About the Guest:
John Venhuizen leads Ace Hardware, a company with a proud 101-year history, built on the trust and hard work of thousands of local owners. With over 6,000 stores worldwide — nearly all independently owned — John believes that this combination of local entrepreneurship and global support is the secret sauce that keeps Ace strong and relevant.

He’s a leader who values character, humility, and grit — the kind of qualities that get tested daily when you’re trying to solve problems and move a big organization forward. John’s perspective is both inspiring and grounded, reminding us that leadership is about service and connection as much as strategy and results.

What You Will Learn:

• Why real leadership is about rolling up your sleeves and tackling problems
• How local ownership creates a powerful bond with communities and customers
• The importance of putting faith, family, and character before work — and why that matters for long-term success
• How AI is a tool to empower people, not replace them
• Why a servant heart and human connection will always be a business’s greatest advantage

Join us for this heartfelt conversation with John Venhuizen and discover what it really takes to lead with purpose in a complex, fast-moving world. If you want to lead better and build something that lasts, this episode will give you plenty to think about — and put into action.

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We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

Episode Notes:

Brieane Olson has spent 18 years shaping Pacsun into a youth-focused lifestyle brand, stepping into the CEO role in 2023 after serving as President. Known for her digital-first mindset and passion for innovation, she’s deeply committed to empowering teams and promoting mental health awareness.

Key Takeaways:

• How Pacsun builds long-term brand loyalty through purpose and authentic partnerships
• Why vulnerability and intentionality are essential tools for leaders today
• Moving beyond trends to a multi-pillar strategy rooted in California lifestyle

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about brand evolution and genuine leadership—reminding us all that staying real is the key to staying relevant.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

About the Guest:

Sowmyanarayan Sampath is the CEO of Verizon Consumer, leading a multibillion-dollar division serving over 100 million customers across the U.S. Known for his calm leadership and strategic vision, he’s focused on operational excellence and reskilling teams to stay ahead in a fast-evolving digital landscape.

What You Will Learn:

• Why AI is a deflationary force that every company needs
• How to use AI as a personal growth and communication tool
• The career advantage of thinking in three-year chapters
• What to do when your job evolves—or disappears
• Evergreen skills that matter more than ever: clarity, curiosity, and communication

This episode is packed with insight, strategy, and practical optimism. Whether you're navigating a tech transformation or planning your next leadership chapter, Sampath will inspire you to think longer, lead better, and move with intention.

Please rate and review this Episode!

We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.