The Sharpen Podcast
Acumen is a community of business leaders dedicated to sharpening, challenging, and inspiring you to take your leadership to the next level. The Sharpen Podcast is hosted by Acumen CEO Dan Cooper and Acumen’s Front Range President Steve Van Diest, who aim to bring stories of leadership and practical wisdom to the community through reflective and action-oriented learning conversations with its own partners.
For more information, check out acumenimpact.com.
- Update frequency
- every 13 days
- Average duration
- 27 minutes
- Episodes
- 33
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Creating Trust and Shaping Company Culture
In this episode of the Sharpen Podcast, Steve Van Diest engages in an insightful conversation with Dan Glasser, a commercial litigator. Dan shares his journey of founding his own firm in 2009 and the…
Influence and Innovation: Building a Brand in the Creator Economy
At just 23, Emily Gates has captivated millions on TikTok with her creative content and unique personal brand, illustrating the evolving landscape of digital influence. In this episode, she shares he…
Lessons from the "Teenage" Years of Business
Meet Marcus Kirkwood, founder of Outpost Construction Supply. On today's episode, Marcus shares his unique journey from being a college football player at the University of Colorado to establishing a…
From Success to Significance
In this episode, Dan sits down with Dustin Doll, the CEO of Accord Group and Founder of Doll Family Office, to explore the transition from achieving success to making a lasting impact. With over 20 y…
Scaling with Purpose: An Honest Growth Story
Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of Billy Hodes, who transformed Midland Industries from a distressed company to a platform of success. In this episode, we explore the stages of reven…
When Nothing Else Works: Unveiling the Power of Purpose
This episode features Lindsay Howerton, owner of How Consulting LLC. Lindsay shares her extensive experiences in transforming organizations through effective leadership and strategic alignment, uncov…
A Full Circle Journey
Drew Hiss, Chairman of Acumen, discusses his unique journey from founding Acumen to rejoining the CEO ranks within another organization. Dive into Drew's origin story, learning from entrepreneurial c…
Unlocking the Future: AI and Business Leadership
Join us as we explore the future of business leadership and the integration of AI with special guest John Scott Dixon, CEO of Aidan Taylor Marketing. Discover practical strategies for upskilling your…
Navigating Family Business: From Forklift to CEO
Growth Catalyst Russ Meinhardt shares about the complexities of professionalizing and eventually selling a family business. Learn how Russ rose from driving a forklift to leading the company, Old Wor…
From Operator to Force Multiplier: An Intrapreneur’s Leadership Shift
Jeff Phillips, the Chief Lending Officer at Landmark National Bank and the Market President of Kansas City, shares his journey of becoming an intrapreneur within a banking organization, discovering t…
Leading Through Tragedy
Fred Jentgen is launching a new Acumen team in Phoenix, Arizona! Fred shares his journey from a technology leader to an EOS implementer and founder of Unleashed Consulting Group.
The conversation div…
Mastering Growth Without Sacrificing Quality
Nick Usher, President of GQue BBQ, delves into the intricacies of business growth. Discover how this barbecue brand, renowned for its authentic and high-quality offerings, has expanded from a single …
Calling, Strategy, and the Supreme Court
What does it take to follow your calling, build a mission-driven organization, and impact the highest court in the land? In this episode, host Dan Cooper sits down with Kelly Shackelford, CEO of Firs…
Creative Leadership in Corporations
The latest episode of the Sharpen Podcast, hosted by Steve Van Diest, features a compelling conversation with Rick McCullough, a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience in the business world…
The Power of Branding: The Purple Guys' Unique Journey
Join host Dan Cooper as he sits down with Jon Schram, a successful serial entrepreneur known for selling the same company three times. Discover the significance of branding, exemplified by Jon's comp…
Leading an 80-Year Legacy: Values and Pivots through the Decades
Join Steve Van Diest as he hosts Dale Hahs, leader of AIS Industrial and Construction Supply. In this episode, they explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating an 80-year-old family business th…
Sacrificing Your Sacred Cows: The Messy Business of Change
Join Dan Cooper as he delves into the world of Jack Stack Barbecue with CEO Travis Carpenter. In this episode, they explore the concept of "sacrificing sacred cows" in business, with a humorous nod t…
The Power of Listening: Transforming Business Through Client-Centric Strategies
David Riggs, a seasoned business leader and CEO of Pneuma, discusses the transformative power of listening to clients in the business world. This episode explores whether ego can interfere with our a…
The CEO-COO Dynamic: Strategies for Growth and Alignment
Host Dan Cooper sits down with Curt Sampson, Head of Growth for Monarch Inventory Services and Growth Catalyst at Acumen, to explore the intricate relationship between CEOs and COOs. As these roles a…
Navigating Business Acquisition: Lessons from a First-Time Buyer
Join Steve Van Diest, co-host of the Sharpen Podcast, as he dives into the intricacies of business acquisition with Jeremy Hunka, a member of the Summit team in Colorado. Jeremy, a former chemistry m…