Executive Leaders Radio

In this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, four business leaders explore how their childhood experiences shaped the way they lead today. Bill Metro, CEO of IXP Corp, shares how sports, responsibility, and caring for others influenced his people-first leadership style. Aileen Alexander, CEO of DSG Global, discusses how moving frequently, competing in sports, and serving in the Army built her resilience and philosophy of “people first, mission always.” Rich Dinella, President of Level Up, reflects on early work experiences and baseball, which taught him respect, empathy, and teamwork. Thomas Sherwood, President of EMCOR Services Fluidics, connects childhood friendships, working with his grandfathers, and building forts to his focus on teamwork, systems, and community. Together, their stories demonstrate how early experiences with family, work, sports, and adversity can become the foundation for effective leadership.

Four education leaders explore how childhood experiences, relationships, and understanding the brain shape the way they support students today. Kathryn “Kat” DeVries, Director at NeuroLogic, shares how her love of learning and early responsibility influenced her passion for helping educators better understand student behavior and regulation. Teri Lawler, School Psychologist with the Delaware Department of Education, discusses how curiosity, lifelong learning, and NeuroLogic training have helped educators become more equipped to support students through regulation and co-regulation. Peter Dillard, Director at Lakeside School, reflects on overcoming bullying, the lessons he learned from baseball, and his 32 years of helping students feel safe, valued, and capable of change. Beata Golinska, School Social Worker at Marymound School, shares how discovering her own strengths shaped her approach to helping young people who feel lost or misunderstood find belonging and confidence. Together, the guests demonstrate how NeuroLogic is helping schools create safer, more supportive environments where students can regulate emotions, build relationships, discover their strengths, and thrive.

On this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, four accomplished executives share the personal experiences that shaped their leadership journeys. Kerry Anne Bichsel, President of Velospan, discusses how building lasting relationships with customers, partners, and employees has fueled more than two decades of growth and an extraordinary culture of loyalty. Tom Fricke, CEO of Visual Communications, reflects on purchasing the family business with his brothers, the childhood influences that nurtured his creativity, and why collaboration—not control—is the foundation of his leadership style. David Green, President and Owner of Primex Garden Center, shares how his family's 84-year legacy, inspiring mentors, and a deep sense of compassion have helped create a customer experience centered on expert advice and genuine care. Kate Duffy, Senior Wealth Advisor at Bryn Mawr Trust, explains how financial psychology, intuition, and understanding people's relationship with money enable her to guide clients toward better financial decisions. Together, these conversations reveal that great leadership is built not only on business expertise, but also on the relationships, life lessons, and personal values that shape who we become. 

This episode of Executive Leaders Radio features Stephen Gillin, CEO of Relay Network, Roland Mosimann, Founding Director & President of AlignAlytics, Vincent Grispino, Owner of Altamonte's Italian Market, and Melvin Pitts, Finance Officer of Cheltenham Township. Each guest shares how childhood experiences—from growing up in entrepreneurial families and working in a family business to solving puzzles and taking on early responsibilities—shaped their leadership style. They discuss the lessons that continue to influence how they lead organizations, build strong teams, and serve their communities. Their stories demonstrate how resilience, curiosity, hard work, and strong values can become the foundation for long-term success in business and public service.

This episode of Executive Leaders Radio explores how early life experiences helped shape the leadership philosophies of four accomplished executives. Dr. Connie Andrejko, Chief Medical Officer of Onsite Neonatal Partners, shares how teaching on a Navajo reservation, working in telemarketing as a teenager, and a passion for serving others led her to a career in neonatology and healthcare innovation. Ken Kelk, CEO of Choice Party Linens, reflects on how sports, coaching, and growing up in New Jersey influenced his people-first leadership style and belief in giving others second chances. Joe Thompson, President & Founder of Pacer Financial, discusses how his Kentucky upbringing, 4-H involvement, and dairy farming instilled the discipline and work ethic that continue to drive his business today. Jeremy Ben-Zev of Truist also joins the conversation, sharing insights into his professional journey and leadership perspective. Together, these leaders reveal how resilience, mentorship, and formative childhood experiences continue to influence the way they lead, serve their teams, and build successful organizations.

Discover how childhood experiences helped shape the leadership journeys of Han W. M. Kieftenbeld, CEO of Agrofresh; Gui Costin, CEO of Dakota Funds Group; Joe Trave, CEO of Village Handcrafted Cabinetry; and Carmen Reino, President of Anchor Pest Control. Each executive shares the early influences, family values, and life lessons that shaped their approach to leadership, teamwork, and business growth. From building thriving organizations to creating people-first cultures, their stories reveal how character developed in childhood continues to drive success in business today.

 On this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, Herb Cohen speaks with four accomplished executives about the experiences that shaped their leadership journeys. Tim Irons, Founder and President of T.C. Irons Insurance, shares how growing up in rural Pennsylvania and witnessing his father's business challenges inspired him to launch his own company at just 19 years old. Matt Liebman, CEO of Amplius Wealth Advisors, discusses the importance of listening, relationship-building, and creating a people-first culture that has fueled the firm's growth and exceptional employee retention. Tim Daly, CEO of Vincodo, reflects on the influence of family, athletics, and perseverance in building a high-performing digital marketing agency while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Ryan Conte, Chief Revenue Officer of Propell Credit Union, explains how his work with at-risk youth inspired him to establish the Propel Kids Foundation and continues to shape his approach to leadership and community impact. Together, these leaders reveal how character, relationships, and purpose-driven leadership create lasting success in both business and life.

On this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, Jake Berk, President of Berk International, Chris Springfield, CEO of Cardinal Point Homeland Security, Dr. Carol McKinley, President & CEO of Simpson, and Steve Bellwoar, President of Colonial Electric Supply, share the childhood experiences and early influences that shaped their leadership journeys. From entrepreneurial beginnings and military discipline to lessons in empathy and family business leadership, each guest reflects on the formative years that helped define their careers. The conversation explores how character, work ethic, and a commitment to serving others have fueled their success while leading organizations that impact thousands of employees, customers, and community members.

What does it take to build a successful career, lead high-performing teams, and create opportunities for others? On this episode of Real World Leaders, students sit down with Andy Balsan, President of Johnstone Supply; Crystal MacNeill, President & CEO of Acentus Practice Management; Amol Waishampayan, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Fullthrottle.ai; John Gulnac, CEO of SolomonEdwards Group; and Alex Garashchenko, Managing Member of Doodle, LLC. These accomplished leaders share the experiences, challenges, and personal lessons that shaped their careers, from their earliest jobs to leading organizations and driving innovation. Students learn how resilience, curiosity, relationship-building, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can open unexpected doors. 

On this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, guests shared how childhood experiences, family influence, and early responsibilities shaped the leaders they are today. Joe Marciagelo discussed how growing up in Blackwood, New Jersey and working in technical theater sparked his passion for audiovisual production and taught him how to thrive under pressure while leading teams at Starlite. Michael Simpson shared how football, preparation, and team culture helped shape his leadership approach at Brinker Simpson. Andrew Berg reflected on lessons learned from his parents, emphasizing authenticity, hard work, and relationship-building in his role at Berg Advisors. The conversation also featured Ryan Eddington, who joined the lineup to discuss leadership and business growth at Allfield. Together, the guests explored how personal experiences outside the classroom often become the foundation for effective leadership, problem-solving, and long-term business success.

 In this episode, John Moerman, Managing Director of CUT Consulting Group, shares how his early years working as a busboy and growing up as the oldest of five siblings shaped his servant-leadership approach and client-focused mindset. Joining him are Michael Schreiber, Founder and CEO of Playfly Sports, Ryan Edington, CEO of All-Fill Inc., and Leonid Glazychev, CEO of Logrus IT. Together, they reflect on the childhood experiences, challenges, and pivotal moments that influenced their leadership journeys. From overcoming dyslexia and growing up in a family business to navigating entrepreneurship after the fall of the Soviet Union, each guest shares valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and relationship-building. The conversation also explores hiring, leadership development, and the qualities that drive long-term business success. This episode offers an inspiring look at how early life experiences can shape extraordinary careers and leadership styles.

 In this episode, Steven Katz, Partner at HBI Partners; John Melton, CEO of Melton Industries; Pete Ciarrocchi, Vice President of Operations at Chickie's & Pete’s; and Tanya Wilson, McDonald’s Franchise Owner and Operator, share the life experiences that shaped their leadership styles and business philosophies. From growing up in family businesses and working at a young age to lessons learned through sports, music, and personal adversity, each guest reflects on the values that influenced their success. The conversation highlights themes of resilience, teamwork, perseverance, mentorship, and the importance of building strong relationships both personally and professionally.

This group shares personal experiences about loss, gratitude, and the lasting impact parents and mentors leave behind. Rich Hipp, CEO of SLM Facilities discusses growing up as the oldest of four children in a single-parent household and how becoming “the man of the house” at a young age shaped his leadership style, work ethic, and entrepreneurial mindset. Robert Strong, President/CEO of Quaint Oak Bank shares lessons learned from working alongside adults early in life, the influence of his entrepreneurial grandfather, and how he helped grow a community bank into a publicly traded company with more than 200 employees. Gary Puddles, CEO of AnswerNet Communications reflects on overcoming a rare childhood disease, discovering music during recovery, and developing the communication and problem-solving skills that later fueled his entrepreneurial success. Ron Scheese, CEO of F.M. Brown’s Sons, Inc explains how leading a sixth-generation family business required evolving from a numbers-focused executive into a people-first leader dedicated to bridging generational gaps within both the company and family.

This episode of Executive Leaders Radio features business leaders sharing how personal experiences shaped their leadership journeys. Pete Borowsky of Starr Bus Charter and Tours discusses innovation, entrepreneurship, and building community through travel, while Ray Fremont Jr. of General Air Products reflects on leading a fourth-generation family business rooted in teamwork and loyalty. Sunny White of Xavier Creative House shares how personal challenges and family influences shaped her mission-driven culture and leadership style. The episode also features Jeff Dill from Inzio Ignite, who explains how sports and coaching influenced his collaborative approach to leadership. Together, the guests reveal how resilience, relationships, and purpose continue to drive their success.

 In this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, Chris Drew, President and CEO of Burnham Holdings, shares how his upbringing on a Vermont farm shaped his leadership style, emphasizing urgency, collaboration, and care for people. Marc Albero, Vice President and General Manager of PAC Strapping, reflects on his early experiences working with children with special needs and how they influenced his people-first approach to leadership. Christian Hoyt, President and CEO of PayUSA, discusses taking over his family’s payroll and HR business, highlighting how wrestling and early work experiences built his resilience and accountability. Rory O’Hara, Founder and CEO of Ausperity Private Wealth, explains how lessons from caddying and competitive sports inform his ability to lead and manage high-stakes financial decisions. Throughout the episode, each leader connects formative childhood experiences to their current business philosophies and decision-making styles. The conversation reveals a shared emphasis on relationships, perseverance, and learning through challenges. Together, these insights offer a powerful look at how personal history shapes effective leadership across industries.

This episode brings together an inspiring group of leaders whose personal journeys shaped their professional success. Tom Selementi, CEO of Spread Bagelry, shares how overcoming a challenging upbringing fueled his leadership style and passion for building teams in the hospitality industry. Chuck Sebastiani, Managing Partner at Mechanical X Advantage, discusses his entrepreneurial journey, launching multiple ventures and fostering strong family-like relationships within his organization. The conversation also features Katie Broh, Partner at MGA Partners, who reflects on how her early volunteer work and creative background shaped her collaborative approach to designing meaningful educational spaces. Ed Baumstein, Founder of Recipe Philly, shares how hosting a simple potluck inspired a movement centered on community, connection, and shared experiences through food. Hear how early lessons from sports, family businesses, and entrepreneurship helped these leaders develop resilience and adaptability. Together, their stories highlight how perseverance, relationships, and purpose-driven leadership continue to shape thriving businesses and communities.

In this episode, Dan Moscatello, owner of The Training Center, shares how growing up in a hardworking New Jersey family inspired his mission to create career opportunities through technical education, including plans to expand to a new 25,000-square-foot campus in Branchburg, New Jersey. Dan Diorio, CEO of ThinkForward, reflects on the mentors and early experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy and passion for developing people. The conversation continues with Geoff Mesko, Pennsylvania market leader at Armanino, who explains how his background in team sports influences his ability to organize and position people for success. He goes on to share some lessons learned growing up in a family business and how stepping outside his comfort zone transformed his leadership mindset. The episode concludes with Marty Judge, founder of The Judge Group, who recounts his entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings to building a $700 million global enterprise fueled by resilience, competition, and vision.

This episode features dynamic conversations with Richard Green, Executive Chairman of First Trust Bank; Bob Clements, Partner at FRS Advisors; Tara Sipe, VP of Commercial Lending at Meridian Bank; and Jonathan Friedan, Senior Principal at Ballinger. Each leader shares how formative childhood experiences—from paper routes and competitive sports to engineering curiosity—shaped their leadership styles and professional paths. Richard Green reflects on growing up in a family banking business and leading a third-generation institution with a strong community focus. Bob Clements discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and building authentic relationships, while Tara Sipe shares her journey from teller to commercial lending and her passion for client connection. Jonathan Friedan explains how his engineering work reduces energy and carbon emissions through thoughtful leadership. Together, these stories reveal how early life lessons influence decision-making, resilience, and innovation across industries.

This episode features Dr. Ajay Nair, President of Arcadia University; Jennifer Schaefer, President and CEO of JS Benefits Group; Bill Gullan, President of Finch Brands; and Cathy Young, President of Moore College of Art and Design, as they share the formative experiences that shaped their leadership styles. Dr. Nair reflects on growing up in West Philadelphia, overcoming early family loss, and leading with authenticity while building strong relationships with students and staff. Jennifer discusses how her childhood experiences, including family challenges and competitive sports, fueled her drive for financial independence and commitment to helping employers support their people. Bill shares how growing up as an only child and developing a passion for sports and politics influenced his adaptability and people-focused leadership in brand consulting. Cathy recounts navigating frequent family transitions and school changes after losing her parents, experiences that strengthened her resilience and ability to connect with diverse communities. Together, these leaders demonstrate how adversity, resilience, and personal authenticity play a critical role in building trust, relationships, and long-term organizational success.

Bill Stockwell of Stockwell Elastomerics shares how stepping into leadership of his family’s business at age 25 led to transforming the company into an employee-owned organization and shaped his disciplined leadership style. Geoffrey Mesko, Pennsylvania Market Leader at Armanino, reflects on growing up in a family business in Scranton and how those early experiences influence his client relationships and approach to work-life integration. David Bernstein, Founder of RLS Associates, discusses his early entrepreneurial instincts, the formative experiences that fueled his passion for mergers and acquisitions, and how he guides clients through the emotional process of selling their businesses. Suchit Bachalli, CEO of Unilog Corporation, recounts his journey from India to the United States and how his vision and collaboration with his father helped build a technology company serving wholesale distributors nationwide. Together, these leaders reveal how childhood influences, pivotal life moments, and family legacies play critical roles in shaping leadership philosophies. The conversation highlights how resilience, curiosity, and strategic thinking enable executives to lead organizations through growth, transition, and innovation.

On this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, business leaders shared how their early life experiences shaped their leadership journeys. Joel Frank, Managing Partner at Lamb McErlane Law Firm, reflected on working on paving and concrete crews as a child and how those experiences influenced his approach to civil litigation and leadership. Matthew McMaster, President of Bennington Pool Services, discussed launching his company at age 23 and making a bold strategic pivot that transformed the business into a multi-state commercial pool management company. Samuel Reeves, Founder and CEO of FORT Robotics, shared how early entrepreneurial ventures and global experiences in robotics safety inspired him to build technology with meaningful global impact. Mike Linacre of Maximus Partners, a CFO advisory firm, explained how growing up as the youngest of five siblings and developing leadership skills through sports prepared him to help mid-market companies scale through strong financial infrastructure. Together, these leaders demonstrated how formative childhood experiences continue to influence resilience, decision-making, and leadership success.

 On this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, leaders share how early life experiences shaped their leadership journeys. Angela Rubino-Hines, President of Bovio Rubino Service, discusses growing up in a family business and how those experiences influenced her leadership style. Mathieu Shapiro, Managing Partner of Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP, reflects on how his early interest in theater informs his work as a litigator and leader. Lee Calfo, CEO of Alden Investment Group, shares how being raised by his grandparents shaped his sense of responsibility and leadership. David Regn, CEO of Stream Companies, talks about how navigating family challenges and athletics helped build resilience that carries into his professional life. Together, they discuss how personal experiences influence leadership and business success.

On this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, Herb Cohen sits down with four dynamic executives to explore how childhood experiences and early influences shaped their leadership styles. Ben Connors, CEO of General Building Contractors Association, shares how his upbringing in Philadelphia and New Jersey, combined with early exposure to trade associations and politics, prepared him to steward a 135-year-old member organization. Dave DelBaccaro, CEO and President of Music Choice, reflects on his engineering background, competitive household, and how adaptability has fueled the company’s evolution amid changing music consumption trends. Cesidio Colasante, owner of Soccer Shots of Southeastern Pennsylvania, discusses her journey from professional soccer to leading a mobile youth program serving multiple counties, grounded in the values instilled by her Italian immigrant parents. Todd Sager, CEO of AWE Tuning, explains how his passion for cars, engineering, and artistry influences his approach to building enthusiast-driven performance products. Together, these leaders reveal how work ethic, family dynamics, and early passions continue to drive their impact on employees, members, and communities.

On this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, Herb Cohen and the team sit down with Antonio Crespo, Chief Information Security Officer at Arkema; Bob Scavilla, CEO of FourFront; Brian Fritz, Founder/Managing Partner of Fritz & Bianculli; and Cassandra Bailey, CEO and Founder of Slice Communications. Each leader shares how formative childhood experiences shaped their professional paths and leadership philosophies. Antonio reflects on growing up in Brazil and how constant transitions prepared him to lead global cybersecurity teams. Bob discusses his early inventive mindset and how risk-taking and resilience influence his company culture. Brian connects his family’s immigration story and Northeast Philadelphia roots to his advocacy-driven legal practice. Cassandra shares how sports, faith, and entrepreneurial grit led her to build, sell, and ultimately reclaim her communications firm. Together, their stories reveal how personal history fuels purpose-driven leadership across industries.

In this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, Herb Cohen and his co-hosts interview four dynamic executives about the experiences that shaped their leadership. Tim Laffey, Philadelphia Office Leader at Mercer, shares how early lessons in hard work and teamwork influence his leadership style. Benita Cooper, Owner and Principal Architect of Benita Cooper Design, reflects on how her international upbringing shaped her approach to design and client relationships. Brandon Rost, CEO of Be Marketing, and Leza Raffel, President and Founder of Communication Solutions Group, discuss entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic communications in today’s evolving marketplace.

In this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, Herb Cohen and his co-hosts interview four dynamic executives about the experiences that shaped their leadership. Tim Laffey, Philadelphia Office Leader at Mercer, shares how early lessons in hard work and teamwork influence his leadership style. Benita Cooper, Owner and Principal Architect of Benita Cooper Design, reflects on how her international upbringing shaped her approach to design and client relationships. Brandon Rost, CEO of Be Marketing, and Leza Raffel, President and Founder of Communication Solutions Group, discuss entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic communications in today’s evolving marketplace.

In this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, host Herb Cohen brings together a series of deeply personal conversations with four accomplished executives about how their life stories shaped their leadership. James Spinelli, CEO of Great Valley Advisor Group, reflects on his early love of technology, lessons learned in his grandmother’s kitchen, and how community and family influenced the rapid growth of his firm from two to more than 200 advisors. Terry Clark, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth, and Family Services, shares how growing up in a multicultural household and the guidance of a pivotal mentor molded his collaborative leadership style and commitment to children and families. Steve Lang, President and CEO of Mon Cheri Bridals, recounts his journey from humble beginnings to building a thriving business while honoring his parents’ legacy through his company and family. Leo Addimando, Managing Partner of Alterra Property Group, describes how moving through ten schools—including time in Greece—shaped his relationship-driven approach to business, problem-solving, and loyalty. Together, the conversations reveal how formative experiences, resilience, and relationships continue to drive purpose, culture, and success in their organizations today.

In this episode, Executive Leaders Radio brings together four mission-driven CEOs whose personal journeys shaped their leadership. Tim Andrews, CEO of ASI Central, reflects on growing up in poverty and how community support and resilience guided his career and his commitment to giving back through nonprofit service. Jeff Cordell, President and CEO of Health Advocate, shares how early work, military service, and mentors built the discipline and perspective he brings to leading a national healthcare advocacy organization. Tim Henkel, CEO of Penrose, connects his upbringing to his company’s work providing affordable housing to nearly 50,000 people across 14,000–15,000 units, emphasizing relationships and recognizing human potential. Herb also interviews Rob Cooper, CEO of LOL Entertainment, about his leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the risks he took, and his focus on trust, autonomy, and customer experience. Across all conversations, the leaders highlight the power of mentorship, community, and calculated risk in shaping both careers and impact. Together, the episode paints a compelling picture of how lived experience can drive purpose-driven leadership and meaningful social change.

Our guests today include Cathy Lockyer Moulton, President of Thomas Wynne Apartments along with their Leasing Manager, Kathryn Wilcox and their Resident Manager, Brigid McKee.  Listen as they share stories of how their passions and experiences led them to work to go the extra mile. Listen as they share how creating a safe housing builds strong communities and strong people.

Herb Cohen and his co-hosts welcomed Zach Nissenbaum, President of Cover Sports, Bill Evans, CEO of Liberty Fox Software, Chellie Cameron, President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and Kathryn Bittner, Chief Operating Officer of the Commercial Division at WSFS Bank, for a wide-ranging discussion on leadership and legacy. Zach Nissenbaum shared insights from his family’s 151-year-old textile business, Cover Sports, and how growing up in a multigenerational company shaped his competitive drive, team-first mindset, and commitment to caring for employees like family. Bill Evans discussed his journey from building computers as a child to leading a software development company. Chellie Cameron discussed her journey from growing up in a small town to serving in the U.S. Air Force, experiences that built her leadership foundation and passion for accountability, service, and community impact. Kathryn Bittner spoke about her path to leadership at WSFS Bank, emphasizing strategic thinking, listening to client needs, and building systems that allow teams to deliver consistently.  Together, the conversation explored how personal experiences, values, and service-oriented leadership styles translate into long-term success across industries. 

This episode brings together leaders from valet services, investment banking, employee benefits and accounting to explore how early life experiences shaped their leadership styles. Each guest reflects on growing up with responsibility at a young age through sports, paper routes, family businesses, and leadership roles among peers. Athletics played a major role, teaching teamwork, adaptability, humility, and the importance of putting results on the board—whether on the court, the track, or the ice. Working early instilled discipline, time management, and respect for people across all walks of life. Family influence, particularly lessons around integrity, problem-solving, and independence, emerges as a common thread. Together, their stories show how foundational experiences translate into people-first leadership and long-term professional success. 

Our show this week featuring accomplished leaders from education, global professional services, and family-owned manufacturing companies. Dr. Susan Looney, President of Reading Area Community College, shared her remarkable journey from high school dropout to college president, emphasizing student support, resilience, and belief as cornerstones of her leadership. Wayne Berson, CEO of BDO, reflected on his path from Cape Town, South Africa, to leading a global organization of 124,000 employees, highlighting integrity, trust-based leadership, philanthropy, and BDO’s role as one of the largest ESOP companies in the U.S. Charles Cohen, Managing Director of Benco Dental Company, discussed leading a 100-year-old family business, navigating generational expectations, and building a people-first culture in healthcare solutions. David Taylor, CEO of Tavo Packaging, explored his upbringing in a manufacturing family, leadership alongside his brother and company president, and his commitment to community involvement.

Four accomplished leaders speak about the personal experiences that shaped their entrepreneurial paths and leadership philosophies. Ned Moore, CEO of Clutch, reflects on how his time in the Philadelphia Boys Choir instilled discipline, teamwork, and belief—lessons he now applies to building high-performing teams. Marc Brookland, founder and president of SEO Locale, shares how his family’s immigrant story and upbringing influenced his work ethic, values, and commitment to long-term relationships. Robert DeNinno, founding principal of Precision Benefits, discusses learning responsibility and customer focus at a young age and how those lessons guide his boutique approach to serving clients. Jim Jacobs, CEO of Focus Insight, recounts overcoming early challenges and credits community mentorship and sports with shaping his people-first leadership style. Together, the conversations highlight how resilience, relationships, and purpose drive lasting business success.

 This collection of executive interviews highlights the diverse backgrounds and leadership philosophies of four prominent business leaders. John DiGiuseppe, CEO of The Fence Authority, discusses how authenticity, accountability, and team-building drive his success. Mike Cromer, Executive Vice President of IMC Construction, reflects on the work ethic and resilience shaped by his upbringing and athletics, now central to his leadership in a major Mid-Atlantic construction firm. Josh Gross, CEO of Mill Creek Capital Advisors, shares how discipline, mentorship, and early exposure to finance guided him to build a $12B wealth management firm. Jake Leone, President & CEO of Corporate Interiors, describes his transition from airline pilot to workplace-solutions leader, emphasizing innovation, customer experience, and building strong teams.

 This episode of Executive Leaders Radio features Jim Haefele, President & Managing Partner of Haefele Flanagan, who shares how his complex family background and love of sports shaped his bold leadership approach. Jessica Grayson, Chief Growth Officer at Stradley Ronan, discusses growing up as the oldest of four and how emotional intelligence guides her work coaching partners at the firm. Thome Startk, President & COO of JDog Brands, reflects on how wrestling, military service, and single fatherhood influenced his values of discipline, empathy, and service. Brad Goldoor, a co-founder at Phenom, recounts his early entrepreneurial ventures and passion for innovation that drives his work in HR technology. Together, their stories highlight the personal experiences that forged their leadership styles.

Our guests today include: Christina Wilson, Manufacturing Leader at East West Label; Al Schuster, Branding and Sales Professional; Craig Shelley, Nonprofit Strategy Executive; and Chris Caba, Owner in Construction & Event Equipment Services. Listen as each leader reflects on how childhood environments, family dynamics, and early work shaped their values and leadership approach. Their stories span growing up in family businesses, navigating divorced or absent parents, developing entrepreneurial grit, and finding purpose through service and teamwork.  Together, these narratives illustrate how personal history becomes the foundation for purpose-driven careers. 

This episode features conversations with leaders across life sciences, healthcare, business advocacy, and wealth management. Norman Goldschmidt, President of Genesis AEC shares how early teamwork experiences shaped his collaborative leadership style. Michael Spivak, CEO of All American Home Care, discusses his immigrant-to-entrepreneur journey and values-driven approach to business growth. Laura Manion, President and CEO of the Chester County Chamber shares about her leadership and advocacy work. Rory O’Hara, Founder/Managing Partner of Ausperity Private Wealth describes how early financial lessons and work ethic guided his path to building an intentional, team-focused firm.

How can you make the biggest impact? Norristown Area High School and KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy students interview John RapchinskiPrincipal of Maximus Partners, and Nate Bower President of Rebling Plastics, and discuss making tough decisions, trusting your instincts, and executing your vision.

This collection of interviews and discussions highlights the personal and professional journeys of distinguished business leaders, including Gary Hill of the DVL Group, Ron Barghese of The Tri M Group, Criag Durand of TTI Environmental and Marty Tusman of Jenkintown Building. The session explore themes of leadership, resilience, and employee ownership while offering insights into building people-first organizations. 

In this episode, we sit down with business leaders Chris Annas (Meridian Bank), Joel Frank, Frank Hennessey, and Michael Stephano to explore the formative experiences that shaped their leadership journeys. From washing dishes at 13 to leading banks, law firms, and financial organizations, each guest reflects on how family, mentors, and early jobs built the foundations for their success. They share stories of Midwestern values, neighborhood sports rivalries, and lessons from parents, coaches, and even kitchen bosses that continue to influence how they lead teams and serve clients today.  influences can echo through an entire career.

Listen to a series of insightful interviews exploring how personal histories and formative experiences influence leadership, community impact, and career success. Our guests today include John Lee, Senior Managing Director of Griffin Financial Group; Lou Rizzo, Managing Partner of Reger Rizzo & Darnall; Kat Ketter, Vice President of HealthPartners & Trish McFarland, President of Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. Authentic leadership grows from life experiences, empathy, and a deep connection to the communities leaders serve. 

Whether it's shepherding a team, bringing the net to the street game, or quitting a florist job to find deeper purpose — these conversations show how character is built, and how it shows up at work. Our guests today include Bill Brown, CEO of Citadel Credit Union; Jennifer Bowhey, Owner Visiting Angels; Pat Taylor, Co-Owner of Taylor Oil & Propane & Bill Tierney, Senior VP of Brian Communications.

Listen to our guests talk about how they navigate personal and professional trials and challenges and maintain a professional presence. Our guests today include David Volpe, President/CIO of Emerald Advisors; Francis Pileggi, Managing Partner of Lewis Brisbois; Javier Solis Co-Founder/CEO of Toro Tax & Kiersten Lange, Shareholder at Zarwin, Baum, Devita, Schaer & Toddy.

Our guest talk about their work ethic and entrepreneurial characteristics as kids and how they built their business now. The guest today include Dan Dizio, COE of Philly Pretzel Factory; Dennis Gilbert, President of Innovative Manufactuers' Center; Stephen Fernands, President of Customized Energy Solutions & Kimura Anderson, President of NAWIC.

Leaders that came from difficult circumstances share how moving from welfare to abundance is a product of your mindset and solid leadership. Out guests today include Jason Scholl, President of LK Miller Commercial Construction; Jim Bilella, COE of Urban Engineers;  Tony Schweitzer, Executive Director & Rebecca Roskey-Brunner, CEO of Complete Care Strategies.

Listen to our guests as they discuss seeing the world from others' perspectives and how being a loyal boss will foster loyalty in a company. Our guests today include Maryann Gallivan of Tunnell; Robert Porter of Research America, Phil D'Amico of Pennsylvania Steel Company, Dario Altieri of The Wistar Institute. 

Our guests today include Paul Markowich, Partner at Firstrust Financial Resources; Maren Perry Founder/CEO at Arden Coaching; Subha Barry, President at Seramount & Michael Sharp, Founder/ Executive Chairman at Sharp Financial. Listen to these successful leaders share the risks they took that lead to the rewards they get to experience in their lives now. Adventure takes dreams and risk. 

Listen as our guests share stories from their childhood that helped shape them to be leaders in their industries and how meaningful connections along the way led them in those paths. Our guests include: Brad Calder, Executive Director of TIFF; Tom Sellig, CEO of Adare Pharma Solutions; Dilo Wijesuriya,  President of ARC & Gary Smith, CEO of Chester County Economic Development Council. 

Our guests today include Eric Green of Penn Capital Management, Jason Rocker of Braithwaite Communications, John Cecilian of Cecllian Partners & Lou DeCesare of Hyperion Bank. Listen to their stories of how their journey shaped their leadership and how the have to make difficult decisions for the betterment of the team and company.

 Listen to this weeks interviews with Cathy Lockyer, President of Thomas Wynn Apartments; Mike Girgalonis, President of Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC); Rolf Schlake, President & CEO of Applied Separations & Gary Jonas, Visionary & Partner of The HOW Group. The guests discuss their personal leadership lessons, international business ventures, early hardships and their community outreach.