Michael in the Media: Michael Simpson on Executive Leaders Radio

Brinker Simpson & Company is glad to share that Managing Partner Michael Simpson was recently featured on Executive Leaders Radio, the nationally syndicated radio show and podcast that interviews CEOs and firm leaders about what it takes to succeed.

The conversation traced Michael's path from a busboy at 14 in Wildwood Crest to Managing Partner of a firm he joined as an intern and has helped grow from three people to more than 80 over 32 years. Along the way, host Herb Cohen drew out the philosophy behind how Michael leads today.

A few moments stood out.

On failure as growth

"One of the first conversations I have with any new employee at Brinker Simpson is that failure isn't a big red F. Failure is growth. As long as we learn from it, we should not be afraid to fail."

On trust over control

"We're only as strong as our weakest link. I trust my partners and staff day in and day out to do what they're responsible for. That's the only way the organization grows. I'm not a micromanager."

On leading by example

As Managing Partner, Michael sees his own work ethic as the tone-setter for the firm. If the team sees him working hard, he believes they will too.

On what shaped him

Michael credits his discipline to his father, a Marine Corps captain who served in Vietnam, and his authenticity to his mother, who raised four children from humble South Philadelphia beginnings. Her advice has stuck with him: "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."

On the future of the firm

What makes Brinker Simpson unique, in Michael's view, is the young leadership coming up behind him. "They're bringing new ideas and new energy, and the sky's the limit for Brinker Simpson."

Listen to the full interview

Hear the complete conversation on Executive Leaders Radio here.