“There is a fallacy of perfection that some leaders when they get into the chair, feel as though they have to perform to be able to beat each day. And you go home drained, exhausted because of this person that others believe you to be. The very best leaders that I’ve ever known have been those who are willing to be, to allow the pressure to be spread around, for them to let others know they don’t have all the answers.”

In this episode of Leadership Level Up, Bill Guertin returns to the show to discuss his professional journey. Starting in radio, working for WKAN, Bill transitioned to ticket sales and eventually started consulting businesses, helping them with communication and leadership. 

Bill emphasizes the idea that leadership is not about being perfect, and is instead about being transparent and vulnerable with those you are managing. He argues that leaders who try to hide their own mistakes or weaknesses end up creating a culture of fear and stress, which ultimately leads to a decrease in productivity and job satisfaction. By being open and honest about his own mistakes, Bill believes that he has been able to create a culture of trust and understanding within his teams.

Bill and Jeff offer valuable insights into the importance of vulnerability and transparency in leadership, and remind everyone that great leaders are not necessarily those who are perfect, but those who are willing to learn and grow alongside their teams. 

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Meet Your Guest

Bill Guertin

Bill Guertin is an entrepreneur who has spent his career in sales and marketing. In 2004, he started his own company, 800-Pound Gorilla Inc., to consult with professional sports franchises regarding marketing and ticket sales. His company, and his sub-brand, Stadium Gorilla, has consulted for teams in all major US sports and many Division 1 collegiate teams.

Bill is a certified virtual presenter and was the President of the Illinois chapter of the National Speakers Association. He attended St. Joseph’s College of Indiana and resides in Kankakee County.

About the Leadership LevelUp Podcast

Being a boss and a leader are very different. A boss tells you what to do and a leader partners with you in the process. Jeff, being a leader of leaders, has a vast knowledge of best practices and exercises to discover leadership traits. Brian shares stories with Jeff about the ups and downs of his leadership quest while talking to business and community leaders to discuss their personal leadership journey. Who influenced them? What do they do when they have a bad day? What gives them inspiration? Do french fries or tacos or ice cream make them feel better after a bad day? Through laughter and casual conversation, Brian and Jeff explore all aspects of good leadership.

Meet Your Host

Jeff Williamson

Show Sponsor

Pathfinder: A full-service creative & marketing agency with a mission to provide strategic storytelling to our clients. There is no greater impact in this world than a story. Storytelling is how we learn, remember, and feel. The world has used storytelling since the beginning of time to entertain, teach, inspire, and innovate. Pathfinder’s mission is to provide strategic storytelling for our clients. How? Through inventive business services and pioneering campaigns that help organizations find their own path and carry out their vision.