Steel City Growth

Leadership, Legacy, and Adversity: From Humble Beginnings to High Performance

Today’s guest is Jeff Hancher, Founder and President of Jeff Hancher Enterprises, leadership speaker, consultant, and USA Today bestselling author of Firm Feedback in a Fragile World. From blue-collar roots and military service to rising through the ranks of a Fortune 500 company, Jeff has built a life devoted to helping others lead with purpose.
He shares how adversity can forge strength, why culture rises and falls with leadership, and what it means to move from being a boss people report to—into a leader people don’t want to let down.

Takeaways
  1. Adversity Has an Expiration Date: Challenges can anchor or propel you—the choice determines your growth.
  2. Leadership Over Management: Managers manage process; leaders lead people. Both matter, but leadership builds loyalty.
  3. Feedback Is a Gift: Healthy accountability is the cornerstone of strong culture and trust.
  4. Know Your Audience: Great leaders tailor feedback to the person—directive, collaborative, or supportive.
  5. Confidence Is Preparation: You don’t rise to the occasion—you fall back to the level of your preparation.
  6. Mentorship Changes Lives: Surround yourself with people who’ve been where you want to go—and serve them first.
  7. Purpose Powers Leadership: The goal isn’t a better title—it’s transforming lives through influence and example.
Quote of the Show
“The goal isn’t to be a boss people report to—it’s to become a leader people don’t want to let down.”
 — Jeff Hancher
What Problem Can Listeners Help Jeff Solve?
Jeff is on a mission to help organizations and leaders build healthy cultures rooted in feedback, emotional intelligence, and accountability. He’s looking to connect with business owners, executives, and HR leaders seeking practical leadership training and keynote experiences that inspire performance and purpose.

 Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: From Humble Beginnings to Leadership Success
00:29 – Family as Motivation and “Your Why”
01:08 – Lessons from the U.S. Army
02:32 – Discovering a Gift for Communication
05:29 – The #1 Strategy for Business Growth
07:06 – Overcoming Adversity and Building Character
10:52 – Manager vs. Leader: What’s the Difference?
12:58 – The Biggest Mistake in Building Culture
15:43 – How Leaders Mishandle Feedback
18:21 – Giving Feedback Without Crushing Morale
24:11 – Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence
26:53 – Actionable Steps to Become a Better Leader
32:01 – Firm Feedback in a Fragile World: The Book
35:00 – Jeff Hancher Enterprises: Workshops, Keynotes & Masterminds
36:56 –  Advice to His Younger Self 
37:57 –   How to Connect with Jeff

Links:

Website: https://www.jeffhancher.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hancher/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeff.hancher/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechampionforum
Book: https://firmfeedbackbook.com


Ways to Tune In:


Creators and Guests

Host
Bill Ilgenfritz
Producer
Nathalee Arroyo

What is Steel City Growth?

Welcome to Steel City Growth! Each week, we’ll explore the passions, expertise, and experiences of business owners and founders in the greater Pittsburgh area. Steel City Growth is proudly sponsored by Murphy Business—committed to providing exceptional services to meet all your business needs.