“And so the formula originally that I learned from Ruby was your business success is dependent on two things. It’s a combination of your business skills, which hopefully you’re learning at the university along with on the job, and then added to that would be your business behavior. And those two combine. I really think there’s a third element there, which I think it multiplies it. And that is your character, your leadership character that you bring to bear on that. And so I try to teach that, try to keep it really simple. I like really simple frameworks because they’re easier to remember that hold a lot of content. And that’s one of the things I’m trying to do is get them to understand that.”

On this episode of Leadership Level Up, Dr. Glenn Bryan joins Jeff and Brian for an enlightening conversation about the intersection of education, business, and leadership. Dr. Glenn Bryan is a multifaceted leader, serving as both an entrepreneur and a professor at Ohio Wesleyan University where he imparts wisdom on corporate strategy, international business, and business operations to tomorrow’s leaders.

Glenn shares the pivotal lessons from his leadership journey, underscoring the importance of character, culture, and integrity in both academic and business settings. His unique experience of balancing life as an educator and a business practitioner offers invaluable insights into developing leadership qualities in young professionals.

Glenn reveals his passion for character development—an area he believes is crucial but often overlooked in higher education. He discusses how characteristics such as integrity, humility, and accountability can shape not only personal success but also the culture of entire organizations. Through engaging classroom exercises and real-world applications, Glenn illustrates how he bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The episode takes an intriguing turn as Glenn introduces Focus 4C, an initiative under the Central Ohio Better Business Bureau’s Center for Character Ethics. Focus 4C emphasizes character, culture, customers, and community, aiming to build marketplace trust through these core principles. Glenn details how this program will provide educational resources, including podcasts and newsletters, designed to foster ethical business practices.

Listeners will find valuable takeaways on mentoring, character building, and the crucial role of culture in business success. Glenn encourages institutions to extend support beyond graduation, advocating for sustained mentorship to help graduates navigate the early years of their careers.

Tune in to hear Glenn Bryan’s compelling stories and learn how his dual role as an educator and entrepreneur shapes his approach to leadership. Discover how integrating character and culture into business can transform not just individuals, but entire organizations.

Don’t miss this episode brimming with wisdom, and be sure to subscribe to Leadership Level Up so you don’t miss future conversations with great leaders!

Remember to subscribe to “Leadership Level Up” for future insights from influential leaders who are making significant strides in their industries and communities.

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Meet Your Guest

Glenn Bryan

I’m a business educator, owner, and guide.  I’ve taught business at the MBA and undergraduate level most of my professional career. I’ve also been involved in business through ownership or consulting that entire time. As an academic and practitioner, I want to share with you what I’ve learned and how it can leverage the success of your business while also providing you with a pathway to a more enjoyable and profitable professional and personal lifestyle.

A major supporter of Focus4C is the Better Business Bureau where I’ve served on the Central Ohio BBB Board of Directors for over six years. The BBB’s tagline is “The Sign of a Better Business.” Focus4C is designed to help you “build a better business.” We support the BBB and encourage our readers and listeners to consider the benefits of joining their local BBB. For more information, click here.

On my university bio page, I’ve had the following text for years. “I believe in the power of successful businesses that embody character and ethics to positively transform society. My personal mission is to educate, coach, and grow leaders to reach their business and professional goals while acting responsibly to their employees, customers, and communities.”

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 Hosts

Dr. Jeff Williamson

Brian Prairie

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.