Perspectives Summer 2025: Unconventional Leadership Journeys
Leadership journeys take many forms. Often, they’re marked by resilience, bold decisions and moments of personal transformation.
The Summer 2025 issue of Vistage Perspectives magazine opens a window into these powerful paths, sharing stories from CEOs who took a unique route to the CEO’s desk, navigating uncertainty and embracing risk to emerge with a renewed sense of purpose.
Within these pages, you’ll meet leaders who have not only built extraordinary businesses but also grown into more authentic versions of themselves, often with the support of the Vistage community. Their journeys are a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of a network committed to rising together.
Unconventional Leadership Journeys
A trio of Vistage members share how they forged unexpected paths to the CEO role — and how they’re leading teams through growth and challenge.
Christa Schott walked away from unfulfilling jobs to launch Alliant Consulting, a labor compliance firm now making an impact nationwide. Dr. Anton Bizzell (pictured) transitioned from treating patients to building sustainable communities worldwide by becoming a CEO focused on working on the business instead of in it. And Marcelo Zelicovich took the helm at Doctor Aromas, transforming a fragrance brand into a forward-thinking tech innovator.
Their stories are a testament to bold pivots, resilient leadership and following one’s true purpose.
Lambtastic Love: The Success of Lamb Chop the Dog Toy
So, how does a beloved sock puppet become a pet industry phenomenon? It’s thanks to Vistage Member Mark Hirschberg, President of Multipet, who turned nostalgia into market success by licensing the rights to the iconic Lamb Chop character.
His vision and strategic move transformed Lamb Chop into a bestselling plush dog toy, capturing hearts — and paws — across the country.
In the Mix: Jacob Nuechterlein’s Path to Growth
When Jacob Nuechterlein (pictured) launched Elementum 3D, he applied his Ph.D. expertise to revolutionize metal 3D printing — developing advanced alloys for NASA and Formula One. But it was after joining Vistage in 2022 that Jacob gained the tools to strengthen his company’s culture, streamline hiring and align team expectations. The result? A trajectory toward $20 million in revenue, driven by innovation and culture-building.
Powering Productivity Through Innovation
At Vistage, forward-thinking leaders are redefining what it means to build productive teams. Two standout CEOs are proving that strategic investments in culture and technology yield powerful results.
Ben Larson defied industry norms by cultivating a culture rooted in trust and high performance, propelling his company to the forefront of the cannabis infusion space. Meanwhile, Robin Divine is leveraging automation and AI to elevate employee productivity and maintain uninterrupted, high-quality patient care. Their stories highlight the transformative impact of visionary leadership in today’s evolving workplace.
Life After the Sale: Purpose, Fulfillment and What Comes Next
What happens after a successful exit? Three Vistage members share how selling their businesses opened the door to new purpose, balance and joy. Doug Hoerr (pictured) turned a bold sabbatical into a successful design firm and later sold it to legacy partners. Member-turned-Chair Heather Warner found a more fulfilling role with greater flexibility coaching CEOs in Australia. And Nathan Potter found the right buyer sooner than expected, stepping away on his terms and providing employees with the payout of their dreams!
Their stories show that life after the sale can be just as rewarding as the climb.
About the Author: Glenn Jeffers
Glenn Jeffers is an award-winning journalist and content creator. He serves as the editorial lead for Vistage Perspectives magazine and editor and manager of the Vistage Research Centers. Previously, he was the editor of Kellogg, the alum
…
