COMPELling Conversations

"When you appreciate someone at their best, you not only boost their performance — you create a ripple effect that spreads through families, teams, and communities." — Joanna Brandi In this episode of COMPELling Conversations, Steve Ramerini sits down with Joanna Brandi, a customer experience expert, speaker, and consultant with over 25 years of experience transforming workplaces into thriving environments that drive both employee motivation and customer loyalty. Joanna shares her insights on the five pillars of flourishing (PERMA) — Pleasure, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment — and explains how applying these principles can elevate both personal wellbeing and business performance. From building authentic relationships to fostering engagement and appreciation in the workplace, Joanna demonstrates how positivity isn't just “fluffy” — it’s scientifically proven to increase productivity, collaboration, and organizational success. She also discusses how leaders can help employees leverage their strengths, reduce anxiety, and create a culture that spills over into families, communities, and beyond. Whether you’re a business owner, CEO, or emerging leader, this conversation provides actionable strategies for making work more meaningful, engagement-driven, and rewarding. Key Takeaways: The science behind PERMA and its application in business and life. How positive emotion, engagement, and relationships directly impact performance and wellbeing. Strategies for fostering authentic relationships in a digital and hybrid work environment. The importance of strength-based leadership to unlock employee potential. Simple techniques to increase appreciation and positive feedback in the workplace. The ripple effect of positivity: happier employees create happier families and communities. Who Should Listen: Business owners, CEOs, HR leaders, managers, and anyone invested in improving workplace culture, employee engagement, and overall wellbeing.

In this episode of COMPELling Conversations, Steve Ramerini sits down with serial entrepreneur, speaker, and CEO of Slater Success, Ivy Slater. Ivy shares the entrepreneurial journey behind building and exiting her New York City printing company before launching Slater Success in 2008 — at the height of the financial crisis. Her story is one of resilience, strategic planning, and disciplined decision-making in the face of uncertainty. Throughout the conversation, Ivy unpacks: Why five-year planning (2030 thinking) is critical for CEOs How to plan boldly — while staying agile enough to course-correct Why leaders must lean into AI instead of fearing it The power of reading the “storybook” behind your numbers How relationships become your greatest business asset What to do when you make a bad decision — and how to recover fast Ivy compares business leadership to driving down Highway 66: you control the wheel, but you must constantly monitor your financials, marketing, sales, and operations to stay on course. Her core message is clear: Build a great business to live a great life — not the other way around. This episode is packed with practical insight for CEOs navigating economic shifts, technological disruption, and the constant need to adapt without losing momentum.

In this episode of COMPELling Conversations, host Steve Ramerini sits down with Natalie McVeigh — executive and entrepreneurial coach, Master Neuroplastician (M.npn), and globally recognized family enterprise advisor. Natalie is a Fellow and Faculty member of the Family Firm Institute, Director of Research & Development at Aspen Family Business Group, serves on the Education Development Committee of the Purposeful Planning Institute, is Faculty of the FBA Accreditation Program through the University of Adelaide, and is a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) through Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She also trained in interest-based negotiation at Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation and is completing her Ph.D. in Applied Psychophysiology at Saybrook University. But despite the impressive résumé, Natalie’s core message is simple: Most family businesses don’t struggle because of strategy — they struggle because of avoided conversations. In this episode, she and Steve explore: Why early, honest feedback is essential in succession planning How small unspoken tensions become generational fractures When to begin conversations about joining the family business The critical distinction between ownership and management Why “equal love” and “equal inheritance” aren’t always the same How estate plans can unintentionally create lasting resentment Drawing on neuroscience, mediation, and decades of family enterprise work, Natalie explains why strong families build strong businesses — but strong businesses do not automatically build strong families. For founders navigating succession, next-gen development, or estate decisions, this episode is a masterclass in protecting both wealth and relationships.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping business faster than most leaders can comprehend. Talent has gone remote. Family dynamics complicate succession. And deal structures are getting more sophisticated. So what’s actually putting transactions at risk? In this episode of Compelling Conversations, Steve Ramerini interviews Allan Cohen, Managing Partner of the Long Island office of Nixon Peabody, and one of the most active deal attorneys serving COMPEL CEOs. With 37 years of experience in corporate law and M&A, Allan breaks down: The hidden threats that derail transactions Why personality — not paperwork — kills deals How AI will transform legal work (and business operations) The infrastructure mistakes growing companies make Why CEOs must rethink talent in a remote world If you’re planning to sell, grow, or transition your business in the next five years — this episode is required listening.

Steve Ramerini interviews Mark Altman, Founder of Mindset Go, about emotionally agile leadership, courageous conversations, and building a culture rooted in shared language and accountability. From delegation challenges to generational communication, this episode offers practical tools for leaders who want to communicate better — especially when it’s hard. Listeners will gain practical tools for: Leading with questions instead of statements Reframing accountability as collaborative, not confrontational Handling delegation challenges by addressing internal narratives Creating a cultural operating system built on shared language Developing self-awareness and reflection as daily leadership habits This episode is a practical roadmap for entrepreneurs and executives who want to build stronger cultures, have better conversations, and lead with confidence — without sacrificing standards.

What happens when AI levels the playing field and your competitors suddenly have the same tools you do? In this episode of Compelling Conversations, Steve Ramerini interviews long-time COMPEL member and serial entrepreneur Larry Siedlick, founder of Sunrise Medical Labs and the Montauk Beach House. After building and selling multiple companies — including one that set an industry record multiple — Larry explains why technology alone doesn’t create greatness… culture does. They discuss: Why businesses plateau (and don’t realize it) The coming AI equalizer — and who will lose The Long Island “brain drain” crisis Why trust is the only sustainable competitive advantage The mistake most CEOs make when growth slows

Steve Ramerini interviews Dr. Christophe Morin, neuroscientist, author, and co-founder of SalesBrain, about the science behind persuasion, the responsible use of AI, and the power of neuroplasticity in healing and leadership. From neuromarketing to mental health and spiritual growth, this conversation explores how understanding the brain can transform business — and life.   🎧 Listen to learn: Why emotions are the true drivers of decision-making How to responsibly implement AI inside your company What “neural prompting” means for the future of marketing How storytelling rewires the brain Why curiosity — without recklessness — is the leadership skill of the future

The business world is moving too fast, so in this crucial episode of COMPELling Conversations, our host Steve Ramerini sits down with certified reinvention expert and four-time author, Carolyn Strauss (a Certified Reinvention Practice Practitioner and former Ford model), to address the exhaustion and stress caused by intense global disruption.   The challenge? The business cycle has collapsed from 75 years to just 5 years—and it’s still shrinking.   Carolyn reveals her essential playbook for survival: Master the 90-Second Rule: Because change is biologically triggering causing a burst of adrenaline, leaders must learn to pause and take a deep breath for 90 seconds before reacting. Proactive Disruption: Don't wait to be made obsolete. Leaders must proactively ask, "How can I disrupt myself before someone else does it for me?".  "Kill Your Company" exercise Team Genius and AI Strategy: Business is now a team sport. Carolyn advocates for Patrick Lencioni's Working Genius Assessment which helps identify team gaps, ensuring all parts of a project (ideation, activation, implementation) are covered by energized people. Strategically deploy AI to replace jobs that are dull, dirty, or dangerous, freeing human employees to focus on relationship building. Finally, Carolyn shares some crucial advice: avoid looking at your phone or the news during the first 15 minutes after waking up, as your brain is most susceptible to negative information during that window.   🎙️ Listen now to get the tools you need to stop reacting and start reinventing your business for the future.

In this episode of Compelling Conversations, host Steve Ramerini, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of COMPEL CEOs, sits down with Sean Flaherty, Navy veteran, technologist, educator, and Co-Builder of ITX Corp., a 300-person software consultancy, to explore what it truly means to lead. Sean shares his remarkable journey — from serving on aircraft carriers to founding a tech company and teaching leadership through social science — and the “code” that drives human motivation, innovation, and culture. Drawing from his recent talks with COMPEL groups, he explains why great leadership starts with connection before content, how to create environments where both employees and customers thrive, and why adaptability and learning are the true engines of growth. Together, Steve and Sean dive deep into momentum, influence, cognitive bias, and the language that defines great cultures. The conversation is equal parts practical and philosophical — a masterclass in leading with clarity, curiosity, and care. 🎧 Listen to learn: The “code” behind intrinsic motivation and leadership Why connection must come before content in any culture How to build adaptable organizations through learning The secret to transforming constructive feedback into gold How cognitive bias shapes leadership and behavior

In this episode of COMPELling Conversations, Steve Ramerini, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of COMPEL CEOs, sits down with Mary Maloney, a seasoned executive and branding expert who has spent over 30 years helping organizations around the world articulate and activate their purpose. With a career spanning roles as CEO, CMO, and advisor to public, private, and venture-backed firms, Mary brings a wealth of insight into leadership, brand identity, and transformation. Mary shares her perspective on why every leader needs a Brand Manifesto—a clear articulation of one’s purpose, why, and how—and how it serves as a compass for authentic, values-driven leadership. She explains how knowing your “why” fuels clarity, conviction, and impact, and why the leaders people are most inspired to follow all share one common trait: purpose. Steve and Mary discuss the power of self-awareness in leadership, the importance of defining your non-negotiables (“the hows”), and how purpose alignment drives both personal fulfillment and organizational success. Mary also reflects on her journey as an entrepreneur, her experience founding and selling her company by age 32, and her recognition with the prestigious Athena Award for lifting up women in business. Whether you’re leading a company, building a team, or redefining your professional purpose, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to lead with clarity, conviction, and heart. 🎙️ Listen now to learn how a Brand Manifesto can become your most powerful leadership tool.

In this episode of COMPELling Conversations, host Steve Ramerini, Founder & CEO of COMPEL CEOs, sits down with Justin Abrams and Michael Rispoli, longtime friends turned business partners and co-founders of Cause of a Kind, a mission-driven digital agency specializing in web and software development. Justin and Mike share their entrepreneurial journey — from meeting as teenagers at a Long Island rock-climbing gym to navigating multiple pivots before finding success in the agency world. They discuss the lessons learned from early failures, the challenges of scaling, managing money, hiring and firing, and staying true to their shared values. The conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build a sustainable business partnership, how wisdom and mentorship through COMPEL CEOs helped shape their path, and their insights on the future of AI, technology, and human connection. If you’re an entrepreneur—or aspire to be one—this candid discussion offers an honest look at resilience, evolution, and purpose-driven growth. 🎙️ Listen now to learn how two friends turned shared curiosity and grit into a thriving company with a cause.

In this episode of COMPELling Conversations, Steve Ramerini sits down with Janice B. Gordon—international consultant and Customer Growth Expert—to unpack how CEOs and business leaders can build sales organizations that actually perform.   From why introverts often outperform extroverts, to how customer-centric strategies drive sustainable growth, Janice shares insights every executive needs to hear.   Discover why your buyers are avoiding traditional salespeople, how to hire and coach for true sales excellence, and what shifts are required for leaders to ensure sales teams deliver real, measurable results. Packed with practical frameworks and fresh perspectives, this conversation challenges the old sales playbook and equips CEOs to lead their teams into the future of selling.

On this episode of COMPELling Conversations, Steve Ramerini welcomes Stormie Andrews—marketing strategist, cofounder of Yokel Local, and creator of The World’s Best Buyer Persona System. Stormie takes us through his unexpected path from a Sales Manager for a home builder to leading one of Nevada’s top inbound marketing agencies. He explains why most buyer personas fall short, how his system helps businesses craft messaging that both attracts the right clients and repels the wrong ones, and why aligning strategy with tactics is essential. You’ll also hear his insights on: The emotional drivers behind 80% of customer decisions The three stages of the buyer’s journey—and why only 4% of buyers are ready to purchase at any moment How NLP sharpens communication and builds stronger relationships The role of AI in building sharper, faster, more useful buyer personas This episode is packed with practical wisdom for CEOs, marketers, and business leaders who want to connect more meaningfully with their audience and drive sustainable growth.

In this episode of COMPELling Conversations, host Steve Ramerini sits down with Sam Goodwin, American entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and one of only about 100 people in the world to have traveled to all 193 UN-recognized countries. Sam shares his extraordinary journey, including his experiences as a Division I college hockey player, co-founding a tech company and NGO in Singapore, and surviving a 63-day wrongful detention in Syria. Through his story, Sam explores the power of embracing uncertainty, cultivating gratitude, and finding resilience in the face of life’s toughest challenges. He shares actionable lessons for business leaders, athletes, faith-based communities, and anyone navigating unpredictable circumstances. From using athletic discipline to channeling gratitude during moments of intense stress, Sam demonstrates how challenges can become opportunities for growth. This episode is a masterclass in perspective, leadership, and resilience, offering listeners inspiration and practical strategies for thriving in uncertain times.

In this episode of COMPELling Conversations, Steve Ramerini sits down with Fig Annunziato, a seasoned entrepreneur and facilitator of the COMPEL NextGen Group, to discuss her remarkable journey in business and leadership. Fig began her career at just 23 years old at the White House and quickly transitioned into business leadership, becoming company president within a year. Over the last two decades, she has grown businesses from under $1 million in revenue to well over eight figures, all while navigating the uncertainties and challenges of entrepreneurship. Key Takeaways: Patience is critical: Fig emphasizes that staying the course and practicing patience has been one of her biggest challenges and key factors in long-term success. Secret weapons for success: Ask questions relentlessly: Fig highlights the importance of curiosity and continuous learning to make informed decisions. Take immediate action: Turning insights into actionable steps drives momentum and progress. Revenue-focused culture: Fig instills a mindset of focusing on revenue-generating activities across her teams to ensure growth and accountability. Clarity in goal-setting: She stresses the importance of having clear, specific, and measurable targets to rally teams and accelerate growth. Future of business: Fig identifies AI as a transformative force in the next 3–5 years, urging entrepreneurs to explore ways to leverage it within their businesses. She also likens business to a sport, emphasizing adaptability, preparation, and resilience. Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurship is a leap of faith, requiring courage, persistence, and community. Fig encourages building relationships and learning from a professional network. Beyond her primary business, Clean Fox, Fig is involved in mentoring emerging entrepreneurs through COMPEL, co-founding Two Step Reviews to help businesses drive online reviews, and exploring personal passions like tennis and DJing. Fig’s story is a powerful reminder that success in business requires curiosity, action, patience, and a willingness to innovate while staying grounded in strong values and community support.

In the very first episode of COMPELling Conversations, host Steve Ramerini welcomes Roger Harrop, UK-based author, business advisor, mentor, and independent board director. With over 25 years of experience leading international businesses, Roger shares his insights on navigating today’s rapidly changing business landscape, including the post-pandemic reset, tight labor markets, and the role of AI and automation. Roger discusses the four fundamentals for business success—being exceptional, creating a great workplace, constant prospecting, and focusing on profit—while explaining his unique “helicopter view” approach to strategic leadership. He also dives into his innovative use of QR codes in books, and even shares personal stories about his passion for classic cars and charitable initiatives. Whether you’re a CEO, business leader, or entrepreneur, this episode offers practical guidance, thought-provoking ideas, and inspiration to embrace disruption, lead with clarity, and stay ahead in a changing world.