In this episode of The Steward Chair, Jim Wallace, Retired CEO at BPM LLP, shares his journey of rejecting traditional "eat what you kill" corporate templates in favor of human-centered leadership, exploring how putting people first drives meaningful, long-term success.

We discuss dismantling siloed partner compensation models, embedding B Corp principles into firm governance, and building scalable leadership infrastructure, providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.

Key Takeaways
Putting people first directly drives higher profitability, client retention, and top-tier talent acquisition rather than compromising financial outcomes.
Eliminating "eat what you kill" cultures requires aligning partner compensation with organizational health, collaboration, and high-margin teamwork.
True leadership stewardship requires building strong executive infrastructure and replacing yourself so the enterprise thrives long after your departure.

Resources Mentioned
Visit https://www.bpm.com/ 
Follow Jim on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-wallace-bpm/ 
Follow BPM on social media at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bpm-llp/
Twitter / X: https://x.com/BPMcpa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bpmllp/ 

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, Jim Wallace, Retired CEO at BPM LLP, shares his journey of rejecting traditional "eat what you kill" corporate templates in favor of human-centered leadership, exploring how putting people first drives meaningful, long-term success.
We discuss dismantling siloed partner compensation models, embedding B Corp principles into firm governance, and building scalable leadership infrastructure, providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Putting people first directly drives higher profitability, client retention, and top-tier talent acquisition rather than compromising financial outcomes.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Eliminating "eat what you kill" cultures requires aligning partner compensation with organizational health, collaboration, and high-margin teamwork.</li>
<li aria-level="1">True leadership stewardship requires building strong executive infrastructure and replacing yourself so the enterprise thrives long after your departure.</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit <a href="https://www.bpm.com/">https://www.bpm.com/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Jim on LinkedIn at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-wallace-bpm/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-wallace-bpm/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow BPM on social media at:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bpm-llp/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/bpm-llp/</a></li>
<li aria-level="2">Twitter / X: <a href="https://x.com/BPMcpa">https://x.com/BPMcpa</a></li>
<li aria-level="2">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bpmllp/">https://www.instagram.com/bpmllp/</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.

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

Jim Wallace

In this episode of B the Change Georgia, Nathan Stuck sits down with Ben Colvin, co-founder of Devil’s Foot Beverage Company. Ben shares his unique transition from spending over 15 years in non-profit conservation to founding a craft, non-alcoholic beverage brand rooted in community impact and sustainability.

In this episode, we discuss:
The Origin Story: How a night out at an Asheville brewery led to the birth of Devil’s Foot Beverage Co.
Farm to Can: Why trademarking "Farm to Can" allowed Devil's Foot to directly support local, multi-generational farmers without getting bogged down in corporate red tape.
Scaling with Integrity: Strategy for growing from local taprooms to major shelf placements like Publix, Whole Foods, and Fresh Market while maintaining core brand values.
Community Resilience: How the Devil's Foot team mobilized their facility as a vital humanitarian supply hub following Hurricane Helene.
The Power of the B Corp Network: Why building a purpose-driven culture creates 100% staff retention and an unbeatable business support system.

 

RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE
Website: Devil's Foot Beverage Co. https://devilsfootbrew.com/ 
Taproom: Visit The Mule in Asheville, NC https://devilsfootbrew.com/location/the-mule/ 
Follow Devil’s Foot Beverage Co. on social mediat at:
linkedin.com/company/devils-foot-beverage 
https://www.instagram.com/devilsfootbrew/ 
https://www.facebook.com/devilsfootbrew 
https://www.tiktok.com/@devils.foot.brew 
https://www.instagram.com/friendofthedevilcocktails/ 
Learn about B Local Georgia: blocalgeorgia.com

 

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

In this episode of B the Change Georgia, Nathan Stuck sits down with Ben Colvin, co-founder of Devil&rsquo;s Foot Beverage Company. Ben shares his unique transition from spending over 15 years in non-profit conservation to founding a craft, non-alcoholic beverage brand rooted in community impact and sustainability.
In this episode, we discuss:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The Origin Story: How a night out at an Asheville brewery led to the birth of Devil&rsquo;s Foot Beverage Co.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Farm to Can: Why trademarking "Farm to Can" allowed Devil's Foot to directly support local, multi-generational farmers without getting bogged down in corporate red tape.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Scaling with Integrity: Strategy for growing from local taprooms to major shelf placements like Publix, Whole Foods, and Fresh Market while maintaining core brand values.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Community Resilience: How the Devil's Foot team mobilized their facility as a vital humanitarian supply hub following Hurricane Helene.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Power of the B Corp Network: Why building a purpose-driven culture creates 100% staff retention and an unbeatable business support system.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Website: Devil's Foot Beverage Co. <a href="https://devilsfootbrew.com/">https://devilsfootbrew.com/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Taproom: Visit The Mule in Asheville, NC <a href="https://devilsfootbrew.com/location/the-mule/">https://devilsfootbrew.com/location/the-mule/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Devil&rsquo;s Foot Beverage Co. on social mediat at:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2"><a href="http://linkedin.com/company/devils-foot-beverage">linkedin.com/company/devils-foot-beverage</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="2"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/devilsfootbrew/">https://www.instagram.com/devilsfootbrew/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="2"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/devilsfootbrew">https://www.facebook.com/devilsfootbrew</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="2"><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@devils.foot.brew">https://www.tiktok.com/@devils.foot.brew</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="2"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/friendofthedevilcocktails/">https://www.instagram.com/friendofthedevilcocktails/</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<li aria-level="1">Learn about B Local Georgia: <a href="http://blocalgeorgia.com">blocalgeorgia.com</a></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 aria-level="1">Produced by <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com">ChatWithLeadersMedia.com</a></li>
</ul>

BTCG085_Full Audio_Ben Colvin

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Michael Whelchel, Founder & CEO of Big Path Capital, shares his journey of transitioning from traditional private equity to impact investing, exploring how values-driven capitalism and purpose-led business drive meaningful, long-term success.

We discuss the launch of Big Path Capital on the precipice of the 2007 financial crisis, building a high-trust virtual culture, and how the Smarter Money framework and strategic convening create powerful ripple effects for both business and society. This conversation provides actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.

Key Takeaways
The Smarter Money framework for impact and returns: Aligning capital with values does not require sacrificing financial performance; maximizing both financial and social/environmental returns creates a structurally superior way to deploy wealth.
Building a remote, purpose-led culture: Operating a successful virtual organization relies on a foundation of high trust, personal flexibility, and direct, candid communication rather than rigid oversight.
The role of convening and community in leadership: Bringing purpose-driven leaders together through initiatives like the MO Summit fosters mutual resilience and sparks transformative partnerships that extend far beyond individual transactions.

Resources Mentioned
Visit https://www.bigpathcapital.com/
Follow Michael on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwhelchel/
Follow Big Path Capital on social media at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-path-capital/

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, Michael Whelchel, Founder &amp; CEO of Big Path Capital, shares his journey of transitioning from traditional private equity to impact investing, exploring how values-driven capitalism and purpose-led business drive meaningful, long-term success.
We discuss the launch of Big Path Capital on the precipice of the 2007 financial crisis, building a high-trust virtual culture, and how the Smarter Money framework and strategic convening create powerful ripple effects for both business and society. This conversation provides actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The Smarter Money framework for impact and returns: Aligning capital with values does not require sacrificing financial performance; maximizing both financial and social/environmental returns creates a structurally superior way to deploy wealth.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Building a remote, purpose-led culture: Operating a successful virtual organization relies on a foundation of high trust, personal flexibility, and direct, candid communication rather than rigid oversight.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The role of convening and community in leadership: Bringing purpose-driven leaders together through initiatives like the MO Summit fosters mutual resilience and sparks transformative partnerships that extend far beyond individual transactions.</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit https://www.bigpathcapital.com/</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Michael on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwhelchel/</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Big Path Capital on social media at:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-path-capital/</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.

Michael Whelchel

In today’s episode, host Nathan Stuck sits down with Amber Makupson, Founder and CEO of Meraki Hair Wellness and Executive Director of the Clean Beauty Coalition.

Amber is an entrepreneur, policy advocate, and media founder working at the intersection of beauty, public health, and business. As the leader of Meraki Hair Wellness, the Clean Beauty Coalition, and Makupson Media, she educates and advocates for ingredient transparency and safer consumer products. Her impactful work has been featured in more than 40 national and international publications—including Forbes, Harper's Bazaar, and Oprah Magazine—and she has testified in Congress in support of safer beauty justice legislation.

In her conversation with Nathan, Amber shares her profound journey from formulating clean products in her kitchen after surviving second-degree chemical burns to successfully navigating the rigorous path to B Corp certification. They dive deep into the alarming 75% toxicity rate found in products marketed to Black women, the tactical adjustments needed to manage founder burnout, and the power of state and federal legislation to drive industry transparency.

Listeners will walk away with an updated blueprint on how to operationalize their values on paper, build authentic stakeholder communities, and scale an impactful brand without losing their humanity.

 

RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE
Visit AmberMakupson.com
Visit Meraki Hair Wellness: MerakiHairWellness.com
Learn about the Clean Beauty Coalition: cleanbeautycoalition.org
Follow Amber Makupson on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ambermakupson
Learn about B Local Georgia: blocalgeorgia.com
Learn about Profitable Purpose Consulting: profitablepurposeconsulting.com

 

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

In today&rsquo;s episode, host Nathan Stuck sits down with Amber Makupson, Founder and CEO of Meraki Hair Wellness and Executive Director of the Clean Beauty Coalition.
Amber is an entrepreneur, policy advocate, and media founder working at the intersection of beauty, public health, and business. As the leader of Meraki Hair Wellness, the Clean Beauty Coalition, and Makupson Media, she educates and advocates for ingredient transparency and safer consumer products. Her impactful work has been featured in more than 40 national and international publications&mdash;including Forbes, Harper's Bazaar, and Oprah Magazine&mdash;and she has testified in Congress in support of safer beauty justice legislation.
In her conversation with Nathan, Amber shares her profound journey from formulating clean products in her kitchen after surviving second-degree chemical burns to successfully navigating the rigorous path to B Corp certification. They dive deep into the alarming 75% toxicity rate found in products marketed to Black women, the tactical adjustments needed to manage founder burnout, and the power of state and federal legislation to drive industry transparency.
Listeners will walk away with an updated blueprint on how to operationalize their values on paper, build authentic stakeholder communities, and scale an impactful brand without losing their humanity.
&nbsp;
RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit <a href="http://ambermakupson.com">AmberMakupson.com</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Visit Meraki Hair Wellness: <a href="https://www.merakihairwellness.com/">MerakiHairWellness.com</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Learn about the Clean Beauty Coalition: <a href="https://www.cleanbeautycoalition.org/">cleanbeautycoalition.org</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Amber Makupson on LinkedIn: <a href="http://linkedin.com/in/ambermakupson">linkedin.com/in/ambermakupson</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Learn about B Local Georgia: <a href="http://blocalgeorgia.com">blocalgeorgia.com</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Learn about Profitable Purpose Consulting: <a href="https://www.profitablepurposeconsulting.com/">profitablepurposeconsulting.com</a></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 aria-level="1">Produced by <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com">ChatWithLeadersMedia.com</a></li>
</ul>

Jim Wallace

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