Paying It Forward - Lessons From The C-Suite

In this episode, we welcome Lee Ann Kline, the President and Founder of STEM Advantage. STEM Advantage is a non-profit that mentors, prepares and inspires women and underserved communities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

STEM’s overarching vision is “Advancing Equity Through Education” by providing economic and social mobility to underserved groups, supplying a vetted pipeline of diverse talent to businesses, and subsequently helping address components of the racial wealth gap.

In this episode, we welcome Kevin Laird. Kevin is the Director of Advisory Services for the Oracle Governance, Risk, and Compliance Practice at KPMG. Kevin discusses mentoring, his involvement with STEM Advantage and THRIVE, two organizations focused on mentoring college students and the newly hired in the workforce. 

Kevin’s focus with both STEM Advantage and THRIVE is to help college students navigate college, and also help students get their first role right out of college. A lot of what Kevin talks about is applicable to employees of any age or length of time in their career.  Kevin talks about the mentoring process, focusing specifically on the responsibility of the mentor and the mentee.  Finally, Kevin provides examples of the effectiveness of the mentoring process.  

In this episode, we welcome Kevin Laird. Kevin is the Director of Advisory Services for the Oracle Governance, Risk, and Compliance Practice at KPMG. Kevin discusses the people side of management by offering insight and wisdom for hiring and promoting, as well as challenges he sees today and what a person should already be doing today to earn that next level of responsibility. 

In discussing "hiring" and "promoting" people, Kevin talks about having the "can do attitude and skill set" and how staying relevant in your field of discipline is critical.  Kevin also talks about the hard truth that you should already be doing work at the next level up to be considered for a promotion.  Kevin touches on being the consummate professional and team player, and how knowing your own skill set, strengths and weaknesses mix with the organization and your specific teammates. Kevin talks about what it means to be the best team member and asks "what are you doing to take the initiative to be the best team player and teammate you can for others."  Kevin discusses key challenges he sees in today's workplace, how failure can be a good thing and a great learning opportunity, and how you need to know precisely what you do and how it affects the organization.

In this extended episode, we welcome award winning, digitally-savvy Chief Marketing Officer, Jay Spenchian.  Jay has a long and outstanding career transforming deep consumer insights and big data into record-breaking products, sales, innovative marketing initiatives, and growth for Fortune 500 brands such as Pepsico, Heinz, Pillsbury, General Motors, Darden Restaurants, Tempur-Sealy, and US Cellular. 

During this conversation, Jay shares with us what he looks for when hiring and/or promoting people, and the biggest challenges he sees when doing so. Jay also touches on leadership, humility, adaptability, flexibility, relationship building, being a team player, taking risks, challenging the status quo, and not being afraid to fail. Jay also discusses the #1 thing people should be focused on overall, the kinds of risks people should be taking and why. He also discusses the 5 key questions he asks himself when he’s being interviewed or promoted and how you should also ask yourself these same questions.  Jay touches on why it’s better to be effective and not necessarily “right” and why that matters. Finally, Jay talks about the “consumer journey” and its importance in today’s marketing world.

In this episode, we welcome Pam Meisl. Pam is the President of Evolution Partners Insurance, Co-Founder of Enfuego Entertainment, and a Certified Hypnotherapist for the past 38+ years. Pam shares with us the importance and value of “mindset” and specifically how to stay focused and overcome obstacles and roadblocks by taking action!

Pam explains how (at the age of 13) she dealt with the loss of her mother, how being a competitive ice-skater and her early success with Amway help shape her focus and drive as an entrepreneur. Pam talks about how building the right attitude will take you a long way, how the hard lessons of life push and shaped her pathway.  Pam also discusses why going “over and above” your role and assigned tasks is critical to your success.  Pam talks about the power of the mind, visualization and how these two key things shape you, your thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

In this episode, we welcome Ken Meifert. Ken has arguably one of the coolest jobs, he’s the Vice President of Sponsorship and Development at the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Ken has been with the Baseball Hall of Fame Museum for over 27 years and he has a lot say about hiring, chemistry, collaboration, teamwork and being the best team player you can be to your constituents.

Ken also talks about the importance of work ethic, several key things you can do to stand out and add value on a daily basis. We also discuss the importance of ‘owning it’, loving what you do, professional passion, and why connecting with people is the key skill set to practice everyday.

We also talk about actively listening being the foundation in communication.  Ken enjoys people and making connections, and he clearly understands how relationships are critical to your success. 

In this bonus episode, Ken Meifert shares a short story on the power of existing relationships and leveraging both a professional and personal relationship to create a unique and powerful connection with others.  

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In this 2nd part of a 2-part interview, we welcome back Heather Moyer, Founder and CEO of HNM Systems. Heather provides great insight into what is an "A" player, what she believes people can do to "stand out" and become an "A" player, and why it is important to do what it takes. She also discusses why self motivation, training and educating yourself is critical. She also tells what is the most important relationship you should have today. Why having a "can do" and "will do" attitude will serve you well during your working years. Finally, we discuss leadership, servant leadership, communication, conflict resolution, focus, philanthropy and giving.

In this episode, we welcome Heather Moyer, Founder and CEO of HNM Systems. Heather provides great insight into mentoring, why mentors are important, but more importantly the responsibility of the "mentee" in the mentor/mentee relationship. Heather discusses her affiliation, commitment and focus on mentoring across several groups she's involved with. We discuss why relationship building is so critical in life and the workplace. Before we transition to Part 2, we discuss hiring in general and why "A" players are always working, always in demand, and what key things you can do to stand out in today's workforce.