353 - How Leaders Can Transform Through Listening to Emotions
Transforming Leadership Through Empathy and Self-Awareness with Tom Gegax
In this episode of the Listening with Leaders Podcast, host Doug Noll speaks with Tom Gegax, co-founder and former CEO of Tires Plus and the creative force behind Confessions of a CEO. Their conversation explores how traditional, control-driven leadership models fall short—and how emotional intelligence, empathy, and deep self-awareness reshape both leadership effectiveness and personal fulfillment. This episode is especially relevant for executives reflecting on legacy, culture, and the human impact of their leadership.
From Control-Based Leadership to Conscious Influence
Tom Gegax reflects on his early leadership years, shaped by corporate environments that rewarded toughness, certainty, and emotional suppression. Like many high-achieving executives, he believed authority came from control and that performance justified the personal and relational costs. Over time, this approach created distance from employees, family, and even from himself—revealing the limits of leadership disconnected from emotional awareness.
A convergence of personal and professional challenges became a defining turning point. Facing serious illness, business strain, and personal loss forced Tom to confront uncomfortable truths about his leadership style and emotional blind spots. This moment of reckoning opened the door to humility, reflection, and a willingness to change from the inside out.
Doug and Tom explore how emotional intelligence and empathy are not “soft skills,” but core leadership capabilities. Leaders who regulate their emotions, listen deeply, and lead with compassion foster trust, psychological safety, and long-term sustainability. This shift—from dominance to presence—creates healthier cultures and more meaningful, enduring impact.
About Tom Gegax
Tom Gegax is a visionary entrepreneur, speaker, and former CEO best known as the co-founder of Tires Plus, which grew into a nationally recognized brand. He is also the co-writer and co-director of the documentary Confessions of a CEO, where he candidly examines leadership, ego, empathy, and personal transformation. Tom’s work focuses on redefining success through conscious leadership and emotional integrity.
About Confessions of a CEO
Confessions of a CEO is a documentary project that challenges conventional views of leadership and success. Through personal storytelling and reflection, the film explores the emotional cost of traditional corporate leadership and highlights the power of empathy, self-awareness, and conscious decision-making in shaping healthier leaders and organizations.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Key Episode Highlights
Why emotional intelligence is essential for effective executive leadership
How personal crisis can catalyze deep leadership transformation
The role of empathy in building trust and healthy organizational culture
What it means to truly listen beyond words
How conscious leadership shapes long-term legacy and impact
Conclusion
This episode of the Listening with Leaders Podcast offers a powerful reminder that leadership transformation begins within. Doug Noll and Tom Gegax illustrate how empathy, self-awareness, and intentional listening redefine success—creating leaders who not only perform, but also connect, inspire, and leave a meaningful legacy.
Explore Doug Noll’s website to learn more about leadership insights and resources: https://www.dougnoll.com/
Apply to be a guest on the Listening with Leaders Podcast here: https://podcast.dougnoll.com/podcast-guest
