In this episode, my guest is John Roberts, General Manager of Roberts Motors in Alton, Illinois. John’s family has been in the car business for over 70 years, and he’s got a perspective that’s not just shaped by longevity—but by deep transformation.

We talk about what it really means to lead people, not just manage them. John shares how he went from being a shy porter who avoided conversation to running a dealership that’s grown over 30% this year. He opens up about the turning points in his career, the hard lessons, and why leadership has nothing to do with titles and everything to do with how you show up for your people.

We also talk about:

• Why telling people what to do doesn’t work (and what actually does)
• The practical changes that helped John and his team boost performance
• What a simple daily check-in can do to shift culture and accountability
• Why humility—not ego—is the real power move in leadership
• And how to recognize when you’re the one who needs to grow

We also dive into some real talk about coaching, feedback, and how those uncomfortable moments—the ones where people doubt you—can fuel your biggest breakthroughs.

If you’re a GM, sales leader, or just someone who wants to lead better and connect more with your team, this one’s worth the time. It’s honest, it’s useful, and you might hear a bit of your own story in John’s.

Take a listen.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with John Roberts

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrobertscarguy/

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching

In this episode, my guest is Chris Saraceno, Vice President and Partner at Kelly Automotive Group, and the author of The Theory of Five — a framework that’s been quietly transforming how top performers live and lead.

We talk about the five key areas that shape a fulfilling life — faith, relationships, parenting, finance, and health — and the five people you spend the most time with that either pull you forward or hold you back.

But this isn’t just theory.

Chris shares real-life stories and practical questions you can ask yourself right now to take stock of where you’re at and who you’re becoming. We break down:

• How to find mentors in every area of your life (and why you don’t need just one)
• The link between your personal health and your professional success
• Why the people closest to you might be keeping you stuck — and how to shift that dynamic
• And how middle managers in dealerships (or any organization) can grow beyond the grind

You’ll also hear why consistency matters more than intensity, why emotional intelligence is your secret weapon, and how asking the right questions leads to breakthrough.

This episode is full of honest insights and actionable takeaways — especially if you’re ready to stop drifting and start building a life that matters.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with Chris Saraceno

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaraceno

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching

Ever wonder why some leaders transform entire teams while others just manage to keep the lights on?

In today’s solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a strategy that’s not just another leadership theory – it’s the secret sauce to turning average managers into powerhouse leaders. And it all starts with one question: Are you a Level 4 Leader?

You’ve heard me talk about John Maxwell’s 5 Levels of Leadership, but today, we’re going deeper – way deeper.

We’re diving into:

• How a high-performing sales rep went from top dog to terrible manager in record time – and what every dealership owner needs to learn from it.
• The critical shift from position-based leadership to people development leadership – and why this is the sweet spot for dealership success.
• The 5 essential elements of a high-performance environment, from vision to activating your team to become self-coaching powerhouses.
• Why emotional intelligence is the missing link in almost every underperforming leader – and how to level up quickly.
• Why most managers get stuck at Level 1 – and how to level up to people development leadership (the real moneymaker in the dealership world).

And here’s the kicker – I’m sharing the blueprint for my new Transforming Leadership in the Dealership webinar series, packed with the kind of insights that can shift your entire organization’s trajectory.

If you’re ready to stop managing and start leading, if you’re serious about transforming your team from average to unstoppable, this episode is your blueprint.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching