Executive Leaders Radio

Hosted by Radio America

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Episodes

113

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Executive Leaders Radio conducts "elite interviews" of prominent CEOs, CFOs, and Presidents focusing on "what makes people tick."The ten to twenty-five minute on-air interviews are really informal POSITIVE conversations. Guests may be asked about their background education, influences, mentors and early career experiences, asked about their business, what they do and who they serve. They may be asked about opportunities ahead, challenges they have faced or their senior management team. Interests outside of work, personal turning points and family sacrifices capture the unique human aspect behind these prominent leaders.All of these questions are designed to help our audience learn “what it takes to succeed.” For more information, visit radioamerica.com/executive-leaders-radio/

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 17, 202644 min

Childhood Lessons That Built Today’s Leaders

In this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, four business leaders explore how their childhood experiences shaped the way they lead today. Bill Metro, CEO of IXP Corp, shares how sports, responsibility, and caring for others influenced his people-first leadership style. Aileen Alexander, CEO of DSG Global, discusses how moving frequently, competing in sports, and serving in the Army built her resilience and philosophy of “people first, mission always.” Rich Dinella, President of Level Up, reflects on early work experiences and baseball, which taught him respect, empathy, and teamwork. Thomas Sherwood, President of EMCOR Services Fluidics, connects childhood friendships, working with his grandfathers, and building forts to his focus on teamwork, systems, and community. Together, their stories demonstrate how early experiences with family, work, sports, and adversity can become the foundation for effective leadership.

August 10, 202644 min

Understanding the Brain, Building Relationships

Four education leaders explore how childhood experiences, relationships, and understanding the brain shape the way they support students today. Kathryn “Kat” DeVries, Director at NeuroLogic, shares how her love of learning and early responsibility influenced her passion for helping educators better understand student behavior and regulation. Teri Lawler, School Psychologist with the Delaware Department of Education, discusses how curiosity, lifelong learning, and NeuroLogic training have helped educators become more equipped to support students through regulation and co-regulation. Peter Dillard, Director at Lakeside School, reflects on overcoming bullying, the lessons he learned from baseball, and his 32 years of helping students feel safe, valued, and capable of change. Beata Golinska, School Social Worker at Marymound School, shares how discovering her own strengths shaped her approach to helping young people who feel lost or misunderstood find belonging and confidence. Together, the guests demonstrate how NeuroLogic is helping schools create safer, more supportive environments where students can regulate emotions, build relationships, discover their strengths, and thrive.

August 2, 202644 min

Stories That Shape Success

Business leaders—Drew Morris Rowe, CEO of CTN Solutions; Shelly Hughes, CEO of Nolia Roots; Robert Schena, CEO of Rajant; and Brian Effron, CEO of Healthcare Administrative Partners—explore the childhood experiences that shaped their leadership today. Robert shared how baseball and waiting tables taught him to perform under pressure, work with people, and prepare for challenges, while Brian reflected on selling Christmas cards and managing an office as early lessons in leadership and creating an environment where others can succeed. Shelly participated in the conversation exploring the childhood experiences, influences, and formative lessons that helped shape her leadership journey and approach to business. Drew shared his perspective as a business leader while reflecting on the early experiences and lessons from ages 8–14 that contributed to his development as a CEO and leader.The conversations highlighted themes of resilience, preparation, agility, responsibility, and learning from mistakes. Through personal storytelling, Executive Leaders Radio continues its mission of connecting business leaders with audiences while creating positive role models for the next generation.

July 26, 202644 min

How Relationships, Family, and Life Experiences Shape Exceptional Leaders

On this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, four accomplished executives share the personal experiences that shaped their leadership journeys. Kerry Anne Bichsel, President of Velospan, discusses how building lasting relationships with customers, partners, and employees has fueled more than two decades of growth and an extraordinary culture of loyalty. Tom Fricke, CEO of Visual Communications, reflects on purchasing the family business with his brothers, the childhood influences that nurtured his creativity, and why collaboration—not control—is the foundation of his leadership style. David Green, President and Owner of Primex Garden Center, shares how his family's 84-year legacy, inspiring mentors, and a deep sense of compassion have helped create a customer experience centered on expert advice and genuine care. Kate Duffy, Senior Wealth Advisor at Bryn Mawr Trust, explains how financial psychology, intuition, and understanding people's relationship with money enable her to guide clients toward better financial decisions. Together, these conversations reveal that great leadership is built not only on business expertise, but also on the relationships, life lessons, and personal values that shape who we become.

July 22, 202643 min

From Family Businesses to Data-Driven Innovation: Leaders Share the Early Lessons That Built Their Success

This episode of Executive Leaders Radio features Stephen Gillin, CEO of Relay Network, Roland Mosimann, Founding Director & President of AlignAlytics, Vincent Grispino, Owner of Altamonte's Italian Market, and Melvin Pitts, Finance Officer of Cheltenham Township. Each guest shares how childhood experiences—from growing up in entrepreneurial families and working in a family business to solving puzzles and taking on early responsibilities—shaped their leadership style. They discuss the lessons that continue to influence how they lead organizations, build strong teams, and serve their communities. Their stories demonstrate how resilience, curiosity, hard work, and strong values can become the foundation for long-term success in business and public service.

July 13, 202644 min

From Childhood Lessons to Executive Leadership: Four Leaders Share the Experiences That Shaped Their Success

This episode of Executive Leaders Radio explores how early life experiences helped shape the leadership philosophies of four accomplished executives. Dr. Connie Andrejko, Chief Medical Officer of Onsite Neonatal Partners, shares how teaching on a Navajo reservation, working in telemarketing as a teenager, and a passion for serving others led her to a career in neonatology and healthcare innovation. Ken Kelk, CEO of Choice Party Linens, reflects on how sports, coaching, and growing up in New Jersey influenced his people-first leadership style and belief in giving others second chances. Joe Thompson, President & Founder of Pacer Financial, discusses how his Kentucky upbringing, 4-H involvement, and dairy farming instilled the discipline and work ethic that continue to drive his business today. Jeremy Ben-Zev of Truist also joins the conversation, sharing insights into his professional journey and leadership perspective. Together, these leaders reveal how resilience, mentorship, and formative childhood experiences continue to influence the way they lead, serve their teams, and build successful organizations.

July 5, 202644 min

From Childhood Lessons to CEO Success: The Experiences That Shape Exceptional Leaders

Discover how childhood experiences helped shape the leadership journeys of Han W. M. Kieftenbeld, CEO of Agrofresh; Gui Costin, CEO of Dakota Funds Group; Joe Trave, CEO of Village Handcrafted Cabinetry; and Carmen Reino, President of Anchor Pest Control. Each executive shares the early influences, family values, and life lessons that shaped their approach to leadership, teamwork, and business growth. From building thriving organizations to creating people-first cultures, their stories reveal how character developed in childhood continues to drive success in business today.

June 28, 202644 min

Leadership Through Relationships, Resilience, and Purpose

On this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, Herb Cohen speaks with four accomplished executives about the experiences that shaped their leadership journeys. Tim Irons, Founder and President of T.C. Irons Insurance, shares how growing up in rural Pennsylvania and witnessing his father's business challenges inspired him to launch his own company at just 19 years old. Matt Liebman, CEO of Amplius Wealth Advisors, discusses the importance of listening, relationship-building, and creating a people-first culture that has fueled the firm's growth and exceptional employee retention. Tim Daly, CEO of Vincodo, reflects on the influence of family, athletics, and perseverance in building a high-performing digital marketing agency while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Ryan Conte, Chief Revenue Officer of Propell Credit Union, explains how his work with at-risk youth inspired him to establish the Propel Kids Foundation and continues to shape his approach to leadership and community impact. Together, these leaders reveal how character, relationships, and purpose-driven leadership create lasting success in both business and life.

June 28, 202644 min

From Garage Startup to Industry Leaders

On this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, Jake Berk, President of Berk International, Chris Springfield, CEO of Cardinal Point Homeland Security, Dr. Carol McKinley, President & CEO of Simpson, and Steve Bellwoar, President of Colonial Electric Supply, share the childhood experiences and early influences that shaped their leadership journeys. From entrepreneurial beginnings and military discipline to lessons in empathy and family business leadership, each guest reflects on the formative years that helped define their careers. The conversation explores how character, work ethic, and a commitment to serving others have fueled their success while leading organizations that impact thousands of employees, customers, and community members.

June 22, 202644 min

From Warehouse Floors to Corner Offices: How Leaders Build Careers, Teams, and Opportunity

What does it take to build a successful career, lead high-performing teams, and create opportunities for others? On this episode of Real World Leaders, students sit down with Andy Balsan, President of Johnstone Supply; Crystal MacNeill, President & CEO of Acentus Practice Management; Amol Waishampayan, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Fullthrottle.ai; John Gulnac, CEO of SolomonEdwards Group; and Alex Garashchenko, Managing Member of Doodle, LLC. These accomplished leaders share the experiences, challenges, and personal lessons that shaped their careers, from their earliest jobs to leading organizations and driving innovation. Students learn how resilience, curiosity, relationship-building, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can open unexpected doors.