Behind Success

On this episode of Behind Success, I sat down with Dan Rosensweig, Hobart class of 1983, longtime supporter of Hobart and William Smith, and one of the co-teachers of the entrepreneurship course I had the privilege of taking this semester with Professor Drennen.In this conversation, Dan opens up about his upbringing, the lessons that shaped him, his path from Hobart into the business world, and the mindset that has guided him through uncertainty, failure, leadership, and success.What stood out most was his message about showing up. Showing up for yourself, your family, your friends, your work, and the people around you. Dan talks about the importance of attitude, authentic gratitude, doing the little things well, and building a life of consequence instead of chasing titles alone.We also talked about HWS, the value of a liberal arts education, social media, ambition, vulnerability, and what success really means when you strip away the money, titles, and outside recognition.This episode is a reminder that success is not always about having everything figured out. Sometimes it starts with getting up, showing up, staying grateful, and continuing to move forward. Dan's classic saying goes "Get up, shut up, and show up"

On this episode of Behind Success, I sat down with Teresa Cerino of Water Street Cafe to talk about the story behind one of Geneva’s most meaningful community spaces.We talked about her journey back home, taking over Water Street right before COVID, building a business with her husband James, and how the cafe has become a place where locals, HWS students, athletes, alumni, families, and visitors all come together.What stood out most is that Water Street isn’t just successful because of the food. It’s successful because of the love, consistency, and care Teresa and James put into every person who walks through the door.From supporting Hobart hockey, creating the Team Room, helping strengthen the connection between HWS and Geneva, and showing what it means to truly serve a community, Teresa’s story is a reminder that success is built every day through the way we treat people.

In this episode of Behind Success, Tom Bozzuto, a successful business leader and philanthropist, reflects on the moments, risks, and values that have shaped his life. From his early years driving his dad's oil truck to his experiences as a war correspondent, Tom shares how taking risks, embracing challenges, and staying true to his core values led him to a life of purpose and achievement.Tom discusses the importance of company culture and leadership, explaining how The Bozzuto Group's four guiding principles—concern, creativity, passion, and perfection—have been central to the company’s success. He also dives into his personal experiences, from his involvement in student government to how his immigrant parents’ sacrifices shaped his work ethic and drive.Throughout the episode, Tom emphasizes the value of mentorship, reputation, and self-discovery, offering insights into how writing down your thoughts and impactful observations can lead to greater clarity and success. From protest movements in the '60s to taking risks in business, Tom’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and making a lasting impact.This episode is filled with lessons on leadership, risk-taking, and the importance of staying true to your values, making it an inspiring conversation for anyone looking to unlock their own success.

In this episode of Behind Success, we are joined by Lou Guard, who shares his journey from growing up in Geneva to becoming the General Counsel at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Lou reflects on how his time at HWS shaped his career and personal philosophy, offering insights into the evolving landscape of higher education law. He discusses the influence of community, his deep connection to Geneva, and the values that drive his work today. Lou also opens up about the importance of family, the role his wife has played in his success, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about building a meaningful life and making a lasting impact in both professional and personal spheres.

In this episode of Behind Success, I sit down with Mariah Fontana, founder of the transformative Made for More program. Mariah is not just a business owner—she’s a coach and mentor who has helped hundreds of women achieve Total Body, Mind, and Soul Transformations. After losing 20+ lbs and becoming the confident, empowered woman, she always knew she could be, Mariah turned her personal journey into a mission to help other women do the same. We explore how she maintains inner harmony while growing her business, emphasizing the balance of feminine and masculine energy to prevent burnout. Mariah shares how taking small, scary steps and trusting her intuition led her to incredible success. She also talks about the importance of “making fear your friend” and betting on yourself. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or someone seeking personal growth, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice. If you’re ready to become the best version of yourself and go after the goals you've been wanting to achieve, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

In this episode of Behind Success, I sit down with former NFL offensive lineman and Hobart alumnus, Ali Marpet. We discuss Ali's experience at Hobart College, where the high standards and unique experiences shaped his path both on and off the field. Ali shares personal stories about the importance of finding balance in every aspect of life—whether it’s in sports, business, or personal endeavors. He also offers valuable insights on aligning your values with your actions and how this alignment played an important role in his success. Tune in to learn how a strong sense of balance and purpose helped Ali achieve greatness in football and beyond.

In the second part of this episode, we discuss the dangers of commercially available generative AI models and the recent popularity of deepfake content. Dr. Stacy Feiner & Lorri Slesh, the authors behind The Sixth Level, reveal the unique and disproportionate impact of these defamation crimes on women. Want your own copy of The Sixth Level? Order NOW at: www.thesixthlevel.com

In this episode, we are joined by two authors of The Sixth Level Capitalize the Power of Women's Psychology for Sustainable Leadership. In the first part of this episode, we are provided insight into this new and innovative model for leadership and discuss how gender norms and barriers have limited women from impacting change within organizations. The future of leadership is changing, and these women are at the forefront of that shift. You don't want to miss this!! Want your own copy of The Sixth Level? Order NOW at: www.thesixthlevel.com

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Gearan, president of Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Unlike most college presidents, Gearan's career took an unexpected trajectory after he became a leading member of the Bill Clinton administration and later led The Peace Corps. How did this land him the role of college president?

In this episode, we are joined by the Hobart College Hockey Head Coach, Mark Taylor. Coach Taylor dedicated his life to ice hockey both as a player and a coach. In his 30+ year career as a coach, Taylor has gone from a win rate of 40% to a win rate this season of over 94%. Listen to how Coach Taylor made Hobart College the best D3 hockey team in the nation while overcoming significant challenges in his own life.

In this episode, we hear from Lydia Loizides, an NYC based entrepreneur and experienced leader. Lydia has over 20 years of experience in leadership roles across startup and larger organizations. Throughout her career, Lydia has been involved in multiple acquisitions, including one from Microsoft. Since 2013, Lydia has been leading her own venture, Talentedly, an organizational design and talent performance agency.

In this episode, we introduce Sam Solomon. Sam is a Hobart and William Smith graduate and serial entrepreneur. His business journey started at HWS in the annual Pitch Competition with his startup, Bee-Have. Sam went on to found Pizza Posto and later acquired Spotted Duck, a duck egg creamery in Penn Yan, NY.