You, Me, and Your Top Three

Leadership and the Law of Entrainment (WSG Suzy Siegle)

Suzy Siegle, Ed.D., J.D., President of Walsh College, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss numerous leadership lessons and the Law of Entrainment. Suzy shares her “Top 3” which include God, her husband David, her entire leadership team at Walsh, and a couple of external leaders who help to stretch her thinking. And you have to hear what she says about discipline equaling freedom. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (01:25) What humans can learn from AI (05:...

Learning from a Recovering Banker (WSG Anthony LaVerde)

Anthony LaVerde, CEO of Emagine Entertainment, joins host Gregg Garrett to explore the concept of cross-industrial careers. Anthony shares his “Top 3”: Emagine Entertainment CFO Dirk Kjolhede and Chairman Paul Glantz, who, together with Anthony, make up a three-member strategic investment approval committee; and a former boss who taught Anthony that he must not be afraid to surround himself with people who are better than him. And you have to hear what he says about “supporting the team”. ...

Delivering on Vision (WSG Chase Kushak)

Chase Kushak, President of Blake’s Hard Cider Co. and Partner in Gypsy Spirits, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss Chase’s niche in helping visionary entrepreneurs scale their enterprises and the overall importance of integrators. Chase shares his “Top 3”: Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers at Founders Brewing Co.; Michael Kazanowski and Adam Kazanowski at Gypsy Spirits; and Andrew Blake at Blake’s Hard Cider Co. And you have to hear what he says about competing on pace. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS ...

Cherish the Moments (WSG Pierre Boutin)

Pierre Boutin – President & CEO of Volkswagen Group Ireland and former President & CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada – joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the difference between building ecosystems and building organizations. Pierre shares his “Top 3”: Ted Charlton, who is equal parts boat-builder and sailor; Cyril Chatelet, a journey mate in the auto-to-mobility path; and Pierre’s wife, Elena, who reminds him to stop and cherish transformational moments. And you have to hear what he says about...

Control the Minutes (WSG Christian Oswald)

Christian Oswald, CEO of Rainf4ll, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the importance of words, listening, and communication during times of transformation. Christian shares his “Top 3”: Mark Wales, who taught him leadership lessons; his children, who allowed him to understand better how early life digital experiences shape usage patterns; and Jen Bailin, who is an expert in crafting “mongrel teams”. And you have to hear what he says about being voluntold. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this...

Building the Industrial Carnival (WSG Bruce Smith)

Bruce Smith, majority shareholder, Chairman, and CEO of Detroit Manufacturing Systems, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss how the connected world rewards speed and flexibility. Bruce shares his “Top 3”: Ben Meachem, who blends an understanding of people and clarity of problems to lead; Kristy McDonald, who understands the dynamics between leaders; Scott Cieslak, who can receive feedback and truly become better from it, and his wife, Michelle, who specializes in pulling thorns. And you have ...

Leading Through Digital Disruption (WSG April Clobes)

April Clobes, CEO of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the need for top leaders of firms to better understand the basics of technology in order to properly define strategies and transform companies. April shares her Top 3: Pat McPharlin, who demonstrated a relentless drive and employee focus; Mark Zook, who exemplifies credit union collaboration; and April’s MSUFCU Team, who bring courage and new understanding. And you have to hear about how ...

Small Words to Moonshots (wsg Ben Lamm)

SMALL WORDS TO MOONSHOTS | Ben Lamm, a multi-time founder who is currently working on bringing back the woolly mammoth, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss how small words can lead to HUGE ideas. Of course, Ben shares his Top 3 or 4: Thomas Tull, who reminds him to just keep going; John McKinley, who taught him how to live servant leadership; Richard Garriott, who has stoked his passion to explore; and his grandmother, who has taught him that he can do anything. And you have to hear what he ...

Driving Uncomfortable Conversations (wsg Andrew Stuart)

DRIVING UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS | Andrew Stuart, President and CEO of TD Auto Finance, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the need to get uncomfortable in order to have breakthrough moments. Of course, Andrew shares his Top 3 (well, 4): Sandra Moncrief, his wife, who helps him learn to interpret emotions; Marc Womack, who taught him the power of uncomfortable conversations; Peter Cummings, a worldly leader who has shown him the power of outside perspectives; and Allan Ferguson, a colle...

People Make Innovation Matter (wsg Roopesh Das)

PEOPLE MAKE INNOVATION MATTER | Roopesh Das, Senior VP of Digital Acceleration and Innovation at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the importance of putting the human in the center of your innovation strategy. Of course, Roopesh shares his Top 3: Ritesh Patel, who helped him to learn to connect; Akiko Marusawa, who helped him recognize the importance of people; and Shireen Das, who is his rock and helps him set a montessori approach to his digital innovation progr...

Making Alumni (Solocast)

MAKING ALUMNI| Join Gregg Garrett, host and CGS Advisors CEO, during this solocast as he discusses how to establish an alumni network from your organization; not always an easy thing to do considering some of your best and brightest employees you never want to leave your firm. But, on the flip side, in order to get the best, brightest, and most driven you often need to get talent who want to spread their wings and sometimes it is at a different speed than the pace of your organization. Make ...

Building Ecosystems (WSG Chris Lambert)

BUILDING ECOSYTEMS| Chris Lambert, CEO of Life Remodeled, a Detroit non-profit that remodels and revitalizes neighborhoods in an equitable and sustainable way,  joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss how to create and nurture meaningful innovation ecosystems inside of Detroit communities. Of course, Chris speaks about his Top 3: Jesus, who he speaks with and listens to everyday, his friend Dominic Morelli who taught him the value of relationships, Diallo Smith, who can execute on a vision, his...

Picking Up the Pace (wsg Jay Rogers)

PICKING UP THE PACE|Jay Rogers, founder and CEO of haddy- a 3D -printed furniture company,  joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the lessons he learned by 3D printing autonomous vehicles and how the team is now looking to disrupt the complete supply chain of a less regulated industry with a similar product set. Of course, Jay speaks about his Top 3: God, who is part of his life everyday, his boys who help him to learn and reverse mentor him, and 3-star General Mike Dana who specializes in ser...

Getting Edgy (wsg Jahon Hobbeheydar)

JAHON HOBBEHEYDAR | Jahon Hobbeheydar, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at NSF International, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the linkage of strategy and innovation. As someone who lives in the center of these two functions, Jahon leads NSF to the future. Of course, Jahon speaks about his Top 3: his former boss, Thad, who helped him bring out his intellectual best, a persona of colleagues like Sharon, Tom, and Jen who help remove cultural inertia, and his daughter, Sarah, who makes ...

Taking Risks (wsg Gary Shapiro)

TAKING RISKS | Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the consumer electronics industry, CTA and the Consumer Electronics Show, and broader societal change. Of course, Gary speaks about his Top 3: his wife, industry advisors and advocates like Robert Ford who help him reflect on how to drive the industry forward, and his entire CTA management team as well as members of the Board. And you have to hear what he has to say abou...

Blurred by Design (wsg Paul Arnegard)

Paul Arnegard, VP of Creative Services at Tweddle, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss how his firm has transformed as the mobility industry continues to be disrupted. Of course, Paul speaks about his Top 3, including Dan Owens who helped him pivot to the creative side of the firm, his father who helped him get Earthy Wisdom, and Grandmaster Kim who helped him bring discipline and calmness to his hectic life, and current and former colleagues like Brian Suszek (former podcast guest, episode...

It's a Small World After All (wsg Erik Walenza)

Erik Walenza, CEO of IoT One and host of The Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast, joins host Gregg Garrett in this special dual podcast to discuss how global and multi-national firms are competing in the Chinese market. Of course, Erik speaks about his Top 3: his wife, his business partners: Chun Liew and Michael Maeder, who taught him how to build relationships and processes, and his community. And you have to hear what he has to say about local for local strategy. About Erik Walenza Erik ...

80 Percent of the Day (wsg Craig Vanderburg)

80% OF THE DAY | Craig Vanderburg, COO of Trion Solutions, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the success his firm has had in outsourcing HR for small and mid-sized firms. Of course, Craig speaks about how he spends 80% of his day with his Top 3, including Pathik Mody, Craig Sherman, Don Turowski, and Trion’s operations team. And you have to hear what he has to say about the importance of a routine. ABOUT CRAIG VANDERBURG Craig Vanderburg is among the nation’s most-experienced professio...

Treat Yourself (wsg David Collado)

Being an Innovator (wsg Thierry Klein)

BEING AN INNOVATOR | Thierry Klein, President of Bell Labs Solution Research at Nokia Bell Labs, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the DNA of being an innovator. Of course, Thierry speaks about his Top 3, including his parents who helped him eliminate his fear of failure, his PhD advisor at MIT who taught him the business of innovation, and the aura of previous Bell Lab Presidents who helped set the bar for what leadership in innovation looks like. And you have to hear what he has to say ab...

Cascading Leadership (wsg Lindsay Irrer)

Cascading Leadership | Lindsay Irrer, co-owner of The Barre Code – Metro Detroit, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss leading a franchise from the franchisee’s perspective. Of course, Lindsay speaks about her Top 3, including her entrepreneurial husband, her parents who balance grit and compassion, and her business partner who entices courage from her. And you have to hear what she has to say about body positivity. About LINDSAY IRRER Lindsay Irrer grew up in Bay City, Michigan, where he...

What a Punk (wsg Alex Awn)

WHAT A PUNK | Alex Awn, Head of UX for Bosch North America, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss how curiosity and DIY attitudes are what you need to drive innovation as well as how he brings his punk roots to shape corporate culture. Of course, Alex speaks about his Top 3, including his ex-boss, Paul Amegard, who showed him how to extend trust; Wayne Kauffman, a General Counsel who provided him with personal career advice; Oliver Stening, a boss and “gut” checker; and his creative motivator...

Success by Accident (wsg Kevin Schnieders)

KEVIN SCHNIEDERS | Kevin Schnieders, CEO of EDSI, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss success and why your attitude towards success may be the differentiator. Kevin also admits he has been accidentally successful in his career. Of course, Kevin speaks about his Top 3, including his father, who provided the platform for his success; his wife, Wendy, who reminds him of why he wants to be successful; his colleague, Arlene Jones, with who he has grown with; and two important coaches in his life ...

Criss Cross the Desert (wsg Dr. Lara Ramdin)

DR. LARA RAMDIN, Chief Innovation Officer at Dole, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the paths to careers in innovation. As a seasoned innovator in multiple industries, Lara also highlights how she has found a passion for tackling innovative solutions to battle food deserts. Of course, Lara speaks about her Top 3, including her former colleagues and bosses who saw things in her that she didn’t recognize herself, a college roommate turned educator that helped her recognize bravery, and a ri...

The Multiplier Effect (wsg Steve Pockross)

THE MULTIPLIER EFFECT | Steve Pockross, CEO of Verblio, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss how the multiplier effect has allowed him to scale marketplace businesses. Steve also highlights the intersection between the future of marketing and the future of work. Of course, Steve speaks about his Top 3, including his executive coaches, Mark and Jodi, who help him multiply his efforts, his suite colleagues, Greg and Paul, who model honesty, and his wife, Jen, who helps him through the last 5%. A...

Why Fear Failure?

WHY FEAR FAILURE? | Join Gregg Garrett, host and CGS Advisors CEO, during this solocast as he challenges listeners to question how they view failure and discusses how remaining in the fear of failure can prevent you and your business from innovating. Gregg also highlights how breaking free from fear and being a true leader is at the heart of innovation and transformation. About Gregg Garrett Greggory R. Garrett is the CEO and Managing Director of CGS Advisors, a boutique strategy and innov...

Placing Bets (wsg Chris Ball)

PLACING BETS | Chris Ball, a multi-time CEO and serial entrepreneur, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss how bravery is often enabled by having the right perspective. Of course, Chris speaks about his Top 3, including his competitor turned business partner who helped him to scale, his father who set a platform from a young age, and his COO and life partner who supports and pushes him. And you have to hear what he has to say about comparing his time as a professional poker player to being a ...

Purposeful Intimidation

A Floral Disruptor (wsg Kalin Sheick)

A Floral Disruptor| Kalin Sheick, owner of Sweetwater Floral, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the $57B floral industry and how she breaks all the rules of the industry. Kalin highlights how she brings her knowledge from the media and entertainment industry to florals. Of course, Kalin speaks about her Top 3, including her husband, Matt, who has taught her about the long game of transformation, her father, Rick, who has instilled the entrepreneurial spirit in her, and her kids, George and...

Guided Journeys (wsg Scott Schoeneberger)

Guided Journeys | Scott Schoeneberger, Managing Partner of Bluewater Technologies Group, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss his guided journey through his multi-faceted events and technology integration business. Of course, Scott speaks about his Top 3, including his parents and uncle who encouraged different world views, perspectives, and a sense of innovative thinking, his first mentor, Sandy Corrigan, who took him on a journey of learning and self-discovery, his wife Chanel Schoeneberger ...

Understanding Yourself (wsg Michael McFall)

Understanding Yourself | Michael McFall, Co-CEO of Biggby Coffee, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the importance of knowing thyself and understanding your purpose in order to leave a legacy. Of course, Mike speaks about his Top 3, which range from Bob Fish, his business partner, who holds him accountable, to his mother, who created a solid foundation in his life, to his YPO forum members and his very successful friend. And you have to hear what he has to say about protecting time to rema...

Finding the Potential in Your Network (wsg Lisa Katz)

Finding the Potential in Your Network | Lisa Katz, Senior Program Officer for Economic Vitality & Entrepreneurship at the William Davidson Foundation, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss her storied career in public policy across many communities. Lisa speaks about her Top 3, including Mary Lynn Noah, who hired Lisa for her first job as a legislative assistant, Mike Gilroy, who taught her the social network theory, and Dr. Yugal Sharma, a dear friend, and biochemist, who shared in Lisa’s st...

Clearing the Whiteboard (a solocast)

Clearing the Whiteboard | Join Gregg Garrett, host and CGS Advisors CEO, during this solocast as he discusses and celebrates ten years of CGS, the traditions that got him there, and the challenge to get started on your own. Gregg explores a yearly process to “clear the whiteboard”; a process focused on wrapping up the previous year’s thoughts and ideas and creating space for new ones. About Gregg Garrett Greggory R. Garrett is the CEO and Managing Director of CGS Advisors, a boutique strat...

Hitting the Reset Button (wsg Luis Cabrera)

Hitting the Reset Button | Luis Cabrera, CEO of Budget Travel, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss his storied career in digital across many industries. Luis highlights how he applies digital skills across senior roles, companies, and continents. Of course, Luis speaks about his Top 3, including Scott Galloway, a storied NYU professor, who helps him take a no-nonsense tone as he considers new opportunities, to Rich Lesser, the former CEO of BCG, who acts as his moral compass, to his wife who...

Finding the Fit (wsg Kevin Browett)

Finding the Fit | Kevin Browett, CEO of the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss his career journey from being a pharmacist, to controlling over an $18 billion business at the largest retailer in the world, to a multi-time entrepreneur and scale-up leader, to CEO. Of course, Kevin speaks about his top three from the former CEO of CVS who helped him focus on the future, to the owner of the largest Dale Carnegie franchise who taught him to be brave...

The Future of Work (a Solocast)

The Future of Work | Join Gregg Garrett, host and CGS Advisors CEO, during this solocast as he discusses the future of work. Gregg explores three basic pieces: thinking of how automated work might be for you in the future, deciding if you’re going to have a freelance or W2 automated workforce, and just how satisfied will your workers and non-workers be in this future era. About Gregg Garrett Greggory R. Garrett is the CEO and Managing Director of CGS Advisors, a boutique strategy and innov...

Turning Hardship into Differentiation (wsg John Katona)

Turning Hardship Into Differentiation | John Katona, Industrial Engineer at General Motors and CEO JKNK Studios, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss his unique journey in life that includes a paralyzing car accident that re-rerouted, and in some ways accelerated, his journey. Of course, John speaks about his top three ranging from his father who taught him a unique business model, to his pastor who introduce him to making music with others, to an advisor who fostered a passion for engineerin...

State of Risk and Trust (wsg Steve Fleischmann)

State of Risk and Trust | Steve Fleischmann, Preempt Risk, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on managing risk in complex ecosystems in support of profitable growth. Of course, Steve shares his Top Three who include an academic mentor who recruited him to study why civil wars occur, especially in the light of global terrorism, a direct report who is an expert diplomat who understands scale and the power of controlling the narrative, and the former CFO of a major U.S.-based energy comp...

Finding Your Passion (wsg Dane Mathews)

Finding Your Passion | Dane Mathews, Vice President of Precision Marketing at Conagra Brands, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on transforming organizations and brands. Of course, Dane shares his Top Three who include his wife and children who have been core to establishing a professional shift in his approach, a former Amazon executive who taught him how to work backward, a former boss who helped him change his perspective to accomplish goals, and a former podcast guest who helped ...

Finding Your Passion (wsg Dane Mathews)

Finding Your Passion | Dane Mathews, Vice President of Precision Marketing at Conagra Brands, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on transforming organizations and brands. Of course, Dane shares his Top Three who include his wife and children who have been core to establishing a professional shift in his approach, a former Amazon executive who taught him how to work backward, a former boss who helped him change his perspective to accomplish goals, and a former podcast guest who helped ...

Building the Backstop of Innovation (wsg Emmett Romine)

Building the Backstop of Innovation | Emmett Romine, VP, Customer Solutions & Innovation at Xcel Energy, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on customer and channel innovation in the energy industry. Of course, Emmett shares his Top Three who include an executive who pushed him to create and be true to his personal brand, to a marketing industry executive who helped him to respect and grow the brand promise, to the vice chairman of a publicly traded company who made space for him to su...

Letting a Tiger Out of Her Cage (wsg Renee Rouleau)

Letting a Tiger Out of Her Cage: Renée Rouleau, CEO and President of Renee Rouleau Skin Care, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on successfully pivoting and scaling a company from a brick-and-mortar service model to a direct-to-consumer product delivery model. Of course, she speaks about her top three including her late husband who she learned business and life lessons from before and after his passing, a daredevil who challenges her to enjoy the fruits of her labor, her EO buddy wh...

Genuinely Curious (wsg Tammy Hahn)

Genuinely Curious: Tammy Hahn, Chief Product Officer at Groundswell, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on how to approach product management as well as how her new firm is looking to disrupt the non-profit industry. Of course, Tammy shares her Top Three who include her father who shows her how to drive rediscovery, her coworker turned spouse who is the yin to her yang and pushes her to be brave, and her product management teams that give her the 360-degree view of leadership she nee...

The Power of the Mesh ( a Solocast)

Join Gregg Garrett, host and CGS Advisors CEO, during this solocast as he discusses the importance of building a mesh network of relationships to help hold up your career, and personal goals. He shares how cross-industry collaboratives may be necessary to build these meshes as the world continues to connect. Gregg also highlights how CGS Advisors has launched two networks in the recent past; one bringing together enterprise innovators and another building unlikely bridges between manufacture...

Becoming the First (wsg Sunayna Tuteja)

Becoming the First: Sunayna Tuteja, Chief Innovation Officer for the Federal Reserve System joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on the importance of passion when you are making your own journey. Sunayna speaks about coordinating decentralized innovation inside and beyond the Federal Reserve, a 100+ year old entity. And of course, she shares her Top Three who include her parents who taught her that regret is a wasted emotion, a former boss who helped her bridge the passion of avionics t...

From Commanding Intelligence to Driving The Information Revolution (wsg Gil Gur Arie)

Industries blurring in the talent war: Gil Gur Arie, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Ford Motor Company, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on his career journey including his life before Ford as a commanding officer in the Israeli Intelligence Agency. He highlights how the mission of an organization (no matter if it is public or private) is at the heart of motivating employees, and how communication and trust is the absolute lynchpin of success. All the while he comments on the f...

Keep Looking Forward (wsg Gail Davis)

Power of Disruption: Gail Davis, a leader in the international keynote speaker industry, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on the changes occurring in her industry as well as how she’s driven her firm to emerge as a stable leader post-COVID. She of course shares her Top Three who include individuals that help her not sweat the small stuff, remind her that clear is kind, how to manage the tension between work and other facets of life, and those who help to fill a capability void. And...

Catapulting to Champion Level Success (wsg Punit Dhillon)

The 40-year trajectory for your career: Punit Dhillon, executive, investor, and new author, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on being an effective corporate athlete and catapulting your career. He of course shares his Top Three who include his wife who acts as the yin to his yang, a mentor who Punit has followed through his 20-year career, a business partner who backstops him every step of the way, and an executive coach who helped him to re-realize the importance of the coaching r...

Amplify Progress (wsg Brian Suszek)

Leading Leaders: Brian Suszek, CGS Fellow and former President and CEO of Tweddle Group, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on leading the transformation of the private company from a paper publishing corporation to an information juggernaut in the mobility industry. He of course shares his Top Three who include his wife of over 30 years who drives tremendous candor, a turnaround specialist who amplifies Brian’s effect, a get-stuff-done team member, and a corporate strategist that dro...

Don't Hesitate to Ask the Question (wsg Arthur Orduna)

Launching an Enterprise Innovation Capability: Arthur Orduña, an enterprise innovator, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on his experiences leading innovation initiatives at Avis and ADT. Arthur of course shares his Top Three who include his wife, an advisor to the board at Google, a screen writer, a former Fortune 500 CEO, and an entrepreneur. And you must hear what he says about the intersection of curiosity and creativity.   About Arthur OrduÑa Arthur Orduña is an accomplished s...