The Executive Appeal with Alex D. Tremble

Dr. Kumar & Amit Ramlall discuss embracing ignorance as a leader, overcoming challenges, discovering purpose, and the significance of humility and effective communication in leadership. They highlight the power of focusing on unique strengths, learning from personal challenges, and the importance of testing leaders' thinking for impactful contributions.

Beth Gullette is Chief People Officer at Well and an executive board member at the Institute for Contemporary Leadership. She has served as a trusted adviser to senior executives, boards and investors and a thought leader on issues of individual and organizational change, culture, leadership development, executive selection assessment and cultivating high performance teams. Prior to her role at Well, Beth served as the Managing Partner at Contemporary Leadership Advisors; Vice President, Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness (LOE) at AlixPartners; and Senior Faculty at the Center for Creative Leadership. Beth also received her Ph.D., in Clinical Psychology from Duke University and B.A. from William and Mary.

Michael Raimondi has accumulated extensive work experience in various roles and industries. At the time of this interview Michael currently served as the Vice President of HR Operations at The Hollister Group, where they collaborate with executive leadership to define the organization's long-term mission and goals. Michael is responsible for talent management, attraction, onboarding, training, and implementing technology solutions. Additionally, Raimondi manages the HR team and ensures compliance with employment laws and regulations.Prior to their current role, Raimondi held positions of increasing responsibility at The Hollister Group. Michael served as the Vice President of Administrative & HR Staffing, where they developed and executed talent acquisition and hiring processes for the entire organization. Michael also oversaw EEO compliance training. Before that, Raimondi was the Division Director of Administrative & HR Staffing, responsible for leading a team and managing the division's recruitment, hiring, and performance management processes.Raimondi's earlier experience includes serving as a Recruiting Director for Administrative & HR Staffing, where they provided efficient customer service, oversaw job postings and recruiting strategies, and ensured a diverse candidate pool. Michael also worked as a Higher Education Recruiter, responsible for full-cycle recruitment for various positions at colleges and universities.Prior to their tenure at The Hollister Group, Raimondi worked as an Admissions Representative at Le Cordon Bleu College, where they led a team of recruiters and guided prospective students in choosing the right educational program. Michael also worked as a General Manager at West Elm Variety, overseeing day-to-day operations, customer service, purchasing, and budget analysis. Raimondi started their career in customer service as a part-time employee at Ellsworth Supply.Overall, Michael Raimondi has a diverse and well-rounded background in HR, staffing, recruitment, and operations management.Michael Raimondi pursued their education in the field of Business Administration and Management. Michael first obtained an Associate's degree in Business Administration and Management from Quincy College, where they studied from 2001 to 2004. Michael then pursued a Bachelor's degree in the same field from Bridgewater State College, completing their studies from 2004 to 2006. Making further progress in their educational journey, Michael earned a Master's degree in Business Administration and Management from Eastern Nazarene College, studying from 2011 to 2012. In addition to their formal education, Michael Raimondi also obtained a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from HRCI in March 2021.

Chad Thompson currently serves as the Chief People Officer at LanzaTech and has over 28 years of HR experience spanning 3 industries. LanzaTech is leading the development of clean and pollution free manufacturing. Global outsourcing, information technology, Energy and chemical manufacturing. Chad has extensive international experience having worked in the Caribbean , Latin America, North America and Asia Pacific and responsible for operations in Africa and Europe.HR Generalist with experience in HR shared service, benefits administration, HR business partnership, organization design, change management and strategic HR as well as Mergers and acquisition. He is a trusted advisor and executive team member and has a proven track record of building leadership capability within HR and strong business partnership. Ability to lead.Prior to this role, Chad served in various leadership roles such as the HR Director for North America Exploration and Production at Chevron.

Meet today's guest Adrienne Trimble Vice President and Chief Diversity & Culture Officer for Sysco Corporation. She is a known thought leader for advancing corporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. She has led DEI and social innovation initiatives for large, complex organizations nationally and globally. Additionally, she has served as the leader of a non-profit national organization, with global affiliates, providing certification and development for minority owned businesses.Adrienne began her work in inclusion at Toyota Motor North America, where she worked closely with the company’s senior leadership team in developing advocacy and accountability measures to integrate DEI processes across the organization’s business operations. During her tenure, she aligned diversity, equity and inclusion with the business strategy to help position Toyota as the #1 sales leader in the African American, Hispanic American and Asian American markets. She also worked closely with the company’s external diversity advisory board, chaired by the honorable Alexis Herman. She led the company’s rise on the DiversityInc Top 50 list from #42 to #25 in two short years. She also firmly solidified the company’s recognition by third party advocacy organizations such as Black Enterprise Best Companies for Diversity, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.Adrienne oversaw Toyota’s Supplier Diversity initiative from 2005-2012. In this role, she grew the company’s diverse supplier base to reflect an increase in spend that exceeded 300 percent, topping nearly $3B in spend with diverse suppliers. Toyota received numerous accolades under Trimble’s direction, including Corporation of the Year by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) as well as Corporation of the Year honors from several of the organization’s affiliates. In recognition of her efforts to advance economic development for diverse suppliers, The Rev. Jesse Jackson, founder and CEO of Rainbow PUSH, presented Adrienne with the Corporate Leader Award and Women in Leadership Award.Securing the future and recognizing supplier diversity as part of the larger goal of economic inclusion have been enduring truths in Adrienne’s career. She served as an executive on loan as the president and CEO for the National Minority Supplier Development Council from August 2018 – February 2021. One of the hallmarks of her leadership with NMSDC was to re-establish the long-term vision for the organization. Within 18 months, she reversed the organization’s decline in corporate members and certified minority business enterprises. In the spring of 2019, Adrienne testified before the U.S. House of Representatives’ Financial Services Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion, to further underscore the economic benefits of supply chain inclusion.A graduate of Wilberforce University, Adrienne holds a Bachelor of Science in organization management. In 2014, she was appointed to the board of trustees of her alma mater. Other board and committee leadership positions include The Herndon Institute Corporate Board Director Development Cohort, VisitDallas Diversity Advisory Council, and The Collin County Business Alliance. Previous executive committee roles include the Billion Dollar Roundtable, and Unidos, the leading civil rights organization for Hispanic and Latino Americans. Adrienne has previous human resources leadership experience in financial services, healthcare and media broadcasting industries.MAIN TAKEAWAYS:00:00:06 - Introduction to The Executive Appeal Podcast00:03:15 - Personal Reflection on Visiting a Gravesite00:05:18 - Discussing Expectations and Personal Choices00:06:06 - Leadership Roles and Personal Expectations00:07:05 - Making Decisions Based on What's Right00:07:37 - Personal Anecdote on Leadership and Expectations00:08:40 - Adrienne's Nontraditional Career Path00:10:18 - The Importance of Taking Opportunities00:11:17 - Encouraging Others to Pursue Their Potential00:12:11 - The Impact of Role Models in Leadership00:13:17 - Adrienne's Experience with Career Changes00:14:29 - The Importance of Taking Risks in Career00:15:33 - Alex's Personal Reflection on Parenting and Judgments00:16:28 - Alex's Professional Speaking and DEI Focus00:17:08 - The Importance of Being in the Room Where Decisions Are Made00:18:07 - The Impact of Taking on Extra Work00:19:25 - Withholding Judgment from Leaders00:20:08 - The Complexity of Executive Decisions00:21:05 - The 80% Rule in Decision Making00:22:03 - The Expectations of Higher Leadership Roles00:22:52 - Advice for Aspiring Senior Leaders00:24:20 - The Cost of Climbing the Career Ladder00:25:25 - Taking Risks and Stepping Out on Faith00:26:29 - The Value of Helping Leaders00:27:27 - Adrienne's Personal Loss and Team Support00:28:38 - Encouraging Action and Adding Value00:29:25 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement from Adrienne

Welcome to a transformative episode designed to empower you to make 2024 your most remarkable year yet! In this episode, we embark on a journey of reflection, goal-setting, and the profound impact of building meaningful connections. Reflecting on 2023: Explore the power of reflection as we delve into the lessons learned and experiences gained in the past year. Discover effective strategies to leverage these insights for personal and professional growth. Goal Setting: Overcoming Barriers: Delve into the psychology of goal setting and uncover the reasons why many people hesitate to set ambitious goals. From the fear of failure to navigating the noise of life, we dissect the societal influences that may discourage setting bold aspirations. Our exploration includes a fascinating discussion with experts from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Words Have Power: The Oakkah Example: Discover the profound impact of words on our mindset, aspirations, and relationships. In a touching personal story, our host shares a powerful example involving their son, Oakkah, showcasing the transformative influence that positive language can have on shaping our lives. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and actionable insights to propel you towards your best year ever! Tune in now and unlock the keys to a successful and fulfilling 2024. visit GPSLeadership.org to learn how GPS Leadership Solutions can help you reach your leadership goals and AlexTremble.com to book Alex D. Tremble to speak at your next event! 

Change is an inevitable and necessary part of life. One example of embracing change and expressing individuality can be seen in Dominique Taylor, the Chief People Officer at Veho.Dominique Taylor recently joined Veho as Chief People Officer to build and scale the People function by creating exceptional experiences for employees.Dominique joined Veho from Axios, where as Chief People Officer she built their People function from the ground up and spearheaded their diversity and inclusion efforts. Notably, during her tenure, the percentage of people of color at Axios increased from 14% to 40% and the percentage of female employees rose from 53% to 60%.Prior to Axios, Dominique was the Managing Director, Talent & Operations at 1776 and the Senior Vice President, Talent & Culture at EverFi. And before she discovered the exhilarating world of start-ups, Dominique spent the first half of her career as a Management Consultant, primarily with the Advisory Board Company.Dominique Taylor has a BSBA from Georgetown University. Hoya Saxa.  MAIN TAKEAWAYS:00:04:10 Embrace individuality and express yourself.00:07:06 Be your authentic self.00:08:36 Be kind and be gracious.00:15:39 Support leaders in rebuilding trust.00:20:54 Take care of your people.00:21:35 Excel in your current role.00:26:18 Don't hesitate to apply.00:31:26 Career is like a jungle gym.Purchase your copy of "Relationships that Work" on Amazon today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD2KJX17?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420

How does thoughtful expression is paramount in thought leadership? Guest Melissa Richardson shares her insights.Melissa Richardson is a proactive, results-driven, talent and HR business partner who drives team success at Kleer. She has an innate passion for building highly effective teams and is the very definition of a servant leader. She believes wholeheartedly in empowering people with the right tools and resources needed to drive growth in an organization. Strategist, talent branding aficionado, performance coach, and (on some days) in-house therapist, are adjectives that have been used to describe her. She loves jumping into chaotic situations headfirst and slowly putting the process improvements needed in place to build a thriving culture. Prior to joining Kleer, Melissa successfully scaled Deacom — an ERP software company — from 30 technology professionals to a global organization. Over the years, she has been recognized for her ability to combine her out-of-the-box creative thinking with an operationally focused mindset, which she uses to attract and retain extremely skilled talent. Melissa received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Saint Joseph’s University and is a proud wife and mother to her two daughters, Roe Roe, and Bella.MAIN TAKEAWAYS:[00:00:55] Developing diverse executive leadership.[00:06:36] Servant leadership.[00:09:26] Servant leadership and appreciation.[00:12:57] Impacting someone's life positively.[00:15:07] Feeling unappreciated.[00:20:45] Right versus right decisions.[00:24:21] Courageous conversations and honesty.[00:28:45] The role of family.[00:31:41] Imposter syndrome and self-belief.[00:35:46] Internal promotions and retention.[00:40:29] Bringing others to the table.Purchase your copy of "Relationships that Work" on Amazon today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD2KJX17?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420

Meet Kelly Buchanan Spillers, a visionary marketing executive with a remarkable 17-year journey in digital marketing and advertising across diverse leadership roles in both business-to-consumer and business-to-business arenas. Her expertise lies in harnessing the power of brands, crafting personalized experiences, and orchestrating unforgettable customer journeys across all touchpoints.Kelly has spearheaded a global team of talented marketing professionals dedicated to reimagining the customer experience by infusing human connections into every interaction. She led integrated marketing planning, global and field marketing, business development, and branding initiatives. Under her guidance, digital experiences, including website and MarTech strategies and performance media channels, were flawlessly integrated to create a compelling end-to-end journey, earning unwavering customer loyalty.Notably, Kelly's transformative impact extends to her tenure at L'Oréal, where she held multiple digital and brand marketing roles, culminating in her influential position as Vice President of Digital Marketing for L'Oréal USA – Consumer Products Division. Her leadership was instrumental in establishing the Chief Digital Marketing Office and designing the team structure through a dynamic organizational change management program.Kelly's remarkable career commenced immediately after graduating from the University of Central Florida, where she honed her core Project Management skillset at an interactive advertising agency. The allure of New York City beckoned her to explore opportunities at some of the nation's premier advertising and consulting firms, including prestigious tenures at Digitas, Ogilvy, and Accenture Interactive, further shaping her prowess in the marketing landscape.Beyond her professional achievements, Kelly is deeply committed to giving back to her communities. An avid annual volunteer for the New York City Heritage of Pride Organization, she is equally devoted to fostering education through her active membership in the UCF Dean's Advisory Board at the College of Community Innovation and Education. As a founding board member of Bridge to Grow, an educational nonprofit, she passionately advocates for standardized testing preparation and math tutoring programs to support those in need. She is also a DEI advocate, delivering keynote speeches on this passionate topic. Lastly, Kelly has recently joined as the NYC Chapter co-leader for the CMO Collaborative. Kelly holds a master's of business administration from NYU Stern School of Business, complementing her bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and her dedication to enriching the lives of others exemplify the essence of Kelly Buchanan Spillers—an exceptional marketing trailblazer with a profound commitment to both her profession and her community.MAIN TAKEAWAYS:[00:04:09] L'Oreal kids and nostalgia.[00:09:39] Mental toughness and diversity.[00:12:43] Career trajectory changes.[00:15:37] Networking and giving value.[00:21:57] Comparison and its impact.[00:23:02] Personal satisfaction and career trajectory.[00:27:27] Changing mindset towards work-life balance.[00:30:11] Breaking old ingrained habits.[00:35:05] Expanding personal network.[00:38:16] Investing in Yourself and Conferences.Purchase your copy of "Relationships that Work" on Amazon today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD2KJX17?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420

Guest Michael McQuerry shares extensive experience in communications and legislative roles as a lobbyist & Congressional Relations Specialist for various organizations.Michael McQuerry is a current Capitol Hill Communications Director for Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett and has over 20 years of communications and legislative experience. He has worked for four Members of Congress. He has also worked at the Department of Transportation and also as a Lobbyist here in Washington, DC over the past 20 years. Michael graduated from Jackson State University (Jackson, MS) in May 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. As the Senior Legislative Assistant for Congresswoman Barbara Rose Collins of Michigan he primarily handled postal, education, transportation, children, veteran’s affairs, judiciary, immigration and crime issues. He then worked for Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas. As her Senior Legislative Assistant. Michael contacted and conferred with Members of Congress and staff, and other holders of public office, in reference to legislation favorable to client's interest as a lobbyist for Holland and Knight, LLP. Later Michael focused on lobbying for the Association of American Railroads (AAR) as their Manager of Congressional Affairs. Michael then began working for the U.S. Department of Transportation (FTA) as a Congressional Relations Specialist where he prepared Op-Ed’s, press releases, speeches, newsletters and talking points for the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration. He then went on to work for as the Communications Director for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas. Michael then served as the Special Assistant to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer for the United States House of Representatives. Michael then returned to the Office of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas as the Senior Advisor and Communications Director. In October of 2016 Michael went to work for Make Room as Director of Advocacy Communications. Michael currently works for Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett as her Communications Director. Michael is one of the co-host of one of he most exciting Podcast out there – Hip-Politics – which is a discussion/fusion of hip hop and politics in America.Main Takeaways:00:00:06 Podcast focuses on executive career advancement.00:08:26 Access and relationships are crucial.00:10:25 DC is a competitive and transient city.00:15:02 Political theater is scripted and strategic.00:21:33 Importance of effective communication.00:24:24 Hire young, tech-savvy communicators.00:32:22 Take time to slow down.00:34:21 Lobbyists have multiple interests.00:41:48 Take chances and seek advice.Purchase your copy of "Relationships that Work" on Amazon today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD2KJX17?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420