Turning Obstacles Into Opportunity

Today’s speaker didn’t just talk about leadership — he showed us what it truly looks like.

We had the privilege of hearing from Nathan Stooke, CEO of Wisper Internet, and his story is one that left all of us thinking a little deeper about what success really means. Wisper isn’t just an investor in our Silver Creek Area CEO program — they’re also the company that provides our home base for the year. We’re incredibly grateful to spend our mornings learning inside a business that lives out the very lessons we study every day.

Nathan opened up about his journey with dyslexia, something that made school and reading a challenge growing up. But instead of letting that stop him, he used it to fuel his determination. He found new ways to learn, communicate, and problem-solve — skills that would one day become some of his biggest strengths as a leader. He turned what the world called a “disability” into his greatest ability.

He talked about the early days of Wisper — starting small, learning to manage cash flow, and understanding that even a profitable business can still go bankrupt if you don’t “know your numbers.” He reminded us that cash flow is king and that you can’t borrow your way out of debt.

But it wasn’t just about the financial lessons. Nathan’s words hit home when he talked about family. He told us that our business should work for us, not the other way around — and that our families will be there even when our company is not. That perspective grounded everything he said.

When it came to leadership, his advice was simple but powerful:
• Lead by example.
• Be the “captain” of your company.
• Accept that you don’t know everything.
• Remember, culture starts at the top.

And maybe his favorite lesson of all — read, read, read. He reminded us of a quote by Charles Jones:
“You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.”

Nathan doesn’t just talk about hard work — he lives it. He’s done every job at Wisper: climbing towers, marketing door to door, and staying connected to every part of his company. That kind of hands-on leadership is rare, and it left a lasting impression on all of us.

We walked away reminded that success isn’t about perfection — it’s about persistence, people, and purpose. Nathan showed us that obstacles don’t define you. How you rise above them does.

Thank you, Nathan, for sharing your story, your honesty, and your heart.