Tom Doorley is the CEO of Sage Partners, a strategy and governance advisory firm, and an experienced entrepreneur, advisor to senior leadership teams, board member and operating manager. He previously co-founded Braxton Associates, which ultimately became part of Deloitte Consulting. His career has focused on helping leaders identify the “Big Things” facing their organizations and turn strategy into action and value.

This conversation is about something every CEO, founder, business owner and senior executive faces: making important decisions when you don't have all the answers.

Tom explains why leaders need to slow down, challenge their assumptions, seek advice from people with different perspectives, understand what is really driving their business, and recognize when what worked yesterday will not work tomorrow.

He also shares a fascinating story from his work with Howard Schultz and Starbucks, when the company was considering expansion into Japan. The question appeared to be whether the Japanese partner and locations were right. But Tom discovered that the more important question was whether Starbucks had a business model and value proposition that could successfully travel beyond its existing market.

The lesson: before making a big strategic move, make sure the thing that made you successful can actually scale.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How leaders can make better decisions when the future is uncertain

• Why slowing down can lead to better strategic decisions

• How to challenge your own assumptions before making a major decision

• Why leaders should seek advice from trusted people inside and outside the organization

• How to protect yourself against the downside when making a major career or business move

• The strategic lesson Tom learned from advising Starbucks and Howard Schultz

• How to determine whether a business model or value proposition can scale

• Why leaders need to distinguish between a real opportunity and a “shiny object”

• Why growing companies sometimes need to “jump the chasm” to reach their next stage of growth

• How resource allocation decisions can determine the future of a business

• How experienced advisors can help leaders navigate complex strategic decisions

• How leaders can use their teams, advisors, values and risk preferences to find the best path forward

• Why the future is something leaders can actively create through the decisions they make today

A powerful leadership lesson

One of the central ideas in this conversation is that a leader's job is not to have every answer.

A leader's responsibility is to bring the right people together, listen carefully, challenge assumptions, understand the organization's goals and risk preferences, and work with others to discover the best path forward.

As Rick Williams puts it, leaders create the future through the decisions they make today.

That is the heart of Create the Future Podcast with Rick Williams.

About Tom Doorley

Tom Doorley is the CEO of Sage Partners and has extensive experience as an entrepreneur, strategy advisor, senior leadership advisor, board member and operating manager. He co-founded Braxton Associates, which grew into a global consulting business before becoming part of Deloitte Consulting. Tom has also served in senior board and governance roles and authored Value-Creating Growth.

Tom's work focuses on strategy, governance, growth and helping leaders turn important ideas into action and measurable impact.

Learn more about Tom Doorley and Sage Partners through the links below.

https://www.sagepartners.net/thomas-doorley

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdoorley/

About Create the Future with Rick Williams Podcast

Create the Future with Rick Williams Podcast is a leadership podcast for CEOs, founders, business owners, senior executives and aspiring leaders.

Rick Williams speaks with leaders about the difficult decisions, challenges, failures, turning points and experiences that shaped how they lead.

The goal is simple: learn from the decisions other leaders have made so you can make better decisions yourself.

If you're responsible for leading a company, growing an organization, managing people or making decisions that will shape the future, subscribe to Create the Future with Rick Williams Podcast.

Remember: You create the future by the decisions you make today.

In this episode of Create the Future with Rick Williams Podcast, Mary Grothe shares the difficult leadership and life decisions that took her from burnout, relentless business success and a painful company exit to a new life built around faith, family, service, purpose and freedom.

Mary Grothe is the Founder & CEO of Sunday Salmon, a nonprofit in Castle Rock, Colorado, and the author of "Destination; Remarkable: Surviving the Dark Side of Success". She has built and scaled multiple companies, served as a chief revenue officer, and experienced firsthand the pressure that comes with high achievement and executive leadership.

Her story raises an important question for every leader: How do you know when it is time to make a difficult decision—and how do you make that decision wisely?

In this conversation, Mary explains the decision-making framework she now uses to evaluate difficult choices. She writes down the possible decisions, considers the potential short-term challenges and long-term outcomes, visualizes what life will look like after each decision, considers who else will be affected, and ultimately asks herself one critical question:

Does it give me peace?

Mary and Rick also explore the connection between leadership, burnout, personal identity, organizational responsibility and purpose. Mary shares why she believes leaders should not confuse who they are as individuals with their role as CEO or founder—and how building a strong leadership team helped her move away from carrying everything herself.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to make difficult decisions when the stakes are high

• A practical decision-making framework for leaders and CEOs

• How to evaluate the short-term challenges and long-term consequences of a decision

• Why leaders should visualize the possible outcomes before making a major decision

• How to recognize when success is coming at the expense of your well-being

• How burnout can force leaders to reconsider what success really means

• Why leaders should separate their personal identity from their company or job

• How trusted advisors, spouses and leadership teams can improve decision-making

• Why successful leaders don't try to make every decision alone

• How delegation and a strong leadership team can reduce executive burnout

• The role of faith, service and purpose in Mary's new leadership philosophy

• How difficult seasons can ultimately lead to personal growth and a more meaningful life

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About Mary Grothe:

Mary Grothe is a faith-based leader, Founder & CEO of Sunday Salmon, bestselling author, keynote speaker and host of the Fearless Faith Radio Show. Her work focuses on leadership, faith, purpose, personal growth and using marketplace talents in service to others.

Her book Destination; Remarkable: Surviving the Dark Side of Success explores the darker side of achievement and the journey toward a more meaningful definition of success.

Learn more about Mary Grothe:

https://www.marygrothe.com/

Connect with Mary on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marygrothe

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About Create the Future with Rick Williams Podcast:

Create the Future Podcast with Rick Williams is a leadership podcast about the decisions, experiences and lessons that shape leaders and organizations.

Rick Williams speaks with business leaders, entrepreneurs and other accomplished professionals about the difficult decisions they have faced—and what those decisions taught them about leadership, business, resilience and creating the future.

If you're a CEO, business owner, senior executive, entrepreneur or aspiring leader, subscribe to Create the Future Podcast with Rick Williams for conversations about making better decisions and becoming a more effective leader.

In this episode of Create the Future with Rick Williams, Rick sits down with Larry Gulko, the Founder of BRAND: NEW DAY Retreat, for a candid conversation about leadership, courage, difficult decisions, entrepreneurship, and knowing when it is time to take a different path.

Larry shares the story of a pivotal leadership decision in his career: leaving a senior position when his vision no longer aligned with the organization's leadership and culture. With a young family and no job, he took the risk of starting his own business based on a belief that he could create something better.

The conversation goes well beyond entrepreneurship. It explores what it really takes to make tough leadership decisions, how leaders evaluate risk, when to trust their instincts, how to deal with uncertainty, and why great leaders sometimes have to make decisions that are uncomfortable in the short term to create a better future.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• How leaders make difficult decisions when the outcome is uncertain
• Finding the courage to leave a successful but misaligned organization
• Knowing when your personal vision no longer fits the organization's leadership or culture
• Taking calculated risks when you have family and financial responsibilities
• How leaders can turn uncertainty into opportunity
• Why successful leaders need to challenge the status quo
• The importance of listening to people who may see a situation differently than you do
• Building trust by giving people permission to speak honestly
• Why complacency can be dangerous for leaders and organizations
• How brand leadership, customer loyalty and business growth are connected
• Lessons from working with senior leaders and major organizations

About Larry Gulko

Larry Gulko is the Founder of BRAND: NEW DAY Retreat, a one-day brand-building thought leadership retreat designed for leadership teams that want to take a fresh look at their brand and move their business forward.

Larry has spent his career helping organizations strengthen their brands, build customer loyalty and drive growth. His experience includes working with senior leaders and major organizations on brand strategy, growth and leadership challenges.

Learn more about Larry and BRAND NEW DAY:

brandnewdayretreat.com

About Create the Future with Rick Williams

Create the Future with Rick Williams is a leadership podcast focused on the real-world decisions that shape organizations, careers and the future.

Hosted by Rick Williams, the podcast gives leaders an opportunity to share the stories behind the difficult decisions and tough calls they have made — for their companies, their organizations and sometimes for themselves.

Rick's goal is simple: to share practical leadership lessons from real experiences so that today's leaders can become better decision-makers and more effective leaders.

Rick Williams is a deeply experienced corporate leader, management consultant, company founder, board member, thought leader and author. He works with leaders through speaking, thought leadership and board service, with a particular focus on helping leaders navigate challenges and make difficult decisions.

The future of your organization is shaped by the decisions you make today.

Learn more about Rick Williams and Create the Future:

https://rickwilliamsleadership.com/

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, Rick Williams sits down with Lisa Woodruff, Founder and CEO of Organize 365, author, speaker, and business leader, to explore the courage it takes to make a life-changing decision when you already have a career, a business, and a family to care for.

Lisa shares the story behind her decision to pursue a PhD while continuing to lead her business and manage the many responsibilities of family life. The conversation goes beyond time management and organization—it explores ambition, priorities, personal growth, and the difficult choices we have to make when something truly matters to us.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to make difficult life-changing decisions

• Why you sometimes have to create space for what matters most

• How to pursue meaningful goals when life is already busy

• The importance of choosing your priorities intentionally

• How leaders balance ambition, responsibility, and personal growth

• Why courage often means choosing the harder path

• How a major life decision can change your perspective and your future

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, parent, business owner, or simply at a crossroads in life, this conversation offers valuable insights into making courageous decisions, finding purpose, and creating room for the things that matter most.

Guest: Lisa Woodruff

Founder & CEO of Organize 365

Author | Speaker | Business Leader

Learn more about Lisa:

https://organize365.com

Learn more about Organize 365:

https://organize365.com

Subscribe to the Create the Future Podcast for inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, founders, and leaders who share the decisions, challenges, and experiences that shape their future.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, Rick Williams sits down with John Walsh, Founder and CEO of Endera, to explore what it really takes to build, validate, and scale a company in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle industry.

John shares lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, including the importance of validating customer demand before investing heavily in a product. He discusses product-market fit, learning from startup failures, building high-performing teams, raising capital, scaling manufacturing, and making better decisions as a founder.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why entrepreneurs should validate demand before building

• How to reduce startup risk through customer discovery

• The importance of product-market fit

• What startup failures can teach you about building better businesses

• How to build and scale a high-performing team

• Lessons on fundraising, delegation, and leadership

• How to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the electric vehicle industry

Whether you're an entrepreneur, startup founder, CEO, investor, or business leader, this conversation offers practical lessons on innovation, customer validation, leadership, and building companies that solve real problems.

Guest: John Walsh

Founder & CEO of Endera

Learn more about Endera:

https://www.enderamotors.com

Subscribe to the Create the Future Podcast for conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, and leaders who share the ideas and decisions shaping the future.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, Rick Williams sits down with Frances West, veteran technology executive, author, and founder of FrancesWestCo., to explore the leadership lessons she learned from navigating complex cross-cultural environments.

Frances shares insights from her experience in global technology leadership, including her time leading IBM's expansion in China. She discusses why leaders must adapt their approach, understand different lived experiences, and create environments where people feel genuinely included.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why great leaders must have the courage to adapt

• What cross-cultural leadership can teach us about inclusion

• Why shared language and heritage don't always create understanding

• How curiosity, courage, and confidence shape effective leadership

• The importance of listening, learning, and understanding lived experiences

• How inclusive leadership can drive innovation and long-term impact

• Why human-centered thinking matters in technology and business

Whether you're a CEO, executive, entrepreneur, technology leader, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers valuable insights on adaptability, inclusive leadership, cultural intelligence, innovation, and leading in a rapidly changing world.

Guest: Frances West

Founder of FrancesWest & Co.

Former IBM Chief Accessibility Officer

Author of Authentic Inclusion™

Learn more about Frances:

https://franceswest.co

Subscribe to the Create the Future Podcast for conversations with executives, entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders who share the difficult decisions and experiences that shaped their future.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, Rick Williams sits down with George Dubec, Author & Internet Marketing Consultant, to explore what it really takes to make the leap from a steady job to entrepreneurship.

George shares lessons from his journey from a corporate career at General Motors to building his own businesses. He discusses the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship, the power of networking, the importance of making bold decisions, and how meaningful relationships can create new opportunities.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to transition from a steady job to entrepreneurship

• What to consider before leaving a secure career

• How networking can create unexpected business opportunities

• Why taking calculated risks matters in business

• How to build meaningful professional relationships

• Lessons on decision-making, adaptability, and leadership

• How to create a business aligned with your purpose and goals

Whether you're thinking about becoming an entrepreneur, planning a career transition, building a side business, or simply looking for more freedom in your professional life, this conversation offers practical insights on creating your own path.

Guest: George Dubec

Author & Internet Marketing Consultant

Learn more:

https://www.georgedubec.weebly.com

Subscribe to the Create the Future Podcast for conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, business leaders, and innovators who share the decisions and experiences that shaped their future.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, Rick Williams speaks with Executive Coach and the President of theWealthSource, Kim Sawyer, about turning career setbacks, uncertainty, and difficult decisions into opportunities for growth.

Kim shares how his approach to decision-making evolved throughout his career—from reacting impulsively to using mentors, self-reflection, and a more structured process. He also explains how leaders can strengthen their mindset, adapt during periods of disruption, and take greater ownership of their professional future.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to recover from career setbacks

• How to make better professional decisions

• Why mentors and self-reflection matter

• How to build resilience during uncertainty

• How to turn challenges into opportunities

• Why proactive career management is essential

• Leadership lessons for navigating change

Whether you are considering a career change, facing a professional setback, leading a business through uncertainty, or searching for greater purpose, this conversation provides practical insights for moving forward with greater confidence.

Guest: Kim Sawyer

Executive Coach and President of theWealthSource

Learn more about Kim:

https://thewealthsource.com

Connect with Kim on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkimsawyer

Think you would be a great guest on the show?

https://podcast.rickwilliamsleadership.com/podcast-guest

Subscribe to the Create the Future Podcast for conversations with executives, entrepreneurs, coaches, and leaders making important decisions that shape the future.

Dr. Manley shares his journey of championing health equity, inclusive leadership, and the courage required to create lasting impact in communities. Through powerful stories and practical leadership lessons, he explains why purpose-driven leadership is essential for building a better future.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why courageous leadership creates lasting change

• The importance of health equity and inclusion

• How purpose-driven leaders inspire communities

• Building a legacy through service and innovation

• Leadership lessons for entrepreneurs, executives, and changemakers

Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, healthcare professional, nonprofit leader, or someone passionate about creating positive impact, this conversation offers valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and meaningful change.

Guest: Dr. Eugene Manley Jr.

Founder & CEO, SCHEQ Foundation

Learn more:

https://www.innovationforimpactllc.com

Subscribe for more conversations with world-class founders, innovators, scientists, executives, and leaders shaping the future.

Dr. Lerman shares how scientific collaboration can build trust across political, cultural, and ideological divides. From promoting science education to advancing human rights and peace, she reveals why collaboration—not conflict—is the key to solving many of the world's biggest challenges.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How science can create peace across borders

• Why collaboration drives breakthrough innovation

• Leadership lessons from global diplomacy

• The role of education in changing lives

• Building trust across cultures through shared purpose

Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, educator, scientist, or simply curious about creating meaningful impact, this conversation offers powerful lessons on leadership, innovation, and global collaboration.

Guest: Dr. Zafra Lerman

President, Malta Conferences Foundation

Learn more:

https://www.zafralerman.com

Subscribe for more conversations with world-class founders, scientists, innovators, and global leaders.

In this episode of the Create the Future Podcast, Rick Williams sits down with Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder & CEO of Mavens & Moguls, to explore what truly builds a memorable brand.

Paige shares lessons from leading marketing initiatives for Fortune 500 companies and startups, revealing why authenticity, bold positioning, and values-driven leadership create long-term business success.

You'll also learn:

• How bold marketing builds trust and authority

• The mindset behind iconic personal brands

• Leadership lessons from difficult business decisions

• Why saying "no" can accelerate business growth

• How authenticity becomes your biggest competitive advantage

Whether you're an entrepreneur, founder, CEO, marketer, consultant, or business leader, this conversation is packed with practical insights on branding, leadership, marketing strategy, and sustainable growth.

Guest: Paige Arnof-Fenn

Founder & CEO, Mavens & Moguls

Learn more:

https://www.mavensandmoguls.com

Connect with Paige:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigearnoffenn

Subscribe for more conversations with world-class founders, executives, innovators, and business leaders.

Bobby shares his leadership journey, including receiving anonymous critical letters while modernizing Seattle's HR department, battling imposter syndrome, and navigating resistance to change. He discusses how executive coaching transformed his perspective, leading him to launch his own consulting business. Bobby emphasizes the importance of building a trusted support network, slowing down to bring others along during change, and prioritizing self-care to lead effectively.

Check out Bobby's work HERE.

Connect with Bobby on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Check out Rhonda's work HERE.

Connect with Rhonda on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Adam shares how he started at the bottom, learned every role, and eventually scaled the company from $67M to $100M in just 19 months by delegating strategically and hiring senior leaders. He also discusses repositioning Anago as a technology-driven company, developing the Clean Com app and Anago Clean Suite, and fostering a collaborative leadership culture that values constructive challenge over conformity.

Check out Adam's work HERE.

Connect with Adam on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Desiree shares her journey from early social media marketing to making a pivotal decision: shifting her business from chasing rapid growth to focusing on sustainable, values-driven strategies. She discusses adapting to industry changes, especially the rise of AI and the renewed need for human connection. Desiree emphasizes the importance of community, emotional intelligence, and seeking support when making tough decisions, offering practical insights for leaders navigating uncertainty and change.

Check out Desiree's work HERE.

Connect with Desiree on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

They share personal stories and practical strategies, highlighting the importance of seeking diverse perspectives, managing fear, and separating self-worth from outcomes. The conversation emphasizes authentic vulnerability, the value of mentorship, and the need for clear decision-making processes. Listeners gain actionable insights on leading oneself, fostering trust, and building aligned teams, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills.

Check out Dusty's work HERE.

Connect with Dusty on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

He recounts a pivotal lesson from coaching hockey: enforcing accountability by leaving late players behind, despite their importance to the team. The discussion explores the challenges of leadership, the importance of living by one’s values, and how sports foster discipline and growth. Paul emphasizes that effective leaders make tough decisions, prioritize team standards, and consistently align actions with their core beliefs.

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Check out Nick's work HERE.

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Terence shares his journey from corporate leadership at Johnson & Johnson and Coca-Cola to leading a nonprofit that empowers parents. He discusses making values-driven decisions, the importance of conviction and purpose, and how his experiences shaped his leadership. Terence emphasizes the lasting impact of investing in others, especially as a parent, and offers advice to "love well," highlighting the foundational role of love in raising confident, resilient children.

Check out Terence's work HERE.

Connect with Terence on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Jim recounts a difficult experience from 2002 when he had to lead a major staff reduction at a tech company. He shares how he maintained trust by promising advance notice, training, and job search support for affected employees. Jim emphasizes the importance of empathy, transparency, and integrity in leadership, reflecting on the emotional challenges and the lasting positive impact his approach had on his team during a time of significant change.

Check out Jim's work HERE.

Connect with Jim on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Bob shares his journey from Marine Corps leadership to navigating the cutthroat world of recruiting agencies, ultimately founding his own company to foster teamwork and fair practices. The conversation explores leadership styles, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of accountability, emotional resilience, and supportive relationships in making tough decisions. Bob’s story offers practical insights for leaders seeking to build collaborative, values-driven organizations and highlights the courage required to embrace change and uncertainty.

Check out Bob's work HERE.

Connect with Bob on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

They discuss overcoming "time poverty," aligning work with personal values, and practical strategies for productivity and happiness. Peggy shares her career journey, the importance of micro-steps, and the value of courage and support. The conversation highlights women’s unique leadership contributions, emotional intelligence, and the need for gender equity in leadership roles. Listeners gain actionable insights on decision-making, embracing challenges, and fostering inclusive, purpose-driven workplaces.

Check out Peggy Sullivan's work HERE.

Connect with Peggy Sullivan on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Aasha shares how personal and professional crises—including losing her home and business setbacks—led her to pivot from online courses to working with corporate leaders on trauma and burnout. She discusses the importance of self-trust, emotional intelligence, and redefining success beyond money. The conversation explores decision-making, resilience, and the courage to embrace change, offering valuable insights for leaders navigating uncertainty and transformation.

Check out Aasha LaCount's work HERE.

Connect with Aasha LaCount on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

Sage shares her journey of leaving an unhealthy marriage and overcoming cancer, which inspired her to pivot from trauma recovery to empowering female leaders affected by toxic relationships through her Rose System. She discusses the challenges of rebuilding her business, the importance of soul-driven work, and the role of therapy, coaching, and trusted advisors in making difficult decisions. Sage’s story highlights resilience, purposeful leadership, and the power of personal transformation.

Check out Dr. Sage Breslin's work HERE.

Connect with Dr. Sage Breslin on LinkedIn HERE.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.