William Salvi is the co-founder and host of Executive House, a global business media platform that spotlights prominent business executives through in-depth, authentic conversations. He is also the creator and host of The CEO Series, an Emmy-winning, YouTube-based interview show focused exclusively on CEOs, where he explores not just what leaders build, but how and why they lead.

In this episode, Brad and William discuss:

• How Executive House and The CEO Series were built to spotlight real, human conversations with business leaders
• Why filming CEOs in their own environments creates more honest and vulnerable interviews
• The tension between authenticity and corporate communications in executive leadership
• The hidden loneliness, pressure, and moral weight CEOs carry behind closed doors
• Hiring mistakes, painful business iterations, and lessons learned from building a media company

Key Takeaways:

• CEOs are often misunderstood because the public narrative focuses only on the loudest, wealthiest outliers. William emphasizes that thousands of ethical, thoughtful leaders quietly run strong companies that deserve more attention and recognition.
• Authentic leadership requires striking a balance between vulnerability and responsibility. CEOs cannot share everything, but selective honesty builds trust far more effectively than polished corporate language.
• Corporate speak often exists to reduce risk, but it can strip leaders of credibility. When leaders say everything “perfectly,” they often say nothing meaningful at all.
• Building a business through multiple iterations is painful but clarifying. Each failed hire, pivot, and setback helped William and his team define what truly mattered and what didn’t.
• Hiring too early or without clarity is one of the most costly mistakes founders make. Clear vision and structure are prerequisites to effective leadership and team management.

“Honesty doesn't mean share everything. Honesty means, you know, be real.” - William Salvi

Connect with William Salvi:

Website: http://www.ceoseries.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-salvi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveHouse

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/

Email: brad@hrvaluepartners.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.