Episodes

  • Family First, Business Second, and Building a Life Worth Living with Toni Parkhurst

    Family First, Business Second, and Building a Life Worth Living with Toni Parkhurst
    Jan 16 2026
    When life throws you curveballs, do you have the freedom to step away when it matters most? In this episode of Scaling the Gap, Madeleine MacRae sits down with Toni Parkhurst, franchise owner of Budget Blinds, to explore how a sudden family crisis reshaped her definition of leadership, success, and freedom. Together, Madeleine and Toni explore the unseen sacrifices behind long term success, the emotional cost of ambition, the identity shifts required of business owners, and why true scaling is about creating a business that gives you freedom when life demands your presence elsewhere.This conversation is a powerful reminder that growth is not just about revenue. It is about building something that sustains you through life’s hardest and most meaningful moments.Key TakeawaysWhy choosing family at critical moments can unlock unexpected opportunitiesHow resilience and persistence compound into long-term successWhy “luck” is earned through preparation, sacrifice, and actionThe emotional cost of entrepreneurship that most people never seeHow building a strong team creates freedom, not dependencyWhy success evolves through different seasons of lifeHow generosity and giving back create purpose beyond profitThe importance of redefining identity as your role as a leader changesIn This Episode[00:00] Introduction to Toni Parkhurst[05:46] How Toni entered the industry[06:12] Career growth & family crisis[09:58] Taking risks & “winging it”[12:16] Building momentum & facing hardships[14:04] Luck, opportunity, and preparation[18:11] Community recognition & professional milestones[19:55] Bougie success & staying grounded[20:49] Multigenerational family support[21:02] Caring for her mother & team support[24:33] Defining success beyond money[27:08] Toni’s personal success algorithm[29:10] Embracing a new grandmother role[30:45] Contact information & closingNotable Quotes[10:13] "I remember I borrowed money from my mom to buy the first franchise." – Madeleine [10:45] "Pushing through the fear, I never dreamed I would have a multi-million dollar company." – Toni[13:08] "I would get in my van in the morning to go to my first appointment crying." – Toni[14:17] "Luck sits at the intersection of opportunity and preparation." – Madeleine[16:30] "The biggest compliment for me is when people say, “You deserve it. You’ve worked your ass off.” That is the biggest compliment." – Toni[19:57] "I can enjoy some bougie, but I'm still that same person. I've been broke before, and you don't forget that." – Toni[24:17] "Most of it doesn't have to do with money. I am successful because I've been a really good mother. I've been able to help my kids both to get into their first home." – Toni[24:39] "I am very proud of the daughter I was to my mom, and the granddaughter I was to my grandma." – Toni[28:24] "I’m in a paradigm shift right now, with my first grandbaby coming." – ToniOur GuestToni Parkhurst is a longtime entrepreneur and franchise owner of Budget Blinds, leading a multi-million-dollar business with a strong family and community focus. With nearly two decades of ownership, Toni has built a company rooted in generosity, resilience, and people-first leadership. Her journey reflects the power of perseverance, values-based decision-making, and redefining success across seasons of life.Resources and LinksToni ParkhurstBudget Blinds of Fairfield & Vacaville: https://www.budgetblinds.com/fairfield/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/budgetblindsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/solanobudgetblinds/?hl=enEmail: tparkhurst@budgetblinds.comLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-parkhurst-501b23aPhone: Phone: (707) 447-2494Madeleine MacRaeWebsite - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleineInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough
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    32 mins
  • Succession Planning in Family Businesses: More Emotional Than Strategic? with Brandi Marek

    Succession Planning in Family Businesses: More Emotional Than Strategic? with Brandi Marek
    Jan 6 2026
    In this episode of Scaling the Gap, Madeleine MacRae sits down with Brandi Marek, Business Advisor at Ferguson Alliance, to unpack the unseen emotional and leadership challenges inside family-owned businesses.Brandi brings a rare and powerful perspective, not just as an advisor to lower middle market companies with revenues between $20M and $150M, but as someone who lived inside a family business herself. She shares how obligation, ego, exhaustion, and misplaced expectations quietly block growth, and why scaling is not just about systems. It is about mindset, surrender, and identity.Madeleine and Brandi explore the grief of letting go of roles you were supposed to play, the freedom that comes from redefining success, and why leadership often requires stepping out of the way so others can rise. As we step into a new year, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: you don’t have to stay where you are out of obligation, and surrender is often the gateway to fulfillment.Key TakeawaysWhy obligation, not incompetence, is one of the biggest blockers in family businessesThe difference between wanting change and being willing to actionize itHow ego prevents leaders from scaling and what it really means to get out of the wayThe under-discussed grief of leaving roles you once loved or felt responsible forWhy mindset, not strategy, determines whether growth initiatives succeedHow surrender becomes a leadership skill, not a weaknessWhy success is measured by fulfillment, relationships, and impact, not just revenueThe importance of building leadership structures that match the next generation, not the lastIn This Episode[00:00] Introduction to Brandi Marek[05:03] Why mindset matters more than strategy[08:56] The three T’s: time, tools, and training[12:45] Letting go of identity and redefining purpose[16:35] The unique challenges of family business dynamics[19:31] Surrender as a leadership practice[21:28] Choosing a word for the year and what it really invites[22:12] Brandi’s definition of success[26:55] Connect with BrandiNotable Quotes[02:30] “There's just not a lot of people that can really know and understand what it's like to be a family member in a family owned business, and how to do that.” – Brandi Marek[15:46] “Being able to connect and say, ‘I know exactly how you feel,’ is huge, because we needed that so desperately in my family.” – Brandi Marek[20:01] "If you use the word 'surrender' as your word [for the year], you're going to get a lot of opportunities to practice surrender." – Madeleine MacRae[22:42] “My biggest measure of success is not just what it means for me, but how I’m able to share it with others.” – Brandi Marek[23:41] “Releasing expectations and letting everyone find a path that feels purposeful and fulfilling is huge for me.” – Brandi Marek[27:43] “You don't have to stay where you are of obligation. You're allowed to make new decisions. You're allowed to have become someone new and step into something new.” – Brandi MarekOur GuestBrandi Marek is a Business Advisor with Ferguson Alliance, where she specializes exclusively in advising family-owned businesses in the lower middle market. With over 20 years of experience, including firsthand experience inside a family enterprise, Brandi helps leaders navigate succession planning, leadership development, family dynamics, and mindset shifts required for sustainable growth. Her work bridges strategy, psychology, and real-world leadership challenges to help families build businesses that thrive across generations.Resources and LinksBrandi MarekFerguson Alliance: https://ferguson-alliance.com/brandi-marek/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-marek-66183728/Madeleine MacRaeWebsite - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleineInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough
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    29 mins
  • The Fractional Future: How Dave Gilbert Turned Experience Into Impact

    The Fractional Future: How Dave Gilbert Turned Experience Into Impact
    Dec 30 2025

    As the year closes, one powerful question rises to the surface. What does it take for someone to walk away from the comfort of a Wall Street career, the predictable salary, and the traditional definition of success, and instead choose the wild, uncertain, and incredibly rewarding path of entrepreneurship?

    In this powerful episode, Madeleine MacRae sits down with Dave Gilbert, a founder whose entire entrepreneurial journey refuses the traditional script. After two decades in tech, real estate, and e-commerce, and after building a company from two people to 5,000 employees, Dave discovered that success was not about chasing unicorn valuations or 100 hour weeks. It was about freedom, meaningful relationships, and building companies where people actually love working.

    Dave opens up about his winding career, the emotional cost of selling a company, the grief that follows identity loss, and the joy of building his fractional executive firm where world class leaders bring 20 to 30 years of experience to companies that could never afford them full time. He also talks about redefining ambition, designing a life you want to live, and choosing work that aligns with who you are, not just what you can build.

    As we step into 2026, Dave's story is the reminder we all need: success is not about scale. It is about intention. And this year, you deserve a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.

    Wishing you a grounded, purpose filled, deeply joyful start to 2026. More transformative guests on the way!



    Key Takeaways

    Why non-traditional careers are becoming the new norm and why that is a gift

    Why fractional executives are becoming the future of growth for small and mid sized businessesThe hidden grief founders experience when they exit their companiesWhy chasing unicorn status creates unhealthy pressure and what sustainable success actually looks likeHow to build companies where people stay because they want to, not because they have toWhy success is less about money and more about freedom, family, and meaningful relationships

    In This Episode

    [00:00] Introduction to David Gilbert

    [04:43] Validating career paths and startup hiring[05:08] Tech startup exit and business growth[05:56] Fractional executive firm vision and passion[06:37] Benefits of fractional executives

    [09:39] Challenges of buying vs building companies[11:56] Service vs product business models[12:27] Growth mindset: unicorns vs sustainable companies[13:41] Redefining success and profit

    [16:16] Identity and grieving after exiting a company

    [19:59] Defining personal success

    [23:58] Closing thoughts and contact information

    Notable Quotes

    [15:34] “Who you are is how you treat people and what you do with your life and how you spend your time. It's not what you did in your career or the company that you grew.” – David

    [21:01] “Spending time with people that we want to spend time with that we choose to spend time with, to me, is the ideal success story.” – David



    Our Guest

    Dave Gilbert is a tech founder, entrepreneur, and owner of multiple companies including a fractional executive firm and an engineering company. After two decades building businesses across tech, real estate, and e-commerce, Dave now leads a 30 person team that delivers fractional CFO, HR, and back office services. His passion is sustainable growth, meaningful relationships, and building companies where people truly thrive.



    Resources and Links

    David Gilbert

    Email: Dave@ProvenCoLinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/davidmgilbert⁠



    Madeleine MacRae

    Website - ⁠https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/⁠LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine⁠Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/⁠Book – ⁠The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough⁠
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    26 mins
  • The Unexpected Yes That Built a $3M Business with Anthony Kulikowski

    The Unexpected Yes That Built a $3M Business with Anthony Kulikowski
    Dec 22 2025
    In this special year-end episode of Scaling the Gap, Madeleine MacRae wraps up 2025 with a guest who could not be a better fit for the finale. Anthony Kulikowski, a lifelong painter from South Bend, shares how one phone call he almost ignored ended up reshaping everything. He was tired, annoyed, stalling before walking back into a job site, and he picked up the phone just to catch his breath. That simple hello opened the path from a $300K independent business to a $750K franchise in his first year and eventually into a $3M multi location operation, all without ever touching a paintbrush again.Anthony talks openly about the tough parts of growth: letting go of roles he used to love, trusting other people to do things he once handled himself, and discovering the joy of watching new leaders rise. His story shows how curiosity, timing, and a little courage can take you places you never expected.As our final guest of 2025, Anthony leaves us with the perfect reminder heading into the new year: sometimes the moment that changes everything shows up looking ordinary. And as we step into 2026, get ready for even more amazing guests, deeper conversations, and the breakthroughs waiting for you. Wishing you a powerful new beginning and a truly Happy 2026.Key TakeawaysHow a single cold call, taken on a bad day, led to a business doubling its revenue.The critical shift from being the best painter to being the best leader and coach.Why "no" in sales is conditional and how to build a pipeline that accounts for life's changing priorities.The "Money Dance": How to translate daily activities into personal paychecks to motivate your team.The under-discussed grief of growth: learning to let go of the work you love to embrace the leader you must become.Why success is more about your team's satisfaction and customer legacy than your top-line revenue.The power of being a "platform" for your employees' growth and the ripple effect of local business ownership.In This Episode(00:00) Introduction to Anthony Kulikowski(05:33) First year franchise growth and realizations(08:21) Life happens: timing and customer readiness(13:06) The money dance: translating activity to results(17:01) Ripple effect: lifting as we climb(18:17) Biggest challenges in scaling(21:05) The grief of letting go in growth(23:32) Anthony's definition of success(30:50) Closing and contact informationNotable Quotes [09:13] “For me personally, my journey is funny. I wouldn’t have normally answered the phone, but that tenacity made the difference.” – Anthony[15:16] “If you had told me fifteen years ago, while I was rolling walls, that I’d be leading a team and helping people grow, I would never have believed it.” – Anthony[19:05] “Every step of the way, I had to give something up. I had to trust another painter to do as good a job as me.” – Anthony[27:51] “Leaving a legacy behind, building something bigger than yourself, and giving people opportunity, that’s where success really is.” – AnthonyOur GuestAnthony Kulikowski is the owner of three Five Star Painting franchise locations in the South Bend, Indiana region. With 27 years of experience in the trade, starting as a teenager learning from his wife’s grandfather, Anthony scaled from a small independent operation to a multi million dollar company by embracing systems, leadership, and people development. Today he leads a thriving team, mentors rising talent, and continues expanding into new service ventures.Resources and LinksAnthony KulikowskiWebsite: https://www.fivestarpainting.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-kulikowski-2b159b68Madeleine MacRaeWebsite - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleineInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough
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    33 mins
  • Why Leadership Is Not a Talent, But a System Anyone Can Learn with Joel Worthington

    Why Leadership Is Not a Talent, But a System Anyone Can Learn with Joel Worthington
    Dec 16 2025
    In this episode of Scaling the Gap, Madeleine MacRae sits down with Joel Worthington, a pastor turned president who took Mr. Electric from $40 million to over $200 million and built a brand where people actually loved showing up to work. After 16 years in ministry and more than a decade leading one of Neighborly’s flagship companies, Joel now teaches leaders the system he spent 30 years developing. It is a practical, repeatable approach to leadership that transforms cultures, increases profits, and creates true followers instead of disengaged employees.Joel shares why soft skills are learnable, why charisma is not magic, why most owners set the wrong goals, and how a simple mindset called Tell Me More instantly deepens connection and influence.This conversation is a reminder that leadership is not about pressure, perfection, or pretending. It is about alignment, authenticity, and creating a workplace where people bring their full energy because they genuinely want to.Key TakeawaysWhy leadership is not innate and why every human can learn it through practice and structureThe science behind mirror neurons and why authentic connection raises performanceWhy most owners set goals for the wrong reasons and how misalignment sabotages cultureThe difference between a "Get to" culture and a "Have to" cultureWhy safe environments produce truth, creativity, loyalty, and high engagementWhy misaligned leadership creates resentment, fear, and disengagementHow leadership skills become contagious and impact families, homes, and communitiesIn This Episode[00:00] Introduction to Joel Worthington[05:01] Leadership programs and step-by-step systems[09:28] Self-leadership and knowing what you want[10:33] The “tell me more” mindset and authentic connection[13:32] Energy in leadership and employee engagement[17:19] Creating a safe, transparent environment[19:45] Mirroring, authenticity, and self-leadership[21:18] Aligning goals with genuine motivation[22:41] Coaching owners to find their “why”[27:06] The power of a “get to” culture[29:02] Leadership’s ripple effect on families and communities[32:59] Closing and where to find JoelNotable Quotes[08:24] “Leadership is something that can be grown. You just have to practice.” – Joel[08:16] “If you can learn to smile, I can teach you charisma.” – Joel[13:12] “If we can turn employees into followers, we get their heart and when we get their heart, we naturally get their hands.” – Joel[17:08] “Energy is a choice. An employee can do the task and give almost no energy at all.” – Joel[08:47] “We have to become the leader first; the title or position comes later.” – Joel[19:11] “We have leaders who literally believe they have the truth and are making great strategic decisions, but it’s based on lies because they haven’t created an environment where people are willing to tell them the truth.” – Joel[24:22] “Tap into your energy as an owner, and if it doesn't tap into your energy, you don't have the right energy around your employees.” – JoelOur GuestJoel Worthington is a leadership expert, former pastor, and longtime president of Mr. Electric, where he helped scale the brand from 40M to more than 200M. After 30 years of studying and teaching leadership, Joel now runs a leadership training company that equips owners, executives, and entrepreneurs with practical, step by step systems to develop people, build thriving cultures, and increase profit through authentic connection.Resources and LinksJoel WorthingtonWebsite: joelworthington.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joelworthingtonYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JoelWorthington/videosMadeleine MacRaeWebsite - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleineInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough
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    36 mins
  • Stop Ignoring Your Gut and Start Building the Life You Want with Judy Cisler

    Stop Ignoring Your Gut and Start Building the Life You Want with Judy Cisler
    Dec 9 2025
    Managing a company remotely for 16 years sounds impossible for most owners, but Judy Cisler has turned it into her greatest advantage.In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with window-coverings entrepreneur Judy Cisler, the powerhouse owner of Gotcha Covered Grand Rapids, a window-coverings business she built from scratch and now runs almost entirely remotely. Her unconventional career pivot, her honesty with herself, and her willingness to keep growing have shaped a business she loves and a life she doesn’t need to escape from.If you’ve ever wondered what success looks like after 16 years of hard-earned growth, clarity, and freedom, this episode is a must-listen.Key TakeawaysHow to know when an advisor or coach is the right fit for you (it's all about gut feel and trust).How hiring doesn’t fix cultural or leadership gaps and why avoidance always makes problems biggerWhy different employees fit different stages of growth, and how to confidently let go when neededWhy you must be willing to "change your own beliefs" to break through plateaus and grow.The unexpected fulfillment of watching your team grow, collaborate, and love the workHow remote leadership can succeed with clear strategy, systems, and the right peopleWhy retirement loses its appeal when you’ve already created the life you once dreamed aboutIn This Episode[00:00] Introduction to Judy Cisler[03:19] Building the business and showroom[05:22] Finding advisors and trusting instincts[06:48] The role of gut instinct in choosing advisors[09:05] Hard lessons: hiring and letting go[10:08] Team evolution and confronting issues[12:15] Evolving beliefs and overcoming plateaus[13:19] Unexpected joys of entrepreneurship[14:05] Team passion and employee commitment[16:11] Milestone: 16 years in business and remote ownership[16:54] Redefining retirement and life satisfaction[20:10] Defining success: team, customers, self[21:14] Success algorithm [23:53] Contact information and closing remarksNotable Quotes[02:47] “I didn't always make a good employee. Me listening to others being told how to do my job or what to do. I had some pretty independent thinking.” – Judy Cisler[05:13] “It's interesting. When you're a new business owner, you're learning everything and you're wearing dozens of hats and you really have to be strategic and think down the road.” – Judy Cisler[06:49] “Some of it's just gut feel. Oftentimes, you have family, friends, maybe even employees saying, why do you need that? Why are you doing that?” – Judy Cisler[12:28] "You start questioning your own beliefs, and then you have to realize, you know what? I can change my belief. I can hire differently or operate differently. I need to evolve and progress." – Judy Cisler[12:54] “Pain is temporary and conditional, but suffering through it, that's the part that you can choose not to choose.” – Madeleine MacRae[17:43] “The term retirement does not hold magic for me.” – Judy Cisler[19:28] “Luck happens when opportunity meets preparation. And putting yourself in a position to get lucky takes extremely hard work.” – Madeleine MacRaeOur GuestJudy Cisler is the owner of Gotcha Covered Grand Rapids, a window-coverings business she built from scratch and now runs almost entirely remotely. With a background in industrial engineering, Judy entered entrepreneurship during the Great Recession, evolving from solopreneur to strategic leader. She’s passionate about team development, customer experience, and building a business that supports the life she wants to live.Resources and LinksJudy CislerWebsite:https://www.gotchacovered.com/grand-rapids/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/judy-cisler-71600944Madeleine MacRaeWebsite - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleineInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough
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    26 mins
  • Jennifer Young's Leap of Faith: Building a Legacy Business with Heart and Humility

    Jennifer Young's Leap of Faith: Building a Legacy Business with Heart and Humility
    Dec 2 2025
    In this inspiring episode of Scaling the Gap, Madeleine MacRae sits down with Jennifer Young, the owner of Mr. K’s Fabric Shop in Quincy, Illinois, a 50-year legacy business she unexpectedly found herself leading after one serendipitous phone call. Jennifer shares the unbelievable story of how she spoke the idea of buying the business out loud one night… only to receive an offer from the owner the very next morning. With zero experience in window treatments, upholstery, or awnings, she stepped in on February 1st and learned everything from the ground up. Along the way, she navigated skeptical employees, COVID uncertainty, and the steep learning curve of transforming a paper-based operation into a modernized, growing company. Through it all, Jennifer never lost sight of what matters most: people. She reveals how community relationships, genuine customer care, and the joy of working alongside a childhood best friend helped her evolve Mr. K’s into a thriving, service-driven business.Her story is a powerful reminder that preparation, faith, and courage often meet at the perfect moment if you’re willing to say yes.Key TakeawaysHow faith, timing, and bold words led Jennifer to buy a business she never expected.Why relationships, not revenue, drive sustainable success in rural communities.How Covid unexpectedly became a season of growth for Mr. K’s.The importance of honoring legacy while modernizing systems and processes.Why upholstery is a dying art and how Jennifer is preserving it for future generations.The real meaning of success when you lead with service, humility, and community impact.In This Episode(00:00) Introduction to Jennifer Young(03:45) Diving into a new industry(05:33) Unexpected delights: hiring a childhood friend(07:28) Early hurdles and team dynamics(10:07) Preparation meets opportunity(14:20) Serving a diverse clientele(16:10) Jen's definition of success(22:59) How to connect with Jen and Mr. K’s(23:26) Closing reflections and takeawaysNotable Quotes[01:57] “I do believe in a higher power and believe everything happens for a reason.” – Jennifer Young[10:08] “I've always wanted to own a business. I just never knew what I wanted to own..” – Jennifer Young[10:21] “It's funny how God knows what he's going to give you before you know. And I just look back there and he gave me all the steps that I needed to be where I'm at.”– Jennifer Young[11:20] “It's about building the relationships. So it's not just selling that window treatment or selling that upholstery or that awning.” – Jennifer Young[12:07] “Luck is what happens at the intersection of preparation and opportunity…people miss opportunity because it shows up in overalls. It looks like hard work.” – Madeleine MacRae[13:41] “Sometimes the more you chase, the harder it is to catch it. If you chase service and depth of relationship, it's going to come back to you again and again and again.” – Madeleine MacRaeOur GuestJennifer Young is the owner of Mr. K's Fabric Shop, a 73-year-old Hunter Douglas gallery and upholstery service in Quincy, Illinois. With a background in HR, marketing, and sales, Jennifer unexpectedly became a business owner in 2019 and has since grown the legacy company by focusing on deep customer relationships, community integration, and a heartfelt commitment to service. She is passionate about preserving a "dying art" like upholstery and providing a welcoming place for both her customers and her committed staff.Resources and LinksMr. K’s Fabric ShopWebsite: mrksquincy.comFacebook: Mr. K’s Fabric Shop – Quincy, ILPhone: (217) 222-5816Jennifer YoungLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-young-a0977349Madeleine MacRaeWebsite - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleineInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough
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    25 mins
  • How Food, Family, and Franchising Shape Tomorrow’s Leaders with Leigh Feldman

    How Food, Family, and Franchising Shape Tomorrow’s Leaders with Leigh Feldman
    Nov 25 2025
    In this special Thanksgiving week episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Leigh Feldman, CEO of a platform of youth enrichment brands including Young Chefs Academy and Flower Power Studios. They explore how hands-on cooking classes do much more than teach culinary skills, they build self-esteem, foster family connections, and help kids find their unique "spark."Leigh opens up about the journey of acquiring and scaling established franchise brands, sharing his philosophy on leadership that prioritizes people, process, and technology. He reveals the simple but powerful question he asks all his franchisees to unlock growth and the "Aspirin" approach that ensures no challenge becomes a migraine.Whether you're a parent, a leader, or someone searching for deeper meaning in your work, this episode will leave you inspired to look inward and celebrate the unique ingredients you bring to the table.Key TakeawaysHow youth culinary programs teach life skills, boost confidence, and help kids find their "lane"The "Stop" framework (Situation, Target, Opportunity, Proposal) for tackling any business challengeWhy asking "On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate yourself?" reveals critical paths for growthHow to act as an "Aspirin" for your team to solve problems before they escalateThe importance of embracing individual franchisee strengths while maintaining a cohesive brand systemWhy success is found in robust relationships, personal alignment, and accomplishing what you set out to doIn This Episode[00:00] Introduction to Leigh Feldman[04:54] The passion behind empowering kids and families through cooking[07:12] The "lightbulb moment" when a child discovers their own capabilities[13:22] Unexpected hurdles in franchising: People, Process, and Technology[17:02] The "Aspirin" philosophy and the "STOP" framework for problem-solving[19:53] The powerful question: "On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate yourself?"[25:05] Leigh's personal definition of success[30:31] How to connect with Leigh and his brandsNotable Quotes[03:14] "If you think you are nervous as a person, you should watch 3-year-olds carry a dozen eggs each to the table." – Leigh Feldman[07:01] “Being able to work in youth enrichment is so rewarding personally. Knowing that you are truly changing kids’ and families’ lives: there is nothing better than that." – Leigh Feldman[17:37] "The engagement of the franchisees in a franchise system is so important... to not take advantage of that and leverage it and use it and share best practices information wins. Things that you've tried that maybe didn't work inside the brand and outside of the brand would be foolish." – Leigh Feldman[20:42] "I ask our franchisees all the time, scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate yourself as a franchisee? The most common answer is seven." – Leigh Feldman[25:16] “I feel like I have accomplished what I set out to do as a base for where I want my life to be.” – Leigh FeldmanOur GuestLeigh Feldman is the CEO of a platform of brands in the youth and family enrichment space, including Young Chefs Academy and Flower Power Cooking Studios. With a passion for helping children discover their confidence and creativity through cooking, Leigh leads with a focus on community, franchisee success, and creating remarkable experiences. He believes in the power of introspection, feedback, and servant leadership to build businesses that make a lasting impact.Resources and LinksLeigh FeldmanYoung Chefs Academy: https://youngchefsacademy.comFlower Power Studios: https://flourpowerstudios.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-feldman-39a2b4203Madeleine MacRaeWebsite - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleineInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough
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    32 mins