The Unscripted Leader Podcast

Welcome to The Unscripted Leader, where your host, Steve Margerin, dives into real, raw conversations with entrepreneurs, founders, and visionaries who are shaping the world of business. This podcast is all about authentic leadership—unpacking the challenges, triumphs, and lessons of those navigating the messy, rewarding path of growth. From accidental CEOs to seasoned innovators, our guests share actionable insights to help you lead with purpose, align your team, and scale without losing your spark. If you’re a business owner, aspiring leader, or just love stories of grit and clarity, tune in to get inspired, rethink your approach, and join a community passionate about leading unscripted. Subscribe now for weekly doses of wisdom to fuel your journey!
Episodes
Episodes



2 days ago
2 days ago
Hey, folks! Steve Margerin here with The Unscripted Leader, and I’m pumped to kick off our first episode with Pete Steege, bestselling author of Radical Clarity. We dive deep into the challenges accidental CEOs face—those brilliant experts who wake up leading a business without a playbook. Pete shares how to find your true story, align your team, and scale without losing your soul. From tackling myopic thinking to building a lasting legacy, this episode is packed with insights for founders and leaders. If you’re ready to lead with authenticity and purpose, hit play and join us! Check out Pete’s resources at b2b-clarity.com/unscripted. Don’t forget to subscribe and share your thoughts in the comments!
Guest Introduction:I’m thrilled to have Pete Steege on today’s show! A rewired engineer turned leadership guru, Pete’s the bestselling author of Radical Clarity: How Accidental CEOs Unlock Meaning and Lead with Purpose. With years of experience coaching B2B tech CEOs, he’s a master at helping founders scale their businesses while staying true to their vision. His insights on authentic leadership are pure gold!
Key Takeaways:
• Accidental CEOs often try to do too much—focus on what matters by cutting the noise.• Your product won’t sell itself; connect with customers by solving their real problems.• Find your true story to align your team and unlock engagement across the business.• Use customer journey mapping to spot friction and prioritize what’s blocking growth.• Purpose-driven leadership means clarity, shared meaning, and actionable initiatives.• Scaling requires humility—embrace a growth mindset to let go without losing control.
Chapter Markers:0:00 - Intro0:26 - Guest Introduction2:02 - The Making of Radical Clarity3:23 - Top Challenges for Accidental CEOs5:24 - Overcoming Myopic Thinking9:38 - The Power of a Leadership Story12:00 - Customer Journey as a Diagnostic Tool15:08 - Defining Purpose-Driven Leadership22:49 - Scaling Without Losing Control28:36 - Where to Find Pete’s Book30:30 - Closing
Keywords:Steve Margerin, Pete Steege, The Unscripted Leader, Radical Clarity, accidental CEO, leadership, authentic leadership, purpose-driven leadership, business scaling, founder challenges, B2B tech, customer journey, team alignment, leadership story, business growth

INTRODUCING: STEVE MARGERIN
Steve Margerin is a dynamic force in the world of business growth, blending over 25 years of high-stakes leadership in sales, strategy, finance, operations, and marketing to transform small and mid-sized companies into revenue powerhouses. As the founder and Principal of Margerin Associates, he's earned a stellar reputation for turning challenges into triumphs—whether by crafting sales playbooks, scaling teams, or serving as an outsourced VP of Sales. His clients rave about the results: an average 32% sales boost, with 98% seeing significant growth across more than 5,000 businesses served. But Steve's edge comes from his profound lessons learned—history's timeless wisdom and the unbreakable human spirit that defies odds when truly inspired—making him not just a consultant, but a catalyst for authentic, sustainable success.
What drives Steve to host The Unscripted Leader podcast? It's his passion for unlocking that same inspiration in others, sharing raw, real conversations with founders, CEOs, and visionaries who navigate the messy art of leadership without a script. Drawing from his own journey of building engaging cultures and defying business hurdles, Steve created the show to empower listeners—whether aspiring leaders or seasoned owners—to lead with purpose, align teams, and scale boldly. Tune in, and you'll discover why Steve's voice is the one you need to fuel your unscripted path to greatness.