GENeration eXecutive

What happens when decades of financial expertise meet curiosity, courage, and a desire for something more? In this episode of the GENeration eXecutive podcast, host Andrea Bricca chats with Sonja Strzoda, a longtime financial services leader who has transitioned into board work while launching a new chapter in luxury travel and curated experiences. Sonja shares her Gen X journey navigating a male‑dominated industry, embracing technological and cultural change, achieving financial independence, and ultimately stepping away from a demanding executive career to pursue purpose-driven work. Tune in for insights on resilience, leadership across generations, financial empowerment, and what it truly means to design your next chapter on your own terms.

Kim Youngberg, General Counsel at the Paley Center for Media, shares how an unconventional start in the music scene led to a dynamic legal career across entertainment, advertising, and emerging technologies. Kim reflects on the Gen X experience of navigating analog-to-digital disruption, confronting early-career sexism, adapting to rapid industry change, and leading with curiosity rather than fear. From pioneering digital-era deals to mentoring across generations, in this episode of the GENeration eXecutive pod,  Kim’s story highlights the resilience, independence, and cultural fluency that define Gen X leadership. Tune in for insights on career reinvention, technological evolution, and staying ahead in a fast‑moving media landscape.

This episode of the GENeration eXecutive podcast features Roma McCaig, former Chief Public Affairs and Impact Officer at REI and current Principal, PRPSFL Group and Board Member of B Lab.  Roma discusses her multi-stage career spanning communications, operations, sustainability, and corporate responsibility. Roma shares how pivotal moments - from early layoffs to values-driven leadership - shaped her approach to change, purpose, and impact. She reflects on Gen X adaptability, leading across generations, and why she’s always prioritized experiences over climbing a traditional career ladder. Tune in for insights on navigating change, building meaningful careers, and harnessing business as a force for good.

From executive to aspiring fiction writer, GENeration eXecutive guest Eliza Stoker explores what it takes to make bold career pivots. Eliza shares her journey from executive search to law, to leadership, and ultimately to chasing her dream of writing novels. Hear a discussion about the unique adaptability of Gen X leaders, lessons learned from setbacks, and why bravery and authenticity matter more than ever in today’s evolving workplace. Tune in for insights on leadership, resilience, and finding fulfillment beyond titles.

In this episode of the GENeration eXecutive podcast, host Andrea Bricca spotlights how Gen X executives have mastered the art of navigating change—from cultural shifts to technological disruption. Featuring candid insights from leaders across industries, the episode explores how Gen X professionals evolved from analog childhoods to digital leadership and embraced diversity, innovation, and intergenerational collaboration. Hear how executives transformed challenges into leadership strengths, and why Gen X’s lived experience is a strategic asset in today’s boardrooms. Whether you're leading change or learning to adapt, this episode offers timeless lessons in resilience, empathy, and growth. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories that define what it means to lead through change.

From Boeing to the Boardroom, Marta Ronquillo Newhart—independent director, Fortune 100 executive, and brand strategist— shares her unconventional path from aerospace sales to board leadership. Marta shares powerful insights on the value of lived experience, the evolution of empathetic leadership, and the transformative power of storytelling in business and governance.  On this episode of GENeration eXecutive, hear how Gen X leaders are reshaping boardrooms, mentoring future generations, and redefining success through authenticity and trust.

In this episode of GENeration eXecutive, host Andrea Bricca welcomes her colleague Heather Smith, Managing Partner in DHR’s Board and CEO practice, for a compelling discussion on the evolving role of Generation X in corporate boardrooms. As board composition becomes a critical focus for organizations navigating change, Heather shares her insights on why Gen X leaders are uniquely positioned to drive innovation, governance, and long-term strategy. Discover how Gen X executives bring a balance of experience, adaptability, and forward-thinking leadership to today’s complex business environment. Whether you're a current board member or aspiring leader, this episode offers valuable takeaways on generational leadership, board diversity, and the future of corporate governance.

In this episode of the GENeration eXecutive Podcast, Toni Hickey, an accomplished chief legal officer and general counsel shares her unique career journey. Toni discusses her transition from government roles at USPTO to private practice and in-house counsel at Fortune 150 companies. She opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of cultural and generational diversity in leadership, and how Gen X leaders are uniquely positioned to navigate today's complex business landscape.  Listen to hear Toni's valuable insights on career pivots, leadership challenges, and the evolving role of Gen X in the workplace.

On this episode of the GENeration eXecutive Podcast, Danielle Leigh, Vice President of Human Resources, Business Management, and Special Projects at Prolitec Inc., shares her unique journey from music to executive leadership. Danielle discusses the importance of empathy, trust, and collaboration in the workplace.  She highlights how her diverse experiences in hospitality, music, and business have shaped her approach to leadership. She offers insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Gen X leaders and emphasizes the value of integrating personal values with professional responsibilities. Tune in to hear Danielle's inspiring story and her advice on bringing our full selves to work.

In this episode of the GENeration Executive Podcast, Amy Cline, General Counsel at the Hoffman Family of Companies, shares her inspiring journey from a small town in Missouri to becoming a leading legal executive. She discusses her experiences in private equity, healthcare, and corporate law; and highlights the importance of mentorship, networking, and building relationships. Amy also offers insights into the evolving role of technology in the workplace and provides valuable advice for achieving personal and professional growth.

In this special Spring Break edition of the GENeration eXecutive podcast, host Andrea Bricca dives into the delicate balance between personal and professional lives among Gen X executives. Featuring insights from prior guests, the episode delves into effective strategies for integrating work and life. With Americans taking the least vacation time globally, guests underscore the importance of prioritizing personal time and modeling this behavior within organizations. Tune in to hear how Gen X leaders navigate family commitments while maintaining professional excellence. Don't miss this episode for invaluable tips on achieving work-life harmony from seasoned executives.

As an entertainment and marketing executive, Christopher Yancey began as a traveling promoter at Feld Entertainment and built a career spanning iconic brands like the NBA and Caesars Entertainment and now is President of the Big Apple Circus. As a Gen X leader who started with fax machines and landlines, he brings a unique perspective on resilience and self-sufficiency to today's technology-driven workplace. On this episode of GENeration eXecutive, Chris shares insights about navigating workplace evolution through authentic leadership, the importance of building meaningful professional relationships, and finding passion in your career path despite its challenges.

As a mathematically inclined student who aspired to build rollercoasters, Jim Begley was introduced to fire protection engineering by his family of firefighters. This career ultimately led him to found a niche engineering firm dedicated to fire protection and life safety and named after his alma mater’s mascot.  On this episode of GENeration eXecutive, Jim shares insights into the fire protection industry, recounts how a pivotal early management experience framed his hiring and leadership style, what he thinks others should know about starting a business, and why his ability to write as an engineer works well for him as a parttime food writer. 

Catherine Razzano inadvertently became a role model as a successful big-firm lawyer and mother, before moving to in-house compliance roles at top companies.  As Global Head of Legal Compliance at TikTok she influences a current generation of employees with her authenticity, hard work, and pursuit of personal and professional harmony. On this episode of GENeration eXecutive, hear her insights on leading across generations, understanding diverse motivations, and the joy she finds in helping others soar.

Being in the office while others were on vacation, along with an alumni connection, propelled Helen Dooley into a career in sports. Now, she is a fan of remote work and the ways technology and freedom empower others. On this episode, Helen discusses the numerous possibilities for entering the business of sports, how openness and trust are key to building a culture with remote employees, and how NIL and social media have impacted athletes.

From physicist and engineer to sales professional, CEO and author, Mike Latch has mirrored and lived the evolution of business, sales, technology, and AI. On this episode, Mike shares how his skeptical move to sales eventually led to the founding of a couple of tech companies and the book Sales Sucks. Mike shares his philosophical approach to being coachable, finding a company where leadership supports learning, and how sales processes and AI enable businesses to rapidly adapt to change.

Andrew Ting, Chief Legal Officer at Panorama Education, discusses his career as a lawyer in financial services, technology, and education.  Andrew highlights how he went from trying to fit the dominant work culture early in his career to being an authentic leader in the workplace.  Listen to Andrew’s thoughts on leadership styles among generations, the importance of “soft skills” in the workplace as technology evolves, and his passion for training, mentoring, and developing others, including as a professor focused on entrepreneurship at two universities.

Ekumene “E” Lysonge has worked as a lawyer and government affairs professional in various industries from real estate to gaming and technology, and currently in financial services with NerdWallet.  He repositioned himself after the 2008 economic downturn and the 2020 pandemic via strong relationships, flexibility, and his desire to lead in a mutually beneficial way.  In this episode of GENeration eXecutive, E talks about the importance of listening, relationships, decision points in life, and assessment of priorities to build a successful and fulfilling career.

Olga Lagunova used resilience and optimism to advance early in her technology career. She then learned the importance of conflict resolution to enhance her leadership skills. Now as Chief Product and Technology Officer at GoTo and an Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon, she understands the importance of sharing her knowledge and the opportunities AI holds for leaders and organizations now and in the future. On this episode of GENeration eXecutive, Olga shares a technologist and leader’s insight on growth mindset, AI, and the human element in technology and business.

Javier Zamora persuaded his parents to let him join the military at the age of 17 and he never looked back as he eventually completed law school, was on active duty post-9/11, joined the legal team at Nike, and now is General Counsel at CarGurus.  On this episode of GENeration eXecutive, hear how Javier embraced challenges and change, and leveraged both to build a career and generational bridges along the way.

Genevieve Kelly has learned to enjoy the journey during a legal career that has taken her around the world and challenged her with a myriad of legal issues as a Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel for some of the world's most recognizable brands. On this episode of GENeration eXecutive we hear how she learned to love working with consumer-facing companies, how her decision to attend law school allowed her to be a business leader, and the importance of relationships along the way.

From the early days of marketing cell phone technology to today as CMO at cloud company Laserfiche, John Merrill has embraced change, followed his “why”, and utilized the power of teams. On this episode of GENeration eXecutive John discusses servant leadership, being the boss of your career, developing your adaptability, and how AI is currently like a child.

On this episode of GENeration eXecutive, Jonathan Yellen and I discuss how the discussions about his family’s business around the dinner table led to his work today helping entrepreneurs buy legacy family businesses. He talks about the business of search fund investing and generational differences among the business’s owners, along with the importance of building strong relationships, working hard, taking smart risks, and how AI may impact everything.

From the dotcom boom and bust to HR leader at a healthcare system and her current role in HR Technology, Michelle Sanchez-Bickley has developed her leadership skills.  On this episode of GENeration eXecutive hear her thoughts on embracing change, helping others navigate change, failing fast, and modeling behavior for others.

Rachel Larrenaga's family has played a key role in her career, from teaching her the value of hard work early to the increased importance she placed on mission alignment with her employer once she became a mother. On this episode of GENeration eXecutive hear Rachel’s career story, including her understanding of Gen X’s tech-savvy even if not tech-dependent, the Gen X belief in altruism and independence as a management style, and thoughts on AI in law and business going forward.

As the newspaper industry contracted, Kirsten Searer parlayed her lifelong connection to education into a new career that eventually led to her current role as President of The Public Education Foundation. On this episode of GENeration eXecutive, hear how empathy led to one of Kirsten’s biggest accomplishments, how her reporter's mindset has aided her career, and her belief in the need for curiosity as the workplace evolves.

From opening the former Aladdin on the Las Vegas Strip to joining Station Casinos as Senior Vice President Human Resources in 2022, Chris Smith realizes the importance of being kind, embracing technology, and being a continuous learner.  In this episode of GENeration eXecutive, Chris shares with Andrea Bricca the role understanding what others need from you as a leader plays in success and how the success of others provides its own satisfaction.

Sylvia Tiscareño grew up in Las Vegas with front-line casino workers as her parents and started her career in hotel operations before settling on a career in law.  Intuition and grit are two of Sylvia’s hallmarks and led her to take a chance on the burgeoning sports wagering industry years before it became mainstream. Hear why Sylvia thinks Generation X is the greatest generation as she joins Andrea Bricca on this episode of GENeration eXecutive.

Lorrie Bamford knew from a young age she wanted to be a lawyer and built a legal career that has offered her opportunities she could never have imagined.  In this episode of GENeration eXecutive,  Lorrie shares with Andrea Bricca what her career with law firms and companies has taught her about confidence, resilience, and leading with authenticity.