

With an abundance of experiential wisdom and an infusion of innovative thinking, business leaders gain a deeper understanding of what their people truly need and how to design people practices that meet those needs now.
In this episode, Shawn is joined by his teammate AJ Kruse, and they chat with Tom Parks — Director of Retirement Plan Services at Annex Wealth Management — to talk about scaling a people-first culture, leading with courage, and why care is never corny. With laughs, insights, and a focus on real leadership, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating growth or looking to inspire their team! 🚀
PLUS, Annex offers a diverse selection of educational resources, both in terms of topics as well as the manner of delivery (radio, YouTube, webinar, in-person, etc.) to empower workers of all socioeconomic levels. Here are some samples.
Additional Resources:
Learn more about Annex Wealth Management
Follow Annex Wealth Management on FaceBook
Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn
Connect with AJ Kruze on LinkedIn
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network
Key Takeaways:
- People First: Growth is about relationships, not just revenue. Annex’s success lies in its focus on individuals—both employees and clients.
- Core Values: Courage and integrity are foundational, guiding decisions and maintaining authenticity in leadership.
- Balancing Broad and Narrow Focus: Leadership requires expanding vision while also bringing focus to priorities.
- Open Communication: Radical candor is crucial, but it must rest on a foundation of mutual respect and care.













