CEO Global Network Podcast
🎙 Hosted by John Wilson, founder of CEO Global Network and author of GREAT CEOs and How They Are Made, this podcast delivers powerful insights for CEOs and executives looking to grow as leaders and drive lasting success.
Each episode features candid conversations with high-performing business leaders, expert speakers, and industry trailblazers—all focused on sharpening your leadership edge, building resilient companies, and improving your life, your team, and your impact.
Join a community of CEOs helping CEOs succeed.
CEO Global Network Podcast
Nat Korol, Co-Founder of Hyphen Co. - Responsible Growth and Resilient Leadership in B2B Marketing
In this episode of the CEO Global Network Podcast, John Wilson sits down with Nat Korol, Co-Founder of Hyphen Co., a B2B marketing strategist and advocate for sustainable growth. Nat shares how trail running informs her leadership, why joy must be protected amid entrepreneurial pressure, and what responsible marketing looks like in an increasingly digital world.
We explore the values that built Hyphen, the role of presence in leadership, and the powerful lesson Nat learned from losing a client due to a vacation conflict. She also reflects on her time teaching content strategy and the surprising lessons her students taught her in return.
If you’re a leader who believes in doing well by doing good, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
00:00 — Introduction
John Wilson: Nat, welcome to the CEO Global Network podcast. It's great to have you with us.
00:40 — How has trail running shaped the way you lead and make decisions?
Nat Korol: Trail running helps me stay physically, mentally, and emotionally balanced. It teaches patience and persistence — both essential for business leadership.
02:10 — How do you balance joy with the realities and pressures of running a business?
Nat Korol: I try to find joy in small daily moments and prioritize what matters, even during tough days. Sometimes joy comes from outside of work — family dinners, nature walks, or even petting my dog.
03:12 — What is one principle from Hyphen’s early days that still shapes the company today?
Nat Korol: Our company was founded on values alignment and purpose-driven work. That’s rooted in how my co-founder and I met — volunteering for a SickKids event.
04:13 — What does “responsible growth” in B2B marketing look like in practice?
Nat Korol: Responsible growth and ambitious scaling aren’t mutually exclusive. It’s about intentional strategy, avoiding waste, and choosing sustainable digital and physical tactics — like virtual swag bags, green hosting, and mindful content archiving.
07:35 — Is there a client story that stands out from your journey at Hyphen?
Nat Korol: Early on, I missed a key presentation due to a personal vacation. Although my team nailed it, we lost the client. That taught me the importance of being present as a leader — physically and symbolically.
09:29 — What have your students taught you from your time teaching content strategy?
Nat Korol: Teaching showed me not to take myself too seriously. The most meaningful moments came from ditching the lesson plan and engaging students with what mattered to them. Humbling and energizing.
11:07 — Closing
John Wilson: Thank you, Nat. It’s been a pleasure having you on the podcast.
