In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jonathan Jones, a true expert in business operations, leadership, and culture. Jonathan’s impressive background includes serving as an executive coach and peer group facilitator with Vistage, the world’s largest CEO peer group, where he’s earned the prestigious Master Chair designation six years in a row. With over 25 years as a Dale Carnegie instructor and a profound impact on more than 90 leaders in the St. Louis business community, Jonathan’s experience and insights are unmatched.Our conversation covered a wide range of topics, from the critical role leadership plays in shaping company culture to the transformative power of continuous improvement. Jonathan shared his journey from the military to corporate leadership and eventually entrepreneurship, providing actionable advice for leaders at every stage. We also explored why St. Louis is uniquely positioned as a hub for manufacturing and community growth, including Jonathan’s work in bringing the Association for Manufacturing Excellence conference to the region in 2025. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone looking to grow as a leader and make a positive impact.
Connect with the HostTwitter: twitter.com/ItsRajTutLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rajtut/Instagram: instagram.com/ItsRajTutTikTok: tiktok.com/@itsrajtutConnect with the GuestWebsite: Jonathan Jones ConsultingAssociation for Manufacturing Excellence (St. Louis): Visit hereTimestamps:00:00 Introduction of Jonathan Jones and his extensive career00:53 The importance of leadership in shaping company culture02:06 Jonathan’s upbringing and how it shaped his leadership perspective03:40 Observations on St. Louis and its evolving community dynamics06:18 Leadership lessons from the military and corporate world10:00 Transitioning from corporate roles to entrepreneurship18:23 Key principles for developing leaders24:40 Defining company culture and aligning it with strategy32:15 The role of StrengthsFinder in identifying individual and team potential40:10 St. Louis as a hub for manufacturing and community growth47:24 Highlights of the upcoming Association for Manufacturing Excellence conference01:05:21 Jonathan’s parting advice on leadership and potentialThis podcast is brought to you by Storyboard Living.If you're looking to sell us a 40+ unit multifamily property in the St. Louis region, or another part of MO/IL, please email deals@storyboardliving.comConnect with us at our Website: https://storyboardliving.com/LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storyboard-living/