Last August at the Prosper Forum at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, we recorded a live conversation on a simple premise: leadership isn’t a title. It’s a decision you make every day.
I moderated a panel with leaders who build teams, carry accountability, and operate in environments where execution matters:
John Tallichet, CEO of Specialty Restaurants
Reggie Stover, Chief People Officer of Henny Penny
Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken / Craveworthy Brands
Luke Kircher, President of Prosper Company
Michael Beck, CEO of Inc Tank GTM
Here are the five most useful takeaways, in their words and in practical terms.
1. Leadership is responsibility, not authority.
A recurring theme was that leadership shows up the moment people rely on you, not when you get the title. Reggie tied it to early life and the burden of being responsible for others. Josh framed it as being “worthy of follow,” pointing out that everyone has had “bosses” who weren’t leaders. Luke made it clear leadership isn’t a finish line; it’s an ongoing expansion of capability and responsibility.
Practical takeaway: If you’re evaluating leaders, don’t ask “How senior are they?” Ask “Do people naturally look to them when it gets hard?” That’s the job.
2. The best leaders don’t decide in a vacuum—but they do decide.
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