The Executives' Exchange

Tonise Paul, Chairman and former President & CEO of Energy BBDO shares her irrefutable leadership insights for personal & organizational success. She discusses the necessity of authenticity in determining brand values, creating and maintaining culture, and how opportunities can be embedded in crisis. Tune in to hear how she implemented change during her long-term tenure as CEO. Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago 1:38– Nonlinear journey to college & leadership lessons 7:00—Most surprising part of becoming CEO—creating and maintaining culture 10:22—Tonise’s irrefutable leadership insights 13:50—The origin of energy becoming & important part of brand identity and leadership 16:21—Leading with faith & love 18:58—Values based leadership— how should leaders be thinking about a redefinition of brand values? 23:35—Saying “No” to clients/projects 25:14—Discuss the consistency of work & the positive impact of long-term CEO tenures 30:32—Tonise’s boldest career move & the significance of creating growth opportunities 34:24—Discuss the crucial balance of change & preservation BBDO 38:03—Leading with the “how” not the “what” 44:08—What does the future hold—artificial intelligence & machine technology 46:01—Advice to 18-year-old self—Trust yourself 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 Books Recommendations: The Service Profit Change Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't The Power of A Positive No Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies   Energy BBDO   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

Linda Imonti, Office Managing Principal at KPMG sits down with Medline CEO Charlie Mills to discuss what it is like to work in and operate a family-led business, how Medline scaled manufacturing and leveraged supply chain to meet COVID-19 head on, and why a top-down understanding client needs, and how to sell your product, is vital for success!  :40—Early memories of a family-led business   3:35—Discuss Medline & the key to double-digit growth   6:30—Vision of innovation & incentives of being privately held   9:53—Medline's preparation & response to COVID-19 demands   13:58—Supporting employee's mental and physical health during the pandemic   15:58—Medline's response to previous crisis's    18:16—Discuss cultivating customer relationships and future healthcare trends   22:41—What are the key areas for growth & capital investment?   24:25—Lessons on leadership; the recipe to family run business; company culture   27:17—Scaling distribution & silver linings of the pandemic    31:00—Adjustments to remote work and the future in-person, remote and hybrid models   35:58—Final thoughts  Medline Industries, Inc.  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 

Amanda Lannert, CEO of Jellyvision will discuss how you grow a startup versus scale a large company and embody a strong organization culture that is all about behavior. Tune in to hear Amanda weigh in on the cadence of promotions and title changes and how to leverage workforce disruption for a happier life. Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago 1:00 – Recap of moments before the shutdown 3:09 –Discussion on introversion from the pandemic 3:54 – Becoming CEO of Jellyvision 8:20 – Most surprising part of becoming CEO 9:39 – What comes first, title or promotion? 11:10 – Toughest decisions for leadership during disruption/crisis 17:10 – Building a strong company culture—startup vs larger organization 21:23 – Leading with purpose and creativity 23:35 – Discussion on Chicago’s role in Jellyvision’s success 25:51 – How can Chicago be better/different? 28:39 – Technology leadership, borderless leadership with remote work and long-term strategy 32:31 – Younger workers and blank slate opportunity – who will and won’t take advantage of COVID reset? 35:20 – Breaking the concept of “the ideal worker” and changing the narrative 37:42 – Discuss Amanda’s diverse educational background and concept of “learn how to learn” 40:29 – CEOs as lifelong learners, staying curious 41:33 – Discussion on wellbeing during the pandemic 43:22 – Amanda’s hope & curiosity for the future 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 Jellyvision 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, Mary Dillon, Executive Chair, Ulta Beauty joins us to discuss her journey as a first generation college graduate, as well as the luck and preparedness which yielded her early successes. She discusses the challenge of making an iconic American meal healthier; the three lenses of leadership she feels are required to build an exceptional team: functional expertise; enterprise thinking and collaboration; her successful run at Ulta Beauty, the future of retail and more! Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago 1:20 - Family, Upbringing, Education, Early Years 4:35 - First Paycheck, Early Career 8:20 - Luck or Preparation, Mary's Story 14:45 - Culture at Quaker Oats 17:45 - The Pepsico Days 21:30 - The Move to McDonalds 29:00 - Transition to US Cellular 33:30 - Advice for CMO to CEO Path 35:50 - Ulta Beauty Success and Reflection 41:45 - Business During the Pandemic 47:40 - The Importance of Connection to Employees 49:30 - Ulta Inside Target 52:30 - Rapid Fire Round Questions Mary's LinkedIn 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. 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 Find Shure on: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram  

On this episode of The Executives’ Exchange, we sit down with Jahmal Cole, CEO and Founder of My Block, My Hood, My City (M3), to talk about the power of mentorship and exposure for the under-served youth of Chicago. Cole is a legend in the making whose mantra of personal accountability and creating opportunity for others keeps him on track as he looks to expand the powerful presence of his community engagement work. Tune in to hear more about M3’s impact in Chicago and how your organization can create life-changing learning experiences for young people in Chicago’s divested neighborhoods. Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago 1:50 – Introducing Jahmal’s story and M3 founding journey 7:54 – Mentorship – Jahmal’s basketball coach in college 12:01 – Jahmal speaking about his first book and speaking engagement at a Cook County Jail 13:29 – Jahmal’s first job 15:33 – Lessons learned from first corporate experience 16:58 – How M3 was founded, the inspiration behind the org 19:06 – 3 pillars – explore, experience, evolve 22:10 – Scope of M3 and what an experience looks like in real life (case studies) 24:18 – Examples of success from the M3 programs; understanding the background of the kids participating 27:05 – How does the explore program look during a pandemic 28:30 – How the kids help their own communities recover during covid/social unrest – community engagement 29:45 – Virtual exploration programs with companies 30:11 – How has M3 evolved over the past six years 32:16 – Logistics of explorer program and wait list of schools; goals for 2025 33:10 – Call to action for hosting explorations 33:54 – How to sponsor a student or a school 35:08 – How kids are selected for the program and future expansion hopes 37:13 – Timeline for expansion 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 My Block, My Hood, My City 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

Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, shares her journey of becoming the youngest woman CEO of a publicly traded company at just 27 in 2002. It’s a journey that taught her many lessons along the way about the power of family, wellbeing, and staying true to who you are. Listen to hear more about Julie’s story and how she finds meaning outside of work to contribute to a safer, more equitable society. Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago 1:09 – original career path in psychology and social work//lessons learned 4:20 – behavioral economics and marketing 6:45 – how Julie got her start as CEO, personal journey 11:45 – Pivotal decisions to grow the business exponentially – labelling, hiring, networking 15:00 – training others to take your job/delegating 15:47 – COVID impacts on the business 22:45 – self care and investing in the wellbeing of your workforce 30:15 – Modeling leadership from the top down and customizing wellness for employees 34:00 – CEO Burnout 38:45 – Chicago as a business partner – positive 42:08 – Chicago as a business partner – challenges/changes 45:25 – something not everyone knows about Julie 47:20 – Julie’s life hacks 50:27 – forecasting, intriguing future things 53:15 – proudest moments   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 Follow Julie on Instagram @juliesmolyansky and Lifeway at @lifewaykefir Check out Lifeway's website. 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  

Deryl McKissack, CEO and President of McKissack & McKissack shares a candid conversation on her history and success. Deryl sheds light on how family legacy, a desire to fight for equity in a white and male-dominated industry, and building bridges led to the rise of one of the nation’s top architectural firms! Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago :22 Intro to Deryl 1:10 Family History 4:13: Early career experiences and what they meant for larger decisions. 10:00: Racial biases in early career stages from Deryl 12:18: What was the first big break for Deryl? 17:25: Chicago landscape and what role the city plays for Deryl 19:09: Deryl discusses trajectory of local Chicago projects 21:24: What makes Chicago great for doing business and what makes it a challenge? 23:40: Discussion about the racial gaps in moving toward equity in Chicago 26:10: Discussion of stakeholder and project management 28:32: Purpose in leadership 31:23: What would you have changed as you scaled your business up? 32:04: Discussion of the importance of diversity through mentors 33:55: Giving all members of the team a seat at the table to come up with possible solutions to problems. 42:53: Opportunity to shift the architecture industry   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   Connect with Deryl on Social: Twitter  Instagram  LinkedIn  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

Joe discusses how his love of investing led to the creation of Morningstar. Tune in for a deep dive into how he thinks about investing in the City of Chicago now, owning a sports team, Ted Lasso and more! Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago :55 – What led Joe to Chicago 3:05 – Where did entrepreneurial spirit come from 5:20 – Discussion of application to business school and initial work life 7:00 – Joe meets Warren Buffett 7:45 – What triggered the launch of Morningstar 10:25 – What Joe did during early years of Morningstar to gain momentum and set the company on the right course 12:40 – Joe’s  ‘learn fast’ experience 14:15 – Succession plan discussion 15:40 – Discussion of running family office  17:15 – Composition of the family portfolio  - passion projects 20:25 – Ted Lasso and what the show has meant during the pandemic 21:44 – What’s different about the business of running a sports team?  24:25 – Joe’s investments in the city.  28:45 – Architecture/design and how it impacted the design of Morningstar 30:35 – Equity in Chicago and improving the city 35:30 – The importance of civic engagement through entrepreneurship  39:25 – Biggest point of pride 40:45 – Morning ritual 42:30 – Sleep habits and the importance of sleep 43:25 – Business book recommendations 44:45  - Thoughts on leadership 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 Joe's Recommended Books: Why We Sleep Berkshire Hathaway Annual Reports The Ride of a Lifetime What it Takes, Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence 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

Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago Meet Christine Schyvinck, CEO of Shure on this episode of The Executives' Exchange. She’s been lucky enough to have her two passions, engineering and music, collide into an executive career that has provided personal growth and professional satisfaction. Hear her insights about Women in STEM, her lightbulb moment and career advice applicable to all aspiring executives on The Executives' Exchange. 1:00 Talk of first job/Christine's start at Shure 6:00 Women in STEM/philanthropy efforts 10:35 Career options 12:00 Mentorship and moving up the ladder 14:30 Rethinking career moves 15:45 Surprises of being CEO 17:45 Shure in Chicago 22:00 Worldwide scope/international market 24:30 Shure during Covid 29:00 About the Shure podcast sponsorship 30:15 Spoken word content trend 31:30 Little known facts about Christine 34:00 Biggest career accomplishments 36:00 Dealing with challenging situations 37:45 When are you at your best? What keeps you up at night?  43:00 Thoughts on the future 44:45 Roles for women and underrepresented groups 47:00 Lessons for Christine's younger 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 Mentioned on the Show: WHAM Lindblom Robotics 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

Are you curious about how successful executives thrive?  Looking for motivation as you work your way to the top? Listen to  Chicago Executives share their real, often sobering, stories about success and failure, how they create meaningful connections, manage inside and outside of work, and learn the unteachable lessons of experience. Hear the tales of hard-fought victories from leaders whose paths have never been a straight line. The Greater Chicago area is home to 37 Fortune 500 companies, producer of the highest percentage of female-owned startups in the US and is a city built on resilience.  It’s in our DNA.   The Executives’ Club of Chicago is happy to announce the new podcast Executives Exchange.  The podcast will go deep with some of the most successful executives, who unlock the keys to their success. Our first season features Ulta Beauty CEO Mary Dillon,  Morningstar Founder Joe Mansueto, Shure CEO Chris Schyvinck and many more!   Sponsored by Shure Incorporated