Can You Hear Me?

Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Choosing the right AI model for your tasksEternal Optimists: Small Business Owners Say They Plan to Grow Despite Concerns Over the Economy, ShutdownEmerging Trends for AI and Communications in 2025 Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

In this episode, Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson move beyond the headlines to explore how AI is empowering teams to work smarter, innovate faster, and manage larger projects with ease. Discover the practical benefits of artificial intelligence as a collaborative tool that saves time and scales impact for organizations of all sizes. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Stay connected with us: - Follow us on LinkedIn! - Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin! - Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!

Janine MacLachlan is a communications strategist and workshop designer on a mission to help leaders communicate for impact, including preparing for high stakes engagements on TV or at the podium, and motivating teams to increase effectiveness.Her signature workshop Amplify Your Leadership Voice helps people articulate their vision, uplift allies and advance their career. Another workshop, Say It Shorter: Get More Done by Getting to the Point, helps knowledge professionals hone their messages tailored to distinct audiences and deliver them with clarity and confidence.Janine’s clients have included Quaker oatmeal, CBRE, Walmart and Procter & Gamble, in addition to associations, nonprofits and educational institutions. She is an editorial contributor to Forbes and Fast Company, and is a regular guest on Chicago’s ABC-7 news. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Marty Ozinga IV is chief executive officer of Ozinga. Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fifth-generation family enterprise best known for its red and white striped concrete mixer trucks. In 2012, Marty took the reins of running the family business as CEO/president from his father, Marty Ozinga III. Marty is joined by his five brothers and one cousin in the fourth generation of ownership. There are thirty-two family members in the fifth generation.Marty earned a BA in economics and business from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA, and an MS in communications from Northwestern University. He has served on numerous not-for-profit boards, including currently serving on the board of the Luke Society. Marty and his wife Amy have six children. They reside in the Little Italy neighborhood of Chicago.Ozinga is a purpose driven business whose purpose is to have a positive impact on individuals, their families, and the community for generations. This purpose is rooted in the Ozinga family mission to first and foremost honor and glorify God and to serve the crown of His creation. In 2019, Ozinga received the Dean’s Award from the Illinois Family Business of the Year Awards for excellence social enterprise, supply chain management or emerging markets. Ozinga has 2,000+ employees with operations primarily in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Florida. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

On this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Rob Johnson talks with Ozinga CEO Marty Ozinga about the power of trust, purpose-driven leadership, and how a family-owned company continues to strengthen its brand over generations. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Stay connected with us: - Follow us on LinkedIn! - Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin! - Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!

Jessica serves as the Managing Partner of DHR’s Corporate Affairs and Communications Practice, based in Washington, D.C. With a strong, global network and experience leading C-level searches within the communications space, Jessica develops and maintains strong relationships with industry leaders, understands the evolving nature of agencies and is a trusted advisor to her clients.Prior to joining DHR, Jessica served more than five years as an Executive Director at a communications executive search firm. Earlier in her career, Jessica was Vice President of U.S. Talent Acquisitions with one of the top 10 public relations agencies. She led senior-level recruitment across the agency’s corporate, financial, technology, healthcare, consumer, brand marketing and brand marketing and digital practices. Jessica began her search career as senior recruiter with a multinational communication and public relations firm, where she developed business and recruitment strategies.Jessica has a demonstrated history of recruiting across industries for public relations, communications and marketing roles. Her focus is on corporate communications, consumer and brand marketing, investor relations, talent marketing, media relations, internal communications, public affairs, corporate social responsibility, technology communications, healthcare communications, financial communications, crisis communications, social and digital.She graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in business administration. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Clear, compelling communication is more critical than ever—especially for C-Suite executives. On this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford sit down with executive search expert Jessica Bayer to reveal how to hire the best communicators for your organization. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Stay connected with us: - Follow us on LinkedIn! - Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin! - Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!

Overcommunicate: A guide for Business Executives and Aspiring Leaders Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

In this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Rob Johnson joins Eileen Rochford to dive into his upcoming book, Overcommunicate: A Guide for Business Executives and Aspiring Leaders, sharing how proactive communication can align teams, clarify goals, and drive effective leadership — without micromanaging or drowning in emails. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Stay connected with us: - Follow us on LinkedIn! - Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin! - Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!

Alan Gregerman is an internationally renowned authority on business strategy, innovation, and the hidden potential of grownups who has been called “one of the most original thinkers in business today” and “the Robin Williams of business consulting.”As the president and chief innovation officer of Washington, D.C.-based consultancy VENTURE WORKS, a best-selling author, sought-after keynote speaker, and community volunteer he focuses on helping companies and organizations unlock the genius in all of their people in order to deliver the most compelling value to their customers. He is also the founder of Passion forLearning, an award-winning nonprofit that teaches girls technology skills as a key to life and career success.His work has been featured in over 250 leading publications and media outlets in the U.S. and in other countries including the Wall Street Journal, NPR, CNN, The Economic Times, Business Week, Dagens Industri, and Fast Company and his writing, speaking, and teaching has informed and hopefully inspired over 700,000 people.His three previous books—The Necessity of Strangers, Surrounded by Geniuses, and Lessons from the Sandbox—challenge conventional thinking about people, the world around us, what it means to be remarkable, and where brilliant ideas come from. His new book, “The Wisdom of Ignorance: Why Not Knowing Can Be the Key to Innovation in an Uncertain World,” provides a powerful formula for making a difference in a world moving super-fast.Fun? fact…In March 2021 I had a rare and remarkable stroke and lost the ability to see and speak. It happened during dinner with my family and was a very clear reminder that we all live in an uncertain world. Fast forward and after eighteen months of speech, vision, and occupational therapy I am doing great, traveling, climbing mountains, kayaking, walking our dogs, and speaking with audiences around the world. Definitely grateful!The Wisdom of Ignorance is out October 14th! Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Celebrating our 100th episode, Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford welcome innovation expert Alan Gregerman to explore how “enlightened ignorance” can fuel breakthroughs in business and leadership. Discover why not knowing all the answers might just be your greatest advantage. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Stay connected with us: - Follow us on LinkedIn! - Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin! - Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!

Chris Quinn is editor of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer and president of Advance Ohio. He started in journalism in 1980 in his native New Jersey before moving to reporting positions in Dover, Del.; Harrisburg, Pa. and Orlando, Fla. He joined The Plain Dealer in 1996 and moved into editing in 2002, holding a variety of positions. He hosts a daily news discussion podcast called Today in Ohio and reaches more than 200,000 people via email each week through his column, Letter from the Editor. Chris received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Temple University. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Local journalism is far from dead. In this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson talk with Chris Quinn, editor of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer and president of Advance Ohio, about how authenticity, community connection, and innovation are keeping local news alive and thriving. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Stay connected with us: - Follow us on LinkedIn! - Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin! - Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!

Gabriela Embon is a Chemical Engineer, Relationship Coach, Author, influential Host of the Life Engineering podcast, and dynamic Keynote Speaker.After spending eight years as a chemical engineer, Gabriela transitioned into couples coaching, bringing with her a unique edge—combining the precision of engineering with deep insights into human potential.She believes that a fulfilling adult life hinges on two essential components: an ideal career and a thriving primary relationship.Here's the truth: Emotional ROI matters just as much as financial ROI. At the end of the day, success means nothing if you don’t have someone to share it with.Gabriela’s work helps couples optimize connection, communication, and partnership, ensuring that their relationship thrives alongside their career, not despite it.She inspires high achievers and organizations to succeed, shedding light on the strategies needed to engineer extraordinary careers and build resilient, fulfilling relationships both inside and outside the workplace. Gabriela is the proud author of Becoming a Power Couple – 4 Pillars to Engineer Legendary Marriages, which empowers individuals to embrace key principles that strengthen and elevate their relationships over time.When she’s not working, Gabriela loves spending time with her three amazing children and her husband of 27 years. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

Strong communication isn’t just about what we say—it’s about the intention and strategy behind it. On this episode of Can You Hear Me?, Rob Johnson and Eileen Rochford welcome career and relationship coach Gabriela Embon to explore high-impact rituals that deepen connections at home and at work. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Stay connected with us: - Follow us on LinkedIn! - Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin! - Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!

The Jernstedt Company specializes in strategic communications. Rich has experience in military public affairs, corporate communications departments and agencies. He was CEO for 12 of his 26 years at Golin; EVP at FleishmanHillard for seven years; and consulted with  Porter Novelli for five. His expertise includes strategic planning, coaching, business development, and reputation management. He also consults with Prosper Group, a team of former agency owners and CEOs who counsel communications firms on performance, organization, exit planning, and M&A“Let Them,” Mel Robbins“The Anxious Generation,” Jonathan Haidt“Unprecedented,”  (Canada’s top CEOs on what they learned about leadership during COVID-19) Compiled by Steve Mayer and Andrew Willis“Me, But Better,”  Olga Khazan Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

While many companies chase high IQ candidates, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson dig into why emotional intelligence (EQ) is the true game-changer for recruiting top talent and building resilient organizations. Special guest Rich Jernstedt, a veteran communications executive, joins the show to break down what EQ really is, why it matters more than ever, and how leaders and teams can develop this crucial skill set. Tune in to discover why EQ—not just IQ—defines tomorrow’s most successful leaders and workplaces! Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Stay connected with us: - Follow us on LinkedIn! - Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin! - Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!

About our guest:Steven Gaffney is a leading expert on increasing business profit through change  management, honest communication, and high performing teams. An author, speaker, and trusted advisor, Steven works directly with top leaders from Fortune 500 companies like Amazon, Marriott, Allstate Insurance, and even the U.S. government and military. Steven has authored four ground-breaking books: Just Be Honest: Authentic Communication Strategies that Get Results and Last a Lifetime, Honesty Works! Real-World Solutions to Common Problems at Work and Home, Be A Change Champion, and co-author of Honesty Sells: How to Make More Money and Increase Business Profits. He is currently working on two books: Reboot: How to Create and Sustain High Performing Teams, and The 9 Pillars of Sustainable Profitable Business Growth. His latest release, Unconditional Power, is available everywhere.Steven helps leaders across many industries.  Some of his clients include: Amazon, Marriott, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, SAIC, Allstate  Insurance, BP, World Bank, Congressional Budget Office, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of the Navy, Citigroup, Texas Instruments, NASA,American Cancer Society, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers,  Best Buy, and Johns Hopkins University. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform.Stay connected with us:Follow us on LinkedIn!Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin!Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin! 

In this episode of the Can You Hear Me? Podcast, co-hosts Eileen Rochford and Rob Johnson are joined by expert Steven Gaffney to unravel the disconnect between how honesty and transparency are perceived by employees versus leaders, and how authentic communication is crucial for building lasting trust and engagement across teams. Drawing on Gaffney’s experience with Fortune 500 companies and the government, they dive deep into what genuine openness really means in the workplace and why it matters now more than ever. Thank you for listening to "Can You Hear Me?". If you enjoyed our show, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Stay connected with us: - Follow us on LinkedIn! - Follow our co-host Eileen Rochford on Linkedin! - Follow our co-host Rob Johnson on Linkedin!