The Leader Mentality

Someday is a comforting word until you realize you don’t get to schedule your own halftime. From Myrtle Beach, we sit down with local author Cary Rowell for a straight-talking conversation about career change, leadership, and the kind of purpose that doesn’t wait for retirement or a bigger bank account.

Cary shares his own path from the building supply industry to financial services and then into writing his book, Significance Now. We unpack what it looks like to plan the next 20 years with intention, especially in the “fourth quarter” of life, and why productivity and passion...

A single mistake can feel like a life sentence, especially when addiction, eviction, or a criminal record shuts every door in your face. From Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, we sit down with Joey Smoak, CEO of Echo (Eastern Carolina Housing Organization), to talk about what actually helps people climb back into stability and why “just get a job” is often the least informed advice we give.

Joey shares his own recovery story with painful honesty, including the moment he knew he had to change, and how that experience shaped Echo’s culture of peer support and direct accoun...

Four generations are working side by side right now, and a lot of leaders are still trying to manage that reality with stereotypes and frustration. We sit down with Nick DeStefano to talk about leading across generations in a way that actually improves communication, accountability, and team performance, whether you’re managing in an office, on a jobsite, or running your own business.

We start by calling out the real problem: lack of acceptance. “Boomers can’t do tech” and “millennials don’t work hard” are lazy shortcuts that keep you from seeing the person in front of you. We wal...

Most leaders say they want to “empower the team,” but what they really mean is “please read my mind and don’t mess this up.” We get honest about why empowerment becomes a buzzword, why it often fails, and what it looks like when it actually works in the real world. Along the way, we share a few stories that ground the conversation, from kindness and awareness to the Kentucky Derby reminder that underdogs can win when the work happens behind the scenes.

Our core point is simple: empowerment is not anarchy. If you want people to make smart...

We break down what a real culture of accountability looks like and why the best organizations make expectations so clear that people can hold themselves to the standard. We share stories and practical tools to help leaders build clear values, defined behaviors, and teams that own the mission instead of blaming each other. 
• using top customer experience brands as culture models 
• treating accountability as a byproduct of shared vision and values 
• defining what “great” looks like in plain language 
• connecting every role to the mission and outcome 
• giving tough feedback with the goal of growth 
• model...

What if your title disappeared tomorrow, would your team still follow you? That question drives our conversation about leading through influence instead of leaning on authority. We talk about why “because I’m the manager” can get compliance but rarely earns commitment, and how the best leaders leave people better than they found them through consistent actions, not louder commands.

We also share a personal story that turns into a leadership lesson: Nick wears a polo shirt backwards throughout April to raise awareness and acceptance for autism. It’s a reminder that you can’t always see what makes...

We break down how to navigate difficult conversations with grace so feedback builds trust instead of triggering defensiveness. Rob and Nick share real stories and simple language shifts that help leaders trade blame for clarity and get to a better result for everyone.
• why avoiding tough talks is often a sign you care
• replacing “dealing with” people with “assisting” people
• speaking from your own experience using I statements
• asking for the other person’s perspective and talking tentatively
• focusing on the other person’s goal and the shared result
• sharing intent so feedback doesn’t feel like judgme...

The fastest way to lose a room is to give people information with no meaning. The fastest way to lead a room is to give them a story they can see themselves in. Rob Clemens and Nick Di Stefano dig into storytelling as a leadership tool for managers, team leads, and anyone who speaks in front of groups, from jobsite huddles to boardrooms to classrooms.

We get specific about what makes a leadership story work: it has to be relatable, it has to fit the audience, and it has to end with a clear takeaway. You’ll he...

You can feel it when someone is truly listening. The pace slows. The questions sharpen. The space feels safe enough to share the real story. That’s the heart of this conversation as we dive into how active listening transforms sales calls, team meetings, and family moments into places where trust and action thrive.

We unpack the everyday traps that break connection—like “boomerang” questions that swing back to ourselves and nodding along while planning a rebuttal. Then we offer practical tools to flip the script. Our go-to is the AMP method: Ask with intention to surface what mat...

Struggle isn’t a detour from growth; it’s the road. We sat down to explore how leaders and teams can turn rough stretches into real momentum by treating resilience as a trained system, not a motivational spike. The conversation starts with self‑awareness—the honest audit of strengths, limits, and habits that lets you see the moment you’re drifting into comparison or denial. From there, we shift into the gain vs gap mindset: measure how far you’ve come to unlock the confidence to take the next five steps, then the five after that.

We dig into pra...

We trade the pressure to “know it all” for a practical playbook on staying curious while leading teams and growing a business. From ultramarathon goals to SOPs, we show how to schedule learning, reward smart questions, and turn feedback into action.

• setting attainable goals to build momentum
• using curiosity to widen perspective and reduce blind spots
• building connection through better questions
• adding SWOT and debriefs into SOPs
• rewarding learning behavior, not only results
• balancing consistency with experimentation
• reading beyond your field and applying ideas
• linking curiosity with resilience and iteration

Thank you t...

We sit down with Eden to unpack how a simple pizza meetup can change the landscape for young adults with disabilities, from isolation to community, from coping to confidence. We share practical ways leaders can remove barriers and build teams where everyone thrives.

• why local support vanishes after school for many young adults with disabilities
• how a peer-led pizza meetup creates real connection and networking
• what stereotypes get wrong about autism and disability
• why “high functioning” and “low functioning” labels harm
• constructive coping strategies that beat destructive shortcuts
• strength-based coaching for self-advocacy and career readiness...

We break down how to pair courage with humility so leaders can act with conviction, invite feedback, and keep learning without sliding into arrogance. Stories from sports and sales make the ideas practical and repeatable for work and home.

• personal mastery theme with a focus on confident humility
• examples from Gandhi, Joe Gibbs, and NBA leadership
• confidence as reps and skill building over time
• Dunning–Kruger effect and how to avoid overconfidence
• accountability circles and consent before giving advice
• sales lessons on listening, service, and curiosity
• practical questions to spot blind spots and stay g...

A bowl game should feel bigger than four quarters, and that’s exactly what we’ve built on the Grand Strand. We sit down with Tony Ferrante to unpack how the Myrtle Beach Bowl moved from an ambitious idea in 2018 to a nationally televised showcase that lifts players, fans, and the local economy—all while keeping the beach-town heart intact.

Tony takes us behind the scenes on the ESPN partnership and conference tie-ins with the Sun Belt, MAC, and Conference USA, explaining why Myrtle Beach stood out: a unique destination, strong civic support, and a perfect venue at Bro...

Think about the last time you wrote someone off with a quick label—she’s not a closer, he’s not a people person, they won’t click with that client. That tiny sentence didn’t just describe reality; it helped create it. We dig into the real difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, why leaders’ words ripple through a team, and how small shifts in language can transform performance, accountability, and morale.

Rob and Nick lay out a practical playbook for leaders who want results without burning out their people. We explore how to turn fail...

What happens when you pay to get “kidnapped” and come back with a mission? We sit down with speaker, author, and nonprofit founder Gina Casazza to trace the wild path from Hollywood sets and stand-up stages to a civilian SEER course where she learned the survival lesson that changed everything: belonging and fitting in are not the same. That insight became a children’s book, a school assembly program, and Empower Lit, a nonprofit designed to raise reading scores and self-esteem at the same time.

Gina shares how training with Team Eagle One, a Navy SEAL–led program...

What if the most effective leadership style isn’t loud, sharp, or performative—but clear, considerate, and generous? We dive into personal mastery and a practical framework for “kind leadership” that sets real boundaries without getting soft, trades vagueness for clarity, and replaces hustle myths with habits that actually scale. Along the way, we unpack the daily rhythms that move the needle: intentional time, deep focus, and single-task sprints that beat multitasking; simple breathwork and short mantras to reset during overwhelm; and a steady learning practice—books, audiobooks, or podcasts—linked to action so ideas become results.

We talk abou...

Doubt can be a compass. When that “I don’t belong here” voice shows up, it often means you’re standing at the edge of growth. We dig into imposter syndrome without fluff, showing why self-awareness is a leadership advantage and how to turn shaky moments into steady moves forward.

We start by reframing fear as fuel and share practical anchors you can use in any high-stakes room: visualization tied to purpose, the “smile file” of wins that prove your impact, and a “frown file” that clarifies the standards you refuse to slip below. From there, we lay out a streng...

Ever wondered why some leaders seem to navigate workplace tensions with ease while others create chaos wherever they go? The secret lies in emotional intelligence—a foundational leadership skill that transforms good managers into exceptional leaders.

Rob Clemens and Nick DeStefano dive deep into the world of emotional intelligence, revealing why it matters and how to develop it. They break down the two critical components of EQ: internal awareness (recognizing and naming your own emotions) and social awareness (perceiving emotions in others). Far from being just another "soft skill," emotional intelligence determines how effectively you can lead yo...

What makes someone a true leader versus just a person with authority? In this thought-provoking conversation between Rob Clemens and leadership coach Nick DeStefano, we dive deep into the critical foundation of all effective leadership: mastering self-leadership before attempting to lead others.

The discussion begins by challenging conventional wisdom about what leadership truly means. Rather than viewing it as a distant goal tied to position or title, Nick and Rob reveal how leadership is fundamentally a trait anyone can embody right now. They share personal stories of struggling with self-doubt and explore how awareness of our own...

We explore how the best salespeople don't actually "sell" but instead educate, solve problems, and build genuine relationships with clients.

• Great salespeople are relational, not transactional
• Your vibe attracts your tribe – authenticity builds magnetic attraction
• Knowledge isn't power, applied knowledge is power
• Listen your way inside a person's world instead of talking at them
• Mirror and match communication styles to build stronger connections
• Self-inventory after each interaction improves future performance
• "No" simply stands for "next opportunity" – don't take rejection personally
• Success isn't a straight line – embrace the ups and downs
• Your perspective...

Rob Clemons welcomes digital creator and Myrtle Beach influencer JBL to discuss the power of authentic content creation and community connection in today's business landscape.

• Comparing Myrtle Beach's intimate, family-like community to Atlanta's sprawling metropolis
• Experiencing CCMF (Carolina Country Music Fest) and its impact on local businesses and tourism
• Participating in community events like Polar Plunge for Special Olympics and Dragon Boat races
• Creating content that balances timing and quality—when to post immediately vs. when to polish
• Building authentic relationships with local businesses who trust you to promote their offerings
• Finding content ideas...

Nestled in the heart of Myrtle Beach's country music scene, this special CCMF edition of Leader Mentality Show delivers raw conversations with rising stars and community champions who embody authentic leadership.

American Idol alum Colby Lee Swift brings his Texas ranch wisdom to the microphone, revealing the delicate balance between stardom and staying grounded. "I don't see myself failing," Swift shares with quiet confidence, offering a masterclass in resilience as he describes his musical journey from five-year-old guitarist to CCMF performer. His advice to aspiring musicians cuts straight to the heart: "Feel everything you sing. Don't just...

What drives us to keep pushing forward when motivation fades? In this compelling conversation with Ben Furtwengler, owner of Anytime Fitness in Murrells Inlet, we uncover the powerful distinction between fleeting motivation and enduring self-discipline.

Ben shares a revolutionary perspective on joint pain and tendonitis that challenges conventional wisdom. Rather than complete rest, he explains how improper movement patterns often cause these issues, and how proper assessment can restore function while building strength. Through inspiring success stories—including a nonagenarian who progressed from struggling with curbs to performing single-leg TRX exercises, and a 63-year-old deadlifting over 500 pounds—we s...

Nick Destefano, Training Specialist at McLeod Health, shares powerful insights on leadership as leaving people better than you found them, emphasizing that true leadership transcends titles and is accessible to everyone.

• Developing 15,000 employees at McLeod through annual learning events that align personal and organizational values
• Creating authentic workplace culture where stated values match daily behaviors
• Hiring for cultural fit rather than just filling positions quickly
• Using values cards to help people identify what truly matters to them
• The importance of self-awareness and continuous growth in leadership development
• Asking better questions to unlock potential in...

Dive into our latest episode where we explore the unique dynamics of family businesses, focusing on International Construction Services led by brothers Fernando Posada and Miguel. They embody the perfect balance of tradition and innovation, emphasizing the importance of safety in the roofing industry and how modern technology, like drones, is shaping their business operations. Learn how they navigate the complexities of leading a family business with mutual respect and strong communication, ensuring that their inherited legacy continues to thrive. Discover the strategies that set them apart from other roofing companies, such as a focus on crew safety and...

Mason Zeglen has already had an amazing career and story at a young age. Having been a 2 time champion on the TV Show “Guy’s Grocery Games” and host of the nationally airing TV series “Chef Swap at The Beach”, Mason has been in the national spotlight. Even before his TV fame, he was developing an impressive resume, having become a chef out of school and managing a staff from the age of 19. As he continued to grow as a professional he eventually managing larger staffs and even went on to start his own business, Milk and Honey Cafe in Surfsid...

On this week’s show, Kristy Yelle of Palmetto Protection Films brought a ton of great information for those in business and leadership. As a owner, along with her husband Matt, of the very successful Palmetto Protection Films, it was really interesting to see how they grew the business so impressively in a relatively quick time.

She shared the life of a business owner and the process she goes through in dealing with the challenges of running and growing a company. She talked about how all businesses will have growing pains that have to be...

We all know how important mindset is to ourselves and our teams and this week we had a mindset master on the show when visited by Sean Mitton. Sean is an author and an expert on mindset. He shared with us what mindset mapping is and how to use it to get ahead.

During the show, Sean explained how he originally was inspired by Canadian hockey player, Paul Henderson, of whom excited an entire national with a winning goal in the 1972 Summit Hockey Series. Paul wrote a thesis on how to become the best...

On this show, we met one of our most influential guests to date, Coach Matt Doherty. In his successful career he has led many people across different companies, genres and sports to become their best. His background is very impressive – Matt walked us through his basketball playing days on team with greats such as Michael Jordan and James Worthy. He shared his trajectory through the Coaching ranks under the tutelage of Roy Williams and then changing the culture at Notre Dame basketball which helped them become a formidable NCAA basketball team. He eventually took a dream role as head co...

Our guest this week is a person that has a big heart and a big goal to help people – specifically those affected by breast cancer.  We recognize this month’s League of Leaders award winner, Kim Rodgers-Clora, for what she does to give people hope when they most need it. As with many of the award recipients from the past year, Kim did not start her organization, the Jacqueline Rodgers Foundation, for her own publicity, but rather because she wanted to give a hand to people at their biggest moment of need. As we got to know Kim, we found...

This week we had an opportunity to talk about everything from starting a new business, to community growth, to leadership ideas with Partnership Grand Strand’s Business Development and Retention Manager, BJ Beaver. During the show, BJ shared how the Partnership Grand Strand programs benefit small businesses by giving them resources to help them to grow and keep a healthy business. Being that so many businesses fail within a few years of starting, this program is a huge benefit to members of the community.

BJ is native to the Myrtle Beach area and a CC...

The newest League of Leaders award recipient, Michael Snuggs of Meals on Wheels has had quite an inspiring journey. He’s served in the United States Armed Forces, been through the growth challenges of some bad choices, found his Savior and has chosen a life of servant leadership by helping others.

In this episode Michael talks about the goal of Meals on Wheels to help people in need to get a good meal each day. He said that when he first took over the organization they were trying to find what there next steps we...

When looking for an exceptional leader you want someone that is dedicated to excellence, committed to planning and that cares about people; our guest this week, South Carolina Lt Governor Pamela Evette, exemplifies those traits. On this week’s show we covered many topics regarding the future of South Carolina ranging from building our workforce to housing to prepping our workforce.

Lt Governor Evette told us her story of her successful path to becoming an Entrepreneur that created a company that is now in 49 States. She talked about the passion of running a business an...

When we first met this week’s guest, Heather Hansen O’Neill, we knew it was going to be a great show and she certainly delivered! She spoke to us about everything from finding inspiration to motivating others. We also enjoyed hearing about her backstory as a classically trained dancer and the epiphany that she had when her career abruptly came to an end and she found her passion for helping others through leadership and business training. Heather explained that often, a person’s greatest success comes after a setback. It can feel like the world is ending at first...

This week is a must watch episode with Teagan Brown, the Sports Director at WMBF. In a relatively short time, Teagan has made a big mark both locally and nationwide with her great sense of humor, exceptional talent and passion for what she does. You may have seen her on national TV for the “smooth mic toss” during a live spot with WMBF or on her Live reports at games across the Grand Strand. Teagan always keeps a fresh take on the world of sports while being a trailblazer across other fields ranging from performing on stage in theaters, to w...

Our focus on this week’s show was on the inspirational side of leadership with this month’s League of Leaders award recipient, Stephanie Warren. As Executive Director of the Grand Strand Miracle Leagues, Stephanie is passionate about helping others at both her job and in other community endeavors. The Grand Strand Miracles Leagues provides opportunities for those with disabilities to have fellowship, opportunities to make friendships and have an encouraging environment through sports and other activities. She said that there are people with varying levels of disabilities and that they have something for everyone to get involved with. Step...

On this episode we talked with Ben Greenzweig about the challenges of mental health conditions and a revolutionary treatment called TMS (short for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). Ben is the founder of Living Water Clinics and has found his purpose in life to help others through this TMS treatment. During the show, we discussed misconceptions about mental disorders, why medication is not the only way to treat depression and scientific studies about the effectiveness of TMS. 

Ben also shared a common trait he has seen from successful people and people looking to improve – allow yourself to...

We want to congratulate this month's League of Leaders award recipient, Becky Large for her recognition of her achievements in leadership. 

Becky is the founder of CAN (Champion Autism Network) and through this foundation, their programs have impacted not just the local community but other cities around the United States. Becky has a passion for helping others and shared with us some of the huge impact that their CAN has made in the lives of people with special needs and their families. A couple of examples of that impact - the Myrtle Beach International Airport was the s...

Just two years ago, Melissa Fowble was at a crossroads of life - she got home from work and her entire home with all of her possessions had burned to the ground. A true, "Why me?" moment for many people - but Melissa used this moment to start the next chapter in her life and it's a beautiful triumph story.

Melissa is our newest League of Leaders award recipient and she told us how she built an amazing career through three important methods: 1) Giving back to others, 2) Caring about people and her customers and 3...