Grit, Growth, and the C-Suite: Shel Hart’s Winning Formula

This episode dives deep with Shel Hart, a powerhouse entrepreneur, fractional CEO, and the founder of Florida Venture Catalyst. From surviving a tough upbringing in upstate New York to becoming a sought-after growth expert and C-suite whisperer, Shel shares the gritty truth behind his rise — and what it really takes to scale and exit companies with purpose.

Whether you're a founder at an inflection point, a team leader trying to build culture, or someone who just loves stories of grit and reinvention — this one will inspire you to think bigger, dig deeper, and lead smarter.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Why “knowing thyself” is the most underrated leadership skill

• How emotional intelligence plays a critical role in business success

• The pivotal moments that shaped Shel’s leadership and coaching philosophy

• Why AI should empower people, not replace them

• Shel’s approach to building winning teams rooted in culture, not just credentials

• His #1 advice for aspiring CEOs (Hint: it’s not glamorous, but it’s real)

---------------------------------------------------------- Be a Guest: Are you a successful Naples-area business owner, entrepreneur, or professional with insights to share? Apply to be a guest at Driven: Unscripted Success and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you.