What does it take to lead innovation in aerospace while managing the complexities of entrepreneurship and family business? In this episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Scott Pomeroy, Chairman and CEO of XTI Aerospace, to explore his multifaceted career across public accounting, food manufacturing, private equity, and aerospace technology. Scott shares how his business-oriented upbringing shaped his approach to leadership and capital raising. He discusses the...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 9Ep. 5
What does it take to go from working room service at the Ritz Carlton to building one of the most successful restaurant chains in America? For Salim Asrawi, it took hustle, a deep commitment to trust and integrity, and an unshakable belief in the American Dream. In this episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Salim Asrawi, co-founder of Texas de Brazil, to discuss the highs and lows that shaped his profound journey from Lebanon to the United States. Starting fr...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr•Season 9Ep. 4
What does it take to stand on the summit of Mount Everest AND experience the vastness of outer space? Few people in the world can answer that question, but Robie Vaughn is one of them. In this week’s episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Robie Vaughn, a man who has climbed the highest peaks on all seven continents AND traveled to space with Virgin Galactic. Robie’s pursuit of adventure and excellence goes far beyond exploration. As the Managing Member of Vaug...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 9Ep. 3
In this episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Nik and Greg Katz, the visionary brothers behind some of Dallas’s most celebrated restaurants, including Beverly’s, Clifton Club, Greenpoint Seafood & Oyster Bar, and Claremont Dallas. From their South African roots to bold hospitality ventures, the Katz brothers share how they built a thriving restaurant empire. They dive into the highs and lows of restaurant management, the delicate balance of creativity and...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 9Ep. 2
This week, Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Rudina Seseri, Founder and Managing Partner of Glasswing Ventures, to explore her extraordinary journey marked by resilience, bold decision-making, and a passion for shaping the future of AI. Rudina’s story begins at age 16 when she moved alone from Albania to Baton Rouge, navigating cultural shifts and the challenges of high school in a new country. With determination and self-discipline, she forged a path that led her to Harvard Business Scho...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 9Ep. 1
Homelessness is one of the most complex issues facing communities today. For Wayne Walker, CEO and Pastor of OurCalling, this challenge is a personal mission. His journey, from a foster family upbringing in East Texas to founding a groundbreaking organization serving the unsheltered homeless in Dallas County, is a story of empathy, innovation, and faith in action. In this episode of Decision Points, Wayne shares the inspiration behind OurCalling, a nonprofit that combines compassion with cutting...
Mar 11, 2025•53 min•Season 8Ep. 5
Klyde Warren Park is more than a park—it’s a symbol of innovation, connectivity, and the transformative power of urban green spaces. At the heart of this vision is Kit Sawers, President and CEO of Klyde Warren Park, whose leadership has turned a highway overpass into one of the most vibrant public spaces in Dallas and a model for cities worldwide. In this episode of Decision Points , Kit shares the park’s remarkable journey from concept to cornerstone. From its inception as an ambitious deck par...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 8Ep. 4
Kyle Ferguson, CEO and Founder of FBFK law firm, is redefining what it means to lead in the legal world. In this episode of Decision Points, Kyle shares his journey from small-town Lawton, Oklahoma, to building a thriving, people-focused law firm with offices in Texas and Southern California. His insights challenge the typical attorney stereotype, offering a refreshing perspective on leadership, growth, and empathy in business. In this episode, Kyle dives into the philosophy that drives his firm...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 8Ep. 3
Running a family business is a balancing act of tradition, vision, and relationships—and Riz Sunderji knows it well. As the President of Sleeptronic, a family-owned mattress manufacturing company that delivers “high-quality mattresses at a great value,” Riz has spent his career blending innovation with the legacy of a multi-generational business. In this episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Riz to explore the ups and downs of running a family business. Riz t...
Feb 11, 2025•53 min•Season 8Ep. 2
Ricky Dickson, the former CEO of Blue Bell Creameries, has a story that’s as rich and layered as the ice cream his company is famous for. From writing a college paper about Blue Bell to leading the company through some of its biggest challenges, Ricky’s journey is about leadership, determination, and values grounded in “doing the right thing always.” In this episode of Decision Points , Ricky talks about the pivotal experiences that shaped his career, including a humbling lesson early on that co...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 8Ep. 1
In this episode of Decision Points , Doug Hudson and Scott Wood chat with Emily Barahona, the founder of E3 Studios and The Culture Agency, about the powerful connection between branding, culture, and personal purpose. With years of experience in design, hospitality, and branding, Emily explains how she’s helped clients like Vibe Restaurants grow their businesses with intention and heart. Her philosophy is simple: aligning personal growth with professional success is the key to creating lasting,...
Jan 28, 2025•52 min•Season 7Ep. 8
Kelvin Walker, CEO of the Dallas Citizens Council, joins hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood for an inspiring conversation about leadership, community involvement, and the importance of civic engagement. Growing up in Griffin, Georgia, Kelvin shares his journey from his days at Morehouse College to his successful career in banking, private equity, and ultimately civic leadership. Now leading one of the most influential organizations in Dallas, Kelvin highlights the critical challenges the city face...
Jan 21, 2025•56 min•Season 7Ep. 7
This week, we sit down with Irfaan Lalani, CEO of Vibe Restaurants, to discuss the leadership strategies behind managing a multi-brand franchise operation. Leading brands like Little Caesars® and Wingstop®, Irfaan shares how his global experiences and deep understanding of diverse cultures have shaped his approach to business and leadership. From teamwork to innovation, Irfaan offers valuable insights into creating a community-focused company culture that drives success. One of the key themes in...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 7Ep. 6
In this week’s episode of Decision Points , hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Steve Van Amburgh, CEO and Executive Chairman of KDC Real Estate Development & Investments. The topics? Leadership, real estate, and the importance of giving back. With over 35 years at KDC, Steve shares how his vision has transformed the commercial real estate landscape and helped build long-term partnerships with top Fortune 500 companies. He discusses the leadership principles that have guided KDC t...
Jan 07, 2025•49 min•Season 7Ep. 5
In this episode of Decision Points , Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Missy Lucas, Managing Director of Family Wealth at True North, to explore the intricacies of family wealth management and the rise of family offices. With nearly 30 years of experience in the financial industry, Missy brings a wealth of knowledge on how to effectively manage significant wealth, offering practical advice for families looking to establish and grow their financial legacies. Missy shares her journey from t...
Dec 10, 2024•57 min•Season 7Ep. 4
In this episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood dive into the complexities of selling a business with Oliver Cone, Senior Vice President at Bulkley Capital. With years of experience in venture capital and investment banking, Oliver has successfully guided hundreds of business owners through the process of selling their companies. He shares valuable insights on how to identify the right time to sell, the importance of business readiness, and how to find the perfect partners t...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 7Ep. 3
In this episode of Decision Points, Doug Hudson and Scott Wood sit down with Whit Roberts, a legal expert and partner at O'Melveny in Dallas, to discuss the evolving legal landscape and his personal journey in the corporate law world. Whit shares insights on founding O'Melveny's corporate section in Texas and how the legal industry has had to adapt to meet the demands of an increasingly sophisticated economy. The conversation explores Whit’s personal background, from his Dallas up...
Nov 19, 2024•50 min•Season 7Ep. 2
Today, we sit down with Brandt Bowden, CEO of Hanover Company, to discuss his journey in leading and growing a family-owned real estate business. Hanover, originally founded by Brandt’s father in 1982, has grown from modest beginnings to a billion-dollar enterprise by 2016. Brandt shares how he transitioned from an English major with a focus on Shakespeare to becoming the leader of one of the top multifamily and industrial real estate companies in the country. Brandt provides valuable insights i...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 7Ep. 1
Join hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood as they sit down with Britt Fair, President of Fair Texas Title, to discuss the highs and lows of the title insurance industry. Britt shares his journey from growing up in a family deeply rooted in the title business to leading Fair Texas Title. He reveals the challenges and learning points from selling the family business, the impact of market fluctuations on residential and commercial transactions, and his perspective on treating homes as places to live ra...
Nov 05, 2024•58 min•Season 6Ep. 8
In this episode of Decision Points, hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood are joined by retail legend Crawford Brock, owner of the acclaimed Stanley Korshak. Crawford shares his incredible journey from running Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills to transforming Stanley Korshak into the luxury retail establishment that it is today. He discusses the pivotal moments, tough decisions, and mentorship by Stanley Marcus that shaped his career. Crawford's stories of resilience, business strategy, and personal a...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Our guest this week is Benji Homsey, co-founder of Duro Hospitality Group. Join Doug Hudson and Scott Wood as they dive into Benji's journey from overseeing the development of Hotel Zaza to founding Duro Hospitality and launching successful restaurants like The Charles and El Carlos. Benji shares the challenges and triumphs of the hospitality industry and why “icing” (as he calls it) is critical in customer service. To him, it’s always been about exceptional service and attention to detail....
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 6Ep. 6
This episode of Decision Points features Dupree Scovell, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Woodbine Development, a top real estate company headquartered in Dallas, TX. It all started at age 16 washing dishes in his family's hotel. Our guest dives into the influence of his family's history, the role of mentorship, and pivotal decisions that shaped his career, offering valuable insights on leadership, succession planning, and balancing personal and professional growth. Tun...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Join us for an engaging conversation with Corby Davidson, co-host of 'The Ticket,' as he reflects on his 30-year journey in the radio business. In this episode of Decision Points, Corby and host Doug Hudson discuss the significance of chemistry in leadership, the challenges and rewards of following one's passion, and the drive that has brought him success over the years. From stories of fierce competitiveness on and off the field to the importance of mentorship and hard work, Corb...
Oct 08, 2024•53 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Join hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood as they sit down with Craige Stout, CEO global advisory firm Stout. In this episode of Decision Points, Craige shares his journey from his Michigan roots and his academic tenure at Michigan State University to leading a successful valuation and financial advisory firm. Through insightful anecdotes, Craige unveils the foundational aspects of his career, highlighting the importance of culture, strategic decision-making, and the value of having the right partne...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 2
This week's episode of Decision Points features Rand Stagen, CEO of Stagen Leadership Academy, who brings 25 years of entrepreneurship to the table. Hosts Doug Hudson and Scott Wood dive into Rand's journey, from running a successful publishing business to transforming it into a leadership academy that helps CEOs and business owners find their untapped potential. Rand shares personal insights on the importance of purpose-driven leadership, the evolution of his own values, and the vital...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Join us for another episode of Decision Points, where we reconnect with Daron Babcock, Director of Community Transformation at Stand Together Foundation. If you missed our previous episode with Daron, we encourage you to take a listen. We dive a little deeper in this episode, as Darren shares how his perspective on empathy, entrepreneurship, and innovation has fueled his mission to solve some of society’s biggest issues. At the heart of Darren’s story is the principle of proximity —being close e...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 8
In this week’s episode of Decision Points, Frankie Basso, President and CEO of SystemWare, dives into the foundational role that family values play in creating a strong corporate culture. Leading a company that was started by his father in the 1980s, Basso has successfully woven these principles into the fabric of SystemWare, fostering a work environment that prioritizes nurturing and support alongside innovation and growth. Throughout the episode, Frankie explores how the culture of family has ...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 7
This week, True North is excited to invite guest Kishore Khandavalli, a visionary entrepreneur who transitioned from a small town in India to becoming the CEO of multiple thriving software companies in the United States. Starting with just $3,000 and a dream, Khandavalli’s initial steps in the United States took him from chemical engineering to the heights of the IT and software industry, driven by the pursuit of opportunity . His story takes us through the founding of his own company, the chall...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 6
How can a successful office space foster creativity and productivity? In this week’s episode of Decision Points, Lindsay Wilson, the president and principal of Corgan, shares her journey from cheerleader in Conway, Arkansas to a visionary leader in the world of architectural design. Guided by a profound belief in the transformative power of design, Lindsay shares how she is shaping the future of workplace environments across the nation, grounded here in the DFW metroplex. Lindsay dives into the ...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 5Ep. 5
In this episode of Decision Points, our guest is Jeff Staubach, founder of Staubach Capital and son of NFL legend Roger Staubach. Beyond his father's shadow, Jeff has carved out his own path in the real estate industry, embodying an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. We dive into his transition from sports to business, where Jeff shares the lessons learned from his brief professional baseball career and why he chose to pivot to real estate—a decision influenced by hi...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 4
