From Farm Hands to Boardrooms: AR Smith on Building Leaders Who Last

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Why do some executives thrive while others drown in decision fatigue? In this candid conversation, leadership-consultant-turned-Vistage Chair AR Smith sits down with host Brandon Stanchock to unpack four decades of hard-earned lessons—from running a community bank at 35 to rehabbing “problem employees” and guiding today’s CEOs through growth, cash-flow fears and lonely corner-office moments. Brandon & AR Smith

Listen (or watch) and you’ll discover:

• The “farm-kid” work ethic that still drives AR’s coaching style—and why grit beats pedigree every time.
• How a bank-wide ERP conversion taught her to translate C-suite goals into frontline action (and back again).
• The three questions she asks before giving advice—your new anti-micromanagement hack.
• Top 3 leadership gaps she sees in 2025: hanging on to under-performers, flying blind on cash flow, and ignoring personal blind spots.
• Why CEOs secretly crave a safe, judgment-free sounding board (and how peer groups shrink big problems fast).
• Tactical tips for new consultants: get coached yourself, find cheerleaders, and talk to three working pros before you leap.

Whether you manage a 10-person startup or a 500-employee powerhouse, AR’s blend of empathy, process rigor and no-BS truth bombs will help you lead with more clarity—and a lot less stress.

AR Smith LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/arsmith1/

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