Level Up Podcast
Nick Araco
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This is the Level Up Podcast where we generate authentic conversations with business and industry trailblazers on how to bring growth, diversity, and leadership to the next level.
Available episodes
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Nov 14, 2022
Redefining Handcrafted and Fresh Baked Dog Treats With Kaleb and Kolby Rush
In March 2020, brothers Kaleb and Kolby Rush lost their internships with the onset of the pandemic. They decided to put their skills and knowledge to good use. Alongside their dad, they spent months perfecting their five-ingredient, human-grade, meat-based dog treat recipes. With a passion for entrepreneurship, a love for dogs, and their unique knowledge of dog treat craftsmanship, Kaleb and Kolby got down to business and co-founded Saint Rocco’s Treats. They’re focused on opening 15 Saint Rocco's kitchens by 2030.
Kaleb Rush is also the Production Manager at Prime Packaging Partners LLC. Kaleb graduated from the Fox School of Business at Temple University with a major in supply chain management and a minor in entrepreneurship, selling skills, and sales operations. He is also the Recruitment Chairman for Delta Chi, where he developed a recruitment strategy and successfully onboarded 20 new members to help grow its colony and build Delta Chi's brand on campus.
Kolby Rush sharpened his practical understanding of the business world as an Associate Consultant for Chess Consulting LLC, an Intern at Primerica, and by working for his dad at American Butcher Brand. Kolby received a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University with a major in finance and a minor in economics. He also studied abroad in Germany at Pforzheim University, learning business and economics. In this episode…
Your four-legged friend has always been there with a gentle nose and a warm heart, so how can you make sure you’re catering to your pet’s dietary needs? What steps can you take to ensure an authentic consumer experience across various touch points?
When Kaleb and Kobly Rush began their dog treat brand, they were certain about one thing — dogs deserve better. By bootstrapping their brand, they control the ingredients that go into each treat, so man’s best friend will only get top ingredients. Kaleb and Kolby enhanced their marketing recipe by using a genuine approach to reach their target audience and make a positive impact in their community by donating $1 to local dog rescues for every pound of treats sold. Bring tail wags to your home with this episode.
In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco is joined by Kaleb and Kolby Rush, Founders of Saint Rocco’s Treats, to discuss the commitment and passion behind creating a pet food brand. Together, they talk about launching a human-grade dog food brand, why authenticity has a greater impact on consumers, and why remaining committed to your values is essential.
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Oct 10, 2022
Passion, Purpose, and Performance With May Thao-Schuck, EdD, Vice President of Career and Professional Development at St. Catherine University
May Thao-Schuck, EdD, is the Vice President of Career and Professional Development at St. Catherine University. With a strong background in leading and advancing teams and organizations, May successfully propels growth through innovative strategic organization and business design. She was previously the Divisional Director of Workforce Development Employment and Training Programs at the Minnesota Department of Employment and the Director of Organizational Development for Training and Development at ActivStyle.
She earned her doctorate in organization development and change from the University of St. Thomas, an MBA from Argosy University, and her bachelor’s in therapeutic recreation and recreational therapy from the University of Minnesota. May is an active board member at the Minnesota State High School League and CommonBond Communities. In this episode…
Making difficult decisions and recognizing when it's time to pivot can be challenging for leaders. How can you embrace a diverse talent pool to create a stronger team and work environment?
When statistics show that within the first 18 months, 40% of internal promotions and 55% of outside hires leave, how can you equip your organization with the right systems and processes to assemble lasting leadership? For May Thao-Schuck, EdD, the answer may be surprising: holistic positioning. Positioning leaders based on foundational career competencies and adaptability can set up organizations for success. If you want your organization to become successful, begin with your leadership.
In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with May Thao-Schuck, EdD, Vice President of Career and Professional Development at St. Catherine University, to discuss cultivating a workplace with equity and opportunity. May talks about the impact employees make on the workforce environment, challenges organizations face while handling human capital, and how to empower leaders for generations to come.
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Oct 3, 2022
Recruiting, Leading, and Overcoming With Ginny Clarke
Ginny Clarke is the CEO of Ginny Clarke, LLC. She is a talent strategist and organizational builder who provides insights to some of the world's leading executive search firms and technology companies. She recently started her consultancy, where she speaks, writes, and hosts the Fifth Dimensional Leadership podcast.
She was the Director of Leadership Staffing and led diversity and internal mobility and non-tech recruiting teams at Google for nearly five years. As a seasoned executive recruiter, Ginny possesses a singular approach to leadership assessment, diversity, recruiting, and talent management that is sought after by her peers. In this episode…
An overlooked aspect of leadership is found in recruitment. More than merely focusing on the hiring process, great leaders can enable, nurture, and welcome new people into their teams. This slight shift into conscious leadership starts from the very beginning and runs through the entire relationship. However, this is easier said than done.
Ginny Clarke is aware of the difficulties of conscious leadership and has positioned her career towards helping others develop that mindset. She has worked with powerful brands like Google and Spencer Stuart, growing a thorough approach to recruiting and diversity. Now she explains her ideas to you.
In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco talks with Ginny Clarke, CEO of Ginny Clarke, LLC, about recruiting, growing, and conscious leading. They begin with Ginny’s career path and the story that made her the leader she is today. She then dives into greater detail on executive recruiting, developing an internal mobility and diversity team at Google, and knowing the difference between managing and leading. Check out the full episode for all of this and more!
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Sep 12, 2022
Revolutionary Ideas for Financial Strategic Initiatives With Reyn Holden, Head of Finance and Accounting at Truebill
Reyn Holden is the Head of Finance and Accounting at Truebill, a finance company that manages subscriptions, improves credit scores, tracks spending, and builds budgets for consumers. He is a Global Advisory Board Member at AchieveNEXT and the Owner of Quintessence Properties I.
Reyn led a team of internal and external staff supporting the technology acquired by Rocket Companies and helped Truebill become a member of the Rocket team. He is experienced in the finance sector and was previously the Lead Data Financial Analyst for the Virginia Regional Transit, a Consultant at LMI, Head of FP&A for Great Minds, and a Consultant for Clarendon Partners, LLC. In this episode…
How can you communicate financial information that satisfies the appetite? What can you do to align objectives with financial goals for a product-driven company?
Reyn Holden says the simplest way is not to overwhelm your clients with too much information. Effective communication requires tailoring and altering your message to a given audience. If your audience doesn't have the same level of understanding, you must express your message by directing it to the information that they want and need to know. Not everyone is a financial expert, so you must voice what's necessary to validate the next steps a business wants to take. Strategic business initiatives are built on the backs of financial information and assessing the risks and rewards of those decisions. Reyn helps translate the company’s financial needs and the desires of its product and brand-building goals, so the two form a cohesive strategy and set the company up to become an enduring enterprise.
On this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Reyn Holden, Head of Finance and Accounting at Truebill, to discuss authenticating and improving your business results. Reyn talks about examining the long-term success of your product, how to communicate financial needs effectively, and the steps you can take to balance a company’s financial and operational needs.
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Sep 6, 2022
Drawing From Life Experiences To Help Serve Your Clients With Misty Law Flurry and Milton Corsey of AchieveNEXT
Misty Law Flurry is an accomplished human resources leader who brings over 20 years of experience to her position as Director of Talent Solutions at AchieveNEXT, a company that helps businesses achieve performance goals and outcomes through its peer communities, data, insights, and talent solutions. Misty’s years of experience enabled her to garner specialization in cultural transformation, organizational and executive development, and inclusive leadership. To put it simply, Misty is a champion for the people. Additionally, Misty has held senior HR roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Mellon, and Xerox.
Milton Corsey brings over 20 years of experience to his role as Director of Human Capital Solutions at AchieveNEXT. In his role, Milton leads the leadership and management development practice. His experience and life lessons have led him to pen articles for acclaimed publications such as Harvard Business Review and Middle Market Growth. Milton is revered as a skilled facilitator who can break down complex concepts to help the diverse audiences he serves. In this episode…
Have you overcome struggles and challenges to become the person you are today? Having the courage to sift through the trials and tribulations of life shapes you at your core. And you can use your triumphs and failures as tools to help others.
You don’t have to have a colorful life to offer the world your talents or the lessons you’ve learned. Milton Corsey and Misty Law Flurry have unique backgrounds and have used their life lessons to become better leaders and serve their clients at a high level. Through their experiences, they’ve learned how to ask questions and listen to arrive at meaningful solutions using the empathy they’ve discovered inside themselves. They’ve learned to draw on the inspiration of the people they admire, pivot and change course when needed, live life with intention, and put in the work. Milton and Misty have applied their talents to their careers and have evolved and grown as people and leaders regardless of what curves life has thrown in their paths because they aren’t afraid of change and hold true to their values. In an ever-changing world that throws continuous obstacles at us, it is evident that we must become comfortable with the one constant in life — change.
In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Misty Law Flurry, Director of Talent Solutions, and Milton Corsey, Director of Human Capital Solutions at AchieveNEXT, to examine the ingredients that go into helping their clients. How do they do it? From sharing their own journeys, Misty and Milton talk about life lessons, what inspires them, and how they drew from tough experiences that helped shape their lives.
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Aug 8, 2022
Unleashing Your Story and Building Your Brand With Steve Dobbins, Founder and CEO of The Dobbins Group Inc.
Steve Dobbins is the Founder and CEO of The Dobbins Group Inc., a full-service agency solving marketing and communications challenges for clients worldwide. He is a seasoned marketing and communications professional and has worked side-by-side with CEOs to help build their brands for over twenty years. Steve was the Co-founder of revolucion LA, the Senior Vice President of Member Engagement at Vistage, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the Young Presidents' Organization, Inc., and the Owner of Spin Creative. In this episode…
Every brand has a story, and as a leader, how can you effectively communicate and embrace the story you want to be told? How can you leverage your story into a marketing strategy that ties into your business plan?
You can’t be an effective leader if you don’t look at your company’s long-term vision — and it begins with marketing strategies. Authenticity and integrity are at the heart of Steve Dobbins’ work. He has a passion for transforming a business into an enduring enterprise through marketing strategies, and he has helped many companies pivot and expand their talent pools and networks. So, how can you develop and execute a marketing strategy for long-term success?
In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Steve Dobbins, Founder and CEO of The Dobbins Group Inc., to discuss translating your brand’s authenticity through marketing channels. Steve talks about his valuable background in journalism, bridging generational gaps, and why an advisory organization is a beneficial tool for discovering learning opportunities.
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Jun 27, 2022
Reaching Beyond the Sphere of Sports With Matt Aaron, President and CEO of Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Matt Aaron is the President and CEO of the Special Olympics Pennsylvania, a nonprofit organization that uses the power of sports to transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Over the course of 13 years working for this statewide nonprofit, Matt has more than tripled annual revenues by fostering a strategic vision to expand and regionalize the organization. Matt has positioned the Special Olympics Pennsylvania as an innovator and a next-level performer.
Prior to joining Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Matt established a career in the US Navy, gained valuable marketing experience within the Strategic Planning Division of Procter and Gamble, and honed his business skills through management consultancy work with Booz Allen Hamilton. He completed his MBA with a concentration in nonprofit management from Yale School of Management. In this episode…
As a sports organization, how do you allow athletes to engage in a meaningful way during the pandemic? When the dust settles, is it possible to build for the future to better engage and serve athletes across the globe?
While the pandemic brought many challenges for businesses, it provided Matt Aaron the opportunity for innovation and reinvention. He and his team took action to effectively serve their athletes in the Special Olympics by implementing virtual events, challenges, and races. And after emerging from the lockdown, Matt knew that to boost the impact his organization brings to the community, he needed to create a new formula to rebuild.
In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Matt Aaron, President and CEO of Special Olympic Pennsylvania, to discuss how to better serve the community and athletes with higher-quality programs. Matt talks about grappling with the challenges of the pandemic, strategies for embracing organizational change, and innovative ways to connect athletes across the globe.
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Jun 6, 2022
How to Cultivate Relational Versus Transactional Connections With RJ Juliano, Senior VP, CIO, and CMP at Parkway Corporation
RJ Juliano is the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, and Chief Marketing Officer at Parkway Corporation. He helps companies create environments where people want to work and customers enjoy doing business. In 2016, he began his career with Parkway as the Chief Information Officer, and in 2020 he was promoted to the dual role of Chief Marketing Officer. In 2021, he was also handed the Senior Vice President role.
Working in real estate, higher education, and investments, RJ has over 25 years of business leadership and consulting experience specializing in technology strategy, media and marketing, operations, team development, and business processes. RJ earned both his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in business administration from The University of Delaware. In this episode…
How can you ensure your message is delivered and embraced by employees across all career lattices? When you’re communicating internally and externally, how can you portray the value and culture of your brand? For RJ Juliano, showing integrity and vulnerability should be your foundation.
By establishing trust and authenticity, you’re creating the substance and form of the information you’re communicating across all levels of your company. RJ recommends being vulnerable and asking questions, no matter your leadership status, to connect with your community and employees. An outstanding leader is always willing to learn and teach strategies and goals for the benefit of the company — and RJ is here to share his expert strategies for finding value and contributing to your company’s success.
In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with RJ Juliano, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, and Chief Marketing Officer at Parkway Corporation, to discuss optimizing and balancing your relationships and experiences across all levels of business. RJ talks about the importance of clearly communicating information, how to avoid counter productivity, and developing a corporate culture that reflects your core values.
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May 16, 2022
Impacting the Greater Good Through Corporate Social Responsibility With Regina Black Lennox, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at Satell Institute
Regina Black Lennox is the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at Satell Institute, a company well-known for a strong, supportive culture of accountability and dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Ed Satell founded and fully-endowed the groundbreaking Satell Institute, a “Think and Do Tank for Corporate Social Responsibility.” The Institute is focused on championing the interdependence of successful business organizations, the well-being of the communities they operate in, and the need they have for each other, recognizing an inescapable priority for business leaders — to make the communities they operate in better by partnering for-profits with quality nonprofits, for the greater good.
As a consultant, speaker, and presenter, Regina has also worked with faith educational institutions and nonprofit organizations to provide global resources to help companies understand and maximize their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, training retreats, and motivational seminars. Her best-known presentations include: The Language of Leadership, Ways to Incite & Excite; Stay Proactive—Not Reactive; Communicate to Create;Called, Challenged and Gifted; and Implementing Change Powerfully and Successfully.Regina serves on several boards and advisory councils and has received The Distinguished Advocate Award issued by The Support Center for Child Advocates. In this episode…
As a business leader, how can you take action and make a positive change in your community? Where can you turn to find workable strategies and resources to nourish people in need and your community?
Regina Black Lennox knows that leaders need access to tools and resources to take actionable steps to impact workforce development to sustain the community and the people who live there. She has been at the forefront of actively engaging and encouraging leaders to create immediate — and lasting — change in their communities through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Regina advocates for people to remain authentic and connect to others with a deeper meaning and to hold true to Founder Ed Satell’s belief, model, and teaching of “Think we, not just me.”
In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Regina Black Lennox, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at Satell Institute, to discuss the importance of research and a commitment for doing good within the community. Regina talks about the sequence of connecting through research and education, ways to develop positive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and creating a sustainable future through the next generation. Stay tuned!
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Apr 25, 2022
Positioning Yourself To Recreate the Future With Kendall Qualls, Republican Candidate for Minnesota Governor
Kendall Qualls is a Republican Candidate for the Governor of Minnesota. Before this, he was the Founder and President of TakeCharge Minnesota, an organization created to inspire and educate black and minority communities. He has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, working as the Chief Commercial Officer and EVP for PotentiaMetrics and the Global Marketing Vice President for Covidien/Medtronic, as well as other roles for pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies. Kendall also served on the board of trustees at Nyack Hospital in New York City and the board of directors at Colorado UpLift.
Prior to his career in politics and the healthcare industry, Kendall served as an officer in the US Army, Field Artillery. He earned his MBA from the University of Michigan and his master’s degree in communications and economics from the University of Oklahoma. In this episode…
The most accomplished leaders are focused on building relationships, cultivating success, and developing a valuable culture for generations to come. For Kendall Qualls, these values helped him achieve success when the odds were against him. So, how did he do it, and what steps can you take to grow professionally and personally?
Before becoming a candidate for the Governor of Minnesota, Kendall built a nonprofit helping minority communities achieve prosperity. He learned through his career and life the importance of fair and equitable opportunities for people from all walks of life. Now, he is here to share his story of becoming a pillar of courage within his community, creating a culture that moves past differences, and recreating the future for the next generation of leaders.
In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Kendall Qualls, Republican Candidate for the Governor of Minnesota, to talk about advocating for a better future for generations to come. Kendall shares the motivation and lessons he learned from childhood, how to prioritize prosperity in minority communities, and the important traits a leader should have. Stay tuned!
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Apr 18, 2022
Cultivating A Talent Navigator Mindset With Emma Pollard, Director of Global Talent Development at Teleflex
Emma Pollard is the Director of Global Talent Development at Teleflex, a global provider of medical technologies with more than 14,000 employees worldwide. With over a decade of experience in talent acquisition, Emma helps companies develop and engage their employees and customers at every part of the enterprise. She enjoys exploring international environments, organizations, and cultures. Additionally, Emma has a background in psychology that assists with her communication, analytic skills, and interactions. In this episode…
How can you set your employees up for success? What can you do to improve your company culture while enriching your employees' experiences? For Emma Pollard, it’s all about cultivating skillful communication in the workplace.
As a talent development expert, Emma has helped teams improve the performance and experiences of their people. She believes there is strength in understanding another person beyond what they can contribute to the workplace. It takes aut…
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Apr 4, 2022
Empowering The Next Generation of Leaders With Dan Rhoton, Executive Director at Hopeworks
Dan Rhoton is the Executive Director at Hopeworks, a nonprofit founded in 2000 to help Camden, New Jersey young adults return to school and create pathways for gainful employment. Dan is an experienced education and nonprofit leader with two decades of experience helping youth and adults achieve their dreams. With a focus on education, technology, and entrepreneurship, Dan and his team at Hopeworks provide a positive, healing atmosphere that propels young people to build strong futures and break the cycle of violence and poverty. In this episode…
Everybody deserves a second chance, and you never know what an opportunity can lead to. As a leader, how can you help someone that’s struggling achieve their goals? And where can you find the right people to help you?
As Dan Rhoton says, all you need to do is show someone the right path and opportunities for growth to build a stronger future workforce. It takes people that are bold and brave to seek out help from others so that they can…
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Mar 14, 2022
[Year in Review]
Nick Araco is the Founder and CEO of AchieveNEXT, a peer-led advisory network organization that empowers market leaders and their teams to meet ambitious growth goals. Over the last 20 years, Nick has helped facilitate a community of forward-thinking, entrepreneurial-minded, and financially educated C-Suite executives across industries. He serves as the voice of the CFO community, representing over 10,000 leaders and members of The CFO Alliance and The CHRO Alliance.
Prior to founding AchieveNEXT, Nick served in growth strategy and business development leadership roles for companies including Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP and RSM US. He is currently a renowned public speaker, a recognized global business leader, and the host of the Level Up podcast. In this episode…
Creating and managing a business can be a daunting task. Where can you find industry experts to help you build your team and achieve next-level performance?
For Nick Araco, interviewing today’s top leaders has given him…
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Mar 7, 2022
Creating Impactful Experiences With Roy Schindele, President at RDS Advisers Corp
Roy Schindele is the President of RDS Advisers Corp and the Executive Director of Sales and Marketing at Mission Inn Resort & Club. He grew up in an entrepreneurial household and has been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years. Roy’s customer-oriented focus and strategic planning experience have played a key role in his successful career. Previously, he was the Founder of a fashion design company, a Consultant at Walt Disney World, and the Resort Director at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge. In this episode…
In the hospitality industry, the manner in which you treat your guests and employees can make or break your success. This same lesson can apply to almost every other field or sector. So, how can you uphold a standard of excellence within your business? And, as a leader, how can you inspire your team to deliver an outstanding performance?
Roy Schindele delivers one-of-a-kind experiences to his clients and team through integrity, personalization, and an exceptiona…
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Feb 28, 2022
Growing Your Team from Two to 200 With Myles Anderson, Founder and CEO of BrightLocal
Myles Anderson is the Founder and CEO of BrightLocal. BrightLocal is a marketing technology business that provides solutions to local marketing challenges. Their tools and services have helped over 80,000 local marketers develop success for their brands and clients. The BrightLocal team has grown to more than 200 employees working in four countries. Before launching his business, Myles was the Product Manager and Marketing Manager for VideoJug and the Director of Business Development for eHarmony. In this episode…
It’s one thing to manage two employees. It’s a different challenge when you’re leading a team of 50. But, it’s a whole new ballgame to manage over 200 people in multiple different countries.
Myles Anderson understands this firsthand. As he says, a growing company needs growing leadership — not just in numbers of people with fancy titles, but with people who are actively learning to become better leaders. What kinds of skills does a good leader need? Where can yo…
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Feb 14, 2022
An Innovative Approach to Sustainability With Stu Benton, President and CEO of Bradford Soap Works
Stu Benton is the President and CEO at Bradford Soap Works, an international manufacturer of personal care products focused on sustainability. He has been with Bradford Soap Works for over ten years, serving as their CFO before expanding to his current position. Stu has held several executive manufacturing, distribution, and financial roles for companies including Northeast Security Inc., New Energy Alliance, Plymouth Rubber Europa S/A, and more.
Stu holds a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Bentley University and an Executive MBA from Suffolk University. He is the Past President of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs and previously served on the Board of Directors of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). In this episode…
How do you run a successful, sustainable business? For Stu Benton, it’s about understanding the vision behind the company. As he says, building a long-lasting business be…
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Feb 7, 2022
The Importance of Diversity to Business Success With Travis Shumake, the First LGBTQ+ Driver for NHRA
Travis Shumake is a Licensed NHRA Funny Car and Super Comp Dragster Driver who is skilled in community relations, brand representation, and public speaking. Travis is the fastest LGBTQ+ motorsports driver in the world and the first openly gay racer licensed by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), which is considered one of the largest motorsports sanctioning bodies across the globe. Travis grew up in the drag racing world as the son of the late Funny Car champion, Tripp Shumake, and is an LGBTQ+ activist and a nonprofit fundraiser. In this episode…
Are you in an underrepresented community and are looking to make a mark in your industry? What can you learn from other communities working together to drive success and influence others?
Travis Shumake says that being inclusive is one of the most important components of business success in any field. As the first openly gay NHRA racer, he shares his story to inspire and encourage leaders and businesses to start working with more div…
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Jan 31, 2022
The Mindset of a Successful Leader With Jeff Terhune, Director of Federal Affairs at JBS Communications, LLC
Jeff Terhune is the Director of Federal Affairs at JBS Communications, LLC, a bipartisan government relations firm. In his role, Jeff is a trusted advisor to private sector leaders, community agents, and public policymakers — providing strategy guidance that is informed by his experience with federal and state government officials. He serves small and medium-sized enterprises, institutions of higher education, and nonprofits with a primary focus on improving livelihoods in rural America. In this episode…
Are you struggling to come up with solutions that best fit your problems as a leader? What if there was a simpler way to solve your challenges?
Jeff Terhune has a proven record of finding unique answers for any given problem. Through his experience as a government relations advisor, he has gathered the required ingredients for becoming a successful leader. As he says, great leadership is not complicated — you only need to adopt the right mindset.
In this episode of Level Up, N…
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Jan 24, 2022
Elevating Founders Into CEOs With Mike Krupit, Founder of Trajectify
Mike Krupit founded Trajectify, a business and leadership coaching company, in 2013 to help entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed. He has been at the helm of eight diverse startups — including Real Food Works, Novotorium, and CDNOW — and is familiar with the highs and lows of running a business. He began his career as an engineer before discovering his passion for leadership and coaching.
During his 30 years of experience, Mike helped a 15-year-old telecommunications company double its revenues to $25 million and spent a decade in Silicon Valley working with two innovative businesses: Verity and KnowledgSet. He moved back to the Northeast and was a pioneer for Infonautics and Knite Inc., a spin-out from Princeton University. He has also helped cultivate communities like the Philly New Tech Meetup and Bootstrappers Breakfast. In this episode…
What are the ingredients of a great leader? As a founder of a business, how can you elevate your leadership and take your team to gre…
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Dec 13, 2021
Work Smarter, Not Harder With Richard Polak, Global Business Advisor
Richard Polak is a global business consultant and renowned thought leader with over 40 years of experience. He has designed world-class and HR benefit programs for multinational firms, including leading hotel chains, Fortune 100 companies, and global technology brands. Currently, Richard serves as a senior global advisor for an advocacy group that advises Congress on benefit issues, as well as other prominent associations and consulting firms.
Richard has helped hundreds of companies in more than 90 countries increase productivity, improve HR Forensics, and take their businesses to the next level. Previously, he worked as the Executive Vice President/Area President for Gallagher Multinational Benefits and HR Consulting, the President and CEO of IBIS Advisors, and the Senior Vice President for Johnson & Higgins/Mercer. In this episode…
How can you take the leap and revolutionize your workplace to increase revenue? What if there was a way to create and sustain an environment of posit…
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Dec 6, 2021
The Key to Achieving Explosive Sales Growth With Mark Roberts, CEO and Founder of OTB Sales Solutions
Mark Roberts has over 35 years of experience helping organizations drive profitable sales growth. He is the CEO and Founder of OTB Sales Solutions, where he uses a “no smoke and mirrors” approach to improve sales teams and boost profits. Mark has held senior roles in sales and marketing for SPARXiQ, The Timken Company, Gardner Denver, VMI, and Frito-Lay, among others. He is the author of Branding Backwards, the creator of the No Smoke and Mirrors blog, and a popular keynote speaker, trainer, and thought leader on LinkedIn.
Mark has been awarded The Business Excellence Award from the National Association of Sales & Marketing for his contributions to the industry. When he’s not boosting sales and marketing for clients, he can be found volunteering for various community organizations. In this episode…
What are some of the most common mistakes that lose a sale? Many potential clients feel disconnected from a sales pitch and choose to walk away. So, how can you drive, nurture, and…
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Nov 29, 2021
Redefining Talent and Executive Recruiting with Bob Blumenthal, Talent Acquisition and Human Capital Strategist
Robert (Bob) Blumenthal is an Independent Human Capital Consultant who consults for companies and investor funds on everything related to people and talent acquisition. He has over two decades of experience in leading C-suite talent acquisition and human capital strategy, and has recruited senior executives and board members for major corporations and private equity and venture-funded companies within the industrial, consumer, retail, healthcare, and technology industries.
Before this, Bob began his career in sales and marketing at IBM Corporation where he was a platform speaker and motivational marketer. As a branch manager, Bob ran the number one branch in the United States for AT&T Data Systems Division. He then became the president of New Jersey’s premier consulting firm where he coached senior executives on career strategy. Later on, he assumed partner and leadership roles at two of the world’s premier executive search firms. Bob has 8+ years of experience leading human capit…
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Nov 15, 2021
Turning Your Employees and Customers Into Loyal Fans with Ruby Newell-Legner, Founder of 7 Star Service
Ruby Newell-Legner is a Fan Experience and Employee Engagement Strategist and the Founder of 7 Star Service. She specializes in inspiring new service cultures in sports, leisure, and entertainment industries to create the ultimate fan experience. Ruby has worked with over 66 professional sports teams and several international sporting events ranging from the Olympics to the Super Bowl.
Ruby has presented approximately 3,000 staff development sessions in 24 countries and has been a member of the National Speakers Association since 1995. Previously, she was a swimming coach and recreation facilities manager for over 20 years, which taught her the importance of teamwork, leadership, and following your passion. In this episode…
What is the science behind being a good leader? Are you searching for a way to increase customer satisfaction and employee retention rates while boosting your revenue? Ruby Newell-Legner has designed customized training programs to provide businesses with the to…
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Nov 8, 2021
Building a Diversity-Friendly Startup Ecosystem with Terence Craig, Startup Investor and Advisor
Terence Craig is an startup investor and advisor with expertise in AI, SaaS, Big Data, and more. He works with organizations like Astia, The Capital Network, the Investors of Color Network, and Toyota Ventures to support diversity and boost growth. His specialty is investing in and creating opportunities for diverse teams and companies.
Terence graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in information systems. He started his career as a pioneer in the technology space before taking on the role of advisor for startup entrepreneurs. In this episode…
How can you change the framework around how entrepreneurs raise capital in order to be more inclusive and equitable? Developing a career as a minority entrepreneur typically comes with its fair share of roadblocks and discrimination. So, how can you continue to support the growth of minority-owned startups?
Terence Craig is shattering the barriers of racism and bias that exist in the entrepreneurial world…
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Oct 18, 2021
Empowering a Relationship-Driven Team with JJ Laforet, Senior Director of Operations at Good Eggs
JJ Laforet is the Senior Director of Operations at Good Eggs, an industry-leading grocery brand that delivers sustainable and fresh products to your door. His first job out of business school was with Carpedia International, an implementation consulting firm, where he learned the skills and techniques to make businesses and company cultures better.
JJ earned his BS in operations and political science from Stony Brook University and his MBA from Marymount University. He is also a former Division I lacrosse player and Division III coach, which taught him the importance of leadership, teamwork, and performance. In this episode…
Are you looking for strategies to optimize your current workforce and build a solution-driven team? Perhaps you’re searching for a better way to connect departments in order to effectively execute your company’s goals. If so, JJ Laforet is here to share his methods for successfully building foundational relationships to drive your company forward.
In his r…
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Oct 11, 2021
Leading Future Generations with Dr. Yung Lie, President and CEO of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
Dr. Yung Lie is the President and CEO of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, an organization that supports the next generation of leaders in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. She is an experienced scientist, an advocate for cancer research, and an executive board member for The Chemical Probes Portal and Health Research Alliance.
Dr. Lie began her professional journey with a degree in molecular and cellular biology from the University of California, Berkeley. After earning her PhD in biological sciences from Stanford University, her passion and the thrill of discovery led her to pursue postdoctoral training at The Rockefeller University and the University of California, San Francisco. In this episode…
How can you give younger generations the opportunity to succeed in their careers? When there are numerous variables for professional success, what are the tools and resources necessary for unlimited progress?
Dr. Yung Lie is passionate about providing the next gen…
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Sep 27, 2021
Episode 39 - Diane McGraw
Diane McGraw is the President and Executive Producer at McGraw Productions and the Producer for The Dare to Dream Experience, a mentoring program for high school and college students. She began her career as the assistant to the President of the Screen Actors Guild and Kaufman Astoria Studios and has managed notable sports and entertainment events for over 30 years, including the Los Angeles Grammy Awards, the 1994 Soccer World Cup, MLB and NHL All-Star Games, and more.
In 2017, Diane became the first female inducted into the National Association of Sports Commissions (Sports ETA) Hall of Fame. She is currently authoring a book that is set to release this fall titled Behind The Scenes...Explore and Navigate a Career in Sports and Entertainment. In this episode…
To be a pioneer, you have to be willing to adapt and grow. Diane McGraw began her journey with an idea and has since made her dreams a reality. So, what was her formula for success?
When Diane started out in the sports and…
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Sep 20, 2021
Creating Momentum and Clarity with Jon Sappey, Principal Consultant at INSTEP
Jon Sappey has over 20 years of experience in the technology industry and is currently the Principal Consultant at INSTEP, a boutique consulting firm for software and technology companies. He excels at helping companies clarify their strategic intent and lead change initiatives in the commercial, operational, and human capital dimensions.
Jon began his leadership journey as a teacher and sharpened his skills as the Director of Strategy for Vertex Inc. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and later received his MBA from the Yale School of Management. He is known for his creativity, collaboration, and passion for strategy. In this episode…
Are you having trouble identifying or executing your brand’s vision? If you’re looking for a better way to align your strategies and grow your business, Jon Sappey is here to share his creative tips and strategic advice.
Strategy is unique. It comes in many forms — and Jon Sappey has over 20 years of experience shaping s…
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Sep 13, 2021
How to Express Empathy in Leadership with Mel Gravely, CEO of TriVersity Construction
Mel Gravely is the CEO of TriVersity Construction, a commercial construction company located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mel is also the author of multiple books, including his most recent book, Dear White Friend: The Realities of Race, the Power of Relationships and Our Path to Equity.
As an active business and civic leader, Mel previously chaired the board of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber of Commerce and served on the board of the United Way. He was also a founding board member of the Cincinnati Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI). Mel earned his MBA from Kent State University and his PhD from the Union Institute & University. In this episode…
Growing and scaling a brand is a task in and of itself, and sometimes the complexity of running a business can cause you to forget about the other important aspects of leadership. So, what are you doing to set the next generation of leaders up for success? And how can you become a more empathetic leader today?
When the pandemic hit,…
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Aug 2, 2021
Re-imagining Outsourcing for a Better Business with Suneet Bhatt, President and Board Chair of Boldr
Suneet Bhatt is the President and Board Chair of Boldr, an outsourcing company that provides enterprises with high-quality, custom solutions in customer experience, data management, and sales enablement. With years of experience in business and marketing, he is a seasoned leader who has led companies through all phases of growth and performance.
In addition to this, Suneet is the creator of My Authentic Story, where he helps people unearth, frame, and tell their authentic stories. He also founded Dream Village, an organization that uses picture books and the web to help kids explore and address important global issues. Throughout his career, Suneet has helped raise over 42 million dollars, and he is dedicated to supporting others on their professional journeys. In this episode…
How do you run a successful, purpose-driven business? For Suneet Bhatt, it’s about sharing authentic stories and engaging with a broad population to reach your company’s goals. He uses his core values…
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Jul 26, 2021
Leveraging Innovation to Drive Real Results with Robyn Bolton, Founder and Chief Navigator at MileZero
Robyn Bolton, the Founder and Chief Navigator of MileZero, helps executives use innovation to unlock the potential of their organizations, get real results, and create a map for future success. Robyn began her career at Procter & Gamble, where she gained hands-on experience in corporate innovation by leading the North American launch of Swiffer and Swiffer WetJet.
At MileZero, Robyn has worked with Medtronic, Ariadne Labs, Teachers Pay Teachers, and more to transform customer insights into viable businesses. She has also assisted organizations including Alexion, Sanofi, and The Cable Center in building their innovation capabilities and cultures. Before this, Robyn was a Partner at Innosight, the innovation and growth strategy consulting firm founded by Harvard Business School Professor Clayton Christensen. In this episode…
How can you use innovation to unlock your business’ potential and get real results? Building the skills and filling the gaps for business innovation can be dif…
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Jul 19, 2021
The Human Advantage — Developing People and Culture with Eric Guthoff, Founder of Human Advantage
Eric Guthoff is the Founder of Human Advantage, an advisory firm helping organizations in sports stand out as leaders in people and culture. Human Advantage partners with leagues, teams, sports media organizations, and more to develop solutions that maximize engagement, growth, and performance.
Eric is a relationship-driven and growth-minded executive with a proven track record of identifying, launching, and executing opportunities with complex organizations. His past experiences have afforded him opportunities to build strong relationships across sports, entertainment, gaming, and eSports. In this episode…
Building and implementing a people strategy isn’t easy. As Eric Guthoff says, people are the foundation of business, but this area is often underserved.
A passion for sports and a drive for relationships are the basis of Eric’s work. He has a proven track record of building solid bonds across sports, entertainment, gaming, and eSports. With his advisory firm, Human Advantag…
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Jul 12, 2021
Creating a Strategy for Long-Term Success with Mark Audino, Independent Consultant and Growth Strategist
Mark Audino is an Independent Consultant and Growth Strategist with over 35 years of international experience in marketing, sales, product development, leadership management, and more. Using his expert strategies and tactics, he helps organizations drive top-line growth and outperform financially.
Before this, Mark served as the VP and Chief Marketing Officer at Xerox for 26 years. In this role, he launched over 200 products and gained marketing expertise in multiple countries. He also worked as the CMO at McGladrey, where he was responsible for corporate marketing and business development. In this episode…
Where are you going to win? How well do you understand your market? And, how can you build a strategy to achieve long-term success for your organization?
Mark Audino was not always bound for a career in sales. Initially, he was accepted to the Georgetown School of Foreign Service, where he hoped to pursue a career as an ambassador. But, after receiving his acceptance to the Uni…
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Jun 28, 2021
A Team-Centric, Inclusive Leadership Style with Martie Cordaro, President of the Omaha Storm Chasers and Union Omaha
Martie Cordaro is the President of the Omaha Storm Chasers and Union Omaha. He has been with the Omaha Storm Chasers since 2007 and was recently honored with the George Brett Commitment to ALS Award. Martie was also recognized as the Minor League Baseball Executive of the Year in 2013, the Sarpy County Business Leader of the Year in 2014, and more.
Community has consistently been at the forefront of Martie’s daily efforts, and his team has received multiple honors for their community work, including Ballpark Digest’s Charity Team of the Year Award. In 2020, Martie led his team through the pandemic and hosted more than 180 events for Omaha Storm Chaser fans. In this episode…
For Martie Cordaro, the best leadership approach is team-centric. As he says, leaders should celebrate the diverse backgrounds, ideas, and identities within a community. So, what is his advice for creating an inclusive, harmonious space that everyone can enjoy?
Influenced by the spirit of the community in h…
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Jun 21, 2021
Becoming an Effective Leader with Eric Pillmore, General Partner of Amore Limited Partnerships
Eric Pillmore is a finance and corporate governance leader and the General Partner of Amore Limited Partnerships. He is also a board member for several companies and nonprofits, including Vectrus, a leading provider of global service solutions. Before this, Eric was the Senior Advisor for the Deloitte Center for Corporate Governance.
Throughout his career, Eric has held executive finance and corporate governance roles for companies such as Tyco International, General Electric, and General Instrument. He also served as a US Navy officer and as an auditor with the Naval Audit Service in Washington, DC. In this episode…
The most accomplished leaders are focused on thoughtfulness, creativity, and innovation. For Eric Pillmore, these values helped him adapt to different environments, learn from past mistakes, and transform the companies he worked with. So, how did he do it, and what steps can you take to find the same success?
Before getting into corporate governance, Eric began his ca…
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Jun 14, 2021
Fostering Relationships in Your Community with Momin Sheikh, Managing Partner of Frankel Management Company
Momin Sheikh is the Managing Partner of Frankel Management Company (FMC), a full-service real estate firm that develops, builds, operates, and manages real estate. FMC specializes in strategic and diverse acquisitions, including residential, industrial, commercial, office, and retail properties. With his partners, Momin is responsible for fund strategy, capital raises, and investor relations.
Before joining FMC, Momin was the Founder and President of MerakiCMO, a creative agency that provides marketing and branding solutions to multinational companies across various industries. Momin also co-founded the nonprofit, Friends For Good, and volunteers at CareLink Community Support Services, Justice for Our Neighbors, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. In this episode…
According to Momin Sheikh, you don’t need a certain background or financial standing to start a successful company. So, what is the key to accomplishing your entrepreneurial goals? In this episode of Level Up, Momin removes t…
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Jun 7, 2021
Building a Diverse, Value-Based Team with Rasagna Holt, Founder and CEO of KGTiger
Rasagna Holt is the Founder and CEO of KGTiger, a company that serves the in-house recruitment and talent acquisition industry. KGTiger provides solutions that combine human intelligence and machine learning to solve critical talent acquisition problems. Rasagna and her team have serviced companies including MathWorks, Microsoft, Disney, ESPN, Under Armour, and many more.
Throughout her career, Rasagna has helped major organizations build talent strategies around diversity hiring, international expansion, talent market research, volume hiring, executive staffing, and talent pipeline. She continues to grow her team and company through new and innovative strategies around talent acquisition. In this episode…
Are you finding the right candidates for your team, or are you still hiring employees who are only driven by a paycheck? If you’re looking for a better way to grow your business, Rasagna Holt is here to share her expert strategies for finding valuable candidates, promoting dive…
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May 24, 2021
Strengthening Your Marketing Strategy with Lance Hollander, Co-Founder and Partner of The Agency Shop
Lance Hollander is the Co-founder and Partner of The Agency Shop, a company that provides due diligence and assessment of digital strategies, ROI, agency competence, media effectiveness, and technology selections. In addition to this, Lance is a board member at From the Future, an advisor at CourtAvenue, and the Principal of Lance Hollander Consulting.
Lance has over 20 years of experience in digital strategy, customer experience, marketing technology, and media. He has owned, led, and sold three digital agencies, including Delphic Digital, which was purchased for its award-winning customer experience work and Fortune 500 clients. In this episode…
Is your company successfully engaging with your desired clients? Are you highlighting your business’ best features in your marketing content? When it comes to digital media, one of the most effective ways to move the needle is to personalize the experience for each client. So, how exactly do you determine a consumer’s preferred method…
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May 17, 2021
The Art and Science of Talent Acquisition with Andrew Norrie, Founder and Partner of Forward Path Group
Andrew Norrie is the Founder and Partner of Forward Path Group, a company that provides human capital solutions to help businesses achieve growth. Andrew has 25 years of experience in executive search, client service, strategy, planning, and growth. Throughout his entrepreneurial career, he has led many start-ups to success and generated millions of dollars in revenue.
Before launching Forward Path Group, Andrew founded Four Corners Group, an executive search firm that reached #42 on the Hunt Scanlon “Top 50 Search Firms in North America” list. As a trusted advisor, Andrew has also been a member of several boards, including Bright Blue Wave, Help Wanted App, and Equity Wine Group. In this episode…
According to Andrew Norrie, you can have the best technology and business strategies, but if you don’t have the right people on your team, you’re not going to grow. So, how do you find the best talent for your company? And how can you keep up with changing hiring trends to continu…
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May 10, 2021
Leading Social Change with Dr. DeRetta Rhodes, EVP and Chief People Capital Officer for the Atlanta Braves
Dr. DeRetta Rhodes is the Executive Vice President and Chief People Capital Officer for the Atlanta Braves. Dr. Rhodes oversees people capital initiatives for the organization’s major leagues, minor leagues, and The Battery Atlanta operations. In her three seasons with the Atlanta Braves, she has transformed the people capital department, expanded the organization’s culture, and created an internal diversity, equity, and inclusion council.
In addition to this, Dr. Rhodes has served in various board member roles for organizations in the Metro Atlanta community, including HR People + Strategy, Goodwill of North Georgia, 21st Century Leaders, and more. Dr. Rhodes was also recently recognized in Atlanta Business League’s “100 Women of Influence.” In this episode…
There are a number of transformations taking place in communities and industries following the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent racial justice movement. Companies and leaders are adapting to new technologies, new sys…
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May 2, 2021
Redefining the Human Resources Role with Laura Remaker, Head of People Operations at gettacar
Laura Remaker is a diversity champion, a leader in human resources, and the Head of People Operations at gettacar, an online platform that helps users buy, trade, sell, and finance used cars. Laura has managed HR, talent acquisition, employee engagement, and leadership and succession planning for seven fast-growing companies.
Before joining gettacar, Laura served as the Advisor and Chief People Officer at Spring EQ and the Vice President of Human Resources at Greenphire. With over 18 years of experience in the industry, she is redefining the role and value of human resources. In this episode…
Laura Remaker is redefining the role of human resources; she is thinking in a business mindset, celebrating mistakes, and breaking outdated rules. By taking this innovative approach, she has become a catalyst for company success, and now she’s here to share all of her expert tips with you.
As an action-oriented people leader, Laura has learned how to manage — and develop — a cohesive te…
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Apr 26, 2021
Using Creativity and Curiosity to Become an Effective Leader with Jim Caruso, Chief Financial Officer of Knipper
Jim Caruso is a financial executive and the Chief Financial Officer of J. Knipper and Company (Knipper), a leading healthcare solutions company that serves the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. Jim is a former CPA/consulting firm partner with 30 years of experience in financial management, mergers and acquisitions, business process outsourcing, information technology, and operations.
Prior to joining Knipper, Jim served as the CFO of a home healthcare provider, where he built a scalable infrastructure and helped grow the company significantly. As a dynamic, purpose-driven leader, he has a reputation for developing high-performing teams and driving organizational change. In this episode…
Both leaders and team members want to work — and grow — within a company that has great culture, collaboration, and opportunity for development. So, how can you be proactive in your personal and professional growth? And, what can you do to cultivate a positive work en…
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Apr 19, 2021
Creating an Ensemble Work Environment with Omar Abdullah, VP of Marketing & Outreach at Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education
Omar Abdullah is the Vice President of Marketing & Outreach at Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education. In this role, he helps raise awareness about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy through marketing, branding, communication, sales, and advocacy.
Prior to joining Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, Omar was an interdisciplinary scholar and communication consultant. He taught courses at the University of California, Davis, and Texas A&M University and has spoken at conferences and facilitated workshops at Trinity University and SXSW. In addition to this, Omar is a former stand-up and sketch comedian who has performed in venues across the San Francisco Bay Area. In this episode…
According to Omar Abdullah, collaboration and discovery are key elements to a great work environment. As he says, leaders should surround themselves with talented people, uplift their team, and reflect on their “why.” So, what steps can you take to start implementing these ideas into your lead…
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Apr 12, 2021
Navigating Personal and Professional Change with Lori Hardwick, CEO of Wealth Tech at Red Rock Strategic Partners
Lori Hardwick is the CEO of Wealth Tech at Red Rock Strategic Partners. With 25 years of experience in the wealth tech industry, Lori is known for her intense passion for continuous improvement on behalf of financial advisors and their firms. She currently serves on several boards, including the Strategic Advisory Board for Genstar Capital, the Board of Directors for Riskalyze, and more.
In 2017, Lori co-founded Advisor Innovation Labs, where she built systems of engagement for financial advisors and their clients. Lori has been recognized as a “Winner in Wealthtech” by Wealth Management Today, a “Woman to Watch” by InvestmentNews, and one of Investment Advisor Magazine’s “25 Most Influential People in the Financial Industry.” In this episode…
Developing your career comes with its fair share of change, mistakes, and successes. As Lori Hardwick says, it’s all about taking chances and learning what works for you—and what doesn’t. So, how can you continue to grow i…
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Apr 5, 2021
How to Achieve Super Bowl-Level Results with Chukky Okobi, Founder of Basic Instructions and Former NFL Champion
Chukky Okobi is a keynote speaker, mindset coach, entrepreneur, and former NFL Super Bowl Champion. He is currently a Master Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and the Founder of Basic Instructions, a mental bootcamp that helps organizations, leaders, and teams work through roadblocks to achieve peak performance. Chukky offers workshops, training, and one-on-one coaching focused on reaching your highest personal and professional potential.
In addition to this, Chukky is an eight-year NFL alumni, having played with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Houston Texans. After experiencing success in professional sports, entertainment, and business entrepreneurship, Chukky is using his wisdom to help others overcome bad habits and create a fulfilling life and career. In this episode…
Entrepreneurs and professional athletes have a lot in common; they both hold a vision of success and have the courage to take risks to reach their goals. However, having t…
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Mar 29, 2021
Going Beyond the Numbers with Todd White, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at AchieveNEXT
Todd White is the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at AchieveNEXT. He is a high-impact senior financial executive, strategist, and business developer with over 20 years of experience in private equity and venture capital transactions. In his role at AchieveNEXT, Todd has led merger and acquisition activities, financial and business planning and analysis, and reporting. He has also directed the preparations, solicitations, due diligence, and closings for private debt and equity growth finances.
Todd has a long track record of successful accomplishments with companies ranging from startups to established growth businesses. Prior to working at AchieveNEXT, Todd was the Chief Financial Officer for both Lionheart Industrial Group LLC and Paralube, Inc. In this episode…
What does it take to succeed in the finance industry? How can you continue to redefine and develop your role as a leader and influencer?
After being thrown into the corporate world straight out of coll…
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Mar 22, 2021
How to Adapt in an Evolving Industry with Bryan Lapidus, Director of the FP&A Practice at the Association for Financial Professionals
Bryan Lapidus is the Director of the FP&A (Financial Planning and Analysis) Practice at the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP). AFP is a professional society committed to advancing the success of treasury and finance members and their organizations. In addition to his FP&A expertise, Bryan is also skilled in collaboration and leadership, multi-year strategic planning, investment portfolio and business case analysis, and more.
Bryan has over 20 years of experience developing and growing companies and program initiatives at small, mid-market, and large organizations. Before joining AFP, he held strategic and leadership roles at companies such as NASDAQ, American Express, and the Allegiance Advisory Group. In this episode…
The finance industry is always evolving, and that has never been more true than during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Companies have had to adjust to new technologies, routines, and forms of communication. But, what will happen in the post-pandemic world?…
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Mar 15, 2021
Finding the Right Fit with Alan J. Kaplan, Founder and CEO of Kaplan Partners
Alan J. Kaplan is the Founder and CEO of Kaplan Partners, an executive search and board advisory firm. Alan launched Kaplan Partners in 1994 after beginning his corporate banking career with First Pennsylvania Bank and Meritor/PSFS. Since then, he has built Kaplan Partners into a nationally recognized boutique firm that has been named five times to the Philadelphia100® as one of the region’s fastest-growing private companies.
In addition to this, Alan serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Corporate Directors’ Philadelphia Chapter, and the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Temple University Fox School of Business. Alan is also a frequent speaker, a guest columnist, and the host of KYW Newsradio’s Career Report, a weekly business commentary on leadership and career management. In this episode…
The word “fit” is used to describe everything from the perfect pair of jeans to the new hire for your company.…
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Mar 1, 2021
Effective Change Management with Nikki DiCaro, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Data Officer of the Jewish Foundation of Greater Philadelphia
Nikki DiCaro is the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Data Officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, an organization that mobilizes financial and volunteer resources to address the Jewish community’s most critical priorities. In this role, Nikki is responsible for the organization’s accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, annual audits, and more.
Before joining the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Nikki served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer for the Please Touch Museum. She has a passion for serving her community and building strong and sustainable accounting, finance, and operating teams. Additionally, Nikki is a published author with eighteen books under her belt and counting. In this episode…
How do you effectively lead your team through change? Whether it’s a transition to virtual work or a shift in roles, a change in the workplace can be difficult to manage—especially in 2021. So, what are the…
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Feb 22, 2021
How to Become a Joychiever with Tracy LaLonde, Author of The Joychiever Journey
Tracy LaLonde is a professional speaker, business development coach, and author of The Joychiever Journey. She has 28 years of experience in professional public speaking and 20 years of experience in the legal industry. After transforming her life and career through her own joy journey, Tracy founded Joychiever to help other overachievers discover their unique path, define their joy, and apply their ambition to achieve a balanced, happy life.
Tracy is also the Founder and Managing Partner of Xaphes, an agency that helps lawyers harness their authentic confidence to be effective business developers and public speakers. Outside of work, Tracy is a budding golfer, habitual fiction reader, part-time foodie, and amateur mixologist. In this episode…
Are you an overachiever? If so, you’re not alone. But, have you ever stopped to think about what you want out of your life—besides professional accomplishments? Have you ever asked yourself: what truly brings me joy?
Tracy LaLonde, the a…
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Feb 15, 2021
Balancing the Demands of Work and Home in 2021 with Colleen Mook, Former Founder and CEO of Baby Be Hip
Colleen Mook is an experienced entrepreneur, investor, speaker, podcaster, and small business consultant. Since selling her successful business, Baby Be Hip, in 2019, Colleen has focused her time on helping other entrepreneurs develop their businesses and balance the demands of work and home. In addition to her consultant work, she is also the host of the motivational podcast, Be Bold, Be Brave, Be YOU!
Colleen has been featured in various television, print, and online media, including The TODAY Show, for her accomplishments in building a successful brand while raising a family. She was also recognized by the Female Entrepreneur Association and named a “Daring Doer” by Tory Johnson, among other awards. In this episode…
If you were a business leader or entrepreneur during 2020, then you have probably experienced the challenge of balancing life and work firsthand. From transitioning to working from home to learning how to homeschool, it has probably been difficult—if not…
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Feb 8, 2021
Building Inclusive and Healthy Teams with Dr. Shelton Goode, CEO and President of Icarus Consulting
Dr. Shelton Goode is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Icarus Consulting, a veteran-owned consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations create an inclusive culture. Dr. Goode has over 20 years of experience with diversity and inclusion, HR, talent management, and organizational and leadership development. In 2019, he was named one of the "Top 10 D&I Trailblazers" by Forbes.
Prior to joining Icarus Consulting, Dr. Goode held executive positions for companies ranging from $300 million to more than $11 billion in yearly revenue and has worked with enterprises, both large and small, across industries. He is also a highly decorated Air Force veteran who has not only served the country in a time of war, but has consistently served his community in times of need. In this episode…
Are you an effective leader? Better yet, are you an effective listener? Being a successful business leader requires more than simply steering your ship—it also means creating an environme…
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Feb 1, 2021
Cultivating Transparency and Authenticity in a Virtual Workplace with Jim Dawson, President of Heidolph North America.
Jim Dawson is the President of Heidolph North America. Heidolph is a leader in the production of premium laboratory equipment for the scientific research industry in more than 100 countries worldwide. At Heidolph North America, Jim and his team provide dedicated customer service, shipping logistics, technical support, and sales management to the US and Canadian laboratory market.
Prior to joining Heidolph North America, Jim was the Executive Director for Brinkmann Instruments. He received his MBA in Finance from Indiana Wesleyan University and his BS in Chemical Engineering from The Ohio State University. In this episode…
How has your team navigated the switch to virtual work over the past year? Do your customers trust you—and do you trust them? Can they rely on you to show up with authenticity and cultivate a healthy culture in 2021 and beyond?
If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that the ability to pivot in an uncertain situation is an essential skill for leaders and employe…
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Jan 26, 2021
The Power of Curiosity and Understanding in the Middle Market with Michele Juliana, Principal in the Technology Consulting Practice at RSM US
Michele Juliana is the Principal in the Technology Consulting Practice at RSM US, where she leads the business applications team. RSM is a leading audit tax and consulting firm focused on the middle market. At RSM US, Michele works with various public and private sector organizations to optimize technology use.
Prior to joining RSM US, Michele was an Account Manager at Keystone Information Systems and a Federal Grant Program Manager for the State of New Jersey. She has a broad range of experience in the public sector, life sciences, and software and professional services. In this episode…
In 2020, the middle market was forced to change its priorities in order to reach more clients and build better connections across sectors and teams. So, how can enterprise leaders continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of remote work as we enter 2021?
Michele Juliana, the Principal in the Technology Consulting Practice at RSM US, believes in the power of curiosity and understanding…
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Jan 11, 2021
How to be a Responsive Leader with Del Keffer, Vice President of Sales at Kirby-Smith Machinery
Del Keffer is the Vice President of Sales at Kirby-Smith Machinery, a leading distributor of heavy equipment and cranes in the central United States. In his role at Kirby-Smith Machinery, Del believes in the value of teamwork and trust-based business relationships that drive superior results.
In the last 40 years, Del has carved out a powerful career path, transitioning from garden sales to the executive suite. Before joining Kirby-Smith Machinery, Del was the President of North American Trailer and a Vice President at Volvo Construction Equipment. His drive and leadership continue to inspire his colleagues and team members to grow and succeed. In this episode…
How dedicated are you to cultivating teamwork and leadership within your organization? Del Keffer, the Vice President of Sales at Kirby-Smith Machinery, has worked in countless roles as a salesperson, and he passionately believes in investing in the growth of his team.
As Del says, the ability to invest in ourselves, our co…
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Jan 4, 2021
Insights into Leadership and Financial Literacy with Cheryl Nash, CEO of Tegra118
Cheryl Nash is the CEO of Tegra118, a trusted leader in wealth and asset management technology. Prior to joining the Tegra118 team, Cheryl was the President of Fiserv Investment Services, where she was responsible for business development, product strategy, and more. She is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is expected in wealth management with future-forward technology innovation.
Cheryl's proudest professional moments include receiving the Money Management Institute's Pioneer Award, co-chairing the MMI’s Technology & Operations Committee, and sitting on MMI’s Board of Trustees’ Gateway to Leadership program dedicated to workplace diversity. In this episode…
What do you know about your industry to be true? As your role and responsibilities evolve throughout the years, it’s important to adapt to the new standards of your changing industry—while still staying true to your core values.
Cheryl Nash has worked her way through various positions in technology and wea…
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Dec 28, 2020
Align and Inspire with Al Cini, Managing Partner at BCAT Partners
Al Cini is a Managing Partner at BCAT Partners and the influential host of “CEO Chat,” where he interviews CEOs, founders, and owners about their personal success stories. Al has spent the last 40 years of his career building stronger teams and inspiring innovative leaders across various organizations.
In addition to his work at BCAT Partners, Al is also a Senior Advisor for Lodestar Advisory Partners, a Facilitator for Onward Education, a Speaker for Vistage International, and the President and Executive Consultant for his company, Al Cini and Partners, Inc. In this episode…
What does it mean to be a role model? According to Al Cini, at the heart of every successful team and organization, there exists an ideal role model that embodies the company's vision, core values, and best self. So, how can you align this role model with the day-to-day work and purpose of your team?
Al has helped countless companies reorganize their approach to leadership by taking their ideas from paper…
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Dec 21, 2020
Progress Over Perfection with Jennifer DeMello-Johnson, Vice President of Agency Services at Amerisure Insurance.
Jennifer DeMello-Johnson is the Vice President of Agency Services at Amerisure Insurance. She is responsible for developing and providing industry-leading solutions that accelerate the growth and profitability of Amerisure's select partner agencies. Jennifer has over 25 years of experience in leadership, HR, and resource management.
Prior to joining Amerisure, Jennifer was the Global Resource Delivery Director for Dell EMC, where she developed resource management processes and innovative shared solutions in a consultative services environment. Currently, she serves as an Executive Board Member and Chairman of the Resources Development Committee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. In this episode…
As the saying goes, "The beginning of wisdom lies in one's willingness to understand." This statement is also true for building effective relationships and cultivating the next generation of thought leaders. That’s why Jennifer DeMello-Johnson prioritizes effective commu…
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Dec 14, 2020
Cultivating Resilience and Empathy in the Legal Industry with Kara Dodson, Consultant and Coach at Volta Talent Strategies
Kara Dodson is a strategic consultant and coach at Volta Talent Strategies and an adjunct professor at Temple University's James E. Beasley School of Law. At Volta, Kara coaches lawyers of all levels in a variety of areas, including business development, time management, effective communication, stress management, leadership, and delegation.
Kara started her legal career over 20 years ago at Duane Morris LLP. Since then, she has covered employment and labor cases dealing with professional malpractice, litigation matters, human rights, and more. Today, Kara is committed to helping law firms and attorneys maximize client relationships and develop business strategies for growth and success. In this episode…
What does a lawyer need to succeed? Information; tools; colleagues with a common goal? According to Kara Dodson, one of the most valuable resources that a lawyer can have for business development is a coach who can help them cultivate a mindset of resilience and empathy.
After dec…
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Dec 7, 2020
Why Authenticity Matters in Today's Market with Sandra Usleman, Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer at USI
Sandra Usleman is the Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer at USI, a national insurance brokerage and consulting firm. She collaborates with more than 120 practice leaders, regional CEOs, and over 2000 professional sales consultants to drive prospect identification, research and assignment, pipeline growth, and more.
With over 20 years of experience at USI, Sandra has developed and launched a number of successful programs for the company, including the annual USI PEAK Incentive program. Sandra continues to operate at the intersection of the client experience and the employee experience, a phenomenon that has become increasingly important to business leaders in 2020 and beyond. In this episode…
In times of innovation and crisis, the best idea always wins. Whether it is a creative approach to training new sales agents, or a fresh messaging process to maintain client engagement, the best idea stands the test of time. However, as Sandra Usleman, the Senior Vice President and C…
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Nov 30, 2020
The Pathway to Financial Leadership with Peter Nesbitt, Vice President of Finance at Teampay
Peter Nesbitt is the Vice President of Finance at Teampay, a software-based platform that allows companies to track their spending in real-time. Peter’s areas of expertise include financial leadership, risk management, revenue growth, and more.
As a former military intelligence officer, Peter has diverse experience in both analytical and leadership roles. Before joining Teampay, Peter was the Director of Finance at Bitly and the Co-founder of TheFam. He has a consistent track record of significant achievements in finance, operations management, and process improvement. Peter is also a regular contributor to Forbes. In this episode…
Do you track your spending? What about on an organizational level? Most companies have pre-determined budgets, but what happens when you need to make a quick purchase?
That's where financial leaders come in: to rescue our budgets and help companies make better financial decisions with each purchase. Over the past nine years, Peter Nesbitt has worked h…
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Nov 23, 2020
Understanding the Middle Market and More Insights with Tom Stewart and Doug Farren of the National Center for the Middle Market
Tom Stewart and Doug Farren are Directors at the National Center for the Middle Market, the leading source for knowledge, leadership, and research on mid-sized companies. Together, they have interviewed thousands of successful entrepreneurs, investors, and executives from middle market enterprises across North America.
Tom Stewart is the Executive Director of the Center, as well as an influential thought leader for global management issues, an internationally recognized editor and publisher, and a best-selling author. Doug Farren brings his years of expertise in supply chain management to his position as the Managing Director of the Center, where he specializes in corporate outreach and strategic planning. In this episode…
With 2021 fast approaching, how are you prioritizing during this fourth quarter? And, perhaps more importantly, have you prepared your middle market enterprise for the opportunities and challenges of the new year?
Thanks to the efforts of the National Center for…
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Nov 16, 2020
Redefining HR Management and Financial Development Strategies with Nick Araco, CEO of AchieveNEXT
Nick Araco is the Founder and CEO of AchieveNEXT, a peer-led advisory network organization that empowers financial and HR leaders to meet ambitious growth goals. Over the last 20 years, Nick has helped facilitate a community of forward-thinking, entrepreneurial-minded, and financially educated C-Suite executives across industries. He serves as the voice of the CFO community, representing over 10,000 leaders and members of The CFO Alliance and The CHRO Alliance.
Prior to founding AchieveNEXT, Nick served in growth strategy and business development leadership roles for companies including Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP and RSM US. He is currently a renowned public speaker, a recognized global business leader, and the host of the Level Up podcast. In this episode…
Financial and HR leaders are "the secret sauce" to any company's success. Their innovative approach to tracking growth and developing leaders in the workforce has changed how we do business. Now, companies can track the impact o…
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Oct 27, 2020
A Financially Driven Business Strategy with Jennifer Yousem, Founder of I Heart EBITDA
Jennifer Yousem is the Founder of I Heart EBITDA, an agency dedicated to translating finance into a digestible language for midmarket and emerging enterprises. After beginning her career in equity research, Jennifer transitioned to corporate finance, where she worked with countless CEOs at corporate powerhouses nationwide.
With over 20 years of financial experience, Jennifer has led teams in strategic and operational finance at top-level companies like Verizon, Daily Mail, and many more. Jennifer is also the Owner and Managing Director of Supporting Strategies, an Executive Member of Dreamers & Doers, and a Global Advisory Board Member for The CFO Alliance. In this episode…
Not everyone is born with a love for numbers or a knack for people. Jennifer Yousem, however, has both—and she has been using this unique combination to help business owners build stronger financial strategies for more than 22 years. Jennifer understands that a business’ financial health is its lifeline to m…
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