This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.

I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other’s stories – of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.

In this captivating interview, we sit down with Josh Staph, the dynamic President and CEO of Duncan Toys Company, an iconic brand with a rich history dating back to 1929. 

Get ready to dive into a conversation that transcends toy-making and ventures into the fascinating world of innovation and leadership. 

Discover how Josh seamlessly transitioned from the digital media industry to the toy business, breaking traditional molds along the way. 

He shares invaluable insights about the power of empathy in leadership, the importance of embracing change, and how building a strong team is the cornerstone of success. 

If you’re looking for inspiration and actionable leadership wisdom, this interview is a must-listen! 

You can find Josh Staph at the below links

In the interview, Josh shares

  • “Duncan is one of the world’s oldest and most recognized toy brands, founded in 1929.”
  • “We have a patented yo-yo technology with sensors built in, allowing us to bring yo-yos to mobile gaming.”
  • “Leadership is not about having all the answers, but knowing what questions to ask.”
  • “Understanding what makes people tick is the key to helping them reach their goals.”
  • “I can’t do it all on my own. Part of leadership is building a team of people who can do things better than you.”
  • “My family is my rock, and they recharge my batteries.”
  • “One of the challenges of leading people is avoiding long-lasting negative impacts when changing course.”
  • “Clear communication is key to navigating changes without causing emotional stress.”
  • “Leaders should be open and willing to admit when mistakes are made and take responsibility for them.”