What happens when a leader listens first—but still makes the tough calls when it counts? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Michael Mesnard, President of Klein Design, shares his journey from intern to company president, and how his inclusive leadership style is fueling both cultural strength and strategic growth.

How do you transition from peer to leader while keeping respect and collaboration intact? Throughout this episode, Michael offers honest insights on guiding a multigenerational team, empowering emerging leaders, and balancing emotional intelligence with decisiveness. From embracing diverse leadership styles to planning for sustainable expansion, Michael’s story is packed with takeaways for anyone looking to build a resilient, values-driven business. Tune in to learn how humility, structure, and shared purpose can transform the way teams grow together.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Earfluence.

What does it take to sell your business successfully—and feel good about it afterward? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, corporate attorney Deana Labriola shares expert advice on preparing for a sale, from building the right advisory team to aligning deal terms with your long-term goals. She explains why sellers need to think beyond the transaction and consider what they want life to look like the day after closing. With practical tips for both buyers and sellers, Deana offers a clear, strategic approach to navigating business transitions in today’s balanced M&A market.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Earfluence.

What does it take to scale a business successfully while maintaining a strong culture and vision? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Monty Hagler, President and CEO of RLF Communications, shares key lessons on strategic growth, acquisitions, and leadership. Looking to gain insights into how to align company culture during mergers, build scalable processes, and leverage technology without losing a personal touch? Tune in as Monty offers practical advice on making smart business decisions, fostering strong teams, and positioning a company for long-term success while growing with purpose.

Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson & Karen Albritton and produced by Earfluence.