With a diverse career journey — from trucking to self-storage — informing his perspective, Paul Marston, a CEO coach with C12, shares his take on the the essence of effective leadership, and the importance of sound financial management 

Watch the full interview with Paul Marston here and read an excerpt from the interview below. 

Nowspeed: Welcome to this edition of In The Now with me, David Reske, CEO of Nowspeed Marketing, a digital marketing firm that provides the full suite of digital marketing services, including PPC advertising, SEO, Email Marketing and Web Development, and more. Today, I’m joined by Paul Marsden, a CEO coach with C12, and a seasoned leader who’s held presidential roles across a range of industries. Paul, you’ve helmed businesses in fields as diverse as a restaurant, golf course, trucking, self-storage, and even healthy vending machines. Quite a diverse portfolio!

Paul: Thank you, David. Yes, it’s been an exciting journey. Each business taught me unique lessons, contributing to my growth as a leader.

Nowspeed: So, among these varied experiences, which was your favorite?

Paul: It’s like choosing a favorite child, each one has its special place. If I had to pick one, I’d say trucking was the backbone of my career. It offered the most learning opportunities.

Nowspeed: Our conversations often revolve around debunking myths about leadership. A popular myth from a CEO’s perspective is: “If I just put enough hours in, everything will work out.” What’s your take?

Paul: That’s certainly not true. Blindly putting in hours without seeking instruction and wisdom from mentors, coaches, or books can lead to inefficiencies. Like the golfer at the range who keeps hitting balls without any instruction. Sure, occasionally they might hit a great shot, but there’s a much more efficient way to improve.

Nowspeed: So, do we have a skewed perception of the CEO as a solitary figure who single-handedly unravels all the complexities of the business?

Paul: Well, there’s a kernel of truth to that myth. A CEO does need to have a visionary aspect, like the spark that ignites the business. But leading and running a business and setting a vision for its future requires different skills. The best CEOs know how to bring people together to work towards that vision.

Nowspeed: So, it’s not just about working harder but working smarter. How do long hours fit into the picture? Is it a myth that CEOs have to put in 80-100 hour weeks, especially in the early stages?

Paul: It depends on how the company grows. In the early stages, when there’s little to no revenue, a CEO might end up wearing many hats. They might feel the need to oversee every aspect of the business, resulting in long hours. But as the business grows, the CEO must be willing to delegate and share control.

Nowspeed: And maintaining a clear view of the company’s financial status is crucial in this scenario?

Paul: Definitely. Many small business owners only review their financials at the end of the year, which isn’t ideal. Regular financial reviews are critical for the business’s health and sustainability.

Nowspeed: Excellent advice, Paul. It’s clear that experience, combined with a willingness to learn and adapt, forms the foundation of a successful CEO. 

Don’t miss the rest of this insightful interview with Paul Marston. Make sure to tune in for the full conversation here.