

The Executives' Exchange
The Executives' Club of Chicago
The Executives' Exchange is a podcast of the Executives' Club of Chicago, the city's premier membership organization and business forum. Each episode unlocks the keys to success from distinguished executives in the Chicago region through real stories of triumphs and failures, meaning connections and lessons learned in their leadership journeys.
Sponsored by Shure Incorporated
Sponsored by Shure Incorporated
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 18, 2023 • 52min
Episode 039 – Melissa Urban, Author and Co-Founder, Whole30
On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, we hear from Melissa Urban, Co-Founder of Whole30 and author of The Book of Boundaries. Urban tells the story of how hitting rock bottom with her addiction led her to build the Whole30 brand and mission. Her journey taught her to honor her limits in all situations, a lesson she shares in her recent book. Enjoy this conversation with Melissa! 00:00 – Introduction 00:55 – Urban details her upbringing 03:31 – Urban talks about her hobby of rucking 05:45 – Mission of Whole30 08:30 – Urban discusses struggle with drug addiction, beginning of health and fitness journey 11:06 – Urban’s self-work practices 13:15 – Urban’s decision to hire a president for Whole30 17:25 – Championing DEI; how to adapt when you know more 20:50 – Sponsor message from Shure 21:33 – Why Urban is known as “the boundary lady” 23:45 – Summary of The Book of Boundaries 27:35 – How saying no is a kindness 29:15 – Workplace boundaries 33:15 – Personal life boundaries 36:25 – Clear expectations of favors 42:30 – Holding boundaries; not taking on others’ emotions 44:22 – Saying no and relearning healthy communication habits 46:10 – How to navigate allyship, boundaries, and family 49:47 – What Urban hopes readers remember 50:30 – Rapid fire questions 51:25 – Outro Episode Link: Whole30 | Book of Boundaries 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

Jan 4, 2023 • 37min
Episode 038 – Lynn Osmond, President and CEO, Choose Chicago
Today’s episode of Executives’ Exchange spotlights Lynn Osmond, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. She is joined by guest host, Teresa Wilton Harmon, Chicago Office Managing Partner at Sidley Austin LLP. Osmond tells us her tale of going from music to architecture to champion of all things Chicago. She details her mentorship experience, her 25 years with Chicago Architecture Center, and why she’s passionate about Chicago’s future. Sit back and enjoy this conversation with Lynn! 00:00—Introduction 02:00—Lynn details her journey growing up in Canada, moving to the US, and finding a passion for architecture 04:28—Lynn discusses taking over the Chicago Architecture Foundation and building its programming, eventually founding the Chicago Architecture Center 07:25—Developing Open House Chicago and the Chicago city model 09:24—Expanding CAF, her priorities, and growth mindset 11:10—Lynn discusses engaging young people, developing architecture curriculum in CPS, and programming specifically for girls 14:30—Lynn discusses role as President Emeritus, future of CAF; equitable programming 16:08—Shure sponsor message 17:20—Transitioning to Choose Chicago; rebuilding staff, audiences, and funding post-pandemic 24:45—Lynn discusses being first woman in her role; mentorship, supporting other women in the industry; work-life balance 29:45—Tourism disruption; opportunities for people in hospitality, including training and advancement 31:34—Lynn discusses which awards mean most to her; CAC Lynn Osmond award, which will live on; recognized with honorary AIA 32:50—Rapid fire questions 36:21—Outro Episode Links: Choose Chicago | Chicago Architecture Center | Sidley Austin LLP Guest Host: Teresa Wilton Harmon, Chicago Office Managing Partner at Sidley Austin LLP 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

Nov 30, 2022 • 32min
Episode 037 – Brendan Whitworth, CEO, Anheuser-Busch
Episode 037 – Brendan Whitworth, CEO, Anheuser-Busch On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, we welcome Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch. Brendan sits down with guest host Doug Glanville, Baseball Analyst for Marquee Sports Network to discuss his career journey and the importance of innovation to keep your business growing. Tune in to hear Whitworth's perspective on sustainability, the beverage industry during COVID and the importance of partnerships. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Chicago's Wrigley Field. 0:00 - Intro 01:28 - Whitworth’s new role and Anheuser Bush's future 06:33 - The power of partnerships 12:12 - About sustainability 14:59 - How Anheuser-Busch builds communities 16:00 - The expansion of DEI 18:41 - Message from our sponsor Shure. 19:24 - The three major rules that have been adopted for 2023 24:00 - Artificial Intelligence within the company 26:14 - Responsible drinking & Anheuser-Busch 28:13 - Memorable stories for Whitworth 30:23 - Thank you & remarks 30:45 - Outro Episode Link: Anheuser-Busch Guest Host: Doug Glanville, Baseball Analyst, Marquee Sports Network 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

Nov 9, 2022 • 40min
Episode 036 – Roz Brewer, CEO, Walgreens Boots Alliance
Roz Brewer Podcast Episode 036 – Roz Brewer, CEO, Walgreens Boots Alliance On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, we welcome Roz Brewer, CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance and guest host, Dean Harrison, Immediate Past Chair of the Exec Club Board of Directors and CEO of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. Roz and Dean discuss the future of Walgreens and their mission to reduce healthcare inequalities and the key role technology plays. Tune in to hear Brewer's vision for accessible healthcare in the United States. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Ivy Room in Chicago. 00:00 - Intro 01:45 - Brewer’s experience in education and her role today. 03:20 - The impact of COVID 06:00 - New Clinical trials at Walgreens 06:55 - How did the pandemic affect how to get your workforce rearranged? 09:20 - New lessons to carry forward. 11:00 - After the lessons, how does Brewer see the future? 13:16 - Would there be hospital and patient services? 18:10 - The biggest risk 18:50 - Health and Equity 22:10 - The BBA as a way of creating jobs 23:20 - Word from our sponsor, Shure. 24:00 - About innovation 25:30 - Three things to improve equity in healthcare within Chicago. 28:20 - Who were Brewer’s mentors? 29:50 - Who does Brewer seek for advice? 31:00 - How do you balance your professional and personal life? 33:00 - Retail expertise as a tool for healthcare 34:10 - Brewer’s perspective on pharmacists evolving. 36:45 - Best career advice from Brewer 37:00 - Last questions 38:43 - Outro Episode Link: Walgreens Boots Alliance Guest Host: Dean Harrison, CEO, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare 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

Oct 18, 2022 • 50min
Episode 035 – Andy Dunn, Author, BURN RATE & Founding CEO, Bonobos
On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, we welcome Andy Dunn, Author of BURN RATE & Founding CEO of Bonobos with guest host, Jasmine Shells, Co-Founder & CEO of Five to Nine. Andy shares his entrepreneurship experience while living with bipolar disorder and excelling on his journey. Tune in to hear Dunn’s broader perspective on the importance of accepting yourself and breaking the mental illness stigma. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the American Writer’s Museum in Chicago. 00:20 - Intro 01:40 - Cubs or Sox? 02:55 - More about Dunn’s family 04:40 - The pivotal moment to start his company 06:20 - The biggest shift in the Chicago tech scene 08:00 - “The future is already here” 12:28 - Dunn gives advice for aspiring founders 14:45 - Dunn’s journey as an entrepreneur and his mental health. 19:45 - A word from our sponsor Shure 20:15 - More about bipolar disorder. 30:00 - Dunn’s suggestion for organizations to deal with mental health challenges. 34:50 - The motivation behind Dunn’s book 38:37 - Why “BURN RATE”? 41:13 - People’s response to “BURN RATE” 43:26 - Who does Dunn go to for vulnerability? 45:26 - Where did Dunn channel his energy? 47:55 - What is next? 48:50 - Thank you/Outro Episode Link: Burn Rate: Launching A Startup and Losing My Mind Host: Jasmine Shells, Co-Founder & CEO, Five to Nine 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

Sep 28, 2022 • 43min
Episode 034 – Janet Foutty, Author & Executive Chair, Deloitte US
Today on the Executives’ Exchange we’re joined by Janet Foutty, Deloitte US Executive Chair and co-author of Arrive and Thrive: 7 Impactful Practices for Women Navigating Leadership and Tara Montgomery, Executive Producer and Head Content Creator, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network’s. Janet shares specifics about the 7 Key Practices, as well as, the experiences from her career that inspired the book. Tune in to learn how she succeeded by embracing her authentic self and how nothing hard is ever done alone. 00:00 – Intro 01:20 – The inspiration behind “Arrive & Thrive” 04:27 – The 7 Key Practices 05:12 – The 2 Main Key Practices Foutty follows the most. 10:30 – The practice that disrupted Foutty’s thinking the most. 12:00 – What Foutty learned about writing her book. 13:40 – The story that resonated with Foutty 15:55 – Foutty reads three sections of the book. 20:50 – Word from our sponsor, Shure. 22:50 – Foutty describes her own leadership style. 26:20 – Foutty talks about the kind of people we want to rise in our companies nowadays. 29:15 – The challenges of women and how to support them. 31:20 – The importance of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 36:55 – How does Foutty manage herself when working with a difficult person or situation? 39:00 – Some advice on how to achieve impact. 41:52 – In terms of women’s leadership, what do you know for sure? 42:35 – Outro Episode link: Deloitte | Arrive and Thrive: 7 Impactful Practices for Women Navigating Leadership Guest Host: Tara Montgomery, Executive Producer and Head Content Creator, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network 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

Sep 13, 2022 • 53min
Episode 033 – Dorri McWhorter, President and Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
Today on the Executives’ Exchange we’re joined by Dorri McWhorter, President and CEO of YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. Dorri sits down to discuss her experience— not only limited to the private sector but with non-profit organizations as well. Dorri provides insight on the experience that served to develop herself as a powerful leader in different areas of business. Tune in to learn how she continues to use her skills to create an impact on others’ lives while continuing to develop her professional experience at YMCA. 00:20 – Introduction 01:00 – Dorri shares childhood experience and a more about her desire to become an accountant since a young age. 04:45 – Dorri shares her experience from management consulting to non-profits, how she continues to grow while being part of different areas. 07:28 - A journey: Leaving the private sector to find a new track. 9:30 - A shift in the model of the YMCA 11:00 - The gift from McKenzie Scott story. 13:10 - Why unrestricted gifts are so important. 15:30 - Why the YMCA? 16:36 - The most challenging part of her first 90 days. 21:58 – Maintaining an active position in the accounting area: The importance for accounting as an African American woman. 25:33 – Dorri’s embodiment as a Tri-sector athlete 28:17 - Word from our sponsor Shore 29:25 - A talk about Corporate America and social justice. 30:17 - The fundamentals of creating an inclusive business. 36:21 - What the future holds after the pandemic, what is Dorri hopeful for? 38:35 - What does it mean to be a socially conscious business leader today? 40:38 - How to evaluate the performance of companies? 44:00 - The impact The Club had on Dorri’s life 46:30 – Dorri’s incorporation of kindness in everyday life 48:43 – Time: The properties of time in order to scale your involvement. 50:10 - Ending questions Episode link: YMCA Chicago 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

Aug 30, 2022 • 35min
Episode 032 - Gavin Hattersley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Molson Coors Beverage Company
Episode 032 - Gavin Hattersley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Molson Coors Beverage Company On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, Gavin Hattersley, President and CEO of Molson Coors Beverage Company is joined by, Kate Sullivan, Host and Executive Producer, To Dine For with Kate Sullivan. This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience on May 25, 2022. Tune in to hear how his old school values and leadership style play out in his successful career leading a multinational drink and brewing company. 2:50 - Hattersley discusses his early life & the unwritten family rules 5:50 – How the first few years in the business world shaped his career 8:33 – Discusses how he navigated the pandemic & how his leadership style had to change 13:00 – Consumer opinions around his iconic brands 15:00 – Hattersley discusses the explosion of the hard seltzer market 19:48 – He shares his corporate culture & how he personally shapes this culture 23:30 – The future of MillerCoors 28:20 – The steps MillerCoors is taking to create an inclusive environment 32:20 – Hattersley shares his most memorable beer Episode link: Molson Coors Guest Host: Kate Sullivan, Host and Executive Producer, To Dine For with Kate Sullivan 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

Aug 16, 2022 • 57min
Episode 031 – Laurie Weingart, Co-Author, The No Club: Putting a Stop to Women’s Dead-End Work
Episode 031 – Laurie Weingart, Co-Author, The No Club: Putting a Stop to Women’s Dead-End Work On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, Laurie Weingart, Professor of Organizational Behavior and Theory at Carnegie Mellon University and co-author of The No Club: Putting a Stop to Women’s Dead-End Work, sits down with guest host, Cheryle Jackson, CEO, MyOwnDoctor & Founder, Grit and Grace, The Movement. This conversation was recording in front of a live audience on June 1, 2022 where they discussed the how women are more likely to be assigned tasks that do not help promote their careers, but in fact can often hurt their chances for promotions. Tune in to learn more about non-promotable tasks and how you and your organization can think strategically about assigning these tasks to improve gender equity in the workplace. 1:00 – Introduction 3:22 – Dr. Weingart explains what the No Club is and how it came to be 7:30 – The research process for the No Club & quantifiable data 12:13 – A discussion on non-promotable work 22:30 – “The Effective No”, benevolent sexism, & women of color 32:20 – Dr. Weingart discusses emotional labor 36:00 – How can women avoid doing an unfair share of unpromotable work 41:35 – Dr. Weingart discusses ways to avoid handing work down to other women and saying no to note taking 51:00 – What your roles should be within your organization Episode link: The No Club Guest Host: Cheryle Jackson, CEO, MyOwnDoctor & Founder, Grit and Grace, The Movement 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

Aug 3, 2022 • 42min
Episode 030 – Patrick O’Rahilly, Founder and CEO, FactoryFix
On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, guest host, MxD’s Chandra Brown sits down with Patrick O’Rahilly, founder and CEO of Factory Fix. They discuss the opportunities and challenges of reshoring manufacturing and supply chain operations, in the US, and Chicagoland in particular. From attracting and retaining talent to the pipeline for professional growth, these two explore ways we can all be thinking about solving some of the supply chain backlogs by bringing opportunities stateside. 01:15 – Patrick discusses the founding and ideas behind Factory Fix 06:30 – How Patrick’s business ran pre-pandemic and how he survived during Covid-19 13:22 – Patrick discuses business and manufacturing strategy specifically in the Chicagoland area 15:45 – Patrick’s thoughts on the current labor market & the opportunities and challenges it will bring 21:32 - Patrick discusses the business market in neighboring countries 23:21 – Patrick discusses diversity in the workplace in today’s market 25:20 – Technological and automation industry advancements & the opportunities they will create 31:26 – Patrick discusses Supplier diversity to support local manufacturing 33:43 – The innovative technologies Patrick uses at Factory Fix 38:50 – Patrick discusses the one step for success in the Midwest for manufactures Episode link: FactoryFix | MxD Guest Host: Chandra Brown, CEO, MxD 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