The Executives' Exchange

On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, Daniel Polotsky and Ben Weiss of CoinFlip, join guest host, Kristi Ross Co-CEO and President of tastytrade, Inc., to discuss the creation and development of CoinFlip. Tune in to learn more about how CoinFlip became one of the fastest growing companies, the competition in the cryptocurrency world, and advice they have for entrepreneurs in today’s day and age.   1:00 – Daniel and Ben discuss how they met in high school and their ideas behind the company  6:24 – Ben shares his thoughts on having Co Founders in his company   7:50 – Daniel discusses the inception of the company and how it took off  11:30 – CoinFlip’s biggest hurdles  12:55 – Ben shares the ideas behind Trade Desk   17:37 – Ben discusses how CoinFlip stands out from the competition  21:36 – The future of crypto  25:50 – CoinFlip’s commitment to sustainability   29:15 – CoinFlip’s “secret sauce”   31:52 – Daniel discusses opportunities in Chicago   34:30 – Ben and Daniel share their proudest accomplishment  38:56 – The biggest takeaways from building this company   41:27 – Daniel shares his advice he would give to college students  49:04 – How Daniel and Ben would describe each other in 3 words  50:23 – Coinflip’s plans for international business   Episode link: CoinFlip Guest Host: Kristi Ross, Co-CEO and President, tastytrade, Inc. 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 028 – Kenneth C. Frazier, Executive Chairman & Former CEO, Merck & Co. On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, Kenneth C. Frazier, Executive Chairman and former CEO of Merck is joined by Margaret Mueller, the Executives’ Club of Chicago’s President & CEO. Frazier discusses his experiences working as a lawyer and activist and how it defined him as a leader. Tune in to hear how his values play out in his successful career.    01:17 – Kenneth discusses his upbringing in Philadelphia and how it has defined him as a leader 02:52 – Kenneth describes his first job & segregation  04:52 – How powerful advocacy work at the start of his career shaped Kenneth’s leadership as a CEO 10:17 – Kenneth discusses his ambition to become CEO as a general counsel & what people saw in him that he did not see in himself 14:43 – How one can embody their employee’s values, goals and ambitions.  15:50 – A company’s “soul” & how Kenneth found Merck’s soul as CEO 18:00 – Kenneth discusses Covid-19, Merck’s development of a new oral drug, and the global impact it may have 24:32 – How Kenneth’s values translated to his company’s work and vision 28:01 – Kenneth discusses his position on the President’s business council  31:48 – Kenneth discusses company’s positions and progress on racial and social justice in this country  36:17 – Kenneth discusses his transition to chairman at Merck & and what he brings to the table    Episode Link: Merck    Host: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President, The Executives’ Club of Chicago Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago   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, Mark Hoplamazian, President & CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines sit down with guest host, Phil LeBeau of CNBC. Tune in to hear about the ramifications of inflation on the travel industry, the return of both business and leisure travel, and the importance of human connection in the workplace. This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience on May 11, 2022.   02:00 – Mark and Robert discuss the current rate of inflation & macro-economics  05:30 – Fuel, airline tickets, and business travel 10:16 – Mark and Robert discuss the state of the return to office movement in corporate America   15:10 – How has the pandemic changed how you define your customer? 18:30 – Mark weighs in on Chicago’s importance to American Airlines and Hyatt  22:40 – How will our current economic situation compare to previous times? 28:20 – The future of loyalty programs & sustainable businesses   Episode links: American Airlines | Hyatt Hotels   Host: Phil LeBeau, Auto and Airline Industry Reporter, CNBC Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago

On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, Chandra Brown, CEO of MxD, joins Margaret Mueller, The Executives’ Club of Chicago’s President & CEO to discuss her experiences as a female who has been a leader and transformer in the supply chain and manufacturing sectors. Tune in to hear about Chandra’s lessons learned moving through her career, including during her tenure as the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing, reshoring opportunities for those in manufacturing, and increasing diversity in the field.   0:45 - Introductions 1:40 – Chandra shares about her early life and growing up in a family of tradespeople 4:58 – Chandra discusses a potential shift of focus to trades and the concept of continuous learning 7:01 – Chandra discusses the best advice her parents gave her 7:44 – Chandra discusses her impactful post-college move to Oregon and the impacts it had on her life and leadership style 10:46 – Chandra describes the two companies that helped define her and set her on her path in manufacturing: Oregon Iron Works and United Streetcar 14:10 – Lessons learned from and experience of being appointed by President Obama to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing 25:20 – Chandra describes the creation of MxD 27:17 – How MxD is impacting American manufacturing 29:13 – The inevitablity of reshoring 32:16 – Discussing “Made in America” 34:15 – The biggest challenges for reshoring 36:15 – Chandra discusses environmental concerns 37:28 – Comparing being a woman in tech then and now 39:04 – Questions to ask about diversity in tech 40:30 – Diversity in tech: you can’t fix it unless you measure it 42:28 – Chandra discusses wanting to see more women in positions of power 44:10 – How other people can learn the lessons Chandra has 45:22 -- “The kitchen cabinet” -- surrounding yourself with a diverse group of people 47:35 – Chandra discusses her love of fantasy novels 48:27 – Discussing Chandra’s retirement from role with MxD 49:00 – Knowing when it is time to move on 51:55 – Discussing empathy and new leaders 53:45 – Chandra’s plan for life after stepping down 56:35 – Parting words for the Chicago business community   Episode Link: https://www.mxdusa.org/   Host: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President, The Executives’ Club of Chicago Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago   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, Garry Cooper, Rheaply's Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, joins Amanda Lannert, Chief Executive Officer of Jellyvision. Tune in to hear Garry and Amanda discuss innovation, the transformation of Chicago’s tech sector, and how Rheaply thinks about bottom-line spending and waste in their day-to-day operations. 00:55 – Introductions 2:02—Garry shares career path and guides North Star 4:09—Garry describes the influential person in his life and the role of education in his upbringing 6:45—Rheaply helping companies attain net-zero through technology 9:00—Garry discusses Rheaply’s evolutionary and revolutionary sell approach  to businesses 11:03—The key to success for pitching for funding 13:30—Amanda and Garry discuss measuring Rheaply’s impact and goal 15:55—Garry discusses Rheaply’s vision and goals and business structure 18:30—Holding companies accountable publicly on a green scale and the future repercussions of not scaling a circular economy 22:34—Garry discusses systems change needed for more cities to have a circular economy 27:00—The key to keeping customers engaged is being human 30:33—Garry provides tips for organizations to reduce waste 33:25—One concept to take away from this discussion & advice for influencers, not the leadership that wants to change within their company 35:18—Saying yes more to Chicago’s technology companies working to improve the world and being intentional in creating diverse boards in Chicago 37:14— The balance of work productivity, giving back, and personal time 38:41—Garry provides advice for younger self, recommended books, and ways to get involved with Rheaply   Guest Host: Amanda Lannert, CEO, Jellyvision Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago Recommended Book: Speed & Scale by John Doerr rheaply.com 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 are joined by Christine Leahy, President & CEO of CDW. Chris sits down with guest moderator Linda Imonti, Office Managing Principal, KPMG. They discuss how CDW thrived through the pandemic with an intense focus on co-worker engagement and customer satisfaction, their tremendous acquisition growth strategy, and the importance of conceptualizing offices of the future as watering holes versus fences. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience. Guest Host: Linda Imonti, Office Managing Principal, KPMG 00:50—Chris discusses her upbringing in an entrepreneurial family, guiding principles, empathy & energy 07:08—Learnings from the pandemic—agility, course correction, and putting people at the forefront 9:28—Chris discusses opportunity & impact for CDW employees 10:41—Maintaining the passion and culture of being connected to a purpose in a new way of working. 13:45—Chris discusses the original structure of CDW and its purpose and the continuation of the significance of satisfied customers and employees 19:04—The changing needs of technology—CDW’s conscious and subconscious level changes 24:33—Chris discusses eight acquisitions during the pandemic; the commitment to the customer; integrating cultures of companies from acquisitions 31:51—Chris discusses CDW’s diversity, equity & inclusion; the digital divide, and how technology can enable opportunity & impact 38:12—The movement of talent and attrition rates & CDW’s concept of ‘watering hole’ to retain employees   44:33—Reflecting—the power of pause & the decision of bringing energy to the table   Guest Host: Linda Imonti, Office Managing Principal, KPMG Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago  https://www.cdw.com/ 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 are joined by Greg Hughes, President of North America's Beam Suntory. Greg sits down for a conversation with guest moderator Andy Callahan, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Hostess Brands. They discuss how Japanese-style Gemba culture has changed how his leadership team operates and ways we can all think about leading in new, lean ways. :52—Greg discuss the origins of “Gemba” 4:25—Leading from the front—Greg & Andy discuss developing leadership skills 7:05—Greg discusses what Gemba is not   9:03— Four ways to scale up across a broader footprint of people 14:12—Andy and Greg discuss the challenges of leadership during the pandemic   17:52—Andy discusses the silver lining that provides the opportunity for something better  22:21—Greg discusses implementing Gemba in the social media space  25:04—Connecting brands with culture and employee base; the need to be empathetic & inclusive 27:56—Building global brands while acknowledging there’s no global consumer—understanding what’s universal about brands and what’s local that’s adaptable   30:10—What are some of the trends you see in your business?   34:00—Gemba intersects everything you do—team, business strategy and provides the very foundation of how you think.   35:40—The most significant challenges with Gemba   39:46 —Greg discusses how his leadership translates into building the culture you want in the organization  43:30—Gemba enables employees to engage     https://www.beamsuntory.com/en   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 are joined by Julie Sweet, Accenture's, Chair and CEO. Accenture is one of the most admired global professional services companies in the world. Tune in to learn how technology is driving the next generation of business success, the future of work, attracting top talent and building and sustaining an inclusive culture. Host: Margaret Mueller, President & CEO of The Executives’ Club of Chicago 1:00—Early upbringing, family & pursuing law 5:00—How a law degree prepares for running a tech company 7:00—Julie discusses Accenture’s success 11:57—Looking ahead in 2023--Compressed Transformation, Cloud-first in embracing emerging technology, pivot IT budget to innovation 16:25—Julie discusses how companies have accelerated 18:18—Why is Chicago a vibrant place to do business? 21:00—Julie discuss Accenture’s investment in digital manufacturing & supply chain 26:00—What is Accenture doing to both attract and retain the best talent? 31:40—Accenture’s Net better off model 35:28—Creating shared experiences through virtual reality 38:21—What can other companies learn from Accenture’s Inclusion and Diversity? 41:33—The future of work—new trends 45:19—Accenture’s commitment to sustainability 50:07—What are you most proud of as CEO?   Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, the Executives' Club of Chicago   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, Linda Imonti, Office Managing Principal at KPMG, sits down with Timothy Walbert, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Horizon Therapeutics. They discuss the growth of Horizon Therapeutics, the importance of engaging with your staff and the community, and how Tim's personal journey with health and wellness has guided his career Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago :48— Tim discusses being the patient of an autoimmune disease and parent of a child with autoimmune disease 5:18—Challenges in growing Horizon 8:00—The importance of adding research and development     11:34—Ingredients to a collaborative culture and maintaining culture as the company grows 14:30—Tim shares how Horizon creates an inclusive environment for employees and provides tools for success regardless of personal limitations.  17:30 –Tim discusses what Horizon has learned from DEI, corporate responsibility, raising awareness, and focusing on it from the beginning 20:14—Bringing the whole group along equals success through an equity lens; Linda and Tim discuss the importance of volunteering and being a part of the outcome  23:58—Companies are in a different world—employee experience, healthcare, and the voice of companies  26:30—Recommendations for organizations for building and growing within their community and how Horizon focuses on underserved communities 31:10—Tim shares what compelled him to begin to share his story and the company's launch of "It's Personal Campaign."  35:25—Horizon's decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic were rooted in a mindset of doing the right thing for other people.  41:50—If you were a leader in today's climate, what is one thing you would do to break the mold of corporate mold culture? Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, the Executives' Club of Chicago www.horizontherapeutics.com 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're joined by David Gupta, CEO and Founder of SDI Presence. David sits down to discuss pivotal moments in his career—from leaving the family company and moving to the west coast, to his short stint in retirement and coming home to Chicago. David discusses his company’s focus on presence and his commitment to developing and hiring diverse talent. Tune in to learn how he continues expanding on his father's legacy of giving back to the community and creating opportunities for future generations. Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago 01:11—Early years—The Gupta family moves from India to Chicago's suburbs; David discusses his father's passion for engineering and construction and giving back to the community. 03:33—David discusses leaving the family company to fill a void in IT 05:36—Founding SDI—rewarding, frustrating, and challenging big leap 07:48—David discusses the benefits of adding a private equity company 10:22—David discusses SDI's expanding customer base 13:43—David founds PGV Solutions and merges PGV & SDI 16:17—The Great City of Chicago—David talks about the benefits of Chicago for business  19:43—David explains the significance of adding 'presence' to SDI 21:50—Balancing SDI Presence on the West Coast and Midwest and integrating culture. 28:12—Recruiting diverse talent and understanding the financial support and mentoring needed to increase more people of color in the industry 35:30—David discusses diversity —management, employees, mentors, and supplier diversity and bringing wealth into communities 39:00—SDI Presence’s First Chance Initiative 42:41—David discusses his passion for philanthropy  46:10—Rapid Fire     Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, the Executives' Club of Chicago https://www.sdipresence.com/     www.chicagoapprenticenetwork.org  https://p33chicago.com/tech-talent-report/ 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