Leadership Journeys [246] - Tom Gegax - "The consultant said the problem was me—and after cancer, divorce, and a failing business, I was finally ready to hear it."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast. I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name. In this powerful episode of Choosing Leadership, Tom Gegax shares how a harsh truth—that he was the problem in his own company—sparked a complete transformation in his leadership. From building Tires Plus into a thriving enterprise to facing cancer, divorce, and near business collapse, Tom reveals how vulnerability and spirit reshaped his life and business philosophy. He challenges leaders to rethink corporate culture, nurture the whole person—intellectual, spiritual, physical, and emotional—and lead with both heart and accountability. Through his film Confessions of a CEO, Tom calls for leaders to question whether their decisions truly align with their mission and serve all stakeholders. If you’re ready to trade burnout and fear for meaning and impact, this conversation will inspire you to lead differently—starting now. You can find Tom Gegax at the below links https://ceoworld.biz/ https://www.confessionsofaceomovie.com/ In the interview, Tom shares "The hardest truth I ever heard was this: I was the problem in my own company—and that truth set me free." "Leadership isn’t about driving harder; it’s about leading with heart, spirit, and service." "When you nurture the intellectual, spiritual, physical, and emotional sides of people, you don’t just build better leaders—you build better workplaces." "If people live for Fridays and dread Mondays, your culture is broken—and it’s your job to fix it." "Servant leadership is not being a dictator or a doormat; it’s being warm-hearted and tough-minded at the same time." "I put the customer at the top of our org chart—and myself at the very bottom, serving everyone else." "Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s the birthplace of real, lasting leadership." "Question every decision: does it align with your mission and truly serve all stakeholders?" "Even when my voice gave out, I kept spreading the message—because better leadership is worth the fight." "Choosing leadership is a commitment to live with joy, meaning, and impact—not just to run a business."