The Third Layer
The Third Layer
Podcast Description
The Third Layer is a podcast crafted for family-owned business owners and leaders who truly understand the intricacies of navigating a business where family and leadership intersect. Hosted by Marshall Lockton, who has lived the family-owned business experience from various leadership viewpoints, guests share what they’ve learned about what makes family business leaders uniquely able to lead with culture. The podcast zeroes in on the greatest leadership lessons about culture learned throughout the career of a seasoned family business leader. We uncover how that one pivotal insight transformed them and influenced everything they do. We go beyond the first layer and ask the leader to help the audience really understand why the lesson was so important to them and how it applies to different facets of their business(es) and life. Through personal stories and expert reflections, listeners gain practical wisdom and inspiration to lead with impact, create cultures that connect stakeholders, navigate challenges unique to family business, and carry forward the legacy of their family business.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Key themes of The Third Layer include leadership development, culture building, personal stories, and legacy creation within family businesses. Episodes feature discussions on critical topics such as the transition of leadership in family business after loss, the significance of purpose-driven leadership, and fostering high-performance cultures, exemplified by episodes like 'Building A Legacy: Leadership In Family Business With Tyler Nottberg' and 'The Heart of a Caregiver with Andy Eby'.
The Third Layer is a podcast crafted for family-owned business owners and leaders who truly understand the intricacies of navigating a business where family and leadership intersect. Hosted by Marshall Lockton, who has lived the family-owned business experience from various leadership viewpoints, guests share what they’ve learned about what makes family business leaders uniquely able to lead with culture. The podcast zeroes in on the greatest leadership lessons about culture learned throughout the career of a seasoned family business leader. We uncover how that one pivotal insight transformed them and influenced everything they do. We go beyond the first layer and ask the leader to help the audience really understand why the lesson was so important to them and how it applies to different facets of their business(es) and life. Through personal stories and expert reflections, listeners gain practical wisdom and inspiration to lead with impact, create cultures that connect stakeholders, navigate challenges unique to family business, and carry forward the legacy of their family business.
In this episode, Jeff Oddo shares the journey of transforming his family’s janitorial business into a nationwide franchise powerhouse. From early leadership failures and emotional burnout to rediscovering purpose through significance and servant leadership, Jeff reveals how vision, values, and vulnerability fueled massive growth. Learn how City Wide grew from one company to over 100 franchises — all rooted in culture, clarity, and the ripple effect.
Additional Resources:
Jeff Oddo, President/CEO at City Wide Facility Solutions: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffoddo/
Connect with Marshall on LinkedIn
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network
Key Takeaways:
- True fulfillment in leadership comes from making a meaningful impact, not just financial gain.
- Jeff’s early management mistakes taught him the value of humility, mentorship, and people-first leadership.
- Shifting from doing to teaching allowed Jeff to scale his business and serve more people through a replicable model.
- Clear processes and training manuals not only enabled growth, but also freed Jeff from micromanagement.
- Every franchisee is vetted on mission, vision, and values — because shared beliefs are the foundation of sustainable success.
Disclaimer
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