Escape the CEO Doom Loop
Escape the CEO Doom Loop is built for CEOs and leadership teams ready to grow. Each episode delivers practical insights, real-world stories, and tools you can use today to lead with clarity and scale with confidence. We spotlight what’s working—and what’s not—for leaders navigating growth, building culture, and driving accountability.
It’s more than a podcast—it’s a gateway to The CEO Playbook and the next step in becoming the leader your business needs next.
Escape the CEO Doom Loop
Episode 7: Leading a Legacy Without Losing Yourself with Matt McDonell
What does it really take to lead a century-old family business into its next era of growth, without losing yourself in the process?
In this episode, Glen Dall and John Ninkovich sit down with Matt McDonell, CEO of MJS Packaging, to explore his journey from family member on the sidelines to full-time sales leader and, ultimately, CEO.
Matt opens up about the weight of leadership, the discipline of strategic planning, the loneliness that often comes with the role, and the ongoing work of building a culture that retains A-players in a modern world.
If you’re leading a growing business, navigating succession, or just trying to find balance in the chaos, this conversation is for you.
Key Topics Covered:
The evolution of a 135+ year-old family business
Transitioning into the CEO seat during COVID
Breaking old habits: from "everyone sells everything" to strategic focus
Building a true leadership team and letting go of firefighting
What it feels like to live in the CEO Doom Loop—and how Matt gets out of it
The cost of ignoring personal well-being as a leader
Balancing legacy with future growth (including acquisitions)
How to retain A-players and build accountability in a family-oriented culture
Why a CEO coach matters—and what kind of support makes a difference
Guest Bio:
Matt McDonell is the CEO of MJS Packaging, a multi-generation family business founded in 1885. With deep roots in sales and a strategic mind for growth, Matt has helped lead the company through industry disruption, leadership transitions, and internal reinvention. He’s known for his direct communication, humble leadership, and commitment to building a business that outlasts him.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Who is Matt McDonell?
04:00 – Family business legacy + Matt’s path to CEO
10:15 – First strategic planning sessions with John
15:45 – The decision to reinvest in leadership (vs. distribute profits)
20:30 – Growing pains & signs the team needed change
26:00 – Becoming the CEO: reality vs. expectation
33:40 – Recognizing and escaping the CEO Doom Loop
39:25 – Balancing family, health, and mental clarity
44:15 – Building a culture that attracts and keeps A-players
49:10 – Driving change in a legacy business
53:40 – The importance of understanding your core customer
59:00 – How Matt's role has evolved + becoming a remote CEO
1:06:15 – Vision, legacy, and what comes next
1:10:30 – Matt’s CEO Playbook: 3 non-negotiables
1:14:00 – Final reflections from Glen & John
