The Executives' Exchange

Episode 049 - Greg Hughes, President & CEO, Beam Suntory (2022) On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we are thrilled to rebroadcast our interview with Greg Hughes in honor of his promotion to President & CEO of Beam Suntory! He will be stepping into this role on October 1st. Dive into this conversation between Greg and Andy Callahan, President and CEO of Hostess Brands, as they discuss the profound influence of Japanese-style Gemba on their leadership. 00:41 – Greg discusses the origins of “Gemba”  03:27 – Leading from the front—Greg & Andy discuss developing leadership skills  06:55 – Greg discusses what Gemba is not    08:40 – Four ways to scale up across a broader footprint of people  13:06 – Andy and Greg discuss the challenges of leadership during the pandemic    17:48 – Andy discusses the silver lining that provides the opportunity for something better   21:41 – Message from our sponsor, Shure    22:10 – Greg discusses implementing Gemba in the social media space   23:56 – Connecting brands with culture and employee base; the need to be empathetic & inclusive   27:07 – Building global brands while acknowledging there’s no global consumer—understanding what’s universal about brands and what’s local that’s adaptable    30:05 – What are some of the trends you see in your business?    33:55 – Gemba intersects everything you do—team, business strategy and provides the very foundation of how you think.    35:44 – The most significant challenges with Gemba    38:12 – Greg discusses how his leadership translates into building the culture you want in the organization   43:20 – Gemba enables employees to engage    48:34 – Outro Episode Link: Beam Suntory Guest Host: Andy Callahan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hostess Brands Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago   Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts.      Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.     For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones. 

Episode 048 – Dave Kimbell, CEO, Ulta Beauty  On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we dive into the profound role of beauty in our lives with two exceptional leaders: Dave Kimbell, CEO of Ulta Beauty, and guest host Michelle Collins, President of Cambium LLC. Discover how Ulta Beauty revolutionized the industry by making beauty accessible to all. Get ready to be inspired and gain invaluable insights as we explore beauty, technology, leadership, and community engagement.    00:00 – Intro  00:58 – Michelle introducing Dave  01:35 – Dave’s background & early influences  03:47 – Roles prior to Ulta Beauty  05:55 – Ulta Beauty’s beginning – Beauty in a New Way  09:27 – Technology enhancing the Ulta Beauty experience   12:04 – Data insights from loyalty customers & beauty enthusiasts  15:36 – Ulta Beauty’s partnership with Target   18:00 – Challenges with retail theft   21:26 – Message from our sponsor, Shure  21:57 – Ulta Beauty’s differentiators   24:06 – Deepening investments in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion   26:53 – Setting industry & company standards  29:20 – Supporting new and emerging brands – Sparked   30:47 – Opportunities for Men as beauty consumers   32:16 – Advice for potential CEOs   34:49 – Dave’s community involvement  37:25 – Supporting Chicago   39:44 – How leadership starts with heart  41:36 – Rapid fire questions  46:54 – Outro    Episode Link: Ulta Beauty   Guest Host: Michelle Collins, President, Cambium LLC  Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago     Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts.      Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.     For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.   Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram 

Episode 047 – Marilynn Gardner, President and CEO, Navy Pier On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, get ready as we delve into the remarkable journey of Marilynn Gardner, the esteemed President and CEO of Navy Pier. Join us as Marilynn opens up and shares her lifelong commitment to fostering connections and celebrating the vibrant cultural tapestry of Chicago. Discover the legacy of Navy Pier and the incredible impact it has had on the city. This is a conversation you won't want to miss!   00:00 – Intro 00:48 – Exploring Marilynn’s neighborhood 02:35 – Marilynn’s early years 04:28 – Favorite childhood memories in Chicago 07:01 – Parents as role models 09:18 – Early career at Navy Pier 11:08 – Initiation of architectural developments 13:12 – Cultural history and purposes of Navy Pier 19:19 – Transformation of Navy Pier into a modern cultural hub 22:43 – Evolution into an independent nonprofit 24:13 – Message from our sponsor, Shure 24:43 – Financial challenges and adaptations during the pandemic 28:00 – Reopening of establishments 29:43 – Chicago Live! as a platform for local performing arts organizations 32:03 – Commercial projections for summer 33:36 – Role of former shipping warehouses 35:02 – Impact of NASCAR 35:57 – Security measures in Navy Pier 38:18 – What is EXPO Chicago? 40:00 – Current projects and events 44:43 – Navy Pier as an integrator of Chicago neighborhoods 48:08 – Coordination with citywide events 50:30 – Future Navy Pier initiatives 52:38 – Rapid fire questions 55:11 – Outro   Episode Link: Navy Pier   Host: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President, The Executives’ Club of Chicago Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago    Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts.       Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.    For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.    Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram 

Episode 046 – Cecilia A. Conrad, CEO, Lever for Change   On this episode of The Executives’ Exchange, we have a special treat for you as we delve into the future of philanthropy. Join us as we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Julia Stasch, former President of the MacArthur Foundation, and Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change. Together, they uncover the transformative power of philanthropy, offering unique insights through the lens of Lever for Change. Recorded in front of a live audience on April 13, 2023.   00:00 – Intro 00:57 – Who is Cecilia Conrad? 02:07 – The current state of philanthropy & disruption 05:53 – The aspiration gap 08:09 – The origin of Lever for Change 12:41 – What does Lever for Change do? 15:37 – Lever for Change values 20:18 – The problem with the word ‘solution’ 25:40 - Message from our sponsor, Shure   26:14 – Lever for Change reached their $1B milestone and what that means 28:49 – Why Lever for Change is ‘issue agnostic’ 35:46 – How philanthropy, government, and business can work together 39:28 – Most outrageous ideas Lever for Change has encountered 42:20 – Academic sectors role in philanthropy 44:54 – Ideas Lever for Change would love to see 46:17 – What post-award relationships & partnerships look like 48:06 – Is this disruption to philanthropy ready to expand and be replicated? 50:55 – Outro    Episode Link: Lever For Change | MacArthur Foundation   Guest Host: Julia Stasch, Board Chair, Lever for Change; Former President, MacArthur Foundation Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago        Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts.      Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.    For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability, and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.    Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram   

Episode 045 – Lior Ron, CEO, Uber Freight On this episode of The Executives’ Exchange, we welcome Lior Ron, CEO, Uber Freight with guest host Christine Schyvinck, President and CEO of Shure. Lior shares his story and how being a child of immigrant parents taught him life lessons and developed his passion for innovation. He describes his vision for the future of Freight, the role autonomous vehicles will play and so much more. Tune in to hear his whole story! 00:00 – Intro 00:43 – Lior’s early years 02:32 – Decision to pursue Computer Science 04:50 – The joy of creation 06:11 – Being a ‘system thinker’ 08:39 – Working and managing diverse teams 10:11 – Influence of his immigrant experience 12:39 - The leap to entrepreneurship & Google 19:06 – Chicago connections & Motorola experience 22:18 – Message from our sponsor, Shure 22:50 – Entry to logistics & Uber Freight 30:26 - Uber Freight alleviating supply chain issues 33:44 – Autonomous vehicles for logistics 40:40 – The future of Uber Freight 45:26 – Rapid fire questions 51:26 – Outro Episode Link: Uber Freight Guest Host: Christine Schyvinck, President & Chief Executive Officer, Shure Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago      Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts.     Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.   For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.   Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram  

Episode 044 – Alice Waters, Food Activist, Chef, Founder & Owner, Chez Panisse On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, we welcome Alice Waters, Food Activist, Chef, and Founder & Owner of Chez Panisse with guest host Paul Kahan, Executive Chef and Partner at One Off Hospitality. Alice recalls her journey to launch Chez Panisse and rebuild people's connection with their food. Tune in to discover more about the Edible School Yard Project and the slow food movement. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Avec River North.   00:00 – Intro 00:47 – Paul Kahan Intro 03:45 – Alice passion beginning                                                       05:49 – Origin of Chez Panisse                                                         15:11 – Paul Kahan memory of Waters 16:13 – Shoutout to the day’s chefs                                                 17:55 – Evolve Network 19:01 – Mt. Rushmore of culinary 21:48 – Message from our sponsor, Shure 22:19 – Edible School Yard Project beginning 23:22 – Influence to start the project 25:45 – Sensorily deprived world                                                      26:15 – MLK middle school project vision                                         29:37 – Edible School Yard Project map 30:59 – Connection with food and people                                       33:58 – Amazing revelation with the project 36:00 – Waters parent’s victory garden                                             37:04 – Future of institutes 45:09 – Water’s advice to leaders 50:21 – Outro   Episode Link: Chez Panisse | Edible School Yard Project   Guest Host: Paul Kahan, Executive Chef and Partner, One Off Hospitality Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago      Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts.       Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.   For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.   Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram  

Episode 043 – Michael Osanloo, President and CEO, Portillo's On this episode of The Executives’ Exchange, we have a Chicago favorite! Portillo’s CEO, Michael Osanloo joins us along with guest host, Andy Lansing, CEO of Levy, another iconic Chicago restaurant brand. Osanloo and Lansing talk about the importance of servant leadership, taking quintessential eateries to the next level, and, of course, their go-to Portillo’s orders. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience.  00:00 – Intro  01:05 – Lansing and Osanloo share their similarities 03:40 – Osanloo’s college career choice  05:10 – Osanloo career before Portillo’s 07:35 – Why he choose to work for Portillo’s 10:10 – Portillo's story 13:20 – Osanloo beginning at Portillo’s 14:36 – How Portillo’s had lost its way 17:22 – Hospitality and importance of the employees  19:55 – Building up management 24:40 – Opportunities from local to global 28:12 – Message from our sponsor, Shure 28:44 – Osanloo vision for Portillo’s 30:22 – Portillos's journey through COVID 34:09 – Servant Leadership 35:24 – How he knew Portillo’s strategy was working 39:19 – Portillo's food 42:44 – Lightning round questions 44:37 – Outro Episode Link: Portillo's    Guest Host: Andy Lansing, CEO, Levy Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago      Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts.         Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.   For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.     Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram  

Episode 042 – Scott Swanson, Regional President of Illinois, PNC Bank On this episode of The Executives’ Exchange, we are honored to welcome Regional President at PNC Bank, and Exec Club Board Chair, Scott Swanson! Swanson shares how he fell in love with the City of Chicago, his passion for banking, and how those two things intersect in the best ways at PNC Bank. Join us as we dive into his story. 00:00 – Intro  01:25 – Swanson details his childhood and who influenced him growing up  06:45 – Swanson discusses the process of raising his kids in the city 09:15 – Swanson discusses his hobby 11:00 – Swanson’s very first job 13:10 – How he went into banking 16:00 – What Swanson loves about banking in general and in Chicago 17:15 – Banking in Chicago 21:50 – Shares his journey to PNC Bank  25:15 – Message from our sponsor, Shure 25:40 – PNC partnership with Chicago Bears  28:50 – The relationship with sports and business in Chicago 30:46 – Grow Up Great program 32:25 – Balancing family and work 37:40 – Mentorship and developing soft skills                 41:30 – What he would like Chicago to focus on in the future                               43:25 – Rapid Fire Questions 44:45 – What he would say to his younger self 45:15 – Outro Episode Link: PNC Host: Margaret Mueller, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago   Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago      Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts.         Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.   For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.   Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram 

On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, we welcome Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman! He will discuss his journey working alongside family to leading an award-winning global public relations firm. We will also explore the findings of this year’s Trust Barometer, his insights on for business leaders navigating the polarized world we live in, and how the Midwest ranks for trust.     00:00 – Intro 00:52 – Edelman details his Childhood01:33 – Richard discusses how he joined his family business02:32 – How it’s like working with family04:37 – Edelman legacy as a company07:20 – How the Trust Barometer got started09:50 – Why business is the only trusted institution 14:23 – New leadership traits in business18:25 – First force of polarization: Economic Anxieties    19:24 – Second force of polarization: Mass Class Divide 22:04 – Message from our sponsors, Shure22:34 – Third force of polarization: Institution of Imbalances24:57 – Fourth polarization the battle for truth26:26 – What media sources are trusted27:40 – How the Midwest is the least trusting region29:30 – What is the path forward                                   34:17 – Surprises with the Trust Barometer 36:34 – Rapid fire questions 38:01 – Outro              Episode Link: Edelman | 2023 Trust Barometer   Host: Margaret Mueller, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago   Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago      Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts.       Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.   For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.     Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram  

Episode 040 – Paula Kerger, President and CEO, PBS Today’s episode of the Executives’ Exchange features PBS’ President and CEO, Paula Kerger. Paula is joined by guest host, Bill Kurtis, acclaimed television documentary producer and host. Paula talks about the vital role of public broadcasting and what it means to her to be the first woman leading PBS. Listen in to hear the challenges she's faced, the values PBS lives by, and the future of public media. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience.   00:00 – Intro 01:40 – Kerger details her childhood and her relationship to public broadcasting 04:00 – Kerger discusses her early career 08:32 – The role of mentor relationships 09:30 – Kerger details meeting hero and mentor Newt Minnow 13:40 – How public broadcasting is local, yet national 16:55 – How PBS lives its values and evolves 19:00 – How PBS will help solve climate change 21:58 – Message from our sponsor, Shure 22:26 – Importance of diversity in media 25:10 – How COVID-19 was the biggest challenge Kerger has faced 34:15 – Distribution of funding for public broadcast 39:05 – Kerger’s favorite PBS program 40:55 – What PBS will look like in the next three years 43:30 – Outro         Episode Link: PBS | NPR   Guest Host: Bill Kurtis, Acclaimed Television Documentary Producer and Host Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago      Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts.       Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.   For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.   Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram