Robynn Storey on Leadership Without Ego and Building a Business That Puts People First
Tue Jan 20 2026
Summary In this episode of Inside the Leader's Mind, David Suson sits down with Robynn Storey, Founder of Storeyline Resumes, to explore what leadership looks like when ego steps aside and humanity takes the lead. Robynn shares her unconventional journey from a high-level corporate role at Pepsi to waiting tables, and ultimately building a multi-million-dollar, fully remote company rooted in kindness, accountability, and trust.
Robynn explains why she hires for character over credentials, how loyalty is earned rather than demanded, and why culture is built through everyday human moments rather than perks or programs. From sending care packages to protecting work-life balance, her leadership philosophy proves that compassion and high performance are not opposites—they are partners.
Takeaways Leadership without ego creates stronger loyalty and engagement
Culture is built in everyday human moments, not corporate perks
Hiring for character leads to long-term success and retention
Transparency and kindness drive performance more than fear
Strong leaders protect people, not just results
Soundbites "If someone on your team can call you for personal advice, you've won."
"Culture isn't a program. It's how you treat people when life happens."
"People will never work harder for you when you are mean to them."
"Success isn't privilege. It's the result of effort and care."
"We are not brain surgeons. I want people to go have a life."
Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Robynn Storey
03:25 – Leaving corporate life and redefining success
05:56 – Ego, identity, and waiting tables
09:48 – Hustle mentality and leadership balance
15:50 – Loyalty, care, and human-centered culture
23:32 – Leadership lessons from corporate America
29:35 – Hiring failures and automated systems
37:55 – What truly creates strong culture
45:22 – The donut question and final reflections
Contact Links for the Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynnstorey/
Website: storeylineresumes.com
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Summary In this episode of Inside the Leader's Mind, David Suson sits down with Robynn Storey, Founder of Storeyline Resumes, to explore what leadership looks like when ego steps aside and humanity takes the lead. Robynn shares her unconventional journey from a high-level corporate role at Pepsi to waiting tables, and ultimately building a multi-million-dollar, fully remote company rooted in kindness, accountability, and trust. Robynn explains why she hires for character over credentials, how loyalty is earned rather than demanded, and why culture is built through everyday human moments rather than perks or programs. From sending care packages to protecting work-life balance, her leadership philosophy proves that compassion and high performance are not opposites—they are partners. Takeaways Leadership without ego creates stronger loyalty and engagement Culture is built in everyday human moments, not corporate perks Hiring for character leads to long-term success and retention Transparency and kindness drive performance more than fear Strong leaders protect people, not just results Soundbites "If someone on your team can call you for personal advice, you've won." "Culture isn't a program. It's how you treat people when life happens." "People will never work harder for you when you are mean to them." "Success isn't privilege. It's the result of effort and care." "We are not brain surgeons. I want people to go have a life." Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Robynn Storey 03:25 – Leaving corporate life and redefining success 05:56 – Ego, identity, and waiting tables 09:48 – Hustle mentality and leadership balance 15:50 – Loyalty, care, and human-centered culture 23:32 – Leadership lessons from corporate America 29:35 – Hiring failures and automated systems 37:55 – What truly creates strong culture 45:22 – The donut question and final reflections Contact Links for the Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynnstorey/ Website: storeylineresumes.com