacy in larger organizations, and the joy of finding work that aligns with personal passion.

Irina shares her journey, insights on market analysis, and the signific...

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In this episode of The Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean of Rhythm Systems sits down with Prema Gupta, President of Center City District. They explore Prema's passion for urban development, the operational excellence of the CCD, and the importance of community impact. The conversation delves into leadership insights, the joy of work, and the challenges of maintaining work-life balance, particularly for women in leadership roles...

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In this episode of the Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean, Rhythm Systems, sits down with Craig Penland, President and CEO of Eurolink Fastener Supply Service. Craig shares insights into his unique business model focused on sourcing hard-to-find metric fasteners, the importance of understanding core customers, and how his faith influences his leadership style. He discusses the significance of resilience, joy, and maintaining a d...

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In this episode, Patrick Thean sits down with Anita Allen, a consultant at Rhythm Systems and a seasoned professional and board director, about her journey, insights on AI, leadership, and achieving joy and success in business and life.

Key Takeaways:

  • Impact of AI on business processes and leadership
  • The importance of methodology and structure in consulting
  • Lessons on work-life balance and personal fulfillment
  • Leadership strate...
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In this episode of the Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean sits down with Bryan Fischer, Principal of One Step Beyond and a consultant at Rhythm Systems. They explore Brian's professional journey, the importance of accountability and clear expectations in leadership, and the significance of collaboration and emotional intelligence in achieving both joy and success in the workplace. Bryan shares valuable insights on client selecti...

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In this episode of the Journey to CEO Success, Patrick Thean of Rhythm Systems sits down with Roy Page, Partner of TobinLeff LLC and a Rhythm Systems Consultant. Roy is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience. The conversation explores Roy's professional journey, the importance of balancing joy and success, and the creation of his Peace Index, a personal tool for self-assessment and emotional well-being. Roy sha...

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In this insightful episode, Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, sits down with leadership coach Cathy McCullough, who shares her journey, leadership philosophies, and practical advice on building high-performing, joyful organizations.

Discover how curiosity, intentionality, and courageous conversations can transform your leadership approach and organizational culture.

Key Topics

  • Leadership journey and discovery
  • Building h...
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Join us as Patrick Thean explores the journey of Jen Miller, Founder of The People Solutions Group and a Rhythm Systems Consultant.

Jenn is a seasoned HR and strategy-execution expert who shares insights into building high-performing teams, fostering trust, and creating joyful, successful workplaces. Discover practical tips for leaders to improve team dynamics, communication, and organizational health.

Key Takeaways:

  • Building Tru...
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In this episode, Patrick Thean, co-Founder of Rhythm Systems, sits down with Laurie Barkman, Founder of The Business Transition Sherpa, and shares insights on creating scalable, valuable businesses, the importance of transition planning, and embracing change for joy and success. She discusses her journey from aspiring rock star to leading a billion-dollar company and offers practical advice for CEOs on exit strategies and personal ...

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In this inspiring interview, Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, sat down with Dale Noelle, founder and CEO of TRUE Model Management, who shares her journey from top model to industry innovator. Discover how her values-driven approach, resilience through illness, and commitment to diversity and authenticity are reshaping the fashion industry and offering lessons on leadership, authenticity, and joy.

Key Takeaways

  • Build a...
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Patrick Thean of Rhythm Systems sat down with Dr. Clyne Namuo, the 10th president of Joliet Junior College, who shares his vision for community engagement, student success, and the importance of joy and purpose in leadership.

Discover how his personal story and commitment to first-generation students are shaping a legacy of opportunity and hope.

Key Takeaways

  • The importance of community engagement and student success
  • The impact of...
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In this episode of 'The Journey to CEO Success', Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, engages with ⁠Lonni Kieffer⁠ and Lyndon Lattie, co-founders of SmartCert. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a technology platform that streamlines documentation processes in highly regulated industries. The conversation explores their entrepreneurial journey, the dynamics of working as a married couple, and the importanc...

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William Cason, President of The Cason Group, didn't join his father's company right out of college, and that honesty alone tells you everything about who he is.

In this conversation with Patrick Thean, co-founder of Rhythm Systems, William opens up about the spiritual journey that eventually led him to the family business, what it looks like to run a 200-person company with faith at the center, and why he believes culture and purpo...

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