About the Guest:
Michelle K. Johnston, Ph.D., traces her passion for leadership and connection back to childhood, when she discovered Dale Carnegie’s work in her father’s study and learned the lesson of genuine connection through Carnegie’s story of his dog, Tippy. That early spark shaped her path as a leadership professor, executive coach, bestselling author, and podcast host.

Her first book, The Seismic Shift in Leadership, emerged from her work with healthcare executives navigating constant change. Her latest collaboration with the world’s number one executive coach, Marshall Goldsmith, launched in London following Thinkers50 conversations on why humanity will always outperform technology.

Michelle encourages leaders to shift their focus from the constant “what” of tasks to the critical “who” of people, starting with themselves. A former Loyola University leadership professor, she now coaches CEOs and senior executives to rethink calendars, rebuild engagement, and lead in ways that reduce burnout and increase results. Her message is clear: connection isn’t soft. It drives retention, satisfaction, and real business performance.

What You Will Learn:

• Why today’s loneliness epidemic rivals the health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day
• How your calendar reveals your true priorities and how to redesign it around people
• Why digital meetings don’t automatically create connection
• Simple questions that deepen trust and engagement
• How small language shifts can transform feedback and relationships

This episode of Take Command is a thoughtful, energizing conversation about leading with heart in a high-tech world. Michelle blends timeless Dale Carnegie principles with modern leadership realities, offering practical wisdom you can apply right away. Tune in to connect more deeply and lead more effectively.

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About the Guest:

John Hope Bryant leads the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of financial literacy services for youth and adults. Recognized globally, he was named to the Forbes BLK50 List in 2024 and TIME Magazine’s inaugural The Closers List. A best-selling author and CNBC contributor, he reaches millions through his ‘Straight Talk’ series and continues to advance economic opportunity and inclusive capitalism.

What You Will Learn:

Why becoming the person you’re meant to be often confuses others

How courage, optimism, and faith drive leadership

Lessons from Dale Carnegie on influence and growth

The mindset shifts that separate good leaders from great ones

Join us for this inspiring conversation with John about acting boldly, embracing fear, and evolving into your best self.

Lukas

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We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Bill Anderson grew up learning the value of influence and positive leadership from his parents, who instilled in him the importance of helping others succeed. As a teen, he took a Dale Carnegie course that shaped his communication and storytelling skills—tools he has carried throughout his career.

He has held leadership roles across major organizations, including leading transformations that stripped away layers of bureaucracy and replaced them with models that empower employees, focus on purpose, and accelerate results. Bill’s philosophy is simple but profound: give people the tools, trust, and freedom to make decisions, and incredible things will happen.

Bill has guided organizations with tens of thousands of employees and operations in over 100 countries, using leadership principles that emphasize humility, clarity, and impact. He says, “I sat down with my team… and said, I can’t do this myself. No way. The only way this is gonna work is if all of us are totally committed to this.”

What You Will Learn:

• Why empowering people at all levels drives better decisions and faster execution
• How to break bureaucracy and redesign organizations around mission and purpose
• The power of curiosity and relentless improvement in leadership
• How storytelling and influence can inspire people and create meaningful change

Join us for this episode to explore what it means to lead boldly, focus on people, and make systems work for humans—not the other way around. Bill doesn’t just talk about leadership theory; he shows how to implement it at scale, creating organizations that are faster, smarter, and more empowering. Tune in today to learn from one of the most impactful leaders in modern business.

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About the Guests:
Mark Fitzmaurice is a Carnegie Master Trainer who has certified trainers worldwide and authored the “Simple Structures” that transformed Dale Carnegie’s global training standards. Juliette Dennett served as President of the International Franchise Association, guiding a diverse network through times of change. Together, they’ve impacted tens of thousands of lives and continue to champion lifelong learning.

What You Will Learn:

• How to lead through uncertainty with courage and creativity
• Why culture matters more than performance—and how to protect it
• The Dale Carnegie principles that sustain leaders in good times and bad
• How partnership and respect can turn differences into strengths
• Why lifelong learning is the key to staying relevant in a fast-changing world

Join us for this inspiring conversation with Mark Fitzmaurice and Juliette Dennett. Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or navigating change, their story will remind you that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about values, vision, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

Special Listener Offer:
As a thank-you for tuning in, enjoy 20% off orders of $149 or more at Omaha Steaks! Use this link to shop and automatically get your discount: https://www.omahasteaks.com/dale

• Offer expires: November 30, 2025
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About the Guest:
Nate Rempe is the President and CEO of Omaha Steaks—the first non-family member to hold this role in over a century. A former CIO turned CEO, Nate is a technologist at heart, a passionate advocate for talent development, and a leader who believes in empowering others to do more than they think possible. He’s also a musician, a mentor, and a dedicated husband and father.

What You Will Learn:

• Why empathy is the ultimate leadership superpower
• How to prepare for a role before you have the title
• Practical ways to push past fear and build confidence
• The secret to hiring and empowering great talent
• Why balance—not burnout—fuels long-term success

Join us for this inspiring conversation about grit, growth, and the kind of leadership that leaves a legacy. Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring others, or navigating your own career pivot, this episode will help you take command—one bold step at a time.

🎧 Listen now and discover why empathy might just be your greatest leadership advantage.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Jose Garcia is the President of Alberici Constructors, one of the top construction firms in the U.S. He’s a West Point, Stanford, and MIT graduate, a passionate advocate for mentorship, and the founder of Strong to Serve, a nonprofit supporting orphans in Nicaragua.

His story is one of bold choices, deep character, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

What You Will Learn:

• Why adversity can be the foundation for leadership
• How feedback, when given with care, unlocks growth
• Why self-awareness is the #1 predictor of leadership success
• How Dale Carnegie’s principles shaped a servant leader
• The power of mindset in building culture and thriving teams

Join us for this inspiring conversation about grit, growth, and the kind of leadership that leaves a legacy. Whether you're leading a team, mentoring others, or climbing your own mountain, this episode will help you take command—one step, one breath at a time.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Adam von Gootkin was raised by a single mother and learned early on that humility and hustle go hand in hand. He built his first distillery from scratch, learned the liquor business by trial and error, and eventually launched Highclere Castle Gin a brand rooted in heritage, elegance, and authenticity.

He’s a passionate storyteller, a bold risk-taker, and a firm believer in building brands that outlive their founders. His journey is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

What You Will Learn:

• How early challenges can fuel bold leadership
• Why fear and procrastination are often two sides of the same coin
• How Dale Carnegie’s principles shaped Adam’s fearless mindset
• The power of storytelling in building trust and influence
• Why authenticity and enthusiasm are essential leadership traits

Join us for this inspiring conversation with Adam von Gootkin about dreaming big, acting boldly, and staying true to your values. Whether you're launching a brand, leading a team, or just trying to get out of your comfort zone, this episode will leave you energized and ready to take command.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Rashmi Airan was a high-achieving attorney, Columbia Law graduate, and entrepreneur when a real estate transaction scandal changed everything. After serving time in federal prison, she chose to own her story and use it to help others. Today, she’s a global speaker, ethics consultant, and advocate for personal transformation. Rashmi’s work is rooted in the principles she learned as a Dale Carnegie graduate at age 16—and the resilience she inherited from her immigrant parents.

What You Will Learn:

• How achievement can mask deeper insecurities
• Why listening to your inner voice is critical—even when it’s inconvenient
• What it means to take radical ownership of your mistakes
• How to build a support system that lifts you and holds you accountable
• Why surrendering control can lead to personal evolution

Join us for this deeply personal and powerful conversation with Rashmi Airan. Whether you’re facing a challenge or simply want to lead with more authenticity, this episode will inspire you to take command of your life—and rise through whatever comes your way.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.