We had the good fortune of connecting with Marc Pickren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marc, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Here’s the deal with how taking risks has shaped my life. Early on in my career, I played it safe. I always went for the safety of a company and comfortable job, not really pushing myself. But over time, I got bored with that. I started taking more chances, leaving those safe roles to try out tougher gigs and learn new stuff. It became a pattern – always pivoting to the next challenge. It’s definitely paid off in some ways. I’ve picked up a ton of skills and had experiences I never would have had otherwise like earning the role of CEO multiple times over at 15-50m companies with over 200 employees. But it’s not all been smooth sailing. The riskier jobs often meant more stress and longer hours, which put a strain on my family life. There were times when I wondered if it was worth it. Missing important moments at home for work isn’t fun. Looking back, though, I don’t think I’d change much. Those risks pushed me to grow in ways I needed to. Now, I’m trying to find a better balance. I still want to challenge myself at work, but not at the cost of everything else in my life. It’s tricky, and I’m still figuring it out, but I think it’s making me better both in my job and as a person.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My path to where I am today wasn’t exactly a straight line, and it definitely wasn’t easy. Growing up, I had a parent who needed a lot of support, which meant I had to figure out a lot of things on my own. And yeah, I made plenty of mistakes along the way. But looking back, those challenges shaped who I am and how I approach leadership.
I’m not your typical CEO with an MBA that always coveted the role or poistion.

My leadership style? It just sort of evolved naturally. I’ve always been a people watcher, learning from every interaction and situation. My first job was in a slaughterhouse – about as far from a corporate boardroom as you can get. But that experience lit a fire under me. I knew I wanted more, and I was in a hurry to make it happen.

That urgency, combined with a bit of a chip on my shoulder from my upbringing, could have turned me into someone bitter or cutthroat. Instead, it morphed into this drive to help others. I realized that my success wasn’t just about me – it was about lifting others up along the way.

What sets me apart? I’d say it’s my ability to learn from literally everyone and everything around me. I’m proud of how I’ve managed to turn my lack of formal training into an advantage. It’s made me more adaptable, more in tune with people at all levels.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Surround yourself with good people. I can’t stress this enough. Your team, your mentors, even your critics – they all play a role in shaping your journey. I’ve learned to value different perspectives and to create an environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

What do I want the world to know about me and my story? That success isn’t about where you start, it’s about how you use what you’ve got. It’s about turning challenges into stepping stones and never forgetting to bring others along with you as you climb.

I’m excited about the future because I see every day as a new opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive impact. My journey has taught me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about asking the right questions and being open to unexpected solutions.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I’d keep it pretty low-key. Having traveled a lot, I know the value of unique experiences, but I’ve also learned that sometimes the best moments are the simplest ones. I’d probably mix in a few local spots that tourists usually miss – maybe a great hole-in-the-wall restaurant or a hidden scenic view. But mostly, I’d focus on creating space for us to just hang out and catch up without interruptions. Whether that’s cooking a meal together, taking a leisurely walk, or just sitting and talking late into the night, the real joy is in that uninterrupted time together. After all, it’s not about cramming in activities; it’s about reconnecting and strengthening our friendship.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’s all about those genuine connections and the power of good intentions. In a world that can sometimes feel pretty self-centered, these people remind us all that there’s still a lot of good out there. They’re the ones who create a ripple effect of positivity, often without even realizing it. So here’s to all those good-hearted folks – the friends, the mentors, the random acts of kindness givers. They’re the ones who make the journey worthwhile and remind us of the importance of paying it forward. In my book, they’re the real heroes.

Website: https://www.marcpickren.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcpickren

Twitter: @marcpickren

Image Credits
Marc Pickren

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