What Leadership Looks Like When Life Closes a Chapter | Wisdom from Mike Graney - Ep. 154

From The Main Thing Podcast · 32:12

Show by Skip Lineberg

What does leadership look like when life changes the plan? Mike Graney has built businesses, served West Virginia, and brought people together in his community. In this conversation, Mike and Skip talk about the choices and relationships that shaped his leadership—and the recent losses that have changed how he sees this season of life. Why This Episode Matters Leadership is often measured by what we build or accomplish. Mike's story makes room for another measure: how we show up for people, especially when life gets difficult. Their conversation explores service, grief, faith, and the small acts of connection that can help us move through a new chapter. Wisdom You'll Discover Mike's entrepreneurial journey What Mike learned from serving in business, economic development, and community organizations Personal leadership style - why listening and leading by example matter How grief has reshaped Mike's life and how he has learned to navigate it Why accepting an invitation or reaching out matters more than finding the perfect words A Memorable Wisdom Quote "Those little efforts are the ones that give people peace." A Bit More About Our Wise Guest Mike Graney is a West Virginia business and community leader. He built One Stop Corporation and Petroleum Products with his brother, Pat. Mike later served the state through economic development and public service. Mike remains active in community work and serves on nonprofit and business boards. He's also and avid sportsman and outdoorsman. Since this conversation was recorded, Mike received the YMCA of Kanawha Valley's 2026 Spirit of the Valley Award, recognizing his lifetime of service and commitment to the Greater Charleston community. Mike Graney is a servant leader, a proud father, and he's about to become a new grandfather. He joined us from his home in Charleston, WV. Wisdom Resources & Links YMCA of Kanawha Valley — Spirit of the Valley Award Mike Graney on LinkedIn The Main Thing Podcast JQ Dickinson Salt — use code THEMAINTHING for 15% off your online order. Wisdom Chapters 00:00 — Welcome to The Main Thing 02:59 — Bridge Day and the New River Gorge 05:50 — How Skip and Mike first met 07:39 — Mike's YMCA service and community ties 10:44 — Mike's approach to leadership 12:45 — From One Stop to West Virginia economic development 17:56 — Mike's next chapter in community service 19:27 — Grief, faith, and life after loss 22:58 — Showing up for someone who is grieving 25:11 — The Main Thing question 27:06 — When life knocks you off balance 29:28 — Don't take yourself too seriously Listen, reflect, and share this conversation with someone navigating a new chapter. Credits Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell Graphic Design + Social Media Chloe Lineberg Stay Connected with Us on Social YouTube @themainthingpod Twitter @themainthingpod Instagram @themainthingpod Facebook @TheMainThingPod LinkedIn How Can You Help Support the Growth of this Podcast? Become a subscriber. Share the podcast with one or two friends. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store. Become a patron of the show and support us on Patreon with funding. Purchase a book from our curated collection on Bookshop. Purchase a Wisdom Card Set from our website.

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