In this episode of The Realistic CEO podcast, Mikey interviews Dawn Forbes DiStefano, the President and CEO of Square One. They discuss Dawn's journey and the inspiration behind her becoming a CEO, highlighting the importance of courage, listening, and problem-solving in leadership. Dawn shares personal anecdotes, including practicing leadership skills with her younger sisters and emphasizing that a company, while it can embody family-like qualities, is not a family. Dawn also provides valuable advice on balancing work and family life, building trust, and handling bad days as a leader. This conversation is packed with insights on being an effective leader and the importance of creating an environment where team members feel heard and supported.

00:00 Introduction: Defying Expectations
00:23 Welcome to the Realistic CEO Podcast
00:27 Guest Introduction: Dawn Forbes DiStefano
00:34 Inspiration to Become a CEO
02:58 Developing Leadership Skills
05:07 The Importance of Listening
06:32 Building a Trusting Team
09:00 Handling Bad Days and Emotions
16:07 Problem Solving Strategies
25:47 Balancing Work and Family
28:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts