The other day, I heard some advice: “You can’t trust people. People will always burn you, so you have to lower your expectations.” But how true is this?   In this episode of C-Suite Mentor, Theresa Cantley is challenging this idea, and even arguing that leading with distrust will stunt your business growth.    Tune in to hear why distrusting your people will hurt your business, and a few practical ways to take a people-first approach so you see growth in your team.   Things to listen...

The 2024 election is over. But what do the results mean for business owners and leaders?   In this episode of C-Suite Mentor, Theresa Cantley is giving her view on the election results and how entrepreneurs should respond. Theresa explains why, regardless of who's in office, our mission as business owners remains the same: to build, innovate, and lead our teams and companies forward.   Theresa also shares practical tips for navigating uncertainty, creating unity in your business, and...

If you’re a main street business owner, you’re probably feeling the pressure of uncertain times, a difficult economy, and all the talk about how big online stores will take over small businesses. You might even be tempted to throw in the towel on your business. But is that really the answer?   Here’s the truth: You wouldn’t have been given this dream to open a small business if it wasn’t meant for you. You just need some guidance to navigate today’s business climate.   In this episode of...

In today's fast-paced, high-pressure environment, burnout has become a common theme among leaders, from corporate executives to small business owners.    Today, Theresa Cantley is looking at how to combat burnout, how we define success, and how to rise up as the best leader you can be. As the world has changed dramatically in recent years, so too has the weight on the shoulders of those leading organizations. Theresa challenges the status quo, and says it’s time we redefine what success...

Has anyone ever popped into your office to ask a quick question, only for it to turn into a lengthy meeting? Then more people join with more questions, and before you know it, you’ve lost an hour of your time.    The truth is, if you don’t value your time, no one else will either. Today, Theresa Cantley is exploring exactly what it means to value your time and your team’s time.   In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor, Theresa shares why you need boundaries around your work time, and how...

Episode Description: Are you a leader who often thinks, “I already know this,” and “We’ve always done it this way,” or are you truly open to being a lifelong learner? Whether you realize it or not, lifelong learning might be the key to business success you’re missing. In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor, Theresa Cantley explores what it means to be a lifelong learner and how it can transform your leadership. She looks at the key traits of creativity, curiosity, and capacity, and how staying...

We all know that the world is hurting. But so you ever think to yourself, “I’m just a small business. What can I do to help?” According to Theresa Cantley, you can do more than you realize to create global change.   In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor, Theresa Cantley shares how small businesses can create meaningful change, not just in their local communities, but globally. She explores how you as a small business leader can amplify your message, grow and adapt with a changing world, and...

We’ve all heard the advice that we need to be delegating and handing off tasks. But what if doing everything in your business is actually a good thing? In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast, Theresa Cantley explores why wearing all the hats in your business, especially in the beginning, will build you into a stronger leader and help you scale faster. Theresa shares personal experiences from her corporate days of learning every aspect of the business, from customer service to...

Have you ever sat in a meeting and thought, “Can we just finish this already?”    You’re not alone. Most leaders and business owners have been there. We love when things are complete, and we love the satisfaction of checking things off our to-do list and moving on. But today, Theresa Cantley is challenging that mindset and explaining how being okay with the incomplete is essential for growing your business and becoming a better leader.   Theresa explains how embracing change allows...

Has anyone ever told you to “just let it go”?   Letting go is easier said than done, but it’s vital for growing as a business and as a leader. As entrepreneurs, we often hang on to setbacks, missteps, and failures. We hold onto personnel and ways of doing things that no longer work—often without realizing it. Today, Theresa Cantley is shedding light on how you can reflect, let it go, and grow.   In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast, Theresa shares a vulnerable and profound...

Have you heard of succession planning and just assumed it wasn’t for you?  Maybe you're a small business owner or lead a mid-sized company, and you thought your business wasn't big enough for that. Or maybe you thought succession plans were only for handing off ownership of the business. Theresa Cantley challenges that idea, and emphasizes that if businesses want to continue to thrive and be productive through leadership changes, staff shifts, or anything unexpected, they need to have plans...

In today’s chaotic economic and societal climate, how do you lead your business to success? Many businesses will make major cuts, even at the expense of its employees and marketing. Theresa Cantley challenges this norm and offers a better way. In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast, Theresa looks at the challenges businesses face with economic uncertainties and social divides. She emphasizes the need for business owners and leaders to shift their focus from surviving, to reigning in...

How do you deal with challenges and obstacles in your business? Do you approach them as something that stops you from finding success, or do you view them as opportunities for growth and learning? In this powerful and personal episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast, Theresa shares about her life-changing experience with a traumatic brain injury. Drawing from her experience, Theresa reflects on how challenges in business are opportunities for growth, not setbacks, and offers her insight on how...

The term "work ethic" has been talked about for decades. But what if instead of approaching work ethic through the lens of someone’s effort and productivity, business owners took a more human-centered approach? In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast, Theresa Cantley challenges the traditional concept of "work ethic" and its focus on effort and productivity. She shares how work ethic varies based on individual values, and explores the importance of connection, alignment, intention, and...

With these trying times in the business world and in the economy, there is much uncertainty when it comes to business.  Your team is anxious, the economy is unpredictable, and the challenges keep piling up.  As a leader, you know your next move is crucial. In this episode of the C-Suite Mentor, Theresa reveals the leadership strategies every CEO and entrepreneur needs to navigate in today's unpredictable business landscape. As businesses face unprecedented challenges, Theresa emphasizes...

Many things changed after COVID. The way you do business was one of them. So why are we still doing business the same old way?  In this insightful episode of The C-Suite Mentor, Theresa dives deep into the critical topic of why business leaders and entrepreneurs need to reassess their strategies and policies in the post-COVID world. From the fluctuating economy to unexpected crises, many businesses are still relying on outdated playbooks that no longer serve their best interests. Theresa...

In a world of large corporations, local businesses still play a huge role in economic growth.  How do these small fish make such a big splash? In this insightful episode of the C-Suite Mentor podcast, Theresa dives deep into the pivotal role local businesses play in revitalizing communities and driving economic growth. Through a rich discussion, she highlights the importance of innovation, sustainability, and visionary leadership in fostering thriving communities and prosperous businesses. ...

Have you ever felt that your workplace had enough drama to fill a high school lunchroom? You know that this drama can cause your work and the entire team’s productivity to take a hit.  In this insightful episode of The C-Suite Mentor, we dive into the crucial steps every leader must take to maintain a thriving, productive business environment. Theresa shares her extensive experience working as a fractional COO and guiding C-suite executives through the complexities of leadership. Discover...

Have you ever worked in a toxic work environment? If you have, you know how draining it can be not only in your work life but also in your personal life. In this episode, Theresa dives into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of business leadership: managing and overcoming toxic leadership within an organization. Drawing from her extensive experience as a CEO and fractional COO/CEO, Theresa shares a compelling backstory of her journey with a client, offering valuable insights on how to...

The growing disconnect between employers & employees is reshaping the job market and threatening business success. How can we work to bridge the gap and cultivate a thriving workplace? In today’s episode of The C-Suite Mentor, Theresa delves into the concept of “The Gap and the Gain,” — not from the perspective of the book, but through the lens of the growing disconnect between employers and employees. Theresa draws from her upcoming leadership book to explore the implications of this...

Keep protecting your thoughts and mindset. As we pass the midpoint of 2024, how’s your peace holding up? In today’s episode of The C-Suite Mentor, Theresa dives into the importance of continuing to protect your thoughts and mindset, especially during these uncertain times.  She emphasizes the critical role of surrounding yourself with the right people, staying aligned with your purpose, and remaining connected to your path. Episode Insights: Reflect on your business path & make...

Are you striving to create a workplace culture where every team member feels valued, motivated, and empowered to contribute their best… In today’s competitive landscape, finding and retaining top talent is more challenging than ever. Join Theresa as she dives into the common hiring pitfalls that can lead to toxic work environments and shares actionable steps for building a healthy, people-centric culture.  Key things to listen for: How overconfidence in hiring can create toxic...

Your business may be growing exponentially… But, high velocity means NOTHING if your business has cracks in its foundation. At some point, despite your success, your weak foundation will KILL your business. And, will the growth be worth it then? Join Theresa as she explores the delicate balance between speed and quality, sharing real-world examples to help you strengthen the foundation of your business for sustainable success. You will discover: The importance of slowing down to...

A business owner is NOT a CEO. Being a CEO is not just about the title or the responsibilities. Today, Theresa dives into a topic that’s often misunderstood but crucial for every business leader, what separates a CEO from a business owner. Theresa explores the different paths and mindsets that can elevate you from running a business to architecting its future. She shares personal stories, surprising insights, and a powerful lesson she learned from a conversation with her best friend’s...