Lead the Team (Top 2% of Podcasts)

Karyn Schoenbart is Chief Executive Officer of The NPD Group, a global provider of information and advisory services.  NPD combines unique data assets and solutions with industry expertise, working with the world’s leading brands to support better business decisions. Under Karyn’s leadership, NPD is proud to have been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State.Passionate about coaching others to greater levels of achievement, Karyn is also the best-selling author of Mom.B.A.: Essential Business Advice from One Generation to the Next.  The book is based on the real-life business lessons Karyn amassed during her career.Karyn has over 30 years of experience in market research, and has led NPD’s strategic expansion with the introduction of analytic solutions and new types of data. Karyn currently serves on the board of directors of the Retail Industry Leaders Association. She is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences, women’s events and universities, teaches classes in leadership and developing client relationships and was recently inducted into the Long Island Business Hall of Fame. You can follow Karyn on Twitter @karynschoenbart, Facebook @karynschoenbartauthor and www.karynschoenbart.comKaryn's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karynschoenbart/Company Link: https://www.npd.com/WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:A key insight that helped Karyn go from Account Executive to CEO.One thing that MUST be a fit if you plan to stay at a company for the long haul.Advice for any employee who is dealing with a bad boss.What if you don’t like your boss.What you can do about a bad boss.What you can learn from a bad boss.Can a bad boss be good for you?How she wrote her book, Mom.B.A., even with the demands of being CEO.A FUN way to teach your kids about business.Strategy to overcome Impostor Syndrome.The catastrophic cost of turnover.The secret to high employee engagement.GREAT strategy to retain remote employees.A failure in her career that led to her growth down the road.QUOTES:“While you can change many things about your job, If you don’t feel a fit with a culture of the company that could be a sign to leave.” “Don’t sell after the close.”RESOURCES:The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

What are you doing to increase your team’s resilience so they are in it for the long haul? It’s essential for every leader to answer this question because if your team isn’t prepared to bounce back in tough situations, they may disengage and even quit.It is tempting to focus on building a “positive attitude” but most teams need more than that to be successful.Enter my episode today with the CEO of Foot Solutions, John Prothro who shares an essential strategy to build resilience in your team for the future. Foot Solutions is a global foot wellness retailer that specializes in custom orthotics and advanced footwear.  John is an experienced executive with a background in mergers and acquisitions and multinational business leadership, working in both executive and Board positions in various companies. He has lived and worked in both China and the United States.  John holds degrees from Texas A&M and Vanderbilt University where he was a baseball player.  John's LinkedIn profile: ​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnprothro/Foot Solutions: https://footsolutions.com/  WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:His first job at Dirt Incorporated and how it impacted his career.What “rocked his world” as a collegiate athlete, and what he learned as a leader.How to instill resilience in yourself and others.The moment his resilience was tested and how he bounced back.How to find the right situation to become CEO.Three questions to ask yourself before stepping in to lead.One question that helps you decide what to do in your career.An important strategy to sustain yourself outside of work.The one trait he’d instill in every employee… Sincerity.A guiding principle for hiring anyone. A hilarious thing he was shipped when he needed to let someone go.Three success strategies for every employee.Russian literature - insights for how the world really works!QUOTES:“Stop equating money with value. Make decisions based upon what you’re going to learn.”“It’s a fail if my calendar is full.”I want to hire someone who, in 5 years, I know I’ll have to fight to keep them.”“You have the ability to make your own path.”RESOURCES:The Bell Curve, Charles Murray https://www.amazon.com/Bell-Curve-Intelligence-Structure-Paperbacks-ebook/dp/B003L77VY2The Elements of Style, https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-Fourth-William-Strunk/dp/020530902X Harvard Business Review https://hbr.org/ CEO Session Episode with Carin-Isabel Knoop, Harvard Business School Director of Business Case Studies https://www.benfanning.com/carin-isabel-knoop/ Economics, Thomas Sowell https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Sowell/e/B00J5BK55K%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share Economics in One Lesson, Henry Hazlitt https://www.amazon.com/Economics-One-Lesson-Shortest-Understand/dp/0517548232 The Way the World Works, Jude Wanniski   https://www.amazon.com/Way-World-Works-Gateway-Contemporary/dp/0895263440 Crime and Punishment https://www.amazon.com/Crime-Punishment-Fyodor-Dostoyevsky/dp/0486415872 War and Peace https://www.amazon.com/War-Peace-Vintage-Classics-Tolstoy/dp/1400079985 -------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Ever wondered how the music industry business really works? For many artists and those sitting in the audience this remains a mystery. Turns out that leaders can learn a lot about leadership, creativity, and innovation by taking a deeper dive here.That’s where Michael Dorf, City Winery’s Founder and CEO, comes in. He got his start in the entertainment industry by creating New York City’s legendary venue for independent music, the Knitting Factory, in 1986. In 2002, he left his operating responsibilities and sold his equity position to pursue other endeavors, including a Carnegie Hall concert fundraiser series, founding a Hebrew school, winemaking and brainstorming the concept of City Winery.In 2008, Dorf unleashed the flagship location of City Winery in New York City to deliver a unique combined culinary and cultural experience to urban wine enthusiasts. Each City Winery offers intimate concerts, food and wine seminars, private event spaces, upscale dining, and a fully functioning winery. Today, City Winery has physical locations in New York, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Boston, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Hudson Valley.The first half of this episode, you’ll discover some amazing stories that Michael shares about REM, Lou Reed, David Sanborn, and Vanessa Carlton. Then in the second half we go “behind the curtain” and reveal the secrets of the music business that you can apply to your business and career.Michael's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldorf/Michael's Book: Indulge Your Sense: Scaling Intimacy in a Digital WorldCity Winery - https://citywinery.com/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:Michael’s moment on stage with REM at Carnagie Hall - their last live performance!Michael's amazing non-profit that raised $1.7M. The big super power that Michael brings to the business.The REAL music business.Michael’s moment of realizing his niche in the music business.One of Michael’s most memorable moments having found the legendary music venue, The Knitting Factory.What happened when Lou Reed opened his new music venue.The powerful message behind this new book.How Michael led the live music comeback after the Pandemic.Michael’s reputation at “EDITDorf”.The “Supply Chain” of the music business.How to run a profitable live music business.His secret to addressing employee turnover in the music industry.Vanessa Carlton & shared values.How you create a place that employee will never want to leave.Selfish philanthropy.QUOTES:“The profits are in the popcorn.””We want to make quality wine in an urban setting.”“Have that moment of a great dinner with great friends while keeping your phone in your pocket. Then have the intimacy of hearing a great band up close playing your favorite songs… that’s really magical.”“Live music, going to the gym, yoga, or a meditation session. These are things that cannot be recreated with technology and kept in your phone in your pocket.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

How much time and energy do you invest in finding great mentors and sponsors? Most people just consider these as an afterthought, but finding the right mentors and sponsors can be incredibly helpful in getting to the next level in your career and business. Yet, many choose to go it alone.This is a missed opportunity to accelerate your success, so enter my interview today with CHRO of Kyndrl, Maryjo Charbonnier.Kyndryl is a recent spin-off of IBM, and is a company of 90,000 employees around the world, serving 75 of the Fortune 100. They design, build, manage and modernize the mission-critical technology systems the world depends on every day which includes hosting and network services, infrastructure modernization, and services management.Maryjo came to Kyndryl from Wolters Kluwer, where she served as Chief Human Resources Officer. She also served as Chief Human Resource Officer at Broadridge Financial Solutions, a global Fintech company, for seven years. Earlier, she was an HR executive at PepsiCo in a business unit with $30 billion in revenue and more than 120,000 employees.A native of the Detroit area, Maryjo is a graduate of Catholic University in Washington, DC, and earned her MBA at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She was named "CHRO of the Year" in the Netherlands for 2019.Maryjo's LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryjocharbonnier/ Kyndryl https://www.kyndryl.com/What You'll Discover in this Episode:What it’s like leading a newly launched 90,000 employee company.The biggest challenge leading in a business spin.The key action required to lead in a big company.How to make sure you communicate clearly as a leader.Why you need to instill “restlessness” in your employees.Handling the pressure to perform.How she became Chief Human Resource of the Year in the Netherlands.What she learned about leadership in her first job, roofing houses in Detroit.The difference between mentorship and sponsorship, and why you need them both.BIG strategy for job promotion.How to establish a personal relationship with your team.How to discuss work-life balance with your boss.Two traits to instill in every employee - confidence and clarity.Quotes:“A sponsor is someone who fights for you to get the job.”“Work-life balance is one size fits one solution.”“Seek the heat.”Resources:Seek the Heat, John CotterThe Must Win Battles, Peter Killing-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Do you want to find ways to make money and help society? Try social venture entrepreneurship to make more impact. It’s when people use business as a force for good in the world. The big news is because we live in such an interconnected society these days, social entrepreneurs have access to more resources than ever before. This has made them one of the most economically powerful groups on earth - with billions of dollars invested into their ideas every year! But why should you care? Well, if you're like me, you're interested in making your money work for something bigger.In this episode you’ll discover a powerful strategy to build your business network, along with some incredible examples of how our guest has done this with Tony Robbins, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, and former CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi.Enter my interview with social venture entrepreneur and CEO and Co-Founder of Nunbelievable, Bryan Janeczko. Nunbelievable is a better-for-you baked goods company. This is a social impact venture with a give-back model to combat food insecurity that’s backed by Tony Robbins and others. Their mission is to create incredible snacking opportunities while ending hunger in the most delicious way.He makes a big announcement in this episode where they’ve just crossed a HUGE social venture threshold.Bryan is a pioneer in the now $1 billion on-demand meal delivery industry beginning with NuKitchen, the novel prepared meal delivery service that he co-founded and ultimately sold to Nutrisystem, paving the way for the online meal delivery industry.He’s also a  member of the Advisory Board at Sparks & Honey, the cultural intelligence agency; and he works alongside industry luminaries such as Indra Nooyi to help identify what's new and next in culture, particularly as it relates to startup food innovation. Business Insider and Pitchbook named him one of the most influential LGBTQ entrepreneurs for co-founding StartOut, which now is the world’s leading non-profit fostering entrepreneurship in the LGBTQ community.Bryan's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanjaneczko/ Website: https://nunbelievable.com/WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:The big role that Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick played in his career.Why he left Morgan Stanley to start his own business.The company he founded, NuKitchen, and how it pioneered meal delivery.The importance of discovering your own “super powers” and how he’s learned to leverage his. An essential lesson to learn BEFORE starting your business.How Wayne Dyer inspired him in one of his darkest moments.The role that Tony Robbins played in launching his current company.Becoming the “Bombas of Baked Goods”.A 'great product + a great mission' opens up stores for your business.Donating 1 million meals through their sales!The three people who inspire him most.Social venture entrepreneurship and why you should consider itThe employee retention secret from Bryan and former show guests  Bryan, Seth Goldman (Honest Tea, Eat the Change, Tom Szaky (TerraCycle), and TK Pillan (Veggie Grill).How meditation and manifestation have played in his career.What Tony Robbins taught Bryan about meditation.QUOTES:“I’m driven by relationships.”When it comes to starting your own business… “Get your experience before quitting your day job or hitch your wagon to someone who does.”“I welcome ideas, but what I welcome even more is a practical solution for implementation.”RESOURCES:Kundalini Yoga https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kundalini_yoga Traction https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837 Tony Robbins https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Robbins Sarah Jessica Parker https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Jessica_Parker Simon Sinek https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Sinek The Stuff You Missed in History Class Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stuff-you-missed-in-history-class/id283605519 NPR Pop Culture Happy Hour Podcast https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510282/pop-culture-happy-hourThe Creative Mind System -  Dr Jefferey Thompson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnsLZHBQZjc -------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Jed Berger is the Global Chief Marketing Officer for the Foot Locker family of brands in North America, which includes brands that span 3,000 retail stores in 27 countries and include Champs, EastBay, SideStep and Kids Foot Locker.He's been at Foot Locker for ten years and the stock price has tripled during that time.He has entrepreneurial roots having co-founded Dime Magazine and built the agency 94x50. Then he moved on to serve as the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Modell’s Sporting Goods.His marketing acumen has been acknowledged regularly throughout his career, including being named to SBG 40 Under 40 in 2011, and Footwear News 40 Under 40 in 2018.  Jed's LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/jed-berger-273b734/Company Link: https://www.footlocker.com/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:A GREAT strategy to play the Devil’s Advocate.The biggest mistake leaders make when playing the Devil's Advocate.A big lesson from his first job.What he learned co-founding Dime Magazine, and how this has impacted his leadership.The Hip Hop Nutcracker with Kurtis Blow!Why he believes in prioritizing developing  sponsors in your career over mentors.The key to getting promoted in any organization.An effective approach to managing turnover on your team.When to be happy about turnover.Success strategy to handle employe turnover.Managing turnover is everyone’s responsibility.Work-life balance strategies for leaders.QUOTES:“You must earn the right to play the Devil's Advocate.”“Most of the time, companies don’t move for you. Just because you're ready, it doesn’t mean the company is; but the company certainly expects you to be ready when the opportunity is there.”“There has to be more than your job. You have got to occupy your head and your heart with more than just your work.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

How do you build a great culture in the workplace so that your employees will enjoy coming into work and do their best work?If it were easy, every company would have a great culture. In today's era where employee retention rates and engagement levels are often low, creating a great work culture has become a vital ingredient for success. It’s an enabler to attract top talent, boost productivity, and increase morale.Enter Jim Daily Global President and CEO North America of Teads, the Global Media Platform. In 2013 as employee number one in the Americas, he started the business from a coffee shop in Brooklyn and has grown it into a powerhouse in the North American Ad Tech sector. Jim has 15 years of digital advertising experience and is an expert in video, display, branded entertainment, and data. He is very active in the North American advertising community and sits on a number of boards, including the Mobile Marketing Association.  Jim's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-daily-63ab336/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:How to kick start a thriving business from a coffee shop.The importance of betting on people.How to hire the team that drives your organization forward.How the first few hires in a growing company can determine the tone and trajectory.When the CEO is doing 7 interviews per week.How to know if you believe someone in an interview.Jim’s super interview question that cuts right to the chase.Start with transparency.How to create a great work culture... it’s not organic.The 3 P’s of a GREAT culture.The one trait he’d like to instill in every employee... DRIVE.What every listener needs to understand about Teads.Why every leader needs to track turnover costs.The moment that accelerated Jim’s success overnight.Three success strategies for every employee.QUOTES:“Hire for competence first but NOT competence only... consider culture fit, personality, and drive."“Drive is what helps you accomplish your ambitions.”“Sometimes it takes failure to get you on the path to where you want to go.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

How different would things at work be if your team members were more tenacious and motivated? It’s no secret that in today's competitive market, every company needs employees with a strong work ethic. Ideally, employees are also taking an idea from conception all the way to completion with the same level of enthusiasm. But how do you create a culture where people are hungry for success? The answer is simple--by making them tenacious.Enter the CEO of Premier Parking, Ryan Hunt, who has a key strategy to increase the tenacity in your team and throughout the company. It’s been a key to his promotion path and he’s leveraged it to drive the success of his company during a Pandemic that threatened this entire industry,Ryan began his career with Premier in 2006 and rose  through the ranks to become CEO in 2019.Ryan’s leadership, innovative management style, and reputation in the industry led him to be selected as one of the National Parking Association’s 40 Under 40 class, recognized as one of the 2020 Most Admired CEOs by the Nashville Business Journal. Ryan's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hunt-67811266/WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:The defining moment he had as a fry cook at Cheeseburger Charley’s.When he learned the importance of “doing what you say you’re going to do”.How a degree in Theology uniquely prepared him for the Corner Office.Why it’s never too late to start over.A silver lining of a devastating Pandemic. What gets you through a tough time as a leader.The best way to promote high-performers.How Premier Parking is challenging the industry status quo.The one trait he’d like to instill in every employee... tenacity.How to be the “John Stockton” of your company.The real turnover costs!Best productivity tool?  A Bath!QUOTES:“Leaders must be relatable.”“Sometimes we don’t know what the world has in store for us.”“It’s never too late to start your life over.”“Why ‘how we used to do it’  is dead on arrival.”“I’m all about being risk averse but not to the point where you’re paralyzed by fear.”RESOURCES:Calm AppHeadspace-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Every employee is in Customer Service whether they realize it or not. Your customer could be your boss, your colleagues, project stakeholders, or of course... your company’s customers. Yet, most employees don’t operate this way.When you instill the customer service mindset in your team, you notice a boost in productivity, morale, and results. Customer service is so important because it's one of the things that sets your company apart from competitors and will determine if customers come back or not.Enter my interview with CEO Abby Leibowitz of Call Experts with a strategy for increasing customer service, getting your employees to care about customers, and even a terrific method for calming an irate customer.This episode is for you if you’ve ever wanted an edge on your competition when it comes to providing great customer service.Since joining Call Experts, Abby Leibowitz has transformed the company into an international corporation, serving brands all over the world to guide and implement their customer service offerings in the contact center space. Her other work includes developing solutions for customer experience mapping and focusing on AI and automation.Her most recent tech project, Abridged Tech, specializes in automated and AI driven communication solutions that can easily be implemented for workforce efficiency and business intelligence insights.Under her leadership, Call Experts was recognized seven times in the Inc. Magazine 5000 List of America’s fastest growing companies and has won several other growth and workplace excellence recognitions. At age 26, Leibowitz was named to the list of “40 Under 40” as recognition of outstanding leadership in the Charleston business community by the Charleston Regional Business Journal and as one of the youngest candidates to ever earn this honor. In 2019, Leibowitz was named by Charleston Business Magazine, Greenville Business Magazine, and Columbia Business Magazine as one of the Top Women in Business for South Carolina for 2019. She was also honored as one the Best & Brightest 35 & Under by Charleston Business Magazine.  Abby's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-leibowitz/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:The evolution of the impact of accents and customer service.The REAL difference between clarity of tone and comprehension.Shout out to Matthew McConaughey.How to calm an irate customer.How to get your employees to care about customers.The “Adam Grant” hack to boost customer service.Why actors often make GREAT call center employees.The journey of growing a business.The advice she’d give her younger self.How to prioritize for success.The one trait she would instill in every employee... be light hearted and have a sense of humor.Three leadership success strategies.Tracking the REAL cost of turnover.Employee retention strategies.Colorful stories from the front lines.QUOTES:“Busy isn’t a determination of success.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

How can you tell a compelling story that will inspire and engage the hearts and minds of your team, customers, and investors?It’s a vital question as Bill Gates said, "The best leaders are the ones who know how to speak with their heart.  They connect with people on an emotional level, not just intellectually."In my interview with CEO and Co-founder of BigID, Dimitri Sirota, you’ll discover how you can leverage storytelling as a powerful tool that can help you communicate better with others.But it's not something that just happens by chance. It takes time and practice before you will become a masterful storyteller -- which makes sense because it is an art form!  In this interview we take the guesswork out of telling your stories so they have maximum impact on your listeners.BigID is the augmented data management platform for privacy, security, and governance. They  were selected as one of the Forbes 2021 World’s Best Cloud Companies.Dimitri is an established serial entrepreneur, investor, mentor and strategist. He is the Ernst and Young 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist and Forbes Tech Council contributor. Dimitri's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitrisirota/WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:How Dimitri’s appreciation of science fiction has influenced his entrepreneurial journey and leadership approach. How being an immigrant has given him drive to succeed.The “Immigrant Mentality” that provides drive.Should business schools require science fiction reading?The “King of All Data”.What makes working with BigID so special.His top strategy for raising capital!Why so much talent is going into startups versus other industries.How to know if an executive team is a great start-up investment.How CEO’s tell a good story.How to up your story telling game as a leader.The “Elon Musk” strategy for telling a compelling story.What happened when Jeff Bezos shared his origin story.Why stories are such a powerful communication tool for leaders.How you can earn credibility.How he established his company's culture based on the performance of ONE employee.QUOTES:For entrepreneurship: “You have to have an imagination.”Key point for raising capital, “Recognize that many investors want to be first,” and “You must learn to tell the story.”“Are they able to communicate a compelling story? What’s their plan to win? Why this team?”RESOURCES:Frank Herbert's DuneIsaac Asimov's FoundationJoseph Campell’s The Hero’s JourneyNancy Duarte's ResonateHomer-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Leaders are often torn between prioritizing their careers and neglecting family life or going all-in on family and not pursuing their career dream. Yes, this does apply to both women men; but only 8% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women, so this is an even bigger obstacle for them. This challenge creates a no-win situation for female executives who want work-life balance and the best of both worlds -- a fulfilling family life and a meaningful career. Today you’ll hear from CEO of Zelis, Amanda Eisel who is a successful executive with some helpful strategies to address the problem of balance between work and home.This one's for all of you who are looking for a little bit of inspiration and guidance when it comes time to take your family and career dreams seriously. Zelis is the leading payments provider in Healthcare. They partner with more than 700 payers, including the top-5 national health plans, Blues plans, regional health plans, TPAs and self-insured employers, 1.5 million providers and millions of members, enabling the healthcare industry to pay for care with care.Amanda has 20 years of experience in strategic consulting and investment management at the intersection of healthcare and technology. In her most recent role as an Operating Partner at Bain Capital, Amanda has played a leadership role in Zelis’ growth, operational, and talent strategies. Prior to joining Bain Capital, she was a consultant at McKinsey & Company, where she spent nearly a decade advising consumer companies. Amanda's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-eisel-80b6437/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:The BIG Decision to take on the CEO role as a mother of three children.Making the trade-offs as Mom versus CEO.Balancing your personal calendar versus professional calendar.Find the work-life balance."Mindful Mommying“.Getting feedback.How to go from consultant to CEO of a company.The leadership moment her mettle was tested.How to respond when you’re given a project “that will break you”.Why you must get a mentor and how to do it.What to do when you’re the only woman in the room.What makes working at Zelis so special.The two traits she’d instill in every employee--assuming positive intent and asking ”why”?Addressing the painful churn of employee turnover.A twist in her career that led to her success down the road.QUOTES:“You must get comfortable with ambiguity. Learn to embrace and love it.”“If you keep getting after it, you’ll eventually find your path.”“Assume positive intent.”“Ask Why!”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Do you think having a non-linear career path will make it harder for you to advance in your career?Not everyone has a traditional career path to get to the Corner Office. Believe it or not, there are plenty of executives out there who have found success with non-linear careers. And if you're looking for advice on how to get promoted without following a well-trod path then look no further than my interview on The CEO Sessions with SAP COO of Global Strategic Segments, Meaghan Riley.A non-linear career path is not a death sentence. In fact recruiting employees with a broad background is an opportunity for many organizations, teams, and leaders to increase creativity, innovation, and problem solving.Enter Meaghan Riley, who has 20 years’ experience leading sales teams to help C-Level executives define and achieve their digital transformation objectives across a broad range of industries.She previously held several sales leadership roles at SAP in the North American region. Prior to joining SAP, Meaghan held roles in the strategic customer segments at Oracle, PeopleSoft, LivePerson, and Digex; receiving awards of excellence at each company. In addition to her roles in the technology sector, Meaghan served as Vice President at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC and co-founded a boutique investment bank in Latin America, providing M&A advisory services to privately held businesses, living in the region for several years.She holds a B.S. in Communications and Business Management from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and lives in Nashville, TN with her husband and Yorkshire terrier. Meaghan's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meaghanriley/WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:Why you should keep a statue of Wonder Woman on your desk.A time when a power pose paid off!Leadership lesson from working in a wallpaper store.Meaghan’s HDTV 15-minute of fame.A great strategy to help your team understand the bigger picture.The importance of becoming an entrepreneurial executive.What to do when you run into a “Protector of the Status Quo”.The two traits she’d instill in every employee…. passion and drive!A colorful story of when someone quit.A dose of inspiration from her 102 year-old grandmother.Why you don’t need a linear career path to get the C-Suite.Valuing the non-linear career path.Three success strategies for every employee.Where her love of travel came from and how it’s helped her grow personally and professionally.One of Meaghan’s most memorable travel experiences.An executive strategy to unwind.QUOTES:“Give your team the safe space to ask questions.”“Breadth of experience allows you to bring new ideas to the table.”RESOURCES:Amy Cuddy’s TED TalkHBR Idea CastAdam GrantSimon Sinek, Start with WhyTed LassoMiles DavisArt PepperAfrican American Music Museum in NashvilleCountry Music Hall of Fame-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

What can a leader do to change a toxic work culture? When you’re in this position it can feel frustrating and even hopeless. If you can’t make progress, it can lead to higher employee turnover and even threaten your goals. Some leaders either give up entirely on changing the culture or ram through initiatives without garnering support first... neither is a recipe for success.Enter my interview with Jay Smith, CIO of TracFone Wireless. You’ll discover the key to changing a toxic work culture and a positive first step to get others on board with the changes.Jay's led positive change across TracFone Wireless, a company with revenues of $8B and 21M subscribers, plus World Fuel Services, NASCAR, Tyco, and CNA.Jay's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamessmith/WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:Jay’s first job that helped him realize his career path.What inspired him most about his first professional job at Lockheed.The turning point of his career.What he learned running a consulting company and how it helped him become a better corporate executive.How to measure success when running your own company.Why you need to foster the “Entrepreneurial Spirit” in your team, and how to nurture it.Where decisions should be made in the company.How to change a toxic work culture.Why you must start small to build trust.Two traits to instill in every employee... humility and vulnerability.What happens when the senior leader asks for feedback.A blueprint for giving feedback to your boss and team.QUOTES:“Have the courage to take a risk and go for your dream.”“Create small cross-functional empowered teams that are responsible for business outcomes.““Start with small ways to earn credibility and trust.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

How often are you using your stories to help lead your team? A great leadership story narrative can inspire others to follow and commit.Rodney Williams, President and CEO of Belvedere Vodka, knows what it takes to tell a great leadership story, and he shares them in his interview on The CEO Sessions. You don't need fancy words -- all you need is a good understanding of the core concepts of storytelling theory and some practical tips on how to develop your own stories. And, with those two things in place, anyone can be an effective leader who inspires people around them.Rodney was named global head of the world’s first super-premium vodka in 2017. He encourages consumers to understand Belvedere's origins, ingredients and craft in order to understand the unique taste and character of Belvedere Vodka. This is the story of Polish rye and purified water, distilled by fire.He was most recently the CMO for Moet Hennessy USA's storied portfolio of iconic luxury champagne, wines and spirits brands. Rodney's tenure at Moet Hennessy began as Senior Vice President for Hennessy, where he led the brand out of decline and into record growth with a groundbreaking new strategic campaign. Prior to that he was in the wine business where, as SVP of Classics Brands, Jackson Family Wines, he launched the most successful new product in the company’s history; and as SVP of Robert Mondavi, Constellation Brands, oversaw the turnaround of Woodbridge.Rodney's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkw1115/Belvedere Vodka WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:Going to Dot Com to Dot Bomb to Robert Mondavi.His surprising story of mistaken identity with Robert Mondavi.The cocktail you can make to impress any business guest.How you can describe vodka like a fine wine.How the spirits industry was challenged most during the pandemic.The BIG pandemic pivot he led Belvedere through, that boosted sales.Increasing cocktails with no bartender?How to use storytelling as a leader.Advice for storytellers who want amp up their game.Belvedere Vodka's Amazing Story.Starting your story with humor.The pros and cons of being a Determined Optimist!Where optimism comes from.Discovering an empathetic perspective.Staying connected as a remote team.Belvedere’s innovative approach to clean energy!The true passion that drives his career... problem-solving.How he led the charge on Batman and OnStar!How they are approaching the cost of employee turnover.How they leverage executive coaching to reduce turnover.A humorous story of his first week at Moet-Hennessy!QUOTES:“The fodder for great stories is already there.”“Storytelling is less about invention and more about excavation.”“The best story telling is authentic and real.”“If you are really passion-led, you will find a path.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Ever wondered how to stand out while working remotely? Working remotely can be a frustrating experience because you’re not getting “face time” with the leaders in your company. This can stunt your promotion potential.Enter Christina Lock, Founder and CEO of Catch Talent, a recruiting and staffing company. Christina Lock has a unique perspective on approaching this problem in a positive way. She’s seen hiring and firing in the remote world from every angle, and she has a terrific strategy for you.   Christina is an entrepreneur and human resources executive with a proven track record of building companies and talent attraction expertise. As CEO of Catch Talent, Christina leads the delivery of technical recruiting services to growing technology, creative, and government contracting companies. Prior to launching Catch Talent, she was a founding member and Vice President of HR and Recruiting at SPARC, where her team hired over 300 team members in less than five years. Christina has also held senior leadership positions at ARAMARK and Aerotek. Christina serves on the boards of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, Charleston Women in Tech, Charleston Southern University JRS Coding School, and has spoken at SHRM, DIG South, Pecha Kucha, and the College of Charleston. She mentors fellow entrepreneurs, Mompreneurs and professionals through the Harbor Entrepreneur Center, Women in Tech, and Women’s Entrepreneur Group of Charleston.  Christina’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinalock/Catch Talent: https://catchtalent.com/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:What, recruiting is a “life skill”?Recruitment as a “higher calling".Employee engagement with Chuck Norris and bacon.How COVID has changed the recruiting landscape.The real cost of working remotely.How company and employee loyalty changed during the Pandemic.How to stand out while working remotely.The one trait she’d instill in every employee… ”Ownership”.Three success traits for every employee.Work-life balance strategies.A recruiter’s take on the cost of employee turnover.Insights for Mompreneurs and women in the workforce. HIGHLIGHTS:What being a recruiter teaches you:How to be instinctual.Picking up cues.Relating to other people.Being an active listener.QUOTES:“We think about recruitment as quality over quantity.”“Be a student of your profession.”“Think outside your job description.”When making a change as a leader “Put the person first.”“Turnover can be healthy for teams.”RESOURCES:Never Eat Alone by Keith FerrazziBlinkist-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Are you tired of being the person who always needs direction, or are you exhausted from giving your team direction?In this episode with Melanie Huet, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at Serta Simmons Bedding (SSB), you’ll discover how to become a self-starter at work.Self-starters take action in their work day and their career to improve and grow. Most people are used to getting told what they need to do but that's not the way it has to be. You can learn how to take charge of your own career.Serta Simmons Bedding is the largest manufacturer and distributor of mattresses in North America, and Melanie Huet directs several functions including Sales, Marketing, Innovation, Insights and Trade Marketing.She is leading a full business transformation at SSB catapulting a 150 year old industry leader into a digital powerhouse that continues to lead the market in delivering breakthrough innovation.Prior to joining SSB, Melanie spent over 15 years in consumer-packaged goods leading global businesses like Huggies, Pull-Ups, Capri Sun, Kool-Aid, Hellmann’s, and Lipton Tea at blue chip companies such as Unilever, Kraft Heinz and Kimberly-Clark.Melanie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melhuet/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:Melanie’s experience having an executive coach and why she makes that investment in herself.Her first job working in a video rental…. taking take of the small things.How to become the your boss’ favorite employee…. listening.Advice for leaders who feel they aren’t getting promoted quickly enough.Why to get promoted you must “know the game you’re playing”.The key leadership lesson Melanie learned managing Kool Aid at Kraft Heinz.The big thing that makes Serta Simmons so special.The one trait you wish you could instill in every employee... self-starter!Why you can have new ideas even if you’re of the “old school”.Sleep strategies from a sleep company.The unexpected twist that led to her growth.Work-life balance tips.Why Melanie is a believer in self reflection, and how you can do it.Two big strategies for getting promoted.HIGHLIGHTS:Things that might help you when working with difficult bosses:Listening.Trying to understand what they want.Going an extra mile.QUOTES:On having an executive coach “It’s humbling.”“Take pride in your work no matter how small the job is.”“Do work you love and work with people you like.”“Be open to feedback.”“Know the game that you’re playing.”RESOURCES:The Pyramid PrincipleSay it with ChartsToastmastersBusiness Wars-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Ever struggle to delegate? If you're in the corporate world then you probably know that delegation is key. It often seems much easier to do it yourself in the moment, but that’s the path to burnout and not developing your employees.When you execute delegate well, it can save your time and let you begin to spend your effort and focus on higher value tasks. Enter Willis Cantey the CEO of Cantey Tech Consulting, a regional IT solutions and consulting firm located in Charleston, South Carolina, nine-time winner of INC Magazine's 5000 America's Fastest Growing Companies Award, and named as the 2019 5th fastest growing small company in South Carolina by SC Biz News. His company also been recognized as Best Places To Work in SC.He is also the founder of Cantey EDU, a student assessment technology company supporting school districts in 17 states.  A graduate of the University of the South at Sewanee and the Masters of International Business Program at USC, Wills has worked in technology for more than 20 years and founded Cantey Tech Consulting in 2007.  He recently partnered with LNC Partners, a private equity growth team in Virginia. Additionally, Willis is former Chairman of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Historic Charleston Foundation Board of Trustees, and Chair-Elect of SC Independent Colleges and Universities.Willis' LinkedIn profileWHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:The greatest life hack of all time.Why “Tech” is actually a people first industry.Canty Tech’s approach to serving their clients.What Willis learned serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce during the Pandemic.How to delegate to elevate.Why you must start with questions, NOT PowerPoint.How to handle CEO stress.How you build personal connections with a remote workforce.The one trait he’d like to instill in every employee…. focus and organization.Wild tales from offshore banking in the 90’s!Three success strategies for every employee.Koozie - best business tool.HIGHLIGHTS:Advice Willis would give to his younger self:Be patient.Go outside of your comfort zone.QUOTES:“It’s not about our customers understanding us; it’s about us better understanding them.”“Everybody’s busy, but everybody needs to give back.”On building connection with a remote workforce “If you want to talk to one of your teammates, it needs to be on video.”“More horse power doesn’t solve all problems.”“Be patient and get out of your comfort zone.”“Great ideas and good intentions are easy. Execution is hard.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

What’s the first step to make your team more diverse, and why is diversity so important to business in the first place?When you prioritize diversity, research shows that it generates better business results, including increasing employee retention! The best thing about diversity in the workplace? You have more perspectives, which means better ideas and more creativity.In this interview with Pamela Slim, author of The Widest Net: Unlock Untapped Markets and Discover New Customers Right in Front of You, co-founder of a small business learning lab, and small business expert. you’ll discover what diversity means to the business world and how it can impact your profits.She founded her company in 1996 and focused her first decade in business on creating and delivering training programs for large companies such as HP, Charles Schwab, 3Com, Chevron and Cisco Systems.Since 2005, Pam has advised thousands of entrepreneurs as well as companies serving the small business market such as Infusionsoft, Progressive Insurance, Constant Contact and Prezi. Pam partnered with author, Susan Cain to build and launch the Quiet Revolution and the Quiet Leadership Institute.In 2016 Pam co-founded, with her husband Darryl, the K'é Main Street Learning Lab in Mesa, Arizona, a grassroots, community-based think tank for small business economic acceleration. She is frequently quoted as a business expert in press such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Information Week, Money Magazine and Psychology Today.------------------The Widest Net: Unlock Untapped Markets and Discover New Customers Right in Front of You on AmazonPam's LinkedIn profileWHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:The crazy story behind how I met Pam at the World Domination Summit.Pam’s knack for creating environments where people get along.How Pam created The “Pamily”.Why having a diverse group of friends in your life is a gift.Why you should consider bringing your family on business trips.Advice for those in cross culture or cross racial relationships.How Pam is raising her children to be comfortable presenting on stage.Pam’s “Unbook” Tour that led to her book.The moment when Pam decided to open a learning lab on Main Street in Mesa, AZ.Pam’s insightful perspective on in-person versus remote work.The BIG IDEA behind The Widest Net.How to reach your customers. What really retains your employees.How to build a diverse community.Attracting and retaining diverse team members.The first step to increasing diversity.HIGHLIGHTS:What reflective questions should employers ask and have conversations with their employees about during the pandemic:What is really the mission behind what you’re doing as a company?Why are you doing the work?What’s important to you?QUOTES:“There’s a human need for people to be together.”“Having spaces with multiple uses is a very powerful way to create community.”“If every Main Street had a place where people can wander in... it’d be amazing what communities could do.”“Having a business coach right in the middle of Main Street is an amazing way to enable a community.”“The problem is not that leaders in diverse communities don’t exist; it’s that they’re not visible.”“Any company that has a really solid set of products or service offerings knows that they alone can never serve all of the needs that their enterprise customers have.”“If you’re recruiting and you’re wanting to build connections with folks, you need the trust, and that trust is built by you spending time in communities.”RESOURCES:K'éWorld Domination SummitPam’s Fargo TedX TalkThe Widest NetResonate, Nancy DuarteQuiet Revolution, Susan CaineTodd Cooper CEO Session-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Is your office safe? Have you ever had or witnessed an incident at work where safety was compromised? How would this situation have been different if it were safer?I’m not just talking about tripping over a cord or having something thrown at you from someone’s office window. What about getting dysentery while traveling or being caught up in a criminal ambush?There are all things that leaders can prepare themselves. In this episode, you’ll learn how to make your office safer without spending a fortune.Robert Dodge is the CEO of Global Risk Services at Prosegur, one of the top security companies in the world. He’s giving you some of the best tips to keep your workplace safer while still looking professional.He’s served as a senior executive at the world’s largest 3 security firms with tenure at G4S, Pinkerton and oversees the physical and digital security for organizations in 90+ countries. He also served honorably in the U.S. Navy and is a graduate of Northeastern University.Robert's LinkedIn profileProsegur WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:What Robert learned from the “School of Hard Knocks”.Navy work hours on 4 hours of sleep per night.Advice for his younger self.A colorful story from working for the 3 top security companies in the world.The moment you need to take your security to the next level.Where the bad guys are.Common security mistakes.Get an ROI on your security investment.The one trait he’d instill in every employee... passion and energy.His take on how employee turnover impacts security. It’s BIG!Stress management in a stressful business.A twist in Robert’s career that led to his growth and opportunity.Three success strategies for every employee.Business insights from the tennis court.HIGHLIGHTS:Traits Robert would instill into every employee:Passion for what they doEnergyPositive AttitudeQUOTES:“Grow yourself and embrace technology.”“Business is about the people more than the brand or logo.”“The network came to my rescue.”RESOURCES:The Art of War - Sun TzuGood to Great - Jim Collins-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

How can you get your employees to take ownership of their workand do more? It’s a question that consistently frustrates leaders. When employees don’t take ownership, leaders spend their time following up and even cleaning up after their team's mistakes. This wastes time and money. However, when employees are truly “bought in”, their productivity and engagement increases. Leaders can then invest their time in higher value, strategic opportunities. With this at stake, employee ownership should really be a priority of every leader.Enter Inna Kuznetsova as CEO of 1010data. In her interview on The CEO Sessions she explains three simple strategies to get your employees to take more ownership and boost their productivity.1010data is a leading provider of cross-enterprise data analytics tools for retail, CPG and financial markets. 1010data helps customers rapidly transform data into knowledge and adjust their businesses to the fast changes in the market.  She also serves on the board of Global Ports Investments Plc (LSE: GLPR). Her previous roles include senior leadership positions at IINTTRA, the largest digital network and analytics provider the ocean shipping industry, CEVA Logistics, and IBM where she spent 19 years in a variety of global roles with a primary focus on technology-driven innovation, fast sale-up and returning business back to growth. Inna completed her MS and Ph.D. study in mathematics at the Moscow State University and MBA in Columbia Business School. She is a frequent speaker on technology-driven innovation and an author of two best-selling career books in Russia. Inna's LinkedIn profile1010dataWHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:How Inna overcame a big challenge growing up in Russia during Perestroika.What it was like growing up in Russia and how it influenced her leadership.How she became the first Russian born Global Vice President of IBM.How she became a turnaround and scale-up specialist.Persistence and toughness has helped her to persevere.Why every CEO should be a thought leader.Why people need to hear your voice.Advice for those who’d like to get to the C-Suite.What is special about working with 1010data.Why you must own your results and health.The “good” turnover.The “wrong kind” of turnover.HIGHLIGHTS:How things will change if we would start taking ownership:We would have things run and executed better. There would be less delays in completing projects.QUOTES:“Academia shapes your thinking.”When it comes to having a setback... “You must learn to shake it off, move on, and learn something from it.”“People leaving an organization is not a tragedy if they leave for the right reasons.”“Our lives are longer than a single job.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

How do you get your employees to buy in? For most leaders it’s a mystery, but it’s an important question to consider.In fact, employees who buy into the company culture and important changes are more likely to be motivated, engaged, and productive.Enter CEO of the Americas Region for DB Schenker - Hessel Verhage, who seems to have cracked the code on building trust and loyalty along with getting big results.He rose from forklift driver to senior executive and established his reputation as a leader who drives positive change. He also served as CEO of STG Holdings, Global Co-President of UTi, and CEO of Global Link Logistics.Hessel's LinkedIn Profile DB SchenkerWHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:How a life-long stutter became a powerful way to connect with customers and employees.The important role that mentorship has played in his career.The funny moment he learned that “life is sales”.How he addresses stuttering from the stage... that always engages the audience.How Hessel got to the C-Suite without the "normal CEO pedigree".The dose of tough love his mother delivered when he left college.How his starting out as a forklift operator influences his leadership today.The importance of taking risks early in your career.The “NBA Coach Theory” on getting promoted.Have the guts.How to turnaround a company that’s in deep trouble.Mentors!The most powerful words in the English Language... "I need your help".How to get your frontline workers to buy in.A family of 12,000 working together.The one trait he’s like to instill in every employee... Straight talk and transparency both ways.How to instill empowerment and accountability.The true cost of employee turnover.HIGHLIGHTS:How companies should treat their front line workers:Treat them with respect.They should buy into the vision of where the company is going.They should feel that they have a career path.QUOTES:When it comes to public speaking and having a stutter, “Own it upfront.”When it comes to taking on a difficult position, “Have the guts to take the job.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Mark Whitten is the President & CEO of Spartanburg Steel Products (SSP) in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  They are a Tier 1 and 2 supplier to companies including BMW, Honda, Volvo, John Deere and Kubota. Mark is a results-driven senior business leader with more than 25 years of manufacturing experience, including international assignments in Canada, Mexico and the United States.   Mark's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-whitten-61790119/  WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:What gives Mark his leadership edge.Why working your way up from the bottom prepares you for future leadership.The surprising moment when Mark felt challenged to grow.What you can learn from watching poor leaders.How to earn the respect of every employee.The secret sauce for employee engagement.Spartanburg Steep 2.0.The twist in Mark’s career that led to his professional growth.The traits Mark would instill in every employee...ownership and ambition!HIGHLIGHTS:Traits Mark would instill in every employee:AmbitionLoyaltyIntegrityKindnessQUOTES:“Great leaders are influential, poor leaders use the power button.““Attitude is a HUGE differentiator.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Tom Szaky is founder and CEO of TerraCycle, a global leader in the collection and repurposing of complex waste streams. Tom started the company when he was 19 years old and has grown it to a $6M company today.TerraCycle operates in 21 countries, working with some of the world’s largest brands, retailers and manufacturers to create national platforms to recycle products and packaging that currently go to landfill or incineration.In May 2019, TerraCycle launched Loop, a circular reuse platform that enables consumers to purchase products in durable, reusable packaging. Loop is available in Paris, France, the UK, Canada, Japan and the 48 contiguous U.S. states, and is a key step in helping to end the epidemic of waste that is caused by 'single-use' consumption. In 2022, Loop will become available in Australia.Tom and TerraCycle have received hundreds of social, environmental and business awards and recognition from a range of organizations including the United Nations, World Economic Forum, Schwab Foundation, Fortune Magazine, Time Magazine and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.Tom is the author of four books, “Revolution in a Bottle” (2009), “Outsmart Waste” (2014), “Make Garbage Great” (2015) and “The Future of Packaging” (2019). Tom created, produced and starred in TerraCycle’s reality show, “Human Resources” which aired on Pivot from 2014-2016 and is syndicated in more than 20 foreign markets on Amazon and iTunes. Tom’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomszaky/ TerraCycle Website:  https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:Why Waste Management is such a huge opportunity.Tom’s business plan that changed it all.Tom’s inspiring definition.Why Waste is Tom’s entrepreneurial playground.How to build a great team.What’s it like to present to the World Economic Forum (3 times!).The real power of purpose at TerraCycle.What to do if You Know Your Own Purpose.Leading through the angst of the Pandemic.3 success strategies for every employee.Negative cost marketing (Don’t miss this!).HIGHLIGHTS:Three phases of building a team:Phase 1 concentrates on an individual and how hard they work.Phase 2 is for delegating and letting go.Phase 3 is for setting up the right systems to let everyone flourish.QUOTES:“Profit is an indication of business health, but not the reason to be in business.  There needs to be a more inspiring purpose.”“Waste is the only commodity people are willing to get rid of but has a negative raw material cost... It’s also void of innovation.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Making great decisions at work is an essential leadership skill.  Yet, most leaders just "wing it" when it comes to decision making.  It doesn't have to be this way.  There are proven strategies to help improve your decision making which have positive downstream effects like improving your efficiency, increasing revenue, and reducing costs.  Enter Jennifer Davis, Chief Marketing Officer at Learfield, and former senior executive at Amazon Web Services, Honeywell, Leyard International and Planar Systems. She’s authored the new book, Well Made Decisions, which is being published this month by New Degree PressJennifer's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferbdavis/WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:Jennifer’s first job and what she took away from those days.What makes working at Learfield so special.Amazon’s most effective training strategy. How to become a thought leader.The real benefit of sharing the spotlight.What you must do in order to get promoted.How employee turnover can be a measure of success.How to get the CEO to back your idea (Amazon).Well made decisions. How to beat decision fatigue.HIGHLIGHTS:Tips on how to present big ideas:Write it down as a fake press release.Use the fake PR to communicate with people who could help to build your idea.QUOTES:“I’ve always admired those leaders who are willing to do the full range of work.”When training others “Make the first step easy!”“If you’re a thought leader, you should act like one.”“You build your credibility through helping others.”“There’s a difference between role clarity/ownership.”“If you do a good job of solving the problem, you’ll naturally get more resources.”“Decisions are not right or wrong; they are made right by what comes afterwards.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

It can be tough to balance getting bottom-line results and taking care of your people. Sometimes it can feel like it's an either/or choice. If you've ever faced this delimma, you're going to love what my guest today shares.Todd Cooper is Chief Operations Officer at Celestica with responsibility for global operations spanning 30 manufacturing locations across 14 countries. Todd has over 25 years of experience including senior leadership positions at KKR, Honeywell Aerospace, Storage Technology Corporations, McKinsey & Company. He also served as a Captain in the U.S. Army.He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from West Point, a Master of Science from MIT, and a MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. Todd is also a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School.Todd Cooper’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-cooper-1594654/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:What Todd learned when helping to produce the EMANUEL - a documentary about the Charleston Church Shooting that killed nine Emanuel AME church members in an act of terror. How his involvement in the film led to a powerful moment of discussion on diversity and inclusion in his company. What makes his company, Celestica, so special.How to be successful working for a “scrappy” company.The leadership seed that was planted growing up on an Indian Reservation.How to get results and take care of your people.A dose of motivation from “TopGun” .The surprising reason he chose to go to West Point.Why sometimes it’s best to make your career decision based on where you can make the biggest impact.The advice he’d give his younger self… get broad experience!Why a linear career path may not always be the best choice.How to use Sunday night to prioritize the most chaotic work week.Finding the personal work-life balance that works for you.Why life is bigger than just the P&L.How to present your big idea to the C-Suite.A twist that led to his success down the road.Why all leaders should be tracking turnover, and the reason you need to know your top performers.HIGHLIGHTS:What makes working at Celestica special:Challenging situations.A compelling strategy in terms of growing engineering capabilities.Really good people.An open culture.QUOTES: “I enjoy the challenge of ‘How do we win in complex and challenging situations?’.”“I figured if I could survive four years at West Point, I could do anything.”“Part of what motivates me is having a big challenge.”“Sanity check your priorities to make sure they tie to the bigger picture.”“Life is bigger than just the P&L.”“Figure how to present your idea in 3-5 ideas.”“Increasing your bench strength is critical.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Joey Habert is the president of High Point Design, a division of The Moret Group in New York. High Point Design manufactures accessories, and hosiery, under many brands along with their world renowned Fuzzy Babbas! Joey has more than three decades of experience in the fashion and accessories retail/wholesale industry. Under Joey’s leadership, the company enjoyed great success and growth for 14 years. A strong believer in community and charity, Joey always gives back by spearheading various projects every year that help others – both locally in his community, as well as abroad.Joey is a graduate of NYU Stern School of Business.Though Joey prefers to fly under the radar, he graciously agreed to this interview in the spirit of sharing some of the small lessons learned along the way; and because he simply couldn't say no to Ben, who over the years has become a good friend. WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:The reliable way to move up in your career.Why “old school” may be the best way to move up in your company.What you need to know about Moret and High Point Design.An honest perspective on going through the patent process.How faith influences how he leads and conducts business.The “Look Back” Theory… everything is for your good.The one trait he’d instill in every employee… the ability to earn trust!An email success strategy EVERYONE needs to use while they’re on vacation.The easy way to transition an employee.“The Roach Motel” strategy for reducing turnover.The best decisions he’s ever made and how to make them yourself.Why second place can give you a big advantage.HIGHLIGHTS:Advice for someone starting out in their career:There are no shortcuts.Work hard.Learn.QUOTES:“Sometimes it’s best to start at the bottom and work your way up.”“I’m old school. There are no shortcuts.”“Stay consistent and keep building upon the foundation you’ve laid.”“In your 20’s, work where there’s a mentor who you can learn from.”“Your work experiences, early on, compound the value over time.”RESOURCES:The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/0743269519How to Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive  https://www.amazon.com/Sharks-Without-Being-Eaten-Alive/dp/0751597228Good Notes App https://www.goodnotes.com/-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Maggie Driscoll is Chief People and Culture Officer at Blackbaud. She leverages her extensive experience in human resources to foster a culture that enables Blackbaud to deliver on a vision of powering an Ecosystem of Good® that builds a better world.Prior to joining Blackbaud, she held senior leadership positions at the Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon) and CCBN, and C‑bridge/eXcelon, a technology and business consultant company. She’s a passionate supporter of cancer research and has been extensively involved with fundraising events for Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center.  Maggie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-maggie-driscoll-54b6673/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:Why Maggie came back for a take two on the show.How growing up in an Irish household, the oldest of six children, was a sign she’d end up in the C-Suite.Her first job delivering newspapers and how it influences her leadership today.The success playbook Maggie uses to stay connected with her network.The importance of building your network outside the company as well as inside.How Maggie’s experience with cancer transformed her career and influenced her leadership approach.The inspired moment when Maggie was going through cancer treatment that she removed her wig during an executive meeting.How much should a leader talk during a meeting.Why Maggie leads like time is a gift.The important advice she’d give her younger self.The one trait she’d instill in every employee… authenticity!What a workplace and the bottom-line would look like if everyone showed up authentically.How Maggie’s company, Blackbaud, made a positive impact during COVID-19.How a twist in Maggie’s career led to her success down the road.The catastrophic cost of turnover.How to maintain a strong company culture while working remotely.HIGHLIGHTS:How to keep up with your expansive network:Follow post updates of people from your network.Reach out to them via email.Acknowledge their achievements and congratulate them.Maggie’s advice for her younger self:You don’t always have to worry about the next step.Really be present.QUOTES:“You can learn from everyone.”Ask, "What can we do together to make it the best?”“It’s okay not to be okay.”“When you ask someone how they’re doing; stop and listen to their response.”On the impact of being a cancer survivor… “Time has become a new lens that I look at things through.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Mahesh M. Thakur is Vice President of Product at GoDaddy.  He is also co-founder and former CEO of PhotoWeaver with over 20 years of experience working at Microsoft, Amazon, and Intuit. He is a member of the MG 100 coaches family and has hired, coached, and transformed product and engineering leaders at some of the world’s fastest-growing companies.He is a visionary leader who loves building products and companies that are mission driven and take a customer-first approachMahesh’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maheshmthakur/ Mahesh’s Website: Visit www.impeccableinterview.com to learn more about Mahesh and how he can help you accelerate your career as a leader in technology.  Download his 6-step approach to achieving growth and success here: www.ImpeccableInterview.com/download  WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:What Mahesh learned from becoming an entrepreneur at the age of 11.The inspiring and harrowing story of his grandparents' experience as a refugees in 1947.  The three guiding life principles his grandparents passed down and still influence his leadership today.The impact of the India Partition. How your career decisions today can impact future generations.Mahesh’s passion for working with small businesses even though he’s worked for several large companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Intuit, and GoDaddy.  A powerful yet simple strategy to teach your employees customer empathy.An empathy connection to former CEO Sessions guest, Pammay Bassey, who is an author and Chief Learning and Diversity Officer at Kraft Heinz.Why he encourages all employees at GoDaddy to use their products.Advice for employees who are from underrepresented groups in the C-Suite and are a mission to get there.  How GoDaddy supports diversity, and how it contributes to their success.The one trait he wishes he could instill in every employee… “Customer Obsession”.What is it about Intuit CEO, Brad Smith, that's his biggest inspiration? The unexpected twist in his career during the Tech Meltdown in the 90’s, and how it led to his success down the road.How CEO’s can maximize their impact.What Mahesh learned on Bill Gates’ last day at Microsoft.HIGHLIGHTS:How can CEOs maximize their impact:Do an excellent job putting your message together.Inspire and impact people with that message.QUOTES:“When you're a small business owner… “I don’t have the time to say 'I don’t know?', I just have the time to say 'how much does it cost to go from A to B?'.”“There’s no correlation between busyness and success.  The only correlation is with learning.”“Believe in continuous learning.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Tom Troy is President and CEO of CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA insurer. He is a 30-year veteran of the insurance industry and served as an executive with Allstate, Liberty Mutual, and Safeco.With more than 100 years of experience serving AAA members, CSAA Insurance Group offers automobile, homeowners and other personal lines of insurance to AAA members through AAA clubs. Tom Troy is a board member of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association and the Bay Area Council. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and his MBA from Seattle University.Tom’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-troy-b1153073/ CSAA Website: https://csaa-insurance.aaa.com/content/aaa-ie/b2c/en/homepage.html/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:What Tom learned picking cherries as a kid.What others need to know about the CSAA Insurance Group.Why it’s so important for leaders to share the positive story of the Insurance industry.The career opportunities in the insurance industry go far beyond just sales and claims.The “tower” vs “pyramid” philosophy on building career success.Strategies for work-life balance.The advice he’d give his younger self.The one trait he’d like to instill in every employee… thinking big and moving fast.How to avoid becoming a victim of your own success.Why you must consider exporting talent instead of coveting talent.How a twist in his career led to his personal growth.Three success strategies for every employee.HIGHLIGHTS:Advice Tom would give to his younger self:Be less hard on yourself.Balance things differently.Traits Tom would instill in his employees:Thinking big.Moving fast.QUOTES:“The Insurance Story doesn’t get told very well.”“I embraced the opportunity to do more as long as it helped me grow.”“If you do good work, you’re going to have more opportunities.”“Building a strong and broad base of skills is important to your longevity in any career.”“Don’t covet talent; be prepared to export it.”“Think big, move fast.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Carin-Isabel Knoop is the Executive Director of the Harvard Business School Case Research & Writing Group.She’s written cases on managers and leaders all over the world across functions and industries for decades. Carin co-authored the book on Compassionate Management of Mental Health in the Modern Workplace​ (with Dean John Quelch, Herbert Business School, University of Miami), and her articles have been published in Africa, Europe, the U.S., and Latin America. She champions diversity of thought, adaptability, and human sustainability at work, working closely with public and private organizations, student groups, and employee benefits organizations to promote Mental Health by All and For All.She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.Carin's Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carinknoop/ Carin’s list of Harvard Business School Case Studies https://hbsp.harvard.edu/search?N=&Nrpp=25&Ntt=knoop&searchLocation=header Carin’s book, Compassionate Management of Mental Health in the Modern Workplace​ https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783319715407 WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:How Carin created her role inside Harvard Business School.Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first case study used at HBS.TRIVIA: The first case study used at HBS was… General Shoe Company.Why case studies are such a POWERFUL tool to teaching leaders.Why learning to disagree is essential for all leaders.Why a case study is such an effective training tool.The step-by-step process of how Harvard Business School students approach a case study.The one case study Carin would recommend if you could only read one.The business case that made her cry.How a singing Walmart greeter led to an amazing interaction with Walmart CEO, Doug McMillon.Strategies to infuse the case study mindset when developing your own team.What former CEO of Honeywell, David Cote, said about different points of view in a meeting (around the 31-minute mark). https://www.benfanning.com/david-cote/ What former CEO Nigel Travis said about “Challenge Culture” and getting direct feedback (around the 34-minute mark). https://www.benfanning.com/nigel-travis/ The Kim Scott perspective on bias in her book, Just Work. https://www.benfanning.com/kim-scott/ Three success strategies for every employee.HIGHLIGHTS:The process Harvard students follow for case studies:Receive the case ahead of time.Prepare individually.Discuss in a in a study group.Present in class.Evaluate the case study and get feedback from others.QUOTES:“There is something beautiful in the method of discovery in a case study.”“A good case occurs when people disagree.”“Some people think that Inclusion is expensive, but exclusion is even more expensive.”“To support diversity, we need the tools and courage to learn to disagree.” (from her Medium post)“With disagreement comes innovation.”RESOURCES:Lincoln -Douglas Debate FormatCarin’s Medium Post: Build Mental Health Back Better, Mr. Biden. No vaccine is coming for the COVID depression. https://carinisabelknoop.medium.com/build-mental-health-back-better-mr-biden-because-no-vaccine-is-coming-for-the-covid-depression-a8ae5c6b23f Carin’s Medium Post: So you want to improve mental health at work? Focus on the work part. There is no app for antiquated management. https://carinisabelknoop.medium.com/to-improve-mental-health-at-work-focus-on-the-work-part-b6849a677a39 -------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Phil Kalin is President and CEO Pinnacol Assurance in Denver, CO where they protect nearly a million workers and 60,000 businesses.Phil has also served as a senior executive at Mt Sinai Medical Center in Cleveland, Rose Medical Center in Denver, Custom Med Solutions, and Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.Phil Kalin has a bachelor’s degree from University of Iowa and his master's degree in health services administration from the University of Michigan.  Phil’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philkalin/Pinnacol Assurance: https://www.pinnacol.com/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:Phil’s first job in his family’s “Five and Dime”, and how it influenced his career.The moment he hiked in the snow to his customer’s house to take care of them.A powerful lesson he learned, at 17 years old, when he needed to run the family business.Why it’s important that you stay on the “steep side of the learning curve”.Advice to leaders who want to grow in their career.Pinnacol’s success strategies from facing the Pandemic.Why Pinnacol celebrated the one year "shutdown anniversary".Why their NPS score increased during the Pandemic.The pros and cons of having your team working remotely.Thoughts on the long-term impact of remote working on corporate culture.The two ways that leaders should be creating content on social media.The two traits he'd instill in every employee… curiosity and constant learning.The big questions he asks his employees.When Phil had an unexpected twist in his career, and how it led to his success.  3 success strategies that all employees need to understand.HIGHLIGHTS:Traits Phil would instil into each employee:CuriosityBeing a constant learnerQUOTES:Advice from his father, “The customer is always right”.  “I love change. I love being on the steep side of the learning curve.”“‘Are you all in?’ ‘cause if you’re not, then this is probably not the place for you because we are now going forward and as fast and hard as we can.”RESOURCES:Pandemic Lessons for the Workplace, Phil Kalin http://www.metrodenver.org/blog/posts/2021/04/pandemic-lessons-for-the-workplace/ Atul Gawande https://www.amazon.com/Atul-Gawande/e/B00458K698%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Jennifer McCollum is the CEO at Linkage, which is a Boston based leadership development firm that focuses on improving leadership effectiveness and gender equity in organizations globally.Jennifer's relentless commitment to changing the face of leadership has led to a complete revolution of how this 30+ year old firm is serving leaders.Most recently she co-created an innovative approach to developing inclusive leaders in organizations that is sure to revolutionize the conversation we’re having around this important topic today.She’s also served in senior executive roles at Korn Ferry Hay and CEB, which is now part of Gartner.Jennifer’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferscherermccollum/WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:Growing up in Europe and where Jennifer developed her scrappiness for business.The amazing story of her first job at Coca-Cola during the 1996 Olympics in Barcelona that positively impacted the next 20 years of her career.  How to turn a big opportunity into an even BIGGER one.Career advice for those in their 20’s.   Why just working hard doesn’t mean people will notice.The productivity hack that Jennifer uses to cultivate her network.What you need to understand about Linkage, and it's inspired mission.Career advice for those from underrepresented groups in the C-Suite.The importance of modeling the behavior you want to see in others.How Alan Mulally (former CEO, Boeing Commercial Aircraft and Ford) impacted her CEO career during the global Pandemic. Why, as the leader, you must talk the least.The one trait she wishes she could instill in every employee… self-awareness.The importance of getting honest feedback and how it helps you grow as a leader.Interesting findings from Linkage’s recent research. Jennifer’s personal story of how bias and engagement impact all levels of the organization.A time when a career twist led to her growth down the road.HIGHLIGHTS:Advice for a young aspiring leader:Experience everything you can.Try a lot of things.Figure out what you like and what your passion is.Start to formulate your purpose.Cultivate a network.In the Purposeful Leadership model, Leaders need to:InspireEngageInnovateAchieveBecomeQUOTES:“It’s not enough to work hard; others must notice.” “Instead of focusing on creating a network; focus on cultivating it.”“Serve first.”“We want leaders who are modeling inclusion, creating an inclusive culture. and are investing in their people.”“As a leader, you must talk the least.”“Self-awareness leads to self-discovery which leads to impact.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Bill Keith is CEO and Co-Founder of Perfect Snacks.  You can say Bill Keith was a “born leader” as he is the eldest of 13 children, and they became known as the family that founded Perfect Bar. Perfect Bar is the #1-Selling Refrigerated Protein Bar in the U.S. and is available in 27,000 retailers nationwide.Bill's quest to create Perfect Bar began in college, when he submitted a business plan for a class project, outlining his concept for a first-of-its-kind refrigerated protein bar made with whole food ingredients — a concept hatched from a childhood recipe, created by his father. Over the next 13 years, Bill and his younger siblings worked tirelessly to turn the crowded, $6-billion protein bar industry upside down, leading consumers away from the highly-processed, non-perishable snack aisles, to the fresh and functional snack and beverage coolers where Perfect Snacks products continue to carve out desirable, high-velocity fridge real estate.Named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ by Ernst & Young (San Diego Region), ‘Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies in the U.S.”, “Most-Admired CEO” by San Diego Business Journal,  “Best Workplaces 2019” from Inc. Magazine Bill’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-keith-48a77a14/ Bill’s Company Perfect Snacks: https://perfectsnacks.com/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:What it was like being the eldest child of such a large family, being home schooled, and growing up in national parks across the country.The “perfect” origin of the Perfect Bar, and how it saved his family.How growing up in a big family impacted his leadership.Bill’s top 3 national parks.The advice that Bill gives to his mentees who are starting a business.A strategy to keep going despite the ‘No’.How to work through a “No” with a customer.Why you must listen and react in real time.Why they’ve gone the extra mile to hand roll the bar.The key inflection points of start-up to boot strapping to working with investors.How to deal with stress when “daring greatly”.  How a $100,000 investment led to $20MM per year.The trait he’d like to instill in every employee…vulnerability.Three success strategies for every employee.QUOTES:“Make sure you long from the sign post along the way that tells you that you’re on the right path.”“If you have a product you’d like to test, go to your local farmer’s market."“When I was starting out, Google was my ‘cheat sheet’.”“I want on my tombstone ‘He was a good listener’.”“Constantly perfect your own brand and craft.”“I would rather be a person who says what they know and don’t know. Then share what you’re doing to learn what you need to.”“Look at your actions and determine where you need to do better.”RESOURCES:The Acadia Coop in Northern California Brene Brown – Daring Greatly https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592408419 College of Redwoods https://www.redwoods.edu/ Yosemite, Niagara, Lake Chelan Jordan Rubin, Ancient Nutrition https://ancientnutrition.com/Peter Burns, One Bar and Justin’s Nut Butter https://www.cobizmag.com/how-peter-burns-helps-promising-food-companies-flourish/ Wayne Woo-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Jason Schulweis is Head of Partnerships at Morning Brew where he oversees Sales, Account Management, and the Creative Studio (Integrated Marketing, Branded Content and Creative).Morning Brew is a Media Company based in New York City with an audience of 3.5 Million Subscribers. Their mission is to empower the Modern Business Professional with engaging and accessible content. His team drives company revenue through native content campaigns from Morning Brew's network of media properties and platforms.Prior to Morning Brew, Jason held leadership roles at MediaLink, Live Nation, Thrillist and Yahoo!Jason’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jschulweis/WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:The inspiring mission of Morning Brew.Defining the “Modern Business Leader”.The secret to engaging people with our content.Why every employee can and should be a content creator.The best way for leaders to get their employees to positively represent their organization on social media.Addressing the risk of “bad things” appearing in social media.How employee generated social media content can drive higher sales.How to use social media to attract great talent to your team.The first step leaders should take to get their employees to become positive advocates on social media.The benefit of becoming a thought leader and how to do it.The “Crawl-Walk-Run” method to becoming a thought leader.How Jason has leveraged social media to help others be better prepared to interview with him.The wake-up call to leaders around creating content.Why empathy is the single trait Jason would like to instill in every employee.A twist in Jason's career that led to his success.Two tools that Jason recommends for every leader.HIGHLIGHTS:Benefits of being a thought leader:You become an active participant in your company’s culture.You become a better communicator.You help others.QUOTES:"When it comes to encouraging social media within your team, “lead by example.”"The company should create their “point of view” with the employees in mind." “If your leaders aren’t participating in social media, there is no example for other employees to follow.”“The newsletter world is poised for growth.”RESOURCES:Morning Brew https://www.morningbrew.com/ Collecting Dots (Jason’s Introduction to his career advice) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-collecting-dots-part-1-intro-jason-schulweis/ Interview Intel (if you’re going to interview with Jason make sure you read this!)  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/collecting-dots-part-9-interview-intel-i-wish-knew-want-schulweis/ The Importance of Responding (vs Reacting) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/collecting-dots-part-5-importance-responding-vs-jason-schulweis/ -------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Kim Scott is the New York Times Bestselling Author of Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity. and author of the Just Work, Get *t Done Fast and Fair.Kim was a CEO coach at Dropbox, Qualtrics, Twitter, and other tech companies. She was a member of the faculty at Apple University and before that led AdSense, YouTube, and DoubleClick teams at Google. Earlier in her career Kim managed a pediatric clinic in Kosovo and started a diamond-cutting factory in Moscow. Kim’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimm4/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:What it’s like being a CEO for Dropbox and Twitter.Advice for those who are coaching top tech executives.What Jeff Bezos is rumored to have had on the top of his white board.Kim’s first experience with “Unjust Work” in her first job and why it took for her to tell her story.The moment that broke through three levels of denial.Why it’s essential to distinguish bias, prejudice, and bullying…and what to do when you experience it.  A practical playbook for facing bias and prejudice on a team.Advice for leaders who believe employees are being just “too sensitive”.What to do about bullying if you’re the leader or the person being bullied.A trick to make your quarterly numbers while reducing bias on the team.Why bias can often lead to bad decisions.How leaders can positively respond when a bias is called out.The BIG problems that power creates.Moneyball, Billy Bean, and measuring bias.The first step you should take if you suspect you’re being underpaid or not promoted because of bias or prejudice."Brutal ineffectiveness", and how to address it.HIGHLIGHTS:Actions that are destructive in collaboration:BiasPrejudiceBullyingConsequences of layering power on top of bias, prejudice and bullying:DiscriminationHarassmentPhysical violationQUOTES:“Remember that when you’re winning you’re never good as they say you are, and when you’re losing you’re never as bad as they say you are.”“You are not your stock price.”  Unverified quote from the top of Jeff Bezo’s white board.“I got a lot of advice on how to navigate around nonsense, but I didn’t get a lot of advice on how to change the nonsense.”“You must distinguish bias, prejudice, and bullying so you can respond in an effective way.”“Privilege compounds over time.”RESOURCES:Just Work: Get *t Done Fast and Fair, Kim Scotthttps://www.amazon.com/Just-Work-Done-Fast-Fair/dp/1250203481 Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity, Kim Scotthttps://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Kim-Scott/dp/B01KTIEFEE Thinking Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahnemanhttps://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0374533555 The Stanford Prison Experiment https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_prison_experiment Money Ball. Billy Bean https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moneyball_(film) Francoise Brougher, The Pinterest Paradoxhttps://medium.com/digital-diplomacy/the-pinterest-paradox-cupcakes-and-toxicity-57ed6bd76960  -------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Josh Ensign is currently Chief Operating Officer at Proterra, a company that designs and builds 100% battery electric buses, chargers, and powertrains for the heavy duty market.  He’s also held senior leadership positions at Tesla, Honeywell, and the US Army.Throughout his years, Josh has managed 42 different factories across 16 countries.  Josh’s career path has included multiple international assignments in Germany, Mexico, China, and Switzerland. He holds an MBA from the University of Southern California and an engineering degree from Gonzaga.Josh’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-ensign-3604431/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:The challenge Josh faced on his first day as COO of Proterra, involving 160,000 square feet of Ugg Boots.Why Proterra is described as the "Tesla of the Bus World". What Elon Musk taught Josh about thinking big and goal setting.A powerful strategy that gets every employee to “buy in”.The most exciting thing going on at Proterra today.Josh’s big career accelerating moment.How to create your own path to the C-Suite.The seed Josh planted that culminated in a big opportunity four years down the road.The power of being a leader worth following and bringing your team with you.How to run your business with a single sheet of paper.3 success routines that increase performance.The two big components of leaving a leadership legacy.How to use meditation to boost focus and decrease stress.The one trait that he’d instill in every employee… positive energy!A simple strategy to present your idea of the C-Suite.The true catastrophic impact of turnover.The book Josh hands out to his team and takes on his flights.Three keys to professional and personal success.HIGHLIGHTS:Things Josh learnt from Elon Musk:Think big.Set ambitious goals.Develop your capacity for speed in getting things doneJosh's legacy:Getting results.Being the kind of leader people want to follow.QUOTES:“The most important asset in a company is the employees.”“Losing employees is expensive and losing top talent can break a company.”“Focusing on your employee turnover and A players can make the difference between being a good company versus a GREAT company.”“Life is short. Make sure when you wake up you’re doing something you enjoy with people you enjoy doing it with.”“Find a way to give back.”About influencing opportunities: “Part of it is luck, but the other part is being prepared when you get lucky.”“It’s the leaders who can get results. And then when they leave the company or they leave their jobs, or they change jobs, everyone wants to follow them. That to me is the definition of a career success.”RESOURCES:Defy Ventures https://www.defyventures.org/ Tools of the Titan by Tim Ferris https://www.amazon.com/Tools-Titans-Billionaires-World-Class-Performers/dp/1328683788 Honeywell Tri-Fold

Michelle Thompson is CEO and Managing Partner of Cherry Bekaert, one of the top 25 US largest accounting firms.Michelle’s responsible for oversight of the firm’s Executive Team, executing and promoting the overall strategic plan and driving firm growth. Her leadership role includes chairing Cherry Bekaert’s Executive Board and overseeing the day-to-day administration and financial management of the firm. She also held a senior leadership role at Deloitte.Michelle has an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Accountancy, University of South Carolina with additional studies at the Harvard Business School.Michelle’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellethompson-513a419/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:Leadership lessons from working the “drive through”.Why Cherry Bekaert is a small accounting firm with big capabilities.Why Michelle thinks it’s so important to get different perspectives.When a leader should “pull rank”.  Advice for employees who are from underrepresented groups in the C-Suite and are a mission to get there.The three-part framework to pitch your idea to the C-Suite. How big does your idea need to be before you present it?The one trait she’d like to instill in every employee… ”Managing Yourself”.  Productivity strategies from the C-Suite.How being unorganized in your personal life shows up in your professional life.The importance of understanding how and when you and your team work best.A simple hack to bring your best self to every moment.The surprising tool that she recommends for every leader.What General Robert Caslin (now President of USC and former CEO Sessions guest) and Michelle believe about building trust.The moment that accelerated her career.HIGHLIGHTS:Tips on presenting your idea to C-Suite:Be able to pitch it.Your pitch needs to answer what problem you are solving, how you will solve it and who will benefit after solving the problem.3 success strategies all employees need to understand:Be organized.Be a good communicator.Think about your work style.QUOTES:On the first step for developing your personal network: “Focus on building relationships and establishing trust.”“You need to volunteer for things and put yourself out there, be willing to fail, and don’t hide.”“Ideas don’t have to be earth shattering. They can be things that you can change within your own world of influence.”“Depending on the thing I’m going to do, I’m always considering how to bring my best self to that moment.”RESOURCES:Atomic Habits by James Clear

Matt Carter, CEO of Aryaka, is a cloud and technology industry veteran, leading Aryaka's long-term market strategy and day-to-day operations, while guiding the company's vision for an increasingly connected world. Matt has also served in senior leadership roles at Inteliquent, Sprint Corporation, Sprint Enterprise Solutions, Boost Mobile, Coca-Cola, BellSouth, and Bristol-Myers Squibb.  Matt earned his master's degree in general management from the Harvard Business School and his bachelor's degree from Northwestern University.Matt’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cartermatt/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:How Matt’s first job as a grocery bagger informs his leadership style today.How transitioning industries several times throughout Matt's career helped accelerate his growth.The key to becoming more resilient in your career.How Aryaka is supporting leaders who are going through a big digital transformation.How to go from being the “best kept secret” to becoming well-known in your industry.Looking to history to motivate your team - David and Goliath and Japanese Samurai.Why creative thinking is the one trait that Matt would instill in every employee.A sure-fire strategy to get your team thinking creatively.An unexpected twist or failure in your career? How did it lead to growth or success down the road?What Red Auerbach, renowned NBA coach of the Boston Celtics, told him about leadership.The real job of a leader.HIGHLIGHTS:Pros and cons of working for different organizations and not sticking with one for a long period of time:Different companies offer different pieces of leadership experience.You must constantly rebuild your reputation and your credibility.What Matt does to foster creative and disruptive thinking in his employees:Has a lot of small meetings with people.Encourages them by saying how valuable they are to the team.Tries not to be the guy that has all the answers.Encourages people to be their best selves.QUOTES:“Be bold.  The time here is short, so be bold and get the most out of it.”“Don’t be so hard on yourself.  You’re going to be okay.  Have the resiliency to keep moving on."“Believe in yourself and develop the fortitude to keep moving.”“We’re paid for what we know, but it’s what you don’t know and how you pursue it that makes the difference.”“Failing is part of growing.”RESOURCES:David and Goliath https://www.amazon.com/David-Goliath-Underdogs-Misfits-Battling/dp/0316204374 Age of the Samurai – Battle for Japan https://www.netflix.com/title/80237990 

Dean Acosta is the Lockheed Martin Chief Communications Officer and Senior Vice President.Lockheed Martin is a $65B global security and aerospace company with 114,000 employees worldwide. Dean Acosta leads a team of 500, oversees global communications strategies and activities, and provides strategic communications counsel to the corporation’s senior executives. He’s held senior leadership positions at NASA, Boeing, Honeywell, Phillips 66, and Resideo. While at NASA he was press secretary in the aftermath of the space shuttle Columbia tragedy and returned to flight. Dean has received an Emmy Award for investigative reporting and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a master’s degree from Seton Hall University.Dean’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanacosta/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER FROM THIS EPISODE:The big life lesson Dean learned as a sportscaster.The advice Dean would give his younger self.  How you strike the balance of “tooting your own horn” and being humble.How his mettle was tested during the Columbia Space Shuttle crisis and the Pandemic.Key strategies every leader can use to respond to a crisis.How to have a “steady hand” in a crisis.The single trait Dean would instill in every employee.Success strategies every employee should keep in mind.A twist in Dean’s career that led to his success down the road.The three board games that Dean likes to play with his family.HIGHLIGHTS:Advice for someone facing a crisis in their career or business:Involve more people into a conversation, not less.Transparency and authenticity need to be key principles in how you approach your communications.Tips on avoiding burnout:Make sure you have work/life balance.Family first, then the mission.Stay focused.Be okay with asking for help or asking for a break.Be able to reflect on what’s working for you and what’s not.QUOTES:“Advocate for yourself and your team.”“There’s a fine line between arrogance and confidence.”“Understand your audience.”“Think about the things that advance the mission of the company.”“Involve more people in the conversation.”“When you’re thinking over communicating, you’re usually not.”“Pause and reflect upon what you’ve learned during the past year".RESOURCES:Good to Great, Jim Collins https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others-ebook/dp/B0058DRUV6 The Right Stuff https://www.amazon.com/Right-Stuff-Tom-Wolfe/dp/0312427565 Ghost Fleet https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Fleet-Novel-Next-World/dp/054470505X 

Barbara Melvin is Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the South Carolina Ports Authority.  She leads a team of over 650 employees including those in terminal operations, carrier sales, information technology and support services, crane and equipment maintenance, engineering, environmental, Port Police, procurement, the logistics solution center, and cruise operations. She is leading the most transformative port project on the Southeast Coast in the last 100 years with the opening of the Leatherman Terminal that’s been 20 years in the making.  It opens in Spring 2021.Ms. Melvin also serves as the SCPA’s lead staff person on the Charleston Harbor Post 45 Project.She sits on numerous Boards and has been recognized with many awards. She is a highly influential leader in Charleston, South Carolina and across the Southeast. She holds a degree in political science from Georgia Southern University and an MBA in Global Supply Chain from the University of Tennessee.Barbara’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-melvin-69393b13/ WHAT YOU WILL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:How her background in politics has helped her the C-Suite.The importance of knowing your talking pointsWhat you can learn about someone from their Twitter Profile.How to successfully lead a 20-year project.  Her interesting path to COO over a 22-year span.Work-life balance strategies. How the word “discipline” emerged as a defining word throughout her career.Her perspective on gender and the C-Suite.Why she’d like to instill the trait of decisiveness in all employees.A failure in her career that led to her success down the road.How to present your idea to the C-Suite.Insights on the catastrophic cost of turnover.On approaching an employee who is burned out and might quit.A moment of inspiration from her father.Helpful advice on what to read for those on a mission to get to the C-Suite.Barbara’s interesting twist on Parkinson’s Law.HIGHLIGHTS:How Barbara's political background relates to business:Know your issuesBe straightforwardKnow how to compromiseKnow your audienceIncrease your emotional intelligenceHow would Barbara approach someone who's burned out and might quit:Try to notice any changes before it becomes an issue.Have an honest conversation as you notice some signs that a person is unhappy.QUOTES:On managing a long-term project “You need to have staying power” and “Talk to your customers”.You must be able to formulate a story, believe it and sell it.“Keep your eyes on the end of the race know matter how many ‘cramps’ you may get along the way.“Make your teammates define victory for themselves, rather than defining it for them.” Ask your team, “What victory looks like?”“Just when you think failure might define you, you realize it actually just makes you tougher.”“You learn as much, if not more, from your failures.”“People are our investments.”“There is no doubt organizations should track the cost of turnover.”“It’s a devastating impact when an employee leaves after you’ve invested in them.”“We invest in our leadership so they understand the #1 reason employees leave a company is because of their boss.”“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of good.”RESOURCES:The Economist https://www.economist.com/ -------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Dave Lapp is Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer for PepsiCo Beverages North America.  PepsiCo’s beverage business of iconic brands includes Pepsi, Gatorade, Tropicana, Mountain Dew, LIFEWTR, Starbucks ready-to-drink coffee, and Pure Leaf. Dave is a 33-year veteran of PepsiCo. In his current role, Dave is accountable for leading the end-to-end supply chain operations and strategy for PBNA across the U.S. and Canada. Dave earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California at Davis. .David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lapp-5104855a/WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:David’s path to the C-Suite.Advice David would give his younger self.The pro’s and con’s of staying with one company for 33 years“Bleeding Blue”.Why tracking the cost of turnover is one of the most important things you can do.David’s legacy at PepsiCo and how he thinks of measuring it.How to build your team.How to conduct a job interview to assess if they’re the right fit.3 keys for getting to the C-SuiteThe career risk that David took led to his growth and success.His secret to managing a global team.The one trait he wishes you could instill in every employee.How employees can more effectively communicate their idea to the C-suite.How to help your teammates who face burnout…especially during the Pandemic.His leadership strategies to connect your team while they are remote.  What fuels David’s motivation.How he took the team from last to first.How creating a friendly competition within a team creates focus and motivation.David’s time as a collegiate athlete, and how it informed his leadership.Book recommendations for someone in the C-Suite or who is on a mission to get there.The simple tool that’s helped Dave achieve success.HIGHLIGHTS:Questions Dave asks when hiring new people:What challenges will the company be facing in the future?What unique skills and capabilities are you going to need?How best can we attract those talents to our company?QUOTES:“Tap into what your employees are dealing with every day and eliminate the articles.”“We give our leaders both tremendous autonomy and big responsibility.”“We spend so much time attracting the best talent; when we lose them we take it as a personal setback.”“You lose high performance when you have high turnover.”“The biggest focus is to prevent turnover in the first place.”“Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to have all the answers. It’s powerful to ask others ‘how would you approach this.”“When you hire, start by thinking of the future.”“To be really productive, you must teach people to reflectively listen.”When it comes to helping with burnout…”It’s our job as leaders to stay connected and address it early.”“We all (as leaders), have a role to coach, teach, and motivate our teams to help them reach their potential.”RESOURCES:The Game of Work, Charles Coonradt https://www.amazon.com/Game-Work-Charles-Coonradt/dp/1423630858 The Wealthy Barber, David Chilton https://www.amazon.com/Wealthy-Barber-Updated-3rd-Commonsense/dp/0761513116 

Elena Kvochko is cybersecurity and technology executive having built her career in protecting the nation's critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks and building innovative technology and digital solutions. She’s held senior leadership positions at Bank of America, Barclays, and S&P Global. She is a member of the Wall Street Journal CIO Council and served as an affiliate fellow at Harvard Law School. Her published work appeared in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, the Wall Street Journal, the White House cybersecurity report, and The New York Times. She has invented patent-pending technologies in cybersecurity, privacy, and secure financial technologies. Elena was named among the Top 100 CIOs by CIO Magazine, Business Role Model of the Year by Women in IT Awards, Fortune Magazine's Most Powerful Women - International, and was honored as part of the 40 under 40 list by Crain’s New York. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate in national cybersecurity and technology diversity programs. Elena is a member of the Board of Directors of Refugees International and a Patron of Carnegie Hall in New York. Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenakvochko/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:What is a Chief Trust Officer and why your company needs one.Why security and growth are important for every leader to balance.What trust is based on in the C-Suite.The two big reasons why Elena got involved in Security.How mountaineering and aviation inform her leadership experience.The greatest lesson she learned summiting Aconcagua at 23,000 feet (the only person in her party to make it to the top).What advice Elena would give her younger self.How to take the pressure off when making a big career decision.Advice for women who'd like to advance in their careers.The challenge every leader faces when your team shows up with a new idea. Two things you must consider BEFORE presenting your idea to the C-Suite.What Elena is reading for inspiration now.A helpful way to deal with the stress of the C-Suite and the Pandemic.The best place to go for a run in New York City.HIGHLIGHTS:What is Trust:A value.A way of doing business.The confidence you give to your customers and employees.Advice Elena would give to her younger self:Work hard.Appreciate the people around you.Find ways to contribute and be helpful.Work in the field that inspires you to grow and give back.Remember that whatever you do, you bring your own perspective onto your work or your life.QUOTES:“When you don’t risk, you don’t summit.”“Appreciate the people around you.”“Find ways to contribute and be valuable.”RESOURCES:Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacqueline_Kennedy_Onassis_Reservoir A Promised Land, Barack Obama’s Autobiography https://www.amazon.com/Promised-Land-Barack-Obama/dp/1524763160#ace-g2342880709 -------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Stephanie Stuckey is CEO of Stuckey’s, the roadside oasis famous for its pecan log rolls.  After five years of losses she was able to make business profitable.The Company was founded by Stephanie’s grandfather, W.S. Stuckey, Sr. as a pecan stand in Eastman, Georgia in 1937 and grew into over 350 stores by the 1970’s. The company was sold in 1964 but is now back in family hands and poised for a comeback.Billy Stuckey, son of the founder and former U.S. Congressman, reacquired Stuckey’s in 1985. Stephanie took over in November of 2019 and, under her leadership, Stuckey’s has purchased a healthy pecan snack company, undergone a rebranding, added three new franchised stores, expanded its B2B retail customer base, increased online sales 550% with a new website and will soon acquire a pecan processing and candy manufacturing plant.Stephanie worked as a trial lawyer, was elected to seven terms as a state representative, ran an environmental nonprofit law firm that settled the largest Clean Water Act case in Georgia history, served as Director of Sustainability and Resilience for the City of Atlanta, and taught as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Georgia School of Law.  Stephanie’s achievements include being named one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians by Georgia Trend Magazine and a graduate of Leadership Atlanta. She is active in her community, a longstanding member of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, and serves on many nonprofit boards, including the National Sierra Club Foundation, EarthShare of Georgia, and her local zoning review boardStephanie received both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia. .Stephanie's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniestuckey/Stuckey's Website: https://stuckeys.com/WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:Why Stephanie used her personal savings to take back over the family business.The change she made so Stuckey’s became profitable after 5 years of losses.What Stephanie learned after her first year as CEO.The surprising story of how W.S. Stuckey determined where to establish Stuckey’s.The critical role that Ethel Stuckey (her grandmother) and the African American community played in the success of Stuckey’sAdvice she would give her younger self.How to take a smart risk.The one trait she wishes she could instill in every employee.How the catastrophic cost of turnover adds up.The single routine that helps Stephanie handle the stress of being CEO.The treasure Stephanie discovered in six boxes of her grandfather’s old files.How Stephanie has reinvigorated the Stuckey’s brand and their profitability.The economic hard times are when you double down on marketing.HIGHLIGHTS:What Stephanie made the business profitable after 5 years of no profit:Doubled, tripled down on marketing the brand.Made a tough analysis of the company finances to identify where are they making profits.Invested more into branded merchandise.They did a rebranding.QUOTES:“Economic hard times are when you double and triple down on marketing.”“People are hungry for nostalgia and comfort.”RESOURCES:Assassination Vacation, Sarah Vowell https://www.amazon.com/Assassination-Vacation-Sarah-Vowell/dp/074326004X The Winning Game Plan: A Proven Leadership Playbook for Continuous Business Success, James Rootes https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Game-Plan-Leadership-Continuous-ebook/dp/B08MH9X5NT Good to Great, Jim Collins https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996 MUSIC:Road Trip Music!Allman Brothers – Ramblin’ ManREM Johnny CashHank Williams, Sr

Pamay Bassey is Chief Learning and Diversity Officer for the Kraft Heinz Company. Prior to Kraft Heinz, Pamay served as the Global Head of Learning Platform and Professional Development for BlackRock. Before that, she was president of The Pamay Group, an e-learning design and strategy company. Her career began in Accenture's Media Technologies Group.Pamay is also Chief Experience Officer of the My 52 Weeks of Worship Project, through which she facilitates courageous conversations about cultural and interfaith diversity, inclusion, and understanding. Her 2018 TEDx talk, Navigating Sacred Spaces, is based on her project work and her book: My 52 Weeks of Worship: Lessons from a Global, Spiritual, Interfaith Journey.Pamay is Chair of the National Advisory Board of The Haas Center for Public Service at Stanford University, a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and serves on the board of Houlihan Lokey and of the M&G Etomi Foundation, serving the people of the Niger Delta region in Southern Nigeria.Pamay earned a B.S. in Symbolic Systems from Stanford, with an Artificial Intelligence concentration, and a M.S. in Computer Science from Northwestern. She is also a graduate of the Second City Conservatory program in Chicago, an advanced study of improvisational comedy and theater. Pamay’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamay/ Pamay’s TEDx talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/pamay_bassey_navigating_sacred_spaces Pamay’s Book: My 52 Weeks of Worship: Lessons from a Global, Spiritual, Interfaith Journey https://www.amazon.com/My-Weeks-Worship-Spiritual-Interfaith/dp/1452545804WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:How stand-up comedy and improv inform Pamay’s leadership style and why "laughter is a superpower".  Why Pamay pursued a major in Symbolic Systems with an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence at Stanford, and how not majoring in business impacted her career path.The future of artificial intelligence at work.How delivering a TEDx talk has become the "gift that keeps on giving”.Situations where it’s important to rely on emotional intelligence.Where Pamay grew up and her interesting path to the C-Suite.Advice for business owners considering going back into corporate and for corporate leaders starting their own company.Insights for leaders considering whether they should join an external board.Why Kraft Heinz merged the Chief Learning Officer and a Chief Diversity Officer into one executive position.The challenge of measuring bottom-line impact for learning, development, and diversity programs.The key attributes of the most effective presentations.The common pitfalls of bad presentations.The advice she would give her younger self.Why it matters if you use your first or last name when you talk to yourself. The one trait she’d like to instill in every employee.How to present your idea to the C-Suite.How an unexpected career twist led to her success down the road.HIGHLIGHTS:Advice for business owners who are thinking of going to back into corporate and corporate leaders who are thinking of starting their own business:Examine your self-perception.Deal with other people’s perception.Find a way to share your creative narrative in a way everyone would understand.Advice on how to communicate big ideas:Simplicity is the key.Be able to ask questions.Be patient.QUOTES:“Everything is better with laughter.”“As an executive having a sense of humor always comes in handy.”“When things are hard I look for the laughter within it.”“When you’re talking about something at work that people have strong feelings about, it requires emotional intelligence.”RESOURCES:Second City Conservatory https://www.secondcity.com/courses/chicago/conservatory-program/ -------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Alan Magee is Vice President of Digital Marketing & Technology for Church’s Chicken, which has over 1,500 restaurants. He is responsible for digital transformation and their customer engagement strategy. He also oversees marketing activation, public relations, and e-commerce.He has 17 years of experience in both traditional brand marketing and digital innovation.  He’s held senior leadership positions at InterContinental Hotels Group, Arby’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and AT&T. Alan Magee has been recognized as a Brand Innovators 40 under 40 honoree, a distinction that highlights the next generation of marketing leaders.  Additionally, Alan is a member of the University of Georgia – School of Digital Marketing: Board of Directors and is a guest lecturer for marketing and advertising departments at universities across the Southeast.Alan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanmagee/WHAT YOU WILL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:    An important life-lesson from working as a line cook at McDonald’s.    What is Digital Transformation and why every company can benefit.    The science behind designing a great kid’s meal toy.    Alan’s story of leading Toastmasters in a retirement community, and how it’s fueled his career advancement.    A daily checklist you can follow to increase your success.    The defining moment in Alan’s career when he had to step up.    Three traits to instill in every employee.    The hidden employee turnover cost that most leaders miss.    A surprising Post-It Note strategy that helps Alan retain his top talent.HIGHLIGHTS:Traits Alan would instill in every employee:Curiosity.Proactive positive attitude.Being ready.QUOTES:"You can work hard and have fun.""Digital Transformation is making a brand and experience relevant to the consumer's needs.""Routines help you focus.""Focus on growth early on in your career."“Cause when you start to ask the question ‘why?’ you start to put the context around it.”"Too often great talent leaves for reasons that are manageable. You must understand 'Why'.""When high performing talent leaves it can set your brand back. It can set your team back by months.""If your not investing your time in developing your team, then expect them to leave."“Presentation skills are one of those soft skills that you need to focus on if you want to move up into a leadership role.RESOURCES:The Playbook by NetflixThe Science Behind Using Yellow Post-It Notes, Harvard Business ReviewBusiness Casual Podcast by Morning BrewRestaurant Reinvented PodcastMusic Exists PodcastMusic:OARBon JoviStrange Hotels-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

Jay Karen is the CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, where he leads the golf industry’s trade association and initiatives to support the success of the golf course business. He's chaired the board of the industry-wide advocacy coalition, We Are Golf, and served on the Golf USA Tee Time Coalition board, a joint initiative with the PGA of America, and the advisory board of the World Golf Hall of Fame.  The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CBS Radio, New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, the Golf Channel, Golf Digest and many others call upon Jay for his insights on the golf industry.Jay has also served as CEO of two associations in the lodging and hospitality industry, and he is a certified association executive by the American Society of Association Executives.  Jay also served on the board of directors of the US Travel Association.Jay’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaykaren/The National Golf Course Owners Association https://www.ngcoa.org/ WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:How Jay's hometown impacted his career.The important advice his Mom gave him that often comes in handy.Do you need to leave your organization in order to become CEO? What you need to know to become CEO.Insights for preparing and interviewing for the CEO position.What’s unique about working in associations, and what’s the key to success.How to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit.How Jay is going about addressing diversity and inclusion in golf. Why difficulties are the best places to grow.Why front-line worker turnover is about more than money.What Don Draper in Mad Men said about gratitude.The missed opportunity from paying employees electronically.A time when a failure led to growth down the road.The one thing most people miss when they are making a decision.How to efficiently read the Wall Street Journal.How leaders can curate content and provide value.HIGHLIGHTS:The "Holy Grail" of reducing turnover:Create a place for people to have a security in their livesBe reliable. Show gratitude.The steps the NGCOA is taking to make the golf course more welcoming:Prioritize starting the conversation. Focus on creating diversity at the Board level.Create a collective consciousness around diversity across the industry. QUOTES:“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. The grass is greener where you water it.”“You have to show that you've done the job. People don’t want to take a big risk when hiring a CEO.""Moderate doses of fear can be motivating. Too much of it can be overwhelming.""In an association you get to be mission driven and entrepreneurial."“When you begin to invest in what your younger customers want often the older generation will follow soon."Advice for you early on in your career..."embrace the difficulties".The sign in Jay's office..."A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.""The best employees take ownership."The Holy Grail of turnover reduction..."Create a place where people can have security and reliability in their lives.""Showing gratitude and appreciation to your employees makes a bigger difference than you realize.""I try to stay one step ahead of members when offering them something of value in my newsletter. Two steps ahead is too far."When it comes to relationship building..."Golf levels the playing field for four hours." "The relationship is richer after fours hours of golf.""I'm a better CEO because I seek to achieve balance in life."RESOURCES:Wall Street Journal:https://www.wsj.com/-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

E30: Rob King is ESPN’s Senior Vice President and Editor-At-Large. His role is to help define ESPN’s journalistic direction.He oversaw ESPN’s original content portfolio including: ESPN Films, 30 for 30 and ESPN+ original series, ESPN the Magazine, The Undefeated, and Outside the Lines.Previously Rob served as Senior Vice President, Original Content and Senior Vice President, SportsCenter, and Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of ESPN.com.He received an undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University and a graduate degree from Penn State. He’s also served as a Pulitzer Prize judge and is a member of the Associated Press board of directors. He chairs the Poynter Institute’s National Advisory Board and was named by Fast Company among its “Most Creative People.”Rob’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-king-92a62a5/ WHAT YOU WILL DISCOVER:What’s it like having one of the most important jobs in sports.Why he often gets called upon to be “wise in real time”.How to help your team think bigger.How Rob prepares his team to surprise and delight in every story.Where the idea came from for pivoting ESPN’s College GameDay to the Masters.How to leverage utility and wonder to communicate your messages.The key to ESPN’s successful navigation of the Pandemic.The moment they knew “The Last Dance” was going to be big.How to recognize and tell a great story.The key components of a great story.The greatest gift leaders can give their team.The phrase that inspires creativity at ESPN.How to generate creativity in yourself and others.The question Rob uses to open his meetings to inspire creativity.A classic Improv activity to generate creativity.Rob’s advice for those from under-represented groups who’d like to advance in their career.How former ESPN President, George Bodenheimer, turned a perceived failure into one of their greatest opportunities.  Rob’s most colorful story from doing a live event.Rob’s book and music recommendations for leaders.The daily 15-minute activity that Rob uses to get his day started, and what he does when he needs to take a break. The career decision Rob made that led cartoonist to the executive ranks.HIGHLIGHTS:The Questions that Rob uses to identify a great story:Will it drive empathy?Will it take you places you didn’t think you’d go?Will it make you share that story with someone else?What success routines Rob picked along the way:Being present for the family.Doing the New York Times Cross Word Puzzle.QUOTES:“Great storytelling allows you to see the world through the ideas of others.”“The story has to make you feel something.”“A good story makes you want to share it.”“The greatest thing a leader can give their team is hope and optimism.”“Hope and optimism inspire creativity.”On identifying a great story…”Listen for something in someone’s journey that others will immediately identify as the same as theirs.”“On what it’s like working at ESPN…“Most days it feels like family.”RESOURCES:New York Times Cross Word Puzzle https://www.nytimes.com/crosswordsThe Last Dance Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9Z9JtNcCWYNational Association of Black Journalists https://nabjonline.org/National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communication https://namic.comAn Absolutely Remarkable Thing, Hank Green https://www.amazon.com/Absolutely-Remarkable-Thing-Novel/dp/1524743445Utopia Avenue, David Mitchell https://www.amazon.com/Utopia-Avenue-Novel-David-Mitchell/dp/0812997433Children of Time, Adrian Tchaikovsky https://www.amazon.com/Children-Time-Adrian-Tchaikovsky/dp/0316452505The Ride of a Life Time, Robert Iger https://www.amazon.com/Ride-Lifetime-Lessons-Learned-Company/dp/0399592091Every Town is a Sports Town, George Bodenheimer https://www.amazon.com/Every-Town-Sports-Leadership-Boardroom-ebook/dp/B00NERQS70Pappyland, Wright Thompson https://www.amazon.com/Pappyland-Story-Family-Bourbon-Things/dp/0735221251I Came as a Shadow, John Thompson https://www.amazon.com/I-Came-As-Shadow-Autobiography/dp/1250619351MUSIC DISCUSSED:Prince and the RevolutionThe PoliceMiles Davis: Kind of Blue (The soundtrack from his wedding)Miles Davis: Sketches of SpainMagic Slim and Tear DropsBuddy GuyRolling Stones-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------CONNECT WITH BEN:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

E29: Natalie Putnam is Chief Executive Officer at DeliveryCircle DeliveryCircle is a proprietary technology-based same-day delivery solution provider providing a technology platform for final mile fleets.    Natalie has more than 30 years in the logistics industry and has served as the Chief Commercial Officer at Verst Logistics and other senior leadership positions at YRC Worldwide, Ryder Systems, Kansas City Railroad.Her leadership was put to the test at YRC Worldwide when the troubled trucking company sought her leadership to reduce turnover of their 600+ sales force during an economic downturn that threatened the company with bankruptcy.  Natalie is a member of the advisory boards of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, AWESOME Leaders, and the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN). She earned her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University.Natalie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalieputnam/DeliveryCircle: https://www.deliverycircle.com/WHAT YOU DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:The question Natalie asked led to her choosing a business career.How to communicate directly and respectfully.How to increase communication effectiveness.The question that helps you set your sights higher and accelerate your career.What it was like working in Jimmy Hoffa’s “local” for her first big job.What it was like being one the first women in management at her company.Sales stories from 8 Mile in Detroit (yes, the same place as Eminem hails from)The single strategy that boosts your team’s productivity.A personal example of the shadow-side of stress.The hardest layoff Natalie ever had to make.How to summon your courage.The “finger print” strategy to get your big idea accepted by the C-Suite.Strategies to conquer impost syndrome.Why you should add music to your meeting.HIGHLIGHTS:Advice for underrepresented groups in C-Suite:Discard the fear.If you want to lead, then lead.Be female but compete on competence.Show up with gravitas.Lower voice has more command.What traits Natalie is looking for when hiring new people:They need to be ambitious, eager and passionate.Be humble.Be smart emotionally and intelligently.How employees should communicate their big ideas:You should socialize it with someone else before bringing it to the meeting.Your big idea is not about making a name for yourself but making the company better.Tweak your ideas and let other people put their fingerprints on it.QUOTES:“Ask “What else can I do?”.  Ask “What can I do to develop myself?”“Compete on competence.”“Show up with gravitas.”“It’s critical to make your ‘work’, work for you.”RESOURCES:Crucial Conversations https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/1469266822 Books by Patrick Lencioni https://www.amazon.com/Patrick-M.-Lencioni/e/B001ILFMB2 The Rock Legends CruiseZero to One, Peter Theil https://www.amazon.com/Zero-One-Notes-Startups-Future/dp/0804139296 Trillion Dollar Coach, Bill Campbell https://www.amazon.com/Trillion-Dollar-Coach-Leadership-Playbook/dp/0062839268 MUSIC MENTIONED:Pete TownsendRolling StonesACDCJet-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

E28: Jerry Gamez is former Global CEO and Board Director at Le Pain Quotidien Group.  The group consisted of the restaurant brand operating in 21 countries with over 7,000 team members with 5 offices (United States, Belgium, United Kingdom, France, and Spain) and a manufacturing company with six facilities in Europe and across the US.   He’s also served in senior leadership roles at publicly-traded companies like Burger King, Walmart, and UPS. He’s also had leadership roles in private equity-backed companies. His passion and extensive food experience have placed him in a unique position to aggregate growth channels.  With the implications of the new normal and the rapidly evolving eating habits, he is at the center of the global acceleration away from animal protein to more plant-based food.Jerry is currently a Non-Executive Board Director of a European restaurant group and Board Advisor of a prominent North American workforce management SAAS company.  Jerry’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-gamez-65ab0430/ WHAT YOU WILL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:Jerry’s interesting path from Southern California to Switzerland.Two ways to go about identifying and contacting potential mentors.Why you’re never too high in your career to find new mentors.The simple way to frame your meeting with a mentor.Why being in the inaugural Walmart Executive Leadership Academy (only 15 selected) was like an” MBA on Steroids”. The intense strategies Walmart uses to accelerate the growth of their high-potential leaders.What Jerry learned as an expat that he applied to make his expat experience even more successful.  What it was like leading the growth of Burger King across EMEA.The biggest lesson from being Global CEO of Le Pain Quotidien.Jerry’s go-to strategy for handling the stress of the CEO role.The advice that Jerry wishes he’d received early on in his career.The one trait he’d instill in every employee.The part of employee turnover “value-chain” that often gets missed.Books, Association, and TEDx recommendations for every leader.HIGHLIGHTS:How Walmart Executive Leadership Academy teaches to accelerate student’s growth:They have an interactive, hands-on program.They assign senior executive mentors.Studies are heavily based on business case studies.Students solve business problems in small groups.Things Jerry would have added earlier in his career:Learn more languages.Live outside your home country.Proactively ask for mentorship.QUOTES:“There are two things you should be able to deliver: hard work and integrity.”“The good mentors are always busy, so you must seek them out.”“The skills you’ve acquired are never as relevant as the skills you can develop today and tomorrow.”RESOURCES:TED Videos on Sustainability https://www.ted.com/topics/sustainability Seba Castiglioni – Sustainability leader in the plant-based space. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastianocc/?originalSubdomain=ch YPO Europe https://www.ypo.org/europe/ Quiet Strength, Tony Dungy https://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Strength-Principles-Practices-Priorities/dp/1414318022 -------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1

E27: Dan Newby is Founder of the School of Emotions. He is a champion for Emotional Literacy, and Emotions-Centered Coaching, a methodology he developed. His passion is helping emotional literacy become common sense and making emotions a tool for daily use.He previously served as CEO of Newfield Network Coach Training School in Boulder, Colorado.He has authored four books on emotional literacy and its application to coaching.Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Drury University in the U.S.His coach training was with Newfield Network where he also studied Integral and Somatic Coaching. He is trained as a Clifton StrengthsFinder Coach through the Gallup Organization in London and holds a PCC Certification from ICF backed by more than 7000 hours of coaching.Dan’s LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-newby-77911137/School of Emotions https://schoolofemotions.world/Material ResourcesThe Unopened Gift: A Primer in Emotional Literacy, Co-authored with Lucy Núñez. https://www.amazon.com/Unopened-Gift-Primer-Emotional-Literacy/dp/0692855785#ace-g2342880709 The Field Guide to Emotions: A Practical Orientation to 150 Essential Emotions Co-authored with Curtis Watkins. https://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Emotions-Practical-Orientation/dp/1732450927 21 Days to Emotional Literacy: A Personal Journey Co-authored with Lucy Núñez. https://www.amazon.com/21-Days-Emotional-Literacy-Companion/dp/1732450900 CoursesEmotions and Coaching - a six-module online training course to build emotional literacy in coaches, available at www.studyemotions.comPilots’ Emotional Fitness and Aviation Safety Leadership – an online training course for airline pilots and crews to help build their emotional competence, available at www.safetyrelations.comWHAT YOU WILL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:The funny experience of how Dan and I originally met.How Dan’s upbringing across three continents informed his experience as a leader and coach.The moment of desperation that led to Dan deepening his learning around emotions.A helpful way to define "emotions" that delivers tangible resultsWhy emotional literacy is so important and the terrible cost of emotional ignorance.The two big misunderstandings about emotions.Advice for leaders who think their employees are “too emotional”.How leaders can generate helpful emotions in their team.Using the power of emotions to tackle COVID19 and tricky situations at the office.The most common emotions in the workplace and what to do with them.An exercise to harness the power of your own emotions.The best way to kick start a conversation around emotional literacy at the office.What happened when we put Dan on the Emotions “Hot Seat”.The ultimate emotional distinction that helps you prioritize.Music and exercise recommendations to shift your emotional state.HIGHLIGHTS:How does the world change once people become emotionally literate:Other people start to make much more sense.Enriches the world.QUOTES:“Every emotion, I would claim, has a purpose.”“Dignity is about me, how I take care of me.”“You can only care for a certain number of things.”-------------------Apply to be on the show-------------------Connect with Ben:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfanning/https://www.instagram.com/benfanning1/https://twitter.com/BenFanning1