Susan Campbell never imagined she'd become an entrepreneur in her fifties, but when inspiration struck just weeks before her daughter's wedding, she couldn't ignore it. That divine spark led to South 23rd and the Porch Pop – an innovative solution transforming ordinary plastic plant pots into stylish decorative accents.

Watching her father pursue a patent for his can crusher invention years ago planted entrepreneurial seeds that would bloom decades later. Though he never secured that patent, the experience taught Susan valuable lessons about persistence and innovation that she's applied to her own business journey.

Susan's story resonates with anyone who's ever felt it might be "too late" to pursue a dream. When she won recognition through Vanity Fair's grant program associated with comedian Leanne Morgan's "Just Getting Started" tour, it validated what she already knew deep down – age is irrelevant when pursuing your passion.

The Porch Pop itself was born from a common frustration many homeowners face. Susan loves seasonal plants but hated the unattractive plastic pots they came in. After an incident where guests were coming and her husband questioned the "ugly pots," resulting in beautiful flowers being hidden away, she knew there had to be a better solution.

Without manufacturing experience, Susan faced countless unknowns, yet refused to let this stop her. Her approach was refreshingly simple: make calls, ask questions, follow leads, and take small steps forward consistently. "Do it scared," she advises, acknowledging that courage isn't the absence of fear but taking action despite it.

Throughout her journey, faith has been Susan's foundation. She credits God with providing both the initial idea and the strength to overcome obstacles. This spiritual dimension, combined with her natural positive energy, has sustained her through the challenges of building a business from scratch.

Susan's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? "Trust your intuition" and "just get started." Don't fall victim to analysis paralysis – take that first step, however small, and keep moving forward. Your age, experience level, or background doesn't matter nearly as much as your willingness to begin.

Ready to transform your home's ordinary spaces into something extraordinary? Visit south23rd.com or follow @South23rd on social media to learn more about the Porch Pop and join Susan on her entrepreneurial journey.

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

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Hello Uncommon Leader Podcast listeners!

I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you—I'm launching a brand new segment called the Uncommon Leader After Show! You know that feeling after watching an exhilarating game, where you just can't wait to break down and analyze all the big plays? That's exactly what I'm going to do, but with leadership insights.

Join me as we dive into the highlights of each week's podcast episodes as well as experienced from my coaching & consulting. I'll be dissecting the key plays and impactful quotes, and doing a bit of Monday morning quarterbacking with those powerful lessons. Expect to hear practical tools and strategies I've gathered from my work in coaching and consulting, and stay tuned for some inspiring quotes and scripture along the way.

This segment is designed to feel like a coffee chat with a leadership coach, where we brew up deeper insights to apply to your leadership journey. So, are you ready to elevate your leadership game? Hit that subscribe button, share this exciting development with a fellow uncommon leader, and don't forget to leave us a five-star review.

Thank you for being part of this journey as we take your leadership to the next level!

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

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What separates those who crumble under pressure from those who thrive? For Schuyler Williamson, the answer crystallized during an IED attack in Iraq that disabled his vehicle and injured his entire platoon. Despite chaos, pain, and limited visibility, his team still looked to him for the next decision. That pivotal moment forms the heart of this gripping conversation about leadership when everything goes wrong.

Schuyler brings remarkable perspective from his journey as a professional baseball player drafted by the Detroit Tigers, through his military service with the 1st Cavalry and 82nd Airborne, to his success as a real estate entrepreneur. Drawing from these diverse experiences, he shares the framework behind his new book "The Steady Leader," revealing how to maintain composure and make effective decisions when chaos hits.

The conversation dives deep into his leadership philosophy, starting with a childhood lesson about the difference between being "hurt" versus "injured" — a distinction that would later prove crucial in combat and business alike. He presents a compelling case for why self-leadership must precede team leadership, outlining three critical dimensions of being "combat ready": mental health (maintaining a growth mindset), physical health (maintaining bodily discipline), and spiritual health (focusing on serving others rather than self-advancement).

What truly resonates throughout is Schuyler's practical approach to leadership development through existing models rather than reinvention. "When you're never the best and you want to be the best, you do what the coaches tell you to do," he explains, highlighting the power of standing on the shoulders of giants who came before us. His morning routine—from Bible reading to intentional interactions with his children—demonstrates how these principles translate into daily practice.

Whether you're leading a team through organizational change, building a business, or simply trying to navigate personal challenges with greater clarity, Schuyler Williamson's battle-tested wisdom offers a roadmap for responding thoughtfully rather than reacting emotionally when pressure hits. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with uncommon leaders who are transforming how we think about leadership in business and life.

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

Connect with me