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 11: Pressure Is a Privilege: Josh Barney on Family Business Leadership
In this episode of Escape the CEO Doom Loop, Glen Dall and John Ninkovich sit down with Josh Barney, Vice President of JJ Barney Construction. A former attorney who left the courtroom for concrete, Josh shares the story of joining his fourth-generation family business, the challenges of stepping into a future CEO role, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Josh reflects on transitioning leadership from his father, building a dream team, and why he believes construction is a people business. From honoring his great-grandfather’s legacy to shaping a modern company culture, this conversation explores faith, family, and the real meaning of leadership.
Watch now to hear how Josh plans to avoid the CEO Doom Loop and what advice he has for leaders carrying the weight of legacy and growth.
Chapters:
[00:00:00] Introduction & Setup
[00:03:30] Welcome Josh Barney
[00:04:14] The History of JJ Barney Construction
[00:10:27] Leaving Law for the Family Business
[00:17:41] Building Leadership & Structure
[00:23:24] Challenges of Delegation and Change
[00:40:22] Faith, Family, and Legacy
[00:44:01] Fear, Pressure, and Privilege
[00:46:18] Three Keys to Avoid the CEO Doom Loop
[00:49:25] Closing Thoughts
