Bo Beard, Principal at Smith and Stevenson

In this episode of Voices of Leadership, Chris Atwell sits down with Bo Beard of Smith & Stevenson for a candid conversation about what leadership really looks like when you grow from peer to leader inside a long-standing manufacturers’ rep agency. Bo shares an honest and relatable perspective on stepping into leadership without feeling fully ready, and how confidence is built gradually through listening, learning, and experience. 

Bo reflects on his early days in leadership, when he went from being “one of the guys” on the sales team to leading the very people he once worked alongside. He opens up about the discomfort, self-doubt, and patience required during that transition and how trust from peers, manufacturers, and partners ultimately helped solidify his confidence and role as a leader. 

One of the most powerful moments in the conversation centers on making hard decisions. Bo shares the emotional weight of letting go of a long-tenured salesperson and navigating the pain of losing a valued team member to a competitor. These experiences shaped his understanding that leadership often requires doing the right thing, even when it’s deeply uncomfortable, and learning from every outcome. 

Chris and Bo also explore:

• The challenge of leading former peers and redefining relationships
• Why patience and perspective are essential leadership skills
• How taking care of your mental and physical health impacts decision-making
• The importance of daily connection, presence, and an open-door policy
• Navigating change while leading a 60-year-old agency
• Why relationships remain the foundation of success in the rep industry 
  
  

Throughout the episode, Bo emphasizes the importance of slowing down, listening to all sides, and staying grounded when unexpected challenges arise. He also shares his excitement for the future of Smith & Stevenson, driven by new energy, strong relationships, and a continued commitment to nurturing people, customers, and manufacturer partnerships. 

This conversation offers a real, behind-the-scenes look at leadership inside a legacy agency, highlighting the patience, humility, and intentional habits required to lead people well while continuing to grow and evolve.

Chris Atwell is the Founder of Mindset-Conquest, a leadership and mindset coach working with manufacturers’ rep agencies across North America. He helps leaders strengthen their mindset, elevate their leadership, and create the clarity and structure needed to grow their business and their people.