Sharon welcomes Ian Chisholm, co-founder of Roy Group, for a deep conversation about the evolution from entrepreneur to leader. Ian shares how failing to become a doctor unexpectedly led him into the world of executive education and leadership development, where he discovered a passion for helping organizations build future leaders. Together, Sharon and Ian unpack the difference between managing tasks and developing people, exploring how mentorship, delegation, emotional intelligence, and intentional leadership shape successful businesses.
Ian explains that leadership is not simply about getting work done—it’s about creating the capacity for others to grow. He introduces powerful concepts like “attention over intention,” the idea that leaders must slow down enough to truly observe, coach, and develop their teams instead of constantly reacting and hustling. Through stories, practical examples, and leadership tools like LOFT (Lit, Open, Focused, Transparent) and the “Third Chair” method, Ian demonstrates how leaders can improve communication, foster ownership, and build stronger workplace cultures where employees feel valued and inspired.
Sharon and Ian also dive into company culture, employee fulfillment, delegation, succession planning, and the emotional atmosphere leaders create in the workplace. They talk about the importance of building businesses people actually want to work in, the dangers of burnout culture, and why leadership must become something others aspire to rather than avoid. Whether you’re a small business owner, manager, entrepreneur, or team leader, this episode is packed with actionable leadership insights, mentorship strategies, and mindset shifts to help you grow both your business and your people.
About Ian Chisholm
Ian Chisholm is the co-founder of Roy Group, a leadership development organization dedicated to helping individuals and organizations discover purpose-driven leadership. Ian has spent decades working with senior leaders, executive teams, and emerging leaders across North America and internationally. His work focuses on mentorship, coaching, succession planning, and helping organizations build cultures where leadership can thrive.
Ian has played a significant role in executive education initiatives, including work with the award-winning Columba 1400 Leadership Centre in Scotland. Known for his engaging storytelling and practical leadership tools, Ian helps organizations move beyond traditional management toward mentorship-centered leadership that develops future generations of leaders with integrity, awareness, and purpose.
Resources discussed in this episode:
- Columba 1400 Leadership Centre
- Strategic Coach by Dan Sullivan
- The Official BNI Podcast with Dr. Ivan Misner
- Quiet Champions: A Way Forward for Mentors in Turbulent Times by Ian Chisholm
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Contact Ian Chisholm | Roy Group:
