Think Beyond Transactions to Solve Real Problems That Matter: Interview with Kevin Pope, CEO of PenLink

I recently went one-on-one with Kevin Pope, CEO of PenLink.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?

Kevin: My leadership journey kicked off back in my early 30s, right at the heart of Stanley Black and Decker. It was here that I had the opportunity to take on the President role at Senior Stanley Technologies, today known as Stanley Healthcare. Stepping into the culture of high pressure and elevated organizational expectations was exciting because it required me to roll up my sleeves and fully immerse myself into the technical, day-to-day grind.

Embracing the GE philosophy marked a turning point in my career. Jack Welch infused an insatiable sense of curiosity into every level of the organization. That experience drilled into me what real leadership is all about – mastering the tactical side, curating the right team, setting a clear vision, and keeping the financial ship steady for growth. As my tenure at Stanley Healthcare wrapped up, I knew I wanted my next chapter to be with a company that was technologically oriented, tapped into a global market, and had a strong, mission-driven culture. This ultimately led me to PenLink, where I've held the executive title for over 15 years now.

For my fellow entrepreneurs eyeing up new challenges, my advice is that energy flows where your attention goes. Just as you map out goals for your business, don't forget to set them for yourself.

Adam: In your experience, what are the key steps to growing and scaling your business?

Kevin: To successfully grow and scale your business, it boils down to three fundamental elements: having the right people in key roles, implementing efficient processes to support product development and sales, and setting realistic, strategic benchmarks for success. Together, these elements serve as the bedrock for scaling your enterprise in a sustainable and impactful manner.

Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading, and managing teams?

Kevin: A great piece of advice I’ve observed about developing and maintaining teams is from the book, Good to Great by James Collins. In it,  he uses an analogy about knowing when it's time to get the ‘right people on and the wrong people off of the bus’. The message James is conveying –the importance of hiring the right team members and placing them in roles where their skills and strengths have the most impact, has been a guiding light for me in every leadership role.

Adam: What are the most important trends in technology that leaders should be aware of and understand? What should they understand about them?

Kevin: We live in a digital world, where customers are overrun with data–Generative AI is one advancement in technology that no business leader can ignore. Especially in critical or more legacy sectors, such as law enforcement, GenAI has the potential to significantly enhance business intelligence and bolster risk assessment capabilities–transforming the way forensic data is processed, patterns are identified, and leads are narrowed in on. This will have a major impact on the number of positive case outcomes, and the potential for other industries is just as transformative.

Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader?

Kevin: Effective leadership, in my perspective, centers on the ability to swiftly and decisively make critical decisions. It's the capacity to cut through complexity, analyze situations rapidly, and chart a course of action. Challenges are an inherent part of any journey, and as a leader, recognizing when to pivot is non-negotiable.

It's about staying agile in the face of uncertainty and being adept at guiding the team through dynamic scenarios. The essence of this lies not just in the speed of decision-making but in its precision. It involves understanding the intricacies of the challenge at hand, evaluating potential outcomes, and making choices that align with the overall strategic direction. It's a blend of intuition, experience, and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.

Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?

Kevin: American author and educator Charles Jones once said, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.”

As individuals, we’re always growing and evolving, so it’s important to talk to folks; meet new people, and strive to obtain different perspectives. Actively contributing to and expanding on that process is how leaders can take their skills to the next level.

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?           

Kevin: As someone who's been in the trenches, my advice boils down to three essentials. Start by crafting a vision that's not just powerful but shared openly with your team and stakeholders. It's about weaving a common purpose that unites everyone.

Look beyond the day-to-day grind; find your calling and connect with the 'why' behind what you do. And, of course, success isn't just about the numbers; aim for growth that not only benefits your team and customers but also leaves a positive mark on the world. It's not just about leading; it's about leading with heart and purpose. These principles have guided me as the CEO of PenLink, and I believe they'll resonate with entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders alike.

Adam: What are your best tips on the topics of sales, marketing, and branding?

Kevin: When diving into sales, think beyond transactions to solve real problems that matter – be it boosting efficiency, enhancing customer experiences, or integrating new tech seamlessly. Understand your audience intimately; know their pain points and aspirations. Shift the spotlight to the positive side of sales, highlighting how your offerings genuinely make a difference.

From a marketing and branding angle, prioritize education. Share our story authentically and consistently so that people not only know what we do but also understand how we enhance their lives. It's more than business; it's about making connections and improving every day for our customers.

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

Kevin: The best advice I've ever gotten is simple but powerful. Warren Buffet once said, 'The best investment you can make is in yourself.' It's about holding onto a strong belief in who you are. Sure, mentors and people who see something in you play a part, but at the end of the day, it boils down to having confidence in yourself.

Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Kevin: As we wrap up, I want to drive home the importance of adaptability. At PenLink, we've thrived by embracing change, fostering innovation, and staying true to our commitment to enhancing connectivity through advanced technology. It's not just about what we do; it's about the impact we make. I encourage fellow leaders and aspiring individuals to approach challenges with a growth mindset, leverage the power of collaboration, and always keep the end goal of creating positive change in focus.


Adam Mendler is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, educator, and nationally recognized authority on leadership. Adam is the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he goes one-on-one with America's most successful people - Fortune 500 CEOs, founders of household name companies, Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medal-winning athletes, political and military leaders - for intimate half-hour conversations each week. A top leadership speaker, Adam draws upon his insights building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a top keynote speaker to businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations. Adam has written extensively on leadership and related topics, having authored over 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost, and has conducted more than 500 one on one interviews with America’s top leaders through his collective media projects. Adam teaches graduate-level courses on leadership at UCLA and is an advisor to numerous companies and leaders. A Los Angeles native, Adam is a lifelong Angels fan and an avid backgammon player.

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