The Executives' Exchange

On this episode Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago is joined by Coco Meers, CEO & Co-Founder of Equilibria. Coco discusses how this Alabama native's early aspirations of dance & law transitioned to marketing and brand management. She talks about the journeys of her Chicago-based startups and how the windy city is both tough and nurturing to its entrepreneurs. Tune in as she discusses the meaning of balance, the intersection of wellness, self-care, and beauty, and more.  Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago 1:42 – Early upbringing in an attorney driven Alabama family     4:11 —Women are strong—Coco shares her admiration in seeing her mother reinvent herself      7:10—Coco’s new career path—marketing      10:18—Discuss the importance of P & L and brand management experience     12:07—Coco discusses the pivot to entrepreneurship, working for Loreal, deciding to go to business school, and building her portfolio from early-stage consumer companies.     14:17 —Coco shares insight into her first company Pretty Quick & the significant role of supply and demand      18:13—Next chapter of entrepreneurship—Coco leads beauty at Groupon       19:30—Coco provides advice for entrepreneurs; she discusses the influential role of a startup and the importance of investing in companies with unit economic viability.     22:33—Comparison of Chicago’s startup culture versus the West Coast; investments versus conservative investments      24:14—Coco discusses Equilibria and explains CBD Products versus cannabis products.     28:08—Coco shares her journey of CBD discovery and Equilibria’s founding as a health tech services company.    31:50—Lessons learned—Coco discusses when business partners aren’t the right fit    35:24—Advice for those interested in using CBD products for the first time & Coco’s personal CBD routine.    42:46—Providing support to members and employees during the pandemic          46:25—Coco discusses the benefits of starting a business in Chicago and recruiting globally.     51:30—Coco discusses the impact of her English major and supporting the Arts    53:43—The intersection and balance of wellness, self-care and beauty   59:00 —Rapid Fire Questions  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 myeq.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, Lou Rassey, Fast Radius', Co-Founder and CEO discusses how a third-generation manufacturer leads the company that the World Economic Forum has recognized as one of the nine most innovative factories. Lou shares how the company embraces the micro-factory model and can make the "unmakeable" through reliance on cloud manufacturing. Tune in to learn about Fast Radius' mission to empower the world, the excitement and potential in industry 4.0, and more. Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago :58—Early upbringing in Detroit as a third-generation manufacturer 3:40—Lou discusses the early years of working for Chrysler and how it drove his interest in innovation 5:44—The impact and empowerment through the accessibility to innovative technology 7:05—Lou discusses MIT Leaders for Manufacturing Fellowship Program, Industry 4.0 and McKinsey & Company 11:12—The broken supply-demand infrastructure and Fast Radius’ solution of cloud manufacturing 18:18—Evolving to improve component supply through cloud manufacturing & Fast Radius’ empowering platform for innovation in the world  22:35—Fast Radius’ recognition as a manufacturing lighthouse; the micro-factory model and customers tapping into infrastructure and create new technology and sustainable, scalable supply chains 27:55—Lou discusses MxD, Fast Radius’ home in Chicago & how the city can maintain its status as a hub in innovative manufacturing 33:36—Fast Radius’ range of career pathway roles & becoming the digital assistant to engineers 38:05—The next steps of Fast Radius’ & the global environmental impact of the Cloud Manufacturing Platform 42:42—Lou discusses Fast Radius’ rapid printing during the pandemic 47:55—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 www.fastradius.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, Andy Lansing, Levy's President & CEO, joins us to discuss his career journey, from commercial real estate law to NFL sports agent, to becoming president and CEO of Levy. Andy shares how he navigated through the challenges of transitioning to a new industry, the milestones that propelled Levy to another level of success, and more. Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago :50 –Early beginnings in Highland Park; undergraduate studies in Political Science at University of Chicago   2:36—Career aspirations—from medicine to law   4:00—Andy discusses early influencers, both negative and positive  6:14—Close up/table magic origins in Chicago   8:36—A mother’s deal—Andy discusses how his perception of career options changed   11:10—Andy becomes NFL sports agent   14:45—Life Is What Happens When You’re Busy Making Plans—Andy starts at Levy  19:02—Andy discusses the challenges of working in a new industry and his growth   23:00—The three milestones that changed Levy’s trajectory—Disney, Sports Stadium and, Compass  29:18—Andy his children’s careers and his family’s bonding at Disney World   32:10—Andy discusses the inverted pyramid & facing the pandemic   39:15—Innovations that enabled Levy to be efficient during the pandemic  42:30—The Future of Chicago—how can the business community help?  43:37—Rapid Fire Questions   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   http://www.levyrestaurants.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    

Paul Polman, Chair and Co-founder of IMAGINE, sits down with the 2021 International Executive of the Year 2021, Juan Luciano, Chairman, President & CEO of ADM. Tune in to hear Juan's path to leading the company consistently ranked one of Forbe's World's Most admired companies. Juan also shares his vision to feed the world, turn back time on carbon, and bridge the gap between food and pharmaceuticals.   :44—Paul introduces Juan and discusses how they met. 2:44—Paul and Juan discuss ADM & the company’s transformation into the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. 5:40—Juan provides insight into the company’s values, culture, and innovation 9:20—Juan’s upbringing in a family of lawyers and farmers and his career path of engineering. 14:11—Juan discusses the farmers’ concern—sustainability 15:04—Two actions needed simultaneously—feeding 9 billion people by 2050 & turning the clock back in carbon usage. 17:00—Insight into the lessons learned that prepared Juan for CEO 22:30—Challenges of being CEO & embodying the corporation 28:33—Juan’s first 100 days as CEO—What would you do differently? 32:00—Paul and Juan discuss the difficulty of ADM’s transformation into the health and wellness sector 34:55—Bridging the gap between food and pharmaceuticals and the three lenses of ADM 38:20—Foreseeing the future—Where will ADM be in 10 years?  40:32—Juan discusses his legacy and the significance of learning 43:30—Conclusion  www.adm.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, James P. Zallie, Ingredion's President & CEO, recounts his childhood experience of working in his family’s grocery store and reflects on how a library book inspired his successful career in food manufacturing. Jim shares the challenges and opportunities of building a career in one company over 27 years and what it means to embrace the highest leadership role. Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago 00:20—Early upbringing in a working-class immigrant family 3:14—The book that inspired a career in food technology 6:11—27 years at one company—the challenges, opportunities, and great mentors. 8:26—Raising your hand to responsibility & remaining open to opportunities 13:58— Jim provides insight into the success of the 2010 National Starch and Corn Products merger. 16:00—Lessons on leadership & the three responsibilities of CEOs 22:00—Jim discusses Ingredion’s increased communication & the establishment of the pandemic response office. 26:30—Launching & leaning into the company’s purpose 29:19—Jim reflects on the best part of being CEO & the leap to leading a larger company. 34:49— Successful leadership & avoiding complacency 36:55—Rapid fire questions 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.ingredion.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    

Amber Case, author of Calm Technology sits with Steven Galanis, co-founder of Cameo, to discuss how Chicago became the home base for one of the country's flashiest startups. He shares how the platform is a fun way to hire a celebrity to surprise or friends and how the startup accelerated from novelty to a full-fledged advertising platform and more. :44—Discuss Steven’s transition from trading to entertainment/advertising 4:45—Realizing opportunities—selfies as the new autograph 6:04 —Why Chicago? From 1871, Mike Gameson to Chicago as the flagship 11:17—Gaining additional funding— Steven discusses leveraging networks serendipitous encounters that led to investments 15:40—The silver lining of success in Cameo’s first video fail 21:50— Gaining talent with a new strategy 26:16 —Steven reflects on early notoriety & guidance from the Ikigai Japanese framework 30:22—Amber discusses, “the thing” that changed her career trajectory 33:42 —How to start a start-up—compressing 40 years of work into a couple of years 35:05  —Cameo’s transition to remote work during the pandemic & benefits of remote work 44:48—Steven discusses handling PR nightmares and solving address them 48:29—Steven discusses consumer requests, B2B elements of Cameo & determining pricing 52:18—The first big name and first major coverage of Cameo cameo.com calmtech.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, Chairman of the Chicago Cubs Tom Ricketts sits down to discuss his many careers and how his entrepreneurial spirit led not just to the winning bid for The Cubs, but the founding and running of major companies in the finance and trade sectors. Tom shares the lessons he learned from his father when it comes to mixing business with family and how that drives decision making today, juggling multiple business ventures simultaneously, the evolution of The Cubs and Wrigley Field and more! Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago 01:27—Early childhood, strong family, and growing up with a    ‘true entrepreneur’ 3:54—Navigating politics within a diverse political family and the family business rule 7:31—Tom discusses undergraduate at the University of Chicago and summers on the trading floors 11:04—Business career—from trading bonds to founding his first company, Incapital LLC 15:15—Tom discusses the recent merger of Insperex and balancing multiple businesses 20:03—The dream job of owning a major league baseball team & the process of ownership 25:30—Best and worst parts of owning the team with family? 27:20—Red Wedding 2021 Summer trades: what led to the trade decision? 31:05—Saving and transforming Wrigley into a year-around community hub 35:54—Wrigley used a food pantry and vaccination site during pandemic 37:45—Rapid fire questions 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 The Cubs Ballpark 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 today’s episode, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO, Feeding America, will discuss the influence of a humble upbringing in a large family and how Feeding America’s network of food banks distributed a record 6.6 billion meals in their last fiscal year. She shares how her heart and head were instrumental in the decisions that propelled her to success, and how learning from failure and growing from hardship have allowed her to write a new personal legacy.  Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago 00:53—Introductions, non-linear career path and the influential role of her large family in learning generosity and diversity     06:45—Lessons learned from the library--the thread that matters in the work being done; the appreciation and power of   literature    11:00—Claire discusses origins of interest in public service, the impact of her father's confidence in her, the diversity of HBCU's & the impromptu decision that paved her path as a tax lawyer    16:01—Exceeding aspirations--from gubernatorial appointee, to litigation, to Chief Tax Officer and Global Treasure Officer for Walmart    19:45—Failing miserably, finding the path to value & leveraging the expertise of others    25:45—The difficult moments--cancer diagnosis and the question that made her go back to the core of her ambitions to change her legacy    30:51—Claire discuss the process of making a career change     33:35—Taking time off to plan next steps and maintaining the course for her new chapter    34:37—Meaningful connections--how Walmart lead her to Feeding America    35:55—Welcome to Chicago--polar vortex, earning her winter bona fides and making Chicago her home    39:35—What Chicago does right--innovation, creativity, history, culture, and diversity    42:12—Facing COVID--strengthening the team base, innovating, obtaining bipartisan support for legislation for food access     46:43—How the pandemic that has reframed perception of food security hunger; Claire explains earned hunger    49:30—Rapid Fire Questions    50:22—What would you tell your 16-year-old self?  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 Recommended books: The Power of Giving Away Power   Hey Grandude! By Paul McCartney    Feeding America  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, UL Inc.'s President & CEO, Jennifer Scanlon & Vice President & GM of Supply Chain Insights, Jill Oakman, join us to discuss their leadership journeys, the importance of women in STEM, and UL Inc.'s mission to create a safer world. They share how UL Inc. invests in people; the strength-based approach to leadership development, merging technological innovation with customer service strategies, and more. Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago :38 –Safest company hires safety advocate as CEO 4:00—UL’s history—Columbian exposition, letter to President Taft, supply chain hazards, global powerhouse 6:33—Jill’s upbringing and the influence behind her career advancement 10:16—Jenny discusses UL Inc’s investment in people 12:49—Invest in me & I will invest in you—Jill’s UL leadership journey 16 :44—Who are the influencers in your organization? 18:46—Impact of implementing--Strength Based Leadership 29:14— Amplifying opportunity in tech; cultivating and maintaining youth curiosity in STEM; making Chicago a leader in tech space 35:25—Can the solution for developing tech talent for women be the same template to develop talent in underrepresented communities? 39:06 —Marrying technology with customer experience and more 43:36—Jenny and Jill discuss the advice and guidance from tech mentors and experiences 46:53—Rapid Fire Round Questions 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 UL Empowering Trust®​​​​​​​ 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    

 1:00—Early years, education and career path  3:28—Discuss Discover’s DEI focus and KPMG DEI strategy  7:30—Employee input—Discover launches listening tour  8:56—Neighborhood investment—Discover’s call center in Chatham & KPMG partnership with                  United Ways Neighborhood Network 12:30—Community response in Chatham; site selection determination; job seekers and pipeline              to leadership opportunities 16:53—Discuss DEI lens in each step of the process—recruiting and hiring, employee training              and support, contractor selection, community partnerships 20:00—Key learnings from this endeavor & advice for other companies considering a similar              direction 25:22—Discover’s internal camaraderie from Chatham call center 29:29—Additional thoughts and collaboration with other players 31:08—How midsize and small companies can follow in Discover’s footsteps 32:52—Inclusivity in the supply chain and service providers & enacting organizational if you’re              not CEO 36:15—Talent development process in the call centers & changing the corporate perception of                 Black and Brown neighborhoods 39:41—Measuring success 10 years from now & corporate responsibilities to non-profits              and ESG 44:21—How Discover managed COVID challenges         Discover         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       Discover 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