Focus on Growth: Sage Insights

Most leaders hesitate in uncertainty. The winners act.For the third year, Barry Winer, Deloitte’s Head of M&A Research, joins me to explore how disruption in M&A is creating real opportunity—for those prepared to move.Drawing on Deloitte Consulting’s deep experience and Sage Partners’ perspective, we cut through the fog to show how leaders can identify, evaluate, and execute deals in uncertain times.The takeaway: Done wisely, M&A—across both large and small transactions—remains one of the most powerful engines of value-creating growth.In the Fog of Change™, winners don’t wait for clarity. They move before others do.To learn more about Barry and his work, visit:https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrywinerNavigating The Fog of Change™ is presented by Sage Partners. This podcast is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.To connect with Tom, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdoorleyhttps://www.sagepartners.net/thomas-doorleyTo learn more about Sage Partners, visit: https://www.sagepartners.net/

In times of massive, fast-moving change, leaders are expected to provide direction—but the old model of fixed plans no longer works.In the fog, certainty is elusive. What matters most is not just about being right—it’s more about being ready.In this episode, I’m joined by Sage Partner Larry Bennigson to explore how leaders can create a Change Agenda—a clear, adaptable framework that sets direction, builds alignment, and signals the need to learn and adjust in real time.This is how leaders steady their organizations when the path ahead is unclear.Watch now to learn how to lead when you can’t see the road ahead.Navigating The Fog of Change™ is presented by Sage Partners. This podcast is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.To learn more about Sage Partners, visit: https://www.sagepartners.net/

After a year of exploring the turbulence reshaping our world — technological disruption, geopolitical instability, cultural shifts and economic uncertainty — we believe it’s time to move  to action in new deliberative ways.In this pivotal episode of Navigating the Fog of Change™, I’m joined by three of my Sage Partners to introduce a practical approach for leading through chaos.Drawing on our decades of experience at the front lines of strategy, leadership, culture, and governance, we outline four essential initiatives to help leaders cut through confusion, align their organizations, and move forward with clarity and confidence.This episode sets the foundation.In the weeks ahead, we’ll take a series of deep dives into each initiative — translating insight into execution.If you’ve been asking, “What do we actually do now?” — this is where we begin.Thank you to our guests, Larry Bennigson, John Hansen, and Robert Kueppers. To learn more about them and connect, visit:Larry Bennigson https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrybennigson/John Hansen https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-hansen-200b5/Robert Kueppershttps://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-j-kueppers-1218a228/Navigating The Fog of Change™ is presented by Sage Partners. This podcast is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.To learn more about Sage Partners, visit: https://www.sagepartners.net/

Navigating the Fog of Change™: Lessons from 2025 to Leadership in 2026We’re not lacking information—we’re overwhelmed by it.In this special episode of Focus on Growth: Navigating the Fog of Change™, Tom Doorley looks back on the most important insights from his 2025 conversations with CEOs, founders, board members, and change leaders—and asks a critical question:How do we lead effectively in 2026 when uncertainty isn’t going away?The fog of change—driven by AI, geopolitics, demographics, and media—is not temporary. It is massive, fast, and permanent. Traditional long-range planning no longer works.In this episode, Tom shares a practical leadership framework for this new reality, including:·      Why strategy today is about being ready, not right·      How to build a focused Leader’s Change Agenda·      The importance of “lookouts” to sense danger and “scouts” to seek opportunity·      Why trust and belief—not compliance—determine whether change succeeds·      How boards and advisors can move from oversight to real insightThe takeaway is simple but powerful:We can’t eliminate uncertainty, but we can create the trust and clarity needed to decide, act, and adapt.If you lead an organization through constant change, this episode will help you navigate the fog—and make 2026 a year of progress, not paralysis.Thank you to all of our esteemed guests this past year, your insights and conversations were incredibly valuable. Seeing Through the Fog: Why Citizen Knowledge Matters with Jeff Jacoby Guest: Jeff Jacoby | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-jacoby-76616929From Oversight to Insight—or Irrelevance: The Board’s ChallengeGuest: Dave Rosenblum | https://www.linkedin.com/in/drosenblum1Guest: Bob Kueppers | https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-j-kueppers-1218a228A Conversation With A Change Master with Rick MaurerGuest: Rick Maurer | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rimaurerHow a Small Company Fights Its Dragons Guests: Tom and Monica Rogan | https://goodnowfarms.comMaking AI Work with John DonovanGuest: John Donovan | https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndonovanattCascading The Message To The Front Lines with George YoungGuest: George Young | https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgehyoungThe Board As Your Compass with Dr. Peter CrowGuest: Dr. Peter Crow | www.petercrow.comThe Founder's Shift From Builder To Leader with Don PlumleyGuest: Don Plumley | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dplumleyLeadership Is Personal with Jennifer BarronGuest: Jennifer Barron | Executive Coach and Advisorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferjbarron/ A Call For Leadership with Cordell BennigsonGuest: Cordell Bennigson | https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordellbennigsonNavigating The Fog of Change: Massive, Fast, Forever—Now What?Hosted by Tom Doorley | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdoorleyLeadership, Growth, & Building Great Teams — with Kate Morgan Guest: Kate Morgan | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-morgan-62793576Navigating M&A: Time To Pivot — with Barry WinerGuest: Barry Winer | https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrywinerGambling On Innovation — with Darrell VelegolGuest: Darrell Velegol | https://www.knowlecular.comNavigating Your Strategy Roadblocks — with Gregg MakuchGuest: Gregg Makuch | https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggmakuchEmpowering a High-Performance Sales Team — with Doug C. BrownGuest: Doug C. Brown | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougbrown123Assembling Tomorrow: Navigating The Fog of Change with Scott Doorley and Carissa CarterGuest: Scott Doorley | https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdoorleyGuest: Carissa Carter | https://www.linkedin.com/in/carissalcarterSpirit of America: Entrepreneurship With Purpose with Jim HakeGuest: Jim Hake | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-hake-50297435Navigating The Fog of Change™ is presented by Sage Partners. This podcast is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.To learn more about Sage Partners, visit: https://www.sagepartners.net

Seeing Through the Fog: Why Citizen Knowledge Matters“In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.”— George WashingtonIn this episode of Navigating the Fog of Change™, I’m joined by Jeff Jacoby, veteran columnist for The Boston Globe and author of the influential Arguable column. Together we dive into a core challenge facing American democracy today: citizens who vote, speak, and form opinions without truly knowing the facts.Jeff and I explore why an informed citizenry is not just a civic virtue — it’s a survival skill in times of massive, fast, and continuous change. In an era when social media, sound bites, and partisan messaging drown out nuance, the responsibility to dig deeper falls squarely on all of us.We discuss how political narratives can mislead even well-intentioned voters. One striking case: during the 1992 presidential election, strategist James Carville framed the race around a single line — “It’s the economy, stupid!”A brilliant and winning slogan. But wrong.The recession was over. The economy had already begun to rebound.When messaging eclipses reality, citizens make poor decisions — and democracy pays the price.In this conversation, we examine:· Why popular media often oversimplifies complex truths· How voters can discipline themselves to look beyond headlines· The danger of letting emotion replace evidence· Practical steps for becoming the “enlightened public opinion” Washington saw as essentialIf leadership is the light that cuts through the Fog of Change™, then informed citizens are the fuel that keeps that light burning.To get Jeff's Globe columns by email, sign up here: https://jeffjacoby.com/list_subscribe.phpTo subscribe to the Arguable newsletter, go here: https://bit.ly/ArguableNewsletterTo email Jeff directly, the address is [email protected] The Fog of Change™ is presented by Sage Partners. This podcast is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.To learn more about Sage Partners, visit: https://www.sagepartners.net/

From Oversight to Insight—or Irrelevance: The Board’s Challenge | Navigating the Fog of Change™When the fog of change thickens—technology upheaval, geopolitical shocks, shifting expectations—the easy temptation is for boards to retreat into oversight. But that’s not enough; not anymore.In this episode of Focus on Growth, Tom Doorley of Sage Partners is joined by governance experts Bob Kueppers (former leader of Deloitte’s Director Series and Sage Partner) and Dave Rosenblum (public company director at Hanmi Bank and Sage Partner) to explore what separates boards that merely watch from those that have impact.They discuss:How boards can become true partners to management in setting a Leader’s Change Agenda.The twin roles every board must balance: Lookouts who spot risk and Scouts who find opportunity.What to do when a “fair-weather CEO” faces storm conditions.Why “noses in, fingers out” isn’t enough in a world of perpetual disruption.How boards and management can build the trust and collaboration needed to see—and act—through the fog.The message is clear: In times of massive, fast, and forever change, boards that only oversee risk irrelevance. The best ones turn oversight into insight—and into impact.

When change feels constant and chaotic, how do leaders find clarity?In this episode of Navigating the Fog of Change™, Tom Doorley talks with Rick Maurer, a true master of change, about how to move people from resistance to commitment—and lead with trust, clarity, and courage when the world won’t stop changing.To learn more about Rick and his work, visit: https://rickmaurer.comNavigating The Fog of Change™ is presented by Sage Partners. This podcast is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.

Navigating the Fog of Change™: How a Small Company Fights Its DragonsIn this episode of Focus on Growth, I speak with Tom and Monica Rogan, founders of Goodnow Farms Chocolate, about the realities of leading a small business through today’s fog of change — where uncertainty, volatility, and disruption test every assumption.From Hollywood and real estate to handcrafting award-winning chocolate on their Massachusetts farm, the Rogans share how their “brand mindset” drives quality, transparency, and purpose — from bean to bar. Their story is one of resilience and relationships: direct ties with cacao farmers, constant adaptation to climate and supply shocks, and a deep commitment to craft and community.We explore how a small company can face “dragons” like climate change, tariffs, and economic instability — not with scale or capital, but with clarity of purpose, flexibility, and courage. Their journey offers lessons for every leader navigating uncertainty:Build a brand from the inside out.Invest in trusted relationships that endure disruption.Stay flexible — move forward in small, deliberate steps.Keep the mission alive, even when the path ahead is unclear.As Monica says, “We’re food, not candy.” And that distinction — of meaning, integrity, and intent — is what defines lasting brands in the fog of change.To learn more about Goodnow Farms Chocolate and to try some for yourself, visit: https://goodnowfarms.comNavigating The Fog of Change™ is presented by Sage Partners. This podcast is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.

In this episode of Navigating the Fog of Change, I’m joined by John Donovan — former CEO of AT&T, investor in AI and technology firms, and now a board member of U.S. Steel. We explore how AI has evolved over the past year, the hype versus the reality, and why leaders must move beyond “doing the same with less” to finding new opportunities for growth. John shares insights on the critical role of CEOs in owning AI strategy, process transformation, , and the responsibility leaders have to reskill workforces and shape society through massive change.Navigating The Fog of Change™ is presented by Sage Partners. This podcast is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.

How do leaders cut through the fog of digital transformation?In this episode of Navigating The Fog of Change™, George Young of Rockwell Automation and I explore why proof of value matters more than proof of concept, how to cascade change from the C-suite to the shop floor, and a truly Big Idea: what it will take to reskill people in an AI-driven world.  Practical insights, real examples, and a positive outlook on the future of work.Navigating The Fog of Change™ is presented by Sage Partners. This podcast is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.

In this episode of Navigating The Fog of Change™, Tom Doorley of Sage Partners is joined by global governance expert Dr. Peter Crow for a compelling conversation about the board's role in times of rapid and disruptive change.Together, they explore:• How boards can help leadership shape the narrative during uncertainty, to create the Leader’s Change Agenda• The importance of establishing a clear North Star and a flexible change agenda• Why boards must balance risk protection and opportunity seeking• The concept of board members as Lookouts and Scouts — identifying danger and opportunity alike• Why only a small percentage of boards are truly “change-ready” — and how to join the 5% ClubWhether you're a board director, CEO, or emerging leader, this episode offers valuable insights into how governance can steer organizations through the fog — toward clarity, resilience, and growth.Guest: Dr. Peter Crow – Global governance advisor | www.petercrow.comHosted by Tom Doorley, Sage Partners | www.sagepartners.netEdited and produced by Rei Haycraft#Governance #Leadership #Boards #ChangeManagement #Strategy #Opportunity

In this episode of Navigating the Fog of Change, I’m joined by Don Plumley, our COO at Sage Partners and leader of our Venture Practice. We explore one of the most critical—and challenging—transitions in the life of a growing company: the founder’s shift from hands-on builder to strategic leader. Don shares insights from years of guiding young companies through this evolution, highlighting the mindset, structures, and team dynamics that make or break the transition. If you’re leading a growth-stage business—or advising one—you won’t want to miss this conversation.Navigating The Fog of Change™ is presented by Sage Partners. This podcast is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.You can learn more about Don and his work at ⁠https://www.sagepartners.net/donald-plumley⁠

Leadership Is Personal with Jennifer BarronNavigating The Fog of Change | Episode 3In this episode of Focus on Growth, Tom Doorley is joined by leadership coach Jennifer Barron to explore how leaders can guide their teams—and themselves—through today’s uncertainty.They discuss how to:Let go of the need to “know”Stay calm and focused under pressureReframe stress through mental fitnessTake responsibility for your own mindset and happinessPractical, personal, and powerful—this episode helps you lead with clarity through the fog of change.Navigating The Fog of Change™ is presented by Sage Partners. This podcast is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.#FogOfChange #Leadership #FocusOnGrowth #ChangeManagement #MentalFitness

A Call For Leadership with Cordell BennigsonNavigating The Fog of Change | Episode 2Massive disruption. Relentless change. Confusion at every turn. In this urgent episode of Focus on Growth, Sage Partners’ Tom Doorley and leadership expert Cordell Bennigson tackle how leaders can stay clear-headed—and drive results—when everything is in flux. Learn the 5 essential leadership moves that cut through the fog and turn uncertainty into momentum.Navigating The Fog of Change™ is presented by Sage Partners. This podcast is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.#Leadership #ChangeManagement #CrisisLeadership #FogOfChange #FocusOnGrowth #AI #Geopolitics #Strategy #Empowerment #EchelonFront

Navigating The Fog of Change: Massive, Fast, Forever—Now What?Episode 1 | A New Series from Sage PartnersWelcome to Navigating the Fog of Change—a new podcast series from Sage Partners designed for enterprise leaders facing a world that’s shifting faster and deeper than ever before. In this kickoff episode, host Tomm Doorley lays the foundation for the series, unpacking the forces behind today’s relentless disruption—technological, geopolitical, social media—and why business as usual won’t cut it.The call to action? Leaders must take control with clarity and intent. That starts with the Leader’s Change Agenda—a focused process to align your organization on what matters most in the fog: priorities, actions, and values that will guide real progress.This isn’t just change. It’s massive. It’s fast. It’s forever. Are you ready to lead through it?#FogOfChange #Leadership #Strategy #EnterpriseGrowth #ChangeAgenda #CrisisToClarity #PodcastSeries #SageInsightsNavigating The Fog of Change™ is presented by Sage Partners. This podcast is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.

In this episode of Focus on Growth, Tom Doorley talks with Kate Morgan, COO of Magid, a digital consumer marketing firm, about her leadership journey—from rugby consulting to hedge funds to tech startups. Kate shares how embracing discomfort, staying curious, and leading with authenticity have shaped her success. She reveals what she looks for when building high-performance teams—and why kindness matters.This is a must for anyone navigating change and growth.To learn more about Kate and her work, visit:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-morgan-62793576/Focus On Growth: Sage Advice is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.To learn more about Sage Partners, visit: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.sagepartners.net

In this episode of Focus on Growth, Tom Doorley welcomes Barry Winer, head of M&A research at Deloitte, to discuss the evolving landscape of mergers and acquisitions. Drawing on Deloitte’s “Time to Pivot” survey, they explore how dealmakers are shifting from reactive to proactive strategies—adapting with strategic, financial, and geographic pivots. They also highlight integration planning as a learned competency and the emerging collaboration between private equity and corporations. Despite uncertainty, the message is clear: opportunity exists for those prepared to act decisively.To learn more about Barry and his work, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrywinerFocus On Growth: Sage Advice is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.To learn more about Sage Partners, visit: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.sagepartners.net#deloitte #mergersandacquisitions #businessstrategy

Strategic Roadblocks—How Leaders RespondWhen your strategy hits a roadblock, and it is likely to do so, what comes next? In this episode of Focus on Growth, Tom Doorley talks with Gregg Makuch of Sound Thinking about navigating political and reputational threats. Their smart, layered response—including customer advocacy—offers a masterclass in defending mission-critical innovations while reinforcing trust and accelerating growth. This is a powerful story. It works for any roadblock you will face.To learn more about Gregg and SoundThinking, visit:https://www.soundthinking.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggmakuch/Focus On Growth: Sage Advice is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.To learn more about Sage Partners, visit: ⁠⁠https://www.sagepartners.net/⁠

Growth is the superior value-creating strategy—and it starts with innovation. Join me and Professor and entrepreneur Darrell Velegol as we explore how to build a repeatable, robust innovation process. Innovation is a gamble. Here’s how to stack the odds in your favor.To learn more about Darrell and his work, visithttps://www.che.psu.edu/department/directory-detail-g.aspx?q=DXV9https://www.knowlecular.com/Focus On Growth: Sage Advice is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.To learn more about Sage Partners, visit: ⁠https://www.sagepartners.net/⁠

In this episode of Focus on Growth, host Tom Doorley of Sage Partners is joined by sales strategist Doug C. Brown to explore how fast-growing companies can go beyond founder-led selling to build scalable, high-performance sales teams. Doug shares hard-won insights from helping clients generate over $1 billion in revenue, offering a clear framework for identifying top sales talent, empowering them with the right leadership approach.Focus On Growth: Sage Advice is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.To learn more about Sage Partners, visit: ⁠https://www.sagepartners.net/⁠

How can the private sector strengthen America’s global impact?  🇺🇸In this episode of Focus on Growth, Jim Hake, founder of Spirit of America, shares how his nonprofit fills critical gaps in U.S. diplomatic and military missions worldwide. Entrepreneurship, innovation, and national security—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss! 🎧Focus On Growth: Sage Advice is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.To learn more about Sage Partners, visit: ⁠https://www.sagepartners.net/⁠

We live in an age of accelerating, disruptive change. GenAI, Synthetic Biology and Quantum Computing are reshaping our world faster than our institutions can adapt. Assembling Tomorrow is an important new book that helps us move beyond confusion and toward action.Scott Doorley and Carissa Carter, who teach this methodology at Stanford University's d.school, join me in a conversation about their belief that "We can fix it; IF we fix it." Join the conversation.Focus On Growth: Sage Advice is hosted by Tom Doorley and edited and produced by Rei Haycraft.To learn more about Sage Partners, visit: https://www.sagepartners.net/

Join Tom Doorley of Sage Partners as he reflects on an exciting first year of Focus on Growth. In 2024, the podcast tackled a range of compelling topics, from navigating mergers and acquisitions to the transformative role of AI in business, the essence of leadership, and the intricacies of customer strategy. Featuring thought leaders like John Donovan on AI, Cordell Benningson on leadership, and David Spigner on delivering exceptional customer experiences, these conversations offered actionable insights and practical frameworks for success. Whether exploring how worldviews shape solutions or diving into immersive reality gaming, this year's episodes were all about helping companies and leaders grow. Tune in to discover highlights from 2024 and get a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2025.

Join Sage Partners' host Tom Doorley as he explores the powerful framework created by Penn State professors John Iceland and Eric Silver, designed to bridge societal divides. Through dynamic discussions on inequality, immigration, and leadership, discover how understanding differing worldviews ca

In this episode of "Focus on Growth," Tom Doorley from Sage Partners speaks with Dr. Denise Brown about redefining leadership and work-life expectations for today's professionals. Denise shares insights from her career transition from medicine to strategy consulting, emphasizing the value of active listening, adaptability, and authentic leadership. She critiques the concept of "work-life balance," advocating instead for a holistic approach to life where all aspects are integrated. Denise also discusses the importance of setting boundaries, learning to say no, and seeking support from one's team. Reflecting on her own experiences as a young physician and mother, Denise underscores the role of clarity and resilience in managing life's demands. She also previews her upcoming book, "Should I Freeze My Eggs? A Big Sister's Guide to Working Womanhood," which provides actionable guidance for young professional women on navigating career, personal life, and self-fulfillment.

In this episode of "Focus on Growth," host Thomas Doorley of Sage Partners sits down with David Spigner, the visionary behind Boda Borg, a one-of-a-kind immersive "reality gaming" experience. David reveals how strategic insights drive the consistent thrill that keeps Boda Borg's guests coming back for more. The discussion covers David's journey from discovering Boda Borg to refining its unique offering, focusing on customer engagement and operational excellence. Learn how Boda Borg’s strategic playbook turns real-world quests into unforgettable adventures, offering guests a chance to escape reality while keeping the experience fresh, engaging, and human. Tune in to hear how "Strategy in Action" keeps Boda Borg at the forefront of immersive entertainment.

In this episode of Focus on Growth: Sage Insights I explore the topic of media and journalism, addressing the challenges of distinguishing between fact and fiction. My guests: Nick Wrenn (VP of Programming at CNBC International) and Jill Wrenn (an independent journalist, educator and media coach), discuss their extensive backgrounds in journalism and media. These are two experts in the field based in London.  Especially during this election season in the US we shed light on the critical need t to distinguish between the entertainment and valid aspects of 'facts'.The Key Ideas we cover: Trust in Journalism: The importance of brand trust in journalism, especially for established outlets like the Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. News organizations must now capture attention across multiple platforms (broadcast, social media, podcasts) without sacrificing factual integrity. Decline in Trust: How trust in news outlets has decreased over recent years, e.g., studies by the Reuters Institute. Balancing Facts with Entertainment: The difficulty of keeping news engaging without distorting facts, acknowledging that news must compete with entertainment for attention. They stress transparency, sourcing, and diverse perspectives in journalism to maintain credibility. Freedom of Speech: Our conversation shifts to how freedom of speech operates differently in the U.S. and the U.K. They appreciate the outspoken, often noisy  nature of American media, while noting that the U.K. has one of the toughest news regulation bodies, Ofcom, which helps ensure impartiality. Media Regulation: Nick explains the role of Ofcom in the U.K., which regulates broadcasting, including preventing political bias and ensuring clear distinctions between advertising and editorial content. He contrasts this with the U.S., where speech is less regulated, sometimes leading to chaos, especially during election cycles. A further complication to us in the US is the sheer length of the election cycle; the overwhelming volume of "stuff" aimed at voters.  Educational Perspective: Jill discusses her role as a media educator, focusing on media literacy—helping students navigate the overwhelming amount of content to differentiate reliable sources from fake news. The Future of Journalism Careers: Jill encourages her students to build their brands through independent projects like podcasts or digital publications rather than waiting for traditional journalism jobs. Upcoming Projects: Nick mentions a new CNBC show, Inside Track, focused on the business of Formula One,  to drop on October 19, highlighting the wide range of topics that business journalism can cover.

As the excitement of the Paris 2024 Olympics fades, where USA teams excelled in basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and more, it’s a fitting time to explore the timeless qualities of leadership that drive success on such a grand stage. In this insightful episode of the Focus on Growth podcast, I sit down with Mary Harvey, an Olympian who played a pivotal role in the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s victory at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.. Mary’s journey from the soccer field to the boardroom, now serving as the CEO of the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, offers a unique perspective on how leadership evolves. We discuss the lessons she learned from her athletic career, the challenges of leading a global, virtual organization, and the critical intersection of sports and human rights. Tune in to discover how the leadership principles that guided Mary during her Olympic triumph continue to inspire purpose-driven change in today’s world.

In this episode, Tom Doorley and Hans Gieskes delve into the intricacies of governance, contrasting practices between Europe and the US. They discuss the progress made in governance, emphasizing the crucial role of trust between the board and the CEO, and the impact of culture in shaping boards. This conversation highlights the influence of litigation on US boards, the necessity of open and honest communication and the evolving future of governance. Keywords: governance, Europe, US, progress, trust, culture, boards, litigation, communication Takeaways: Governance is essential for company oversight. Trust between the board and the CEO is crucial and must be mutually earned. Understanding and adapting to company culture is key for effective governance. European boards tend to be more direct and open compared to US boards. Litigation concerns in the US can lead to cautious board behavior. Open and honest communication within the board and with employees is vital. The future of governance depends on fostering dialogue and debate between the board and the CEO.

This is an invitation to join me and my guests Hans Gieskes and Mike Fucci, then others, as we explore how to make governance part of your value-creating formula. These episodes are aimed at CEOs, upcoming CEOs and members of boards. They are part of our commitment through our podcast series, Focus on Growth: Sage Insights, to share our insights on important topics, broadly. At this stage in our careers we want to play it forward. We'll use our governance model hashtag#decsionreadyboard as the staring point. In the conversations with our guests we will add nuance, discuss how to take a high level conceptual commitment to creating value with boards, into tactics, practices to deliver on the promise inherent in good governance. Join us on the journey of exploration and learning.

Welcome to another episode of "Focus on Growth," where we delve into strategies for creating value through growth. Today, we bring together all elements of value-creating transactions with our guest, Dave Rosenblum, CFO of Sage Partners. With extensive experience in M&A transactions, Dave guides us through the entire process—from crafting a compelling narrative to the crucial and often overlooked post-transaction planning and execution. His insights are invaluable, making this conversation a must-listen. Learn about Dave's high success rate and his approach to 'day two,' the day after the celebratory closing dinner. Tune in for a wealth of practical advice and strategies for your own transactions.

In this episode of "Focus on Growth," we continue our series on leveraging the rebound in M&A. Our discussion centers on preparing to sell your business, featuring insights from Bill Issler, Founder of FabSuite and a Sage Partners' client, who successfully sold his company to Trimble. We explore the critical steps in the sale process: Ensuring the owner is ready for the significant changes that come post-sale. Preparing the leadership team for success after the transaction. Emphasizing the importance of early and effective merger integration. Join us to learn valuable strategies for a successful sale. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we'll discuss the buy-side perspective to enhance the chances of a value-creating, win-win transaction.

Welcome to "Focus on Growth," where we explore strategies for creating value through growth. Leadership is vital across all areas of society, and each individual's journey is unique. In this episode, Cordell Bennigson, an accomplished leader and exceptional teacher, shares his personal leadership journey. Our goal is to inspire and guide you in crafting your own path to leadership excellence. Join us to gain valuable insights and learn how to navigate your leadership journey effectively.

In this episode of the "Focus on Growth Podcast" entitled "AI in Practice: Transforming Business," Huw Newton-Hill joins Tom Doorley from Attensi. Together, they delve into how AI can transition from a supporting function to a central player in business strategies. Recognizing AI's potential as both a transformative force and an existential challenge, Attensi—a leader in Learning and Development—has embraced AI in three crucial areas: Innovation, Productivity, and Risk and Compliance. Throughout the discussion, Huw Newton-Hill and Tom Doorley explore AI's capacity as a growth engine, emphasizing its pivotal role in reshaping future business models. Tune in for an insightful dialogue on leveraging AI to redefine the landscape of business operations.

AI in Practice: AI and EQ In this episode of "Focus on Growth: Sage Insights," Tom Doorley's guest is Nils Romen from Experience Experts. They discuss the evolving role of AI in business, focusing on how it can transform meetings into impactful events for clients such as Jaguar, Dell, and Simon Sinek. The conversation highlights both the opportunities and challenges AI presents in the context of its lack of emotional intelligence (EQ), and explores strategies for implementing AI to enhance business operations. In our next episode, we’ll continue our focus on AI In Practice, exploring how to embed AI into the business model. Our guest will be Huw Newton-Hill, US Managing Director of Attensi, a Learning and Development company.

In this episode of "Focus on Growth: Sage Insights," Tom Doorley’s guest is John Donovan, a distinguished figure in technology who is an investor advisor and board member at Lockheed Martin and Palo Alto Networks. John and Tom will explore the context of AI in its early stages of development and strategies for implementing AI in business settings. Join our conversation about the immense opportunities and uncertainties AI presents.

As we look forward to a resurgence of M&A as a viable growth strategy in 2024, please join Barry Winer, Deloitte’s head of M&A research, and Tom Doorley, Chair and founder of Sage Partners, to discuss the findings from Deloitte's largest M&A survey in its ten-year history. This episode offers an optimistic outlook for 2024 and focuses on actionable insights to enhance your chances of success. By exploring the practices of private equity and corporate M&A, we will equip you with the knowledge to make the most of strategic and economic M&A. As the M&A landscape evolves, learn how to harness the wave of opportunity to achieve your strategic growth goals.

"Focus on Growth - Sage Insights" is a concise, power-packed podcast brought to you by Sage Partners, tailored specifically for the executive staff of companies ranging from burgeoning startups to established global giants. Each episode, lasting just 10-20 minutes, is designed to fit into the busy schedules of C-suite leaders and decision-makers, offering them actionable advice and insights that can be implemented immediately. At the core of this series is the exploration of growth strategies and their impact on creating value for all stakeholders. Sage Partners leverages their extensive expertise.