Execution Exchange

The Execution Exchange features conversations with leaders who have perfected the art and science of achieving results.  Host Jake Allen interviews executives and entrepreneurs who share practical insights into how they achieved remarkable results.
What You’ll Find:

Frameworks and methods for operational excellence
Real transformations and case studies
Leadership insights for high-performing teams
Decision-making processes that deliver results
Perfect for anyone seeking actionable strategies for scaling businesses and driving performance. New episodes weekly | Audio on all podcast platforms
Hosted by Jake Allen of Mission-Driven Leadership www.getmissiondriven.com
Subscribe for insights from today’s most successful operators.

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
  • iHeartRadio
  • PlayerFM
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Episodes

4 days ago


In this episode of Execution Exchange, host Jake Allen sits down with Jaden Sterling, Founder and CEO of Sterling Stock Picker, an award-winning software for delivering trading ideas to investors. Jaden, with over 37 years of market experience, shares insights on the importance of focus, the lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey, and how he built a successful business with a small team. They discuss the origins of Sterling Stock Picker, the significance of managing emotions in investing, and the power of visualization and positive self-talk. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or seasoned investor, this episode offers invaluable lessons on achieving financial freedom and building a thriving business. Tune in to discover how saying 'no' more often can lead to greater profits and learn the secrets to long-term success in the world of investing.
 
00:00 The Power of Focus in Business
00:29 Introducing Jaden Sterling: A Business Success Story
02:10 Jaden's Early Life and Career Beginnings
06:50 The Birth of Sterling Stock Picker
09:20 The Myth of Diversification
14:45 Challenges and Sacrifices in Entrepreneurship
16:33 The Importance of Bias for Action
18:56 Sustainable Growth and Capital Raising
22:18 Expanding Global Markets
23:25 Strategic Business Model Shift
24:06 Explosive Subscriber Growth
24:27 Future Planning and Exit Strategies
25:14 Unique Capital Raise Approach
26:44 The Power of Asking
32:42 Managing Investor Emotions
37:52 The Importance of Positive Self-Talk
41:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
Become an elite executor in your business.  Join our free community of like-minded executors at www.jakeallen.net
 

Sunday Aug 10, 2025

Alan Lazaros, CEO and Founder of Next Level University joins host Jake Allen to share his many insights regarding ways business leaders can maximize their results by focusing on making small daily improvements that compound profoundly over time.   Alan recounts a powerful coaching moment where a client consented to lessen distractions by dumping their Xbox.   Jake also introduces the Momentum Accelerator community, a free resource designed to help business leaders foster a high bias for action.   Alan shares his journey from personal trauma to becoming a successful coach and entrepreneur and stresses the importance of a consistent, iterative approach to improvement and balancing the desires for health, wealth, and love.  Both Jake and Alan agree on the value of focus, priority setting, and relentless execution in driving personal and professional success.  Tune in for valuable insights on developing a disciplined, action-oriented mindset essential for any aspiring business leader.
 
00:00 Understanding Profitability in Business
01:20 Welcome to Execution Exchange
01:48 Introducing Momentum Accelerator Community
03:37 Guest Introduction: Alan Lazaros
07:26 Alan Lazaros' Personal Journey
13:20 Execution Challenges and Solutions
19:32 The Challenges of Bootstrapping a Business
20:58 The Importance of Bias for Action
23:21 The Reality of Work Ethic and Success
24:39 The Podcasting Journey and Commitment
26:38 The Illusion of Social Media Success
28:13 The Fundamentals of Success and Iteration
31:23 The Reality Behind Social Media Facades
36:51 Closing Remarks and Future Guests

Thursday Jul 31, 2025

Unlocking Elite Business Execution with Rob Williams: From Marine Corps to COO Success
In this episode of Execution Exchange, host Jake sits down with Rob Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Marine Equipment Solutions. Rob shares his incredible journey from attending the US Merchant Marine Academy to serving as an infantry officer in the US Marine Corps, and his transition to a successful career in private equity. With over 15 years of experience as a CFO in multiple PE-backed companies, Rob provides valuable insights into business execution, leadership, and change management. Tune in to learn about the importance of discipline, communication, and the role of private equity in driving value creation and growth.
00:00 Introduction to Discipline and Leadership
01:06 Welcome to Execution Exchange
02:09 Meet Rob Williams: A Journey of Leadership
08:07 Insights on Business Execution and Private Equity
17:11 The Importance of Leadership Development
22:53 Rob's New Role and Challenges
34:36 The Power of Storytelling and Mentorship
39:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
To learn more about becoming a better business executor visit https://jakeallen.net 

Monday Jul 21, 2025

In this episode of The Execution Exchange, host Jake welcomes Rob McMahon, a seasoned executive leader with a storied career spanning over 25 years. From his impactful years at GE Capital to his role in rapidly scaling entrepreneurial ventures like Encina Capital, Rob shares invaluable lessons on effective execution, team building, and overcoming organizational challenges. This episode delves into Rob's practical experiences, highlighting his strategic mindset and action-oriented leadership style. Whether discussing Six Sigma methodologies or the future of AI in business, Rob's insights provide valuable takeaways for both aspiring and established business leaders. Tune in to learn about the key to successful execution and the importance of aligning team efforts with clear objectives.
00:00 Introduction to Execution and AI Prioritization
01:06 Welcome to The Execution Exchange
02:07 Introducing Rob McMahon
03:28 Rob McMahon's Background and Career
05:49 Discussion on Execution and Leadership
08:45 Lean Sigma and Continuous Improvement
16:57 GE Capital Experience and Transition
21:20 Startup Challenges and Team Dynamics
22:40 Role and Responsibilities as COO
24:10 Growth Strategies and Sales Tactics
27:59 Team Building and Overcoming Misalignment
34:51 New Role at Anura and Future Prospects
39:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
To learn more about becoming a better business executor visit https://jakeallen.net 

Monday Jul 14, 2025


In this episode of Execution Exchange, host Jake Allen speaks with Todd Boeding, President and Founder of Tribe and Trust, a leadership development company based in Dallas, Texas. The discussion explores the essence of execution as it relates to achieving a vision, the importance of clarity and accountability, and the unique challenges faced by new leaders. Todd shares his journey from an enlisted Marine to a leadership mentor, highlighting the significance of structured discipline and mentorship he received from key figures in his life. The episode also explores the transformative power of working with emerging and frontline leaders, discussing practical techniques like task, purpose, timeline, and the concept of 'leading up' to bridge communication gaps within organizations. Todd emphasizes the value of small-group learning and the profound impact of leadership training, not just in professional settings but also in personal life.
00:00 Introduction to Execution and Vision01:06 Welcome to Execution Exchange01:10 Guest Introduction: Todd Boing03:37 Todd's Early Life and Marine Corps Journey10:53 Defining Business Execution16:01 The Importance of Accountability and Expectations18:20 Founding Tribe and Trust26:16 Leadership Development and Training36:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
To learn more about becoming a better business executor visit https://jakeallen.net 

Monday Jun 30, 2025

Execution Exchange with Jake Allen: Insights from Optitude CEO Brian Kerlin
In this episode of Execution Exchange, host Jake Allen dives into the essential habits, mindsets, and methods that successful leaders use to achieve significant results. Jake introduces the first guest of the series, Brian Kerlin, the founder and CEO of Optitude, www.optitude.co a consulting firm specializing in helping first-time B2B founders and CEOs build internal capacity and sales systems. Brian shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing in Pittsburgh to leading teams at Fortune 500 companies like Johnson & Johnson and Stryker. He discusses the importance of trust in leadership, the lessons learned from managing remote sales teams, and the challenges and strategies involved in scaling businesses. This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone looking to sharpen their focus and accountability. Visit www.getmissiondriven.com to learn more about Mission-Driven Leadership and how it helps companies close the execution gap.
 
00:00 Building Trust as a Leader
00:37 Introduction to Execution Exchange
01:30 Meet Your Host: Jake Allen
02:05 Introducing Brian Kerlin
03:55 Brian's Early Life and Career
06:38 The Value of Hard Work and Sports
16:57 Transition to Healthcare Sales
18:53 Challenges in Sales Management
21:51 Building Trust in Remote Teams
26:02 Receiving Critical Feedback
26:54 Building Trust Through Actions
27:29 Empathy and Leadership
29:16 Aligning with the Company's Mission
32:35 Challenges of Scaling a Business
33:26 Importance of Goal Clarity
34:56 Execution Performance Index
35:41 The Importance of 'Why' in Business
43:56 Focusing on the Main Effort
47:50 Lessons from Stryker
51:15 Services Offered by Aptitude
54:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
To learn more about becoming an enlite business executor visit: https://jakeallen.net 

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