How do you build an authentic brand story when you're still figuring out your "why"? This week, Nathan is joined by storyteller and "accidental entrepreneur" Ashley Bryant for an incredibly open and powerful conversation. Ashley shares her unbelievable journey of resilience and reinvention—from navigating a life-changing multiple sclerosis diagnosis and relearning her own identity to moving to China and getting stranded back in the U.S. at the start of the pandemic.

This path led her to discover her "through line": helping sustainable, mission-driven brands tell their stories. Ashley gives us the "dos and don'ts" of impact storytelling, challenging founders to get beyond the buzzwords and ask themselves one blunt question: "Why should I give a shit?". This episode is a must-listen for any leader who wants to craft a message that truly connects.

 

RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE
Visit www.ashleybryantcopy.com
Follow Ashley on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymbryant/
Subscribe to Ashley’s Substack at https://substack.com/@theunleashedissues 

 

CREDITS
Theme Music🎵ZakharValaha from Pixabay
Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

How do you build an authentic brand story when you're still figuring out your "why"? This week, Nathan is joined by storyteller and "accidental entrepreneur" Ashley Bryant for an incredibly open and powerful conversation. Ashley shares her unbelievable journey of resilience and reinvention&mdash;from navigating a life-changing multiple sclerosis diagnosis and relearning her own identity to moving to China and getting stranded back in the U.S. at the start of the pandemic.
This path led her to discover her "through line": helping sustainable, mission-driven brands tell their stories. Ashley gives us the "dos and don'ts" of impact storytelling, challenging founders to get beyond the buzzwords and ask themselves one blunt question: "Why should I give a shit?". This episode is a must-listen for any leader who wants to craft a message that truly connects.
&nbsp;
RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit <a href="http://www.ashleybryantcopy.com">www.ashleybryantcopy.com</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Ashley on LinkedIn at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymbryant/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymbryant/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Subscribe to Ashley&rsquo;s Substack at <a href="https://substack.com/@theunleashedissues">https://substack.com/@theunleashedissues</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
CREDITS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Theme Music🎵<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/zakharvalaha-22836301/?tab=audio&amp;utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=audio&amp;utm_content=9968">ZakharValaha</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=music&amp;utm_content=9968">Pixabay</a></li>
<li>Produced by <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com">ChatWithLeadersMedia.com</a></li>
</ul>

Join our host Nathan Stuck, Chair of B Local Georgia, as he guides us in these short and impactful conversations with some of the most purposeful, inspiring leaders in the Peach State. These featured guests are proving that a stakeholder-driven economic system that cares about their people, communities, customers, and the environment is not only the right way towards a sustainable future, but that it's also great for business! We're excited to have you join us as we learn together how to use our influence as a #ForceForGood.

Produced by Chat With Leaders Media. Visit https://chatwithleaders.com to learn how you can leverage strategic content and event experiences to grow your business. 

Join our host <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanastuck/">Nathan Stuck</a>, Chair of <a href="https://blocalgeorgia.com/">B Local Georgia</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanastuck/"></a>as he guides us in these short and impactful conversations with some of the most purposeful, inspiring leaders in the Peach State. These featured guests are proving that a stakeholder-driven economic system&nbsp;that cares about their people, communities, customers, and the environment is not only the right way towards a sustainable future, but that it's also great for business! We're excited to have you join us as we learn together how to use our influence as a #ForceForGood.
Produced by Chat With Leaders Media. Visit https://chatwithleaders.com to learn how you can leverage strategic content and event experiences to grow your business.&nbsp;

Making a profit and making a difference ​aren’t mutually exclusive. Hear how some of the most purpose-driven leaders in the Southeast are proving that for profit businesses can be used as a force for good while being successful financially.

B The Change Georgia with Nathan Stuck

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores business leadership as stewardship – the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well.

Through deep, candid conversations with CEOs, Presidents and Founders that have stood the test of time, we unpack the challenges, decisions, and strategies that define values-driven leadership. This is a space for leaders who recognize that success is about more than personal achievement – it’s about leaving a lasting, positive impact on their organizations and communities.

Each episode provides real-world insights on how to navigate key business decisions while maintaining ethical integrity, long-term sustainability, and a legacy-driven mindset.

This show is produced in collaboration between Chat With Leaders Media and End of the Line Productions. 

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores business leadership as stewardship &ndash; the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well.
Through deep, candid conversations with CEOs, Presidents and Founders that have stood the test of time, we unpack the challenges, decisions, and strategies that define values-driven leadership. This is a space for leaders who recognize that success is about more than personal achievement &ndash; it&rsquo;s&nbsp;about leaving a lasting, positive impact on their organizations and communities.
Each episode provides real-world insights on how to navigate key business decisions while maintaining ethical integrity, long-term sustainability, and a legacy-driven mindset.
This show is produced in collaboration between <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com/">Chat With Leaders Media</a> and <a href="https://www.eotlproductions.com/">End of the Line Productions</a>.&nbsp;

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores leadership as stewardship—the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well.

The Steward Chair

In a world defined by disconnection, human connection is your most powerful asset in building companies that last. At Chat With Leaders Media, we're dedicated to helping you unlock that power by delivering actionable insights from leaders who are leveraging business as a force for good.

Through our podcasts – The Steward Chair, The People Experience Pulse, and B The Change Georgia – we cut through the noise to bring you candid, real-world strategies for building a better business. We explore what it takes to elevate people, grow your business with integrity, and build a legacy that goes beyond the bottom line.

This isn't just about inspiration; it's about giving you the tools to elevate your influence and make a tangible impact on your organization and the world.

In a world defined by disconnection, human connection is your most powerful asset in building companies that last. At Chat With Leaders Media, we're dedicated to helping you unlock that power by delivering actionable insights from leaders who are leveraging business as a force for good.
Through our podcasts &ndash; The Steward Chair, The People Experience Pulse, and B The Change Georgia &ndash; we cut through the noise to bring you candid, real-world strategies for building a better business. We explore what it takes to elevate people, grow your business with integrity, and build a legacy that goes beyond the bottom line.
This isn't just about inspiration; it's about giving you the tools to elevate your influence and make a tangible impact on your organization and the world.

Chat With Leaders Media

Crafting a "Why" That Actually Connects with Ashley Bryant

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Christy Kovac, President and CEO of Sheridan Construction, shares her journey of intentional, purpose-driven leadership, exploring how stewardship, employee ownership, and community impact drive meaningful, long-term success.

We discuss the importance of intentional succession planning, celebrating employee contributions to strengthen engagement, and building trust with clients to support lasting relationships—providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and creating a thriving legacy. Stay tuned to 

Key Takeaways
The importance of intentional succession planning to ensure long-term organizational success.
How celebrating employee contributions and fostering ownership strengthens engagement and culture.
Why building trust and prioritizing community impact creates lasting relationships and a meaningful legacy.

Resources Mentioned
Visit https://www.sheridanconstruction.com/
Follow Shane on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-kovac-ab801411/
Follow Jackson Healthcare on social media at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheridanconstruction/
Twitter / X: https://x.com/SheridanCo1947
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheridanco1947/

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:

Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. 

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Christy Kovac, President and CEO of Sheridan Construction, shares her journey of intentional, purpose-driven leadership, exploring how stewardship, employee ownership, and community impact drive meaningful, long-term success.
We discuss the importance of intentional succession planning, celebrating employee contributions to strengthen engagement, and building trust with clients to support lasting relationships&mdash;providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and creating a thriving legacy. Stay tuned to&nbsp;
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The importance of intentional succession planning to ensure long-term organizational success.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How celebrating employee contributions and fostering ownership strengthens engagement and culture.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why building trust and prioritizing community impact creates lasting relationships and a meaningful legacy.</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit https://www.sheridanconstruction.com/</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Shane on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-kovac-ab801411/</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Jackson Healthcare on social media at:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheridanconstruction/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheridanconstruction/</a></li>
<li aria-level="2">Twitter / X: <a href="https://x.com/SheridanCo1947">https://x.com/SheridanCo1947</a></li>
<li aria-level="2">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sheridanco1947/">https://www.instagram.com/sheridanco1947/</a></li>
</ul>
</ul>
Join the Conversation The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:
Chat With Leaders Media <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/</a> and End of the Line Productions <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/</a>.&nbsp;
Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com">ChatWithLeaders.com</a> to learn more about how we can help.

Building Legacy From Bricks and Mortar to Impact

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Sandy Moll, leader of Advanced Business Solutions, Jeremiah 2911 Capital, and several other ventures, shares her journey of faith-driven leadership, exploring how "chasing God, not busyness" drives meaningful, long-term success.

We discuss how Sandy stewards multiple companies while working three days a week, her counter-cultural strategy of growing a business 100% through service, and why she believes "work-life balance" doesn't exist when your work is part of your life's purpose. This conversation provides actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.

Key Takeaways
Stewardship Through Surrender: Sandy's leadership is founded on "chasing God". She starts each day in silence, asking God for direction, which allows her to manage numerous responsibilities without being consumed by "busy-ness".
Growth Through Service: Advanced Business Solutions has grown entirely through relationships and service, not traditional marketing. Sandy's focus is on serving clients well and asking, "Who else can we help?".
Work-Life Integration: Sandy reframes the "work-life balance" debate. She believes that if you are doing the work God put you on earth for, it isn't separate from your life—it's an integrated part of it.

Resources Mentioned
Visit https://www.abs-core.com/ 
Follow ABS on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ABSThrive/ 
Follow Sandy on at
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandymoll/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandyJMoll 

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:

Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. 

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Sandy Moll, leader of Advanced Business Solutions, Jeremiah 2911 Capital, and several other ventures, shares her journey of faith-driven leadership, exploring how "chasing God, not busyness" drives meaningful, long-term success.
We discuss how Sandy stewards multiple companies while working three days a week, her counter-cultural strategy of growing a business 100% through service, and why she believes "work-life balance" doesn't exist when your work is part of your life's purpose. This conversation provides actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Stewardship Through Surrender: Sandy's leadership is founded on "chasing God". She starts each day in silence, asking God for direction, which allows her to manage numerous responsibilities without being consumed by "busy-ness".</li>
<li aria-level="1">Growth Through Service: Advanced Business Solutions has grown entirely through relationships and service, not traditional marketing. Sandy's focus is on serving clients well and asking, "Who else can we help?".</li>
<li aria-level="1">Work-Life Integration: Sandy reframes the "work-life balance" debate. She believes that if you are doing the work God put you on earth for, it isn't separate from your life&mdash;it's an integrated part of it.</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit <a href="https://www.abs-core.com/">https://www.abs-core.com/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow ABS on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ABSThrive/">https://www.facebook.com/ABSThrive/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Sandy on at</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandymoll/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandymoll/</a></li>
<li aria-level="2">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SandyJMoll">https://www.facebook.com/SandyJMoll</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Join the Conversation The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:
Chat With Leaders Media <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/</a> and End of the Line Productions <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/</a>.&nbsp;
Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com">ChatWithLeaders.com</a> to learn more about how we can help.

Chasing God, Not Busyness with Sandy Moll

In this episode of The Steward Chair, John Sensiba, retiring CEO of Sensiba, and Monique Ramirez, his successor, share a masterclass on why intentional succession is the ultimate act of stewardship. John shares his journey of leading the firm through two major economic crises by refusing to abandon core values. They explore how the Golden Rule and simple, unwavering priorities—family, community, and firm—drive meaningful, long-term success.

We discuss the courage it takes to hand off a legacy gracefully, and how an "eat what you kill" compensation model can destroy culture. We also cover the immense privilege of receiving a planned, six-year leadership transition, providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.

Key Takeaways
The Ultimate Act of Stewardship is Succession: A leader’s most important duty is to prepare the organization for the next generation, viewing their role as a "transient caretaker" for the benefit of employees and the community.
Values Are Non-Negotiable in Crisis: Establishing simple, clearly articulated priorities (like family, community, and firm in that order) and refusing to abandon values when they become "inconvenient" provides clarity and resilience during financial crises or global pandemics.
Culture Over Compensation: The courage to abandon an "eat what you kill" compensation model for a subjective, values-based approach is necessary to cultivate a culture of collaboration, trust, and shared success.

Resources Mentioned
Visit Sensiba's Website
Sensiba B Corp Certification Information
Follow John Sensiba on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndsensiba/ 
Follow Monique Ramirez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicramirez/ 

 

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:

Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. 

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, John Sensiba, retiring CEO of Sensiba, and Monique Ramirez, his successor, share a masterclass on why intentional succession is the ultimate act of stewardship. John shares his journey of leading the firm through two major economic crises by refusing to abandon core values. They explore how the Golden Rule and simple, unwavering priorities&mdash;family, community, and firm&mdash;drive meaningful, long-term success.
We discuss the courage it takes to hand off a legacy gracefully, and how an "eat what you kill" compensation model can destroy culture. We also cover the immense privilege of receiving a planned, six-year leadership transition, providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The Ultimate Act of Stewardship is Succession: A leader&rsquo;s most important duty is to prepare the organization for the next generation, viewing their role as a "transient caretaker" for the benefit of employees and the community.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Values Are Non-Negotiable in Crisis: Establishing simple, clearly articulated priorities (like family, community, and firm in that order) and refusing to abandon values when they become "inconvenient" provides clarity and resilience during financial crises or global pandemics.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Culture Over Compensation: The courage to abandon an "eat what you kill" compensation model for a subjective, values-based approach is necessary to cultivate a culture of collaboration, trust, and shared success.</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit <a href="https://sensiba.com/">Sensiba's Website</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Sensiba B Corp Certification Information</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow John Sensiba on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndsensiba/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndsensiba/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Monique Ramirez on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicramirez/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicramirez/</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Join the Conversation The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:
Chat With Leaders Media <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/</a> and End of the Line Productions <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/</a>.&nbsp;
Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com">ChatWithLeaders.com</a> to learn more about how we can help.

Crafting a "Why" That Actually Connects with Ashley Bryant

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