Creating a Cult-Like Culture: The Fine Line Between Belief and Control

In the first episode of The Chairmen podcast, hosts Nathan Bourne and Ned Arick set the stage for a fresh, unapologetic conversation about leadership—bold, raw, and grounded in what truly matters for entrepreneurs and business leaders.

In this episode, they dive into the core principles of leadership and company culture that will define the entire series:

The Power of Authenticity: How genuine leadership and business culture create an environment that makes employees and customers feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves.

The Balance Between Inclusion and Exclusion: Exploring the law of attraction and repulsion in business, and the fine line between fostering a healthy culture and slipping into groupthink.

Leading with WHO, Not WHY: Why building a company that reflects you, the leader, rather than just your products or services, is the key to long-term success.

The Human Side of Leadership: From tough decisions to the vulnerability required to build trust, Nathan and Ned share personal stories and insights on leading in a way that inspires followership without creating a cult of personality.

This episode doesn’t just set the tone for the podcast—it sets the tone for how leadership really works. It’s not the polished, idealized version you see in textbooks or business seminars. It’s the messy, complex, and deeply human reality of what it takes to build a business that lasts.