You, Me, and Your Top Three

Recognizing Opportunity in Threats: Host Gregg Garrett is joined by a panel of CGS Advisors Fellows who are experts in technology and leadership, for a discussion on how the pandemic removed artificial barriers and how flexibility may be the key strategic capability needed to survive. Ty Beltramo, John Horn, and Angie Tuglus share their observations after one-year of leading through the disruption caused by COVID-19 and provide hints on when you can't predict, how leaders need to prepare.    About the CGS Fellows Ty Beltramo is a critical member of the CGS Fellows Network. Ty is a hands-on technical leader with proven expertise in connected solutions and large enterprise integration projects. He has over 20 years of experience as the senior technology leader of large firms, including Fortune 50 companies, overseeing the design and development of complex enterprise systems. He deeply understands the solutions with many years of intense development experience, building connected applications and managing deployments. Under his leadership, companies have seen dramatic turnarounds, transformations, and growth. Ty has served in senior leadership capacities as the Chief Innovation Officer, CTO, and Chief Architect. He has turned around failing product and technology teams, scaled technology from PoC to operations, and established R&D and Product Development departments from scratch. His teams have been responsible for defining product roadmaps, constructing all digital products, integrating them to existing systems, and everything in-between. As the CTO of MapQuest, he was the head of a team of 60 and successfully completed a 3-year turnaround plan to modernize all aspects of infrastructure, core data, and products. As a partner and iOS application developer at Portable Hole Productions, he was the sole developer for General Motors OnStar MyLink application, which won the Popular Mechanics Editor's Choice Award. And as Chief Architect at General Motors OnStar, Ty led the evolution of OnStar's enterprise architecture to grow from 1 to 4 lines of business and support over 3-million subscribers, one-hundred-fold the amount of subscribers since he started. Ty earned his BA in Humanities from William Tyndale College in Farmington Hills, Michigan. - - - - - - - - - - - - John Hornis a proven leader with nearly 30 years of experience in the telecom and wireless industries. He has developed a reputation as someone that builds successful teams and organizations that create game changing solutions specific to the IoT ecosystem. He has been recognized as an "Industry Pioneer", and "IoT Thought Leader", and most recently by INC. Magazine as s "Top 10 Speaker Who Will Wow Your Crowd." John's broad-based executive leadership experience and subject-matter expertise make him one of the leading IoT advisors in North America. He has a keen ability to create strong brands and define clear messaging that resonates with consumers and shareholders alike. John understands how IoT technologies are disrupting established industries and has a proven track record of transforming businesses to compete in the Connecting World. He is an expert in building IoT-based platforms that create value and enable new business models. Prior to joining the CGS Fellows Network, John served in many senior leadership positions including CEO, President, VP of Strategy, Vice President, and National Director in these roles, he has touched every aspect of growing and managing a business. As Founder and National Director of T-Mobile's M2M/IoT group, he led the team to over 100% year-over-year revenue growth for six straight years. As President of RACO Wireless, John built a diverse team of wireless and IoT experts responsible to design and build an industry leading IoT platform, resulting in the rapid growth of new and existing customers as well as RACO Wireless being recognized both nationally and globally as an IoT platform leader. John earned his BA in Political Science from the University of California at Davis. - - - - - - - - - - - - Angie Tuglusjoins the CGS Fellows Network as an expert at successfully delivering large, cross-functional change initiatives, from concept creation through to delivery. She loves collaborating to find ways to transform businesses, to innovate, to change culture, and to deliver sustainable results. As both a business strategist and tech nerd, she also enjoys diving into technological and social changes that are at the point of real applicability to business, and discussing how to build great leaders in an increasingly virtual, rapidly changing world. She began her career in technology startups, building new businesses, and then later applied her passion for transformation in large corporations undergoing major change. At Ford Motor Company, she was hired into the IT Leadership Program, and delivered a variety of projects across global IT management, IT security and new product research. At GMAC, which transformed into Ally Financial, Angie became CIO of International Insurance and led a global cross-functional team to replace multiple legacy systems across 25 countries with a single new platform: a new core transactional system, financial system, data warehouse, and the complementary organizational changes to jobs and processes. She then became EVP of Product & Project Delivery, and led the creation and launch of the flagship Ally Premier Protection product and customer experience, the division's largest product line. Following that success, she became COO of Ally Insurance, leading all core operational functions such as Contract Administration, Claims, Payments, Loss Control, and Collections. Upon inheriting a legacy culture that had not changed in decades, she drove a cultural transformation across the company, making innovation the new normal and establishing new businesses such as Fixed Operations Consulting and Direct to Consumer. Working with cutting edge digital companies, she keeps close to her entrepreneurial roots by advising startups such as TRED, a Seattle-based digital auto disrupter, and AQN Strategies, a boutique financial services consultancy with strong data expertise. She holds a BS in Materials Engineering from Northwestern University and an MBA from Duke University. Show Highlights During this episode: 100th Episode! [0:58] COVID-19: One-year after the disruption began to hit North America [1:12] A time to celebrate: Removal of artificial barriers [3:02] The CGS Fellows Panel Meet the Panel of Fortune 500 Executives: Ty Beltramo, John Horn, & Angie Tuglus [6:30] What are your biggest surprises? [8:25] Who are leaders leaning on? [14:40] What are the lasting effects from the past year? [21:05] You have to hear this… Prepare, don't predict: What advice would you give to leaders? [27:45] Daily hack's proven to be helpful over the last year [34:35] Additional Information Contact the Fellows: Ty Beltramo's LinkedIn Ty Beltramo's Twitter John Horn's LinkedIn Angie Tuglus' LinkedIn Contact Gregg Garrett: Gregg's LinkedIn Gregg's Twitter Gregg's Bio Contact CGS Advisors: Website LinkedIn Twitter

Host Gregg Garrett and guest Jordi Lombarte, EVP & Senior Technical Advisor at AUTOLIV, together discuss how leaders must envision disruptive potential. Jordi shares his "Top 3": Jose, who took a chance on Jordi and taught him how to remove emotion from big decisions; Maria, his first hire and an expert in stakeholder management; and Chris, who is able to share brutal facts and face things head-on. And you have to hear what Jordi says about adding value reflection. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (1:13) The First Mile of Transformation (5:34) Meet Jordi Lombarte The "Top Three": (11:05) Jose Company: Took a chance on Jordi and taught him how to remove emotion from big decisions (14:28) Maria Malagrida: Jordi's first hire and an expert in stakeholder management (19:19) Chris Koprowicz: Possesses an ability to share brutal facts and face things head-on Other Points of Interest: (26:29) AUTOLIV and road traffic safety (34:30) AI in partnership with human intelligence You Have to Hear This: (43:25) Adding value reflection . LINKS AND RESOURCES Jordi Lombarte: LinkedIn AUTOLIV: Website | LinkedIn Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn

Host Gregg Garrett and guest Todd Loiselle, CIO of National Food Group, sit down to discuss blurring the bridge between technology and market value. Todd shares his "Top 3": Mary McLive, his first grade teacher who taught him to be empathetic and how to activate his super power; Tony Williams, his former colleague at PwC, who taught him how to be a man with a life and career; former CIO of Mastronardi and Colony Hardware, Michael Pellegrino, who taught him that fear mongering was not necessary to be a CIO and that he needed to network; and Executive Strategic Coach Rick Collison, who taught him to shift his perspective. And you have to hear what Todd says about vision boarding. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (2:04) Building bridges between unlikely islands (8:18) Meet Todd Loiselle The "Top Three": (11:46) Mary McLive: Taught him to be empathetic and how to activate his superpower (28:47) Tony Williams: Taught him how to be a man with a life and career (35:56) Michael Pellegrino: Taught him that fear mongering was not necessary to be a CIO and that he needed to network Other Points of Interest: (40:31) Networking as a career multiplier (44:00) Surrounding yourself with CEOs (50:31) Top Three addition, Rick Collison: Taught him to shift his perspective You Have to Hear This: (53:48) Vision boarding . LINKS AND RESOURCES Todd Loiselle: LinkedIn National Food Group: Website | LinkedIn Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn

Host Gregg Garrett and guest Gina Thorsen, CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products and the Stormy Kromer brand, sit down to discuss the power of reflection. Gina shares her "Top 3": her father and former Stormy Kromer CEO, Bob Jacquart, who taught her how to be plucky; Lane Clark, who helped her learn to asynchronously reflect; and Karen May, a fellow small business owner and peer with whom she can reflect and mutually relate. And you have to hear what she says about closing the book on your week. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (1:01) Seeing the forest through the trees (4:28) Meet Gina Thorsen The "Top Three": (7:25) Gina's father and former Stormy Kromer CEO, Bob Jacquart: Taught her how to be plucky (15:44) Lane Clark: Helped her learn to asynchronously reflect (20:30) Karen May: Fellow small business owner and peer with whom she can reflect and mutually relate Other Points of Interest: (23:47) The Ironwood experience (30:14) Textile industry landscape (37:49) Iconic Stormy Kromer caps You Have to Hear This: (43:55) Closing the book on your week . LINKS AND RESOURCES Gina Thorsen: LinkedIn Stormy Kromer: Website | LinkedIn Jacquart Fabric Products: Website | LinkedIn Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn

Host Gregg Garrett is joined by Jared Rosenthal, an entrepreneurial leader who has journeyed through both the not-for-profit and for-profit worlds. Together, they discuss a formula for driving team performance and how the rise of AI might change this strategy. Jared also shares his "Top 3": MT, who taught him to give people a chance; Anthony Petecca, who helps him skip-level and "talk to the people"; and his family, who taught him to own his business to own his life. And you have to hear what he says about being yourself to drive authentic leadership. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (2:55) The importance of high performers (3:35) Mixed AI-HI teams (4:46) Meet Jared Rosenthal The "Top Three": (6:50) MT, COO of Jared's former organization: Taught him to give people a chance (18:05) Anthony Petecca, Jared's VP of IT & Security: Helps him to skip-level and "talk to the people" (22:35) Jared's girlfriend and family: Taught Jared to own his business to own his life Other Points of Interest: (24:52) Understanding your team (26:56) Discussing AI and other disruptors (38:14) Embracing technology and understanding intelligence You Have to Hear This: (44:07) Be yourself to drive authentic leadership . LINKS AND RESOURCES Jared Rosenthal: LinkedIn Health Street: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn

Host Gregg Garrett speaks with Judy Asher, President of the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation (MCWT) and Corporate "Rule Bender", about the relationship between disruption and innovation, and the common thread of shifting rules. Judy also shares her "Top 3": Alan Mulally and Lesley Ma, who embody authenticity; Martin Wolfertz and Mark Johnson, who demonstrate resilience; Vijay Sankaran and Roger Court, who inspire her. And you have to hear her suggestion about centering yourself. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (1:03) Disruption and the shifting gameboard (3:35) Aggressive transformation (4:47) Meet Judy Asher The "Top Three": (11:36) Alan Mulally and Lesley Ma: Embody authenticity (25:01) Martin Wolfertz and Mark Johnson: Demonstrate resilience (30:45) Vijay Sankaran and Roger Court: Inspire her Other Points of Interest: (35:12) Making a difference in IT leadership (39:43) MCWT's mission (47:29) Get involved You Have to Hear This: (51:24) Centering yourself . LINKS AND RESOURCES Judy Asher: LinkedIn MCWT: LinkedIn | Website Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn

Want to unlock innovation? Start by rediscovering your inner child! In this solocast, host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, urges you to embrace curiosity, imagination, and experimentation in the workplace. He explores the power of asking "why," the magic of hands-on creation, and the freedom found in breaking the routine. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (1:55) Acting like a child (3:26) Child-like wonder in the workplace (7:30) Practical application (10:35) Inner child challenge . LINKS AND RESOURCES Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn Competing in the Connecting World: About

Host Gregg Garrett speaks to Jacob Zuppke, President and CEO of Whisker, about how product-in-use data can become a meaningful voice for a product's user – human or non-human – as well as Jacob's career ascent as a Specialist Generalist. Jacob also shares his "Top 3": Whisker founder Brad Baxter, who has bravely allowed him to lead; Josh Chandler, who problem-solves with him while burning the midnight oil; and his entire Whisker leadership team, who leads with humility and leans on one another. And you have to hear what he says about "going deep". . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (1:11) Product-in-use data (7:23) Meet Jacob Zuppke The "Top Three": (10:39) Brad Baxter: Has bravely allowed Jacob to lead (23:41) Josh Chandler: Problem-solves with Jacob while burning the midnight oil (32:17) Jacob's Whisker leadership team: Leads with humility and leans on one another Other Points of Interest: (41:51) Whisker's home base (45:15) The Connected World's impact on pets You Have to Hear This: (53:30) "Going deep" . LINKS AND RESOURCES Jacob Zuppke: LinkedIn Whisker: LinkedIn | Website | Jobs Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn

Join Gregg Garrett, host and CGS Advisors CEO, for a solocast where he explores the topic of working without jobs. Gregg discusses managing AI agents, motivating a team to rely on AI-enabled tools, and contemplating the possibility of being led by an "AI Overlord". Tune in to discover how organizations can adapt and thrive in this new world of work. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (0:50) Work metamorphosis and leadership adaptation (2:43) Managing an AI workforce (7:12) Leading AI-reliant humans (9:44) AI leadership (12:46) Shaping the future of work . LINKS AND RESOURCES Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn Competing in the Connecting World: About

Host Gregg Garrett sits down with David Raminick, CEO and Co-Founder of Proficy Digital, to discuss disruption in the automotive marketing space. David also shares his "Top 3": His wife, who encourages his entrepreneurial spirit; Kevin Burke, who encourages him to "speak it into existence"; Hal Widlansky, who sheds light on how to raise funds; Steve Pitsillos, who can see new models emerging; and Jordan Walters, who helps smooth the highs and lows. And you have to hear what he says about forcing "alone time". . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (1:09) View AI from two lenses (3:29) Meet David and Proficy Digital The "Top Three": (6:33) David's wife: Knows him well enough to encourage his entrepreneurial spirit (11:59) Kevin Burke: Ecourages him to "speak it into existence" (15:36) Hal Widlansky: Sheds light on how to raise funds (17:27) Steve Pitsillos: Can see new models emerging (20:33) Jordan Walters: Helps smooth the highs and lows Other Points of Interest: (23:14) Proficy Digital and the automotive space (29:30) Differentiators, AI and Creatives (34:36) Channels and changes You Have to Hear This: (38:37) Forcing "alone time" . LINKS AND RESOURCES David Raminick: LinkedIn Proficy Digital: Website | LinkedIn Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn

Host Gregg Garrett speaks with Michael Roberts to discuss how Michael made the AI Agent interviewed in Episode 164, how he tuned it to be a great podcast guest, and where AI might be going in the future. Michael also shares his "Top 3": Mark Rorvig, a fellow NASA teammate who was with him in his early days of software development and AI exploration; Sydney Lamb, who helped him explore language and the patterns that emerge; and Ken Stanley, who is part of Generative AI's origin story. And you have to hear what he says about the power of habit. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (1:38) Meet Michael (8:33) What is AI? The "Top Three": (14:11) Mark Rorvig: Fellow NASA teammate who was with Mike in his early days of software development and AI exploration (18:13) Sydney Lamb: Helped him explore language and the patterns that emerge (23:35) Ken Stanley: Part of Generative AI's origin story Other Points of Interest: (26:55) Creating the "Competing in the Connecting World" RAG model (37:49) The tuning process (44:21) Applying AI to long-form documents (47:33) The future of AI You Have to Hear This: (57:39) The power of habit . LINKS AND RESOURCES Michael Roberts: LinkedIn | Email Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn

Host Gregg Garrett welcomes his friend and colleague Dr. Warren Ritchie, co-author of Competing in the Connecting World, the book that inspired the AI Agent interviewed in Episode 164. Together, they explore their impressions of the AI and muse on the disruption potential this type of AI application might have across their industries. And you have to hear what Dr. Ritchie says about AI designing human systems. This episode is part two of a special three-part series featuring insights from the AI Agent inspired by the book Competing in the Connecting World. Catch up on Episode 164 for the first installment, and stay tuned for the final episode in the series. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (0:43) Three-part AI series (3:46) Meet Warren Points of Interest: (8:30) Competing in the Connecting World AI interview reflection (20:00) Imagining AI application (25:08) Disruptive potential in familiar industries You Have to Hear This: (40:31) AI designing human systems . LINKS AND RESOURCES Dr. Warren Ritchie: Competing in the Connecting World Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn

Host Gregg Garrett is joined by a Strategic Transformation Expert AI based on the bestselling book "Competing in the Connecting World". The AI Agent shares its own "Top 3": John Horn, who taught it to reflect on being the easiest to do business with; Dr. Oliver Riedel, who helped it recognize how to be brave; and Dr. Warren Ritchie and other former colleagues, who taught it many, many things. And you have to hear what it says about taking action. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (0:54) Generative AI and the premise of this episode (6:16) Meet our guest The "Top Three": (7:13) John Horn: Taught it to reflect on being the easiest to do business with (9:42) Oliver Riedel: Helped it recognize how to be brave (11:36) Dr. Warren Ritchie and other former colleagues: Taught it many, many things Other Points of Interest: (13:18) Transformation framework and continued relevancy (16:50) AI's advice to firms (20:02) How "ecosystem commanders" could limit innovation You Have to Hear This: (23:21) Taking action . LINKS AND RESOURCES AI Agent: Competing in the Connecting World Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn

Host Gregg Garrett is joined by James McFarlane, a parallel leader who is a global CIO by day and a two-sport coach by night. Together they discuss parallels in life. James also shares his "Top 3": David Behen, who has impressed on him to "autograph your work with excellence"; Saby Sen, who has introduced methods to stay calm in the heat of business; and his late father, who instilled in him a deep work ethic to earn where he goes in life. And you have to hear what he says about "knowing a little about a lot" and improving communication. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (0:55) Overlap in life (4:42) Meet James The "Top Three": (7:21) David Behen: Impressed on him to "autograph your work with excellence" (12:59) Saby Sen: Introduced methods to stay calm in the heat of business (19:53) James' late father: Instilled in him a deep work ethic to earn where he goes in life Other Points of Interest: (25:44) Data in the world of health and wellness solutions (31:02) Current ERP project (35:40) Parallels and borrowing techniques You Have to Hear This: (38:56) "Knowing a little about a lot" and improving communication . LINKS AND RESOURCES James McFarlane: LinkedIn Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn

Jake Sigal, a serial entrepreneur and tech business investor, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss managing the barrage of advice – often unsolicited – that can come from all directions. Jake also shares his "Top 3": Brad Hoos, who is artful in being brutally honest; Trevor Pawl, an adamant community builder; and Dave Fry, who has been there, and done that. And you have to hear what he says about the Say/Do Ratio. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (1:02) "Do for" vs. "do with" (3:45) Managing advice well (6:49) Meet Jake The "Top Three": (9:40) Brad Hoos: Is artful in being brutally honest (17:16) Trevor Pawl: An adamant community builder (23:51) Dave Fry: Someone who has been there, and done that Other Points of Interest: (34:04) Recent work and organization exits (37:33) Midwest grit (40:41) Automotive mobility disruption pay-off You Have to Hear This: (47:00) The Say/Do Ratio . LINKS AND RESOURCES Jake Sigal: LinkedIn | FM Capital Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn  

Host Greggory Garrett is joined by Teri Takai, a leader who found her voice while growing up in the automotive industry before shifting to public service at the State and Federal levels. Teri learned to make her voice heard in powerful rooms not by the count of her words, but by the power and precision of how and what she says. Teri shares her "Top 3": Colleagues, Dick and Ray, at Ford Motor Company who taught her to have a voice; former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm who gave her a seat at the table and demonstrated what real collaboration looked like; and Former Secretary of Defense Bob Gates who shaped her powerful leadership style. And you have to hear what he says about questioning herself. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (1:07) Social media and the importance of listening (05:40) Meet Teri The "Top Three": (8:05) Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm: Gave her a seat at the table and demonstrated what real collaboration looked like (11:40) Colleagues, Dick and Ray, at Ford Motor Company: Taught her to have a voice (13:30) Former Secretary of Defense Bob Gates: Shaped her powerful leadership style Other Points of Interest: (17:13) Bravery and women in leadership (28:30) Public service versus private sector roles (35:27) Technology trends in government and the influence of CIOs You Have to Hear This: (45:27) Question yourself . LINKS AND RESOURCES Teri Takai: LinkedIn | Email | e.Republic Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn

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 (05:00) Meet Suzy The "Top Three": (06:40) God: The foundation of Suzy's guidance, bravery, and leadership (09:10) Suzy's husband, David Siegle: Betters Suzy in her day-to-day (14:02) Walsh Leadership Team – Dave, Tom, Shannon, Jaclyn, Jen, Erik, Mike, and Dan: Support a Prism of Leadership approach (19:10) Dan Sullivan's Strategic Coach program: helps Suzy recognize blindspots and enhance her leadership (20:23) Ed Mylett and Brendon Burchard: share their own success path with listeners Other Points of Interest: (23:55) About Walsh College (26:27) The Law of Entrainment (30:45) Placing bets around AI and increasing accessibility for learners (37:03) Walsh Leadership Academy You Have to Hear This: (39:00) Discipline equals freedom . LINKS AND RESOURCES Suzy Siegle: LinkedIn | Authored Books (100% of proceeds go to Walsh College) | Locus Mindset Leadership Training Walsh College: Website | Walsh Leadership Academy  Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn

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". . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (01:04) Considering non-traditional connections between industries (05:15) Meet Anthony The "Top Three": (08:14) Dirk Kjolhede, CFO of Emagine Entertainment, and Paul Glantz, Chairman of Emagine Entertainment: Two-thirds of a three-member strategic investment approval committee (23:13) Former boss: Taught Anthony that he must not be afraid to surround himself with people who are better than him (29:19) Anthony's family: Offers immense patience and showcases resilience Other Points of Interest: (33:04) Emagine's industry and "the communal experience" (42:22) The role data plays You Have to Hear This: (50:37) Supporting the team . LINKS AND RESOURCES Anthony LaVerde: LinkedIn Emagine Entertainment: Website Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn

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 During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (01:12) The importance of integrators (06:47) Meet Chase The "Top Three": (12:22) Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers at Founders Brewing Co. (14:30) Michael Kazanowski and Adam Kazanowski at Gypsy Spirits (15:00) Andrew Blake at Blake's Hard Cider Co. Other Points of Interest: (16:30) The switch to craft beer and Chase's role as an integrator (22:34) Blake's and the new fourth category of alcoholic beverages (34:07) Alcoholic beverages and the connecting world (38:26) The future of Blake's  You Have to Hear This: (44:00) Competing on pace  . LINKS AND RESOURCES Chase Kushak: LinkedIn Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

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 demonstrating empathy.  . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (01:00) Connecting ecosystems (05:20) Meet Pierre The "Top Three": (09:56) Ted Charlton: an early colleague who is equal parts boat-builder and sailor (14:35) Cyril Chatelet: a journey mate in the auto-to-mobility path (19:54) Elena: Pierre's wife, who reminds him to stop and cherish transformational moments Other Points of Interest: (24:17) Growth at Volkswagen Group Canada (31:19) Sustainable transformation of mobility (40:43) European market movement and finding balance You Have to Hear This: (46:39) Importance of demonstrating empathy   . LINKS AND RESOURCES Pierre Boutin: LinkedIn Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter