Executive Leaders Radio

Hosted by Radio America

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Episodes

103

Latest episode

Jun 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

June 14, 202644 min

Behind the Scenes of Leadership: From Theater to the Boardroom

On this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, guests shared how childhood experiences, family influence, and early responsibilities shaped the leaders they are today. Joe Marciagelo discussed how growing up in Blackwood, New Jersey and working in technical theater sparked his passion for audiovisual production and taught him how to thrive under pressure while leading teams at Starlight. Michael Simpson shared how football, preparation, and team culture helped shape his leadership approach at Brinker Simpson. Andrew Berg reflected on lessons learned from his parents, emphasizing authenticity, hard work, and relationship-building in his role at Berg Advisors. The conversation also featured Ryan Eddington, who joined the lineup to discuss leadership and business growth at Allfield. Together, the guests explored how personal experiences outside the classroom often become the foundation for effective leadership, problem-solving, and long-term business success.

June 7, 202644 min

From Busboy to Boardroom: Leadership Lessons from Four Business Builders

In this episode, John Moerman, Managing Director of CUT Consulting Group, shares how his early years working as a busboy and growing up as the oldest of five siblings shaped his servant-leadership approach and client-focused mindset. Joining him are Michael Schreiber, Founder and CEO of Playfly Sports, Ryan Edington, CEO of All-Fill Inc., and Leonid Glazychev, CEO of Logrus IT. Together, they reflect on the childhood experiences, challenges, and pivotal moments that influenced their leadership journeys. From overcoming dyslexia and growing up in a family business to navigating entrepreneurship after the fall of the Soviet Union, each guest shares valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and relationship-building. The conversation also explores hiring, leadership development, and the qualities that drive long-term business success. This episode offers an inspiring look at how early life experiences can shape extraordinary careers and leadership styles.

May 31, 202644 min

Leadership, Resilience, and the Stories That Shape Success

In this episode, Steven Katz, Partner at HBI Partners; John Melton, CEO of Melton Industries; Pete Ciarrocchi, Vice President of Operations at Chickie's & Pete’s; and Tanya Wilson, McDonald’s Franchise Owner and Operator, share the life experiences that shaped their leadership styles and business philosophies. From growing up in family businesses and working at a young age to lessons learned through sports, music, and personal adversity, each guest reflects on the values that influenced their success. The conversation highlights themes of resilience, teamwork, perseverance, mentorship, and the importance of building strong relationships both personally and professionally.

May 25, 202644 min

Leadership Through Loss, Resilience, and Reinventio

This group shares personal experiences about loss, gratitude, and the lasting impact parents and mentors leave behind. Rich Hipp, CEO of SLM Facilities discusses growing up as the oldest of four children in a single-parent household and how becoming “the man of the house” at a young age shaped his leadership style, work ethic, and entrepreneurial mindset. Robert Strong, President/CEO of Quaint Oak Bank shares lessons learned from working alongside adults early in life, the influence of his entrepreneurial grandfather, and how he helped grow a community bank into a publicly traded company with more than 200 employees. Gary Puddles, CEO of AnswerNet Communications reflects on overcoming a rare childhood disease, discovering music during recovery, and developing the communication and problem-solving skills that later fueled his entrepreneurial success. Ron Scheese, CEO of F.M. Brown’s Sons, Inc explains how leading a sixth-generation family business required evolving from a numbers-focused executive into a people-first leader dedicated to bridging generational gaps within both the company and family.

May 18, 202644 min

Leadership Legacies: Family Business, Innovation, and Building People-First Companies

This episode of Executive Leaders Radio features business leaders sharing how personal experiences shaped their leadership journeys. Pete Borowsky of Starr Bus Charter and Tours discusses innovation, entrepreneurship, and building community through travel, while Ray Fremont Jr. of General Air Products reflects on leading a fourth-generation family business rooted in teamwork and loyalty. Sunny White of Xavier Creative House shares how personal challenges and family influences shaped her mission-driven culture and leadership style. The episode also features Jeff Dill from Inzio Ignite, who explains how sports and coaching influenced his collaborative approach to leadership. Together, the guests reveal how resilience, relationships, and purpose continue to drive their success.

May 11, 202644 min

From Farm Fields to Boardrooms: Leadership Lessons from Chris Drew, Christian Hoyt, Marc Albero, and Rory O’Hara

In this episode of Executive Leaders Radio, Chris Drew, President and CEO of Burnham Holdings, shares how his upbringing on a Vermont farm shaped his leadership style, emphasizing urgency, collaboration, and care for people. Marc Albero, Vice President and General Manager of PAC Strapping, reflects on his early experiences working with children with special needs and how they influenced his people-first approach to leadership. Christian Hoyt, President and CEO of PayUSA, discusses taking over his family’s payroll and HR business, highlighting how wrestling and early work experiences built his resilience and accountability. Rory O’Hara, Founder and CEO of Ausperity Private Wealth, explains how lessons from caddying and competitive sports inform his ability to lead and manage high-stakes financial decisions. Throughout the episode, each leader connects formative childhood experiences to their current business philosophies and decision-making styles. The conversation reveals a shared emphasis on relationships, perseverance, and learning through challenges. Together, these insights offer a powerful look at how personal history shapes effective leadership across industries.

May 4, 202644 min

From Wrestling Mats to Boardrooms: Leaders Building Businesses, Communities, and Culture

This episode brings together an inspiring group of leaders whose personal journeys shaped their professional success. Tom Selementi, CEO of Spread Bagelry, shares how overcoming a challenging upbringing fueled his leadership style and passion for building teams in the hospitality industry. Chuck Sebastiani, Managing Partner at Mechanical X Advantage, discusses his entrepreneurial journey, launching multiple ventures and fostering strong family-like relationships within his organization. The conversation also features Katie Broh, Partner at MGA Partners, who reflects on how her early volunteer work and creative background shaped her collaborative approach to designing meaningful educational spaces. Ed Baumstein, Founder of Recipe Philly, shares how hosting a simple potluck inspired a movement centered on community, connection, and shared experiences through food. Hear how early lessons from sports, family businesses, and entrepreneurship helped these leaders develop resilience and adaptability. Together, their stories highlight how perseverance, relationships, and purpose-driven leadership continue to shape thriving businesses and communities.

April 27, 202644 min

From Trade Schools to Tech Prototypes: Leaders Building Opportunities Through People and Innovation

In this episode, Dan Moscatello, owner of The Training Center, shares how growing up in a hardworking New Jersey family inspired his mission to create career opportunities through technical education, including plans to expand to a new 25,000-square-foot campus in Branchburg, New Jersey. Dan Diorio, CEO of ThinkForward, reflects on the mentors and early experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy and passion for developing people. The conversation continues with Geoff Mesko, Pennsylvania market leader at Armanino, who explains how his background in team sports influences his ability to organize and position people for success. He goes on to share some lessons learned growing up in a family business and how stepping outside his comfort zone transformed his leadership mindset. The episode concludes with Marty Judge, founder of The Judge Group, who recounts his entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings to building a $700 million global enterprise fueled by resilience, competition, and vision.

April 19, 202644 min

From Paper Routes to Power Systems: Leadership Lessons from Banking, Engineering, and Advisory Leaders

This episode features dynamic conversations with Richard Green, Executive Chairman of First Trust Bank; Bob Clements, Partner at FRS Advisors; Tara Sipe, VP of Commercial Lending at Meridian Bank; and Jonathan Friedan, Senior Principal at Ballinger. Each leader shares how formative childhood experiences—from paper routes and competitive sports to engineering curiosity—shaped their leadership styles and professional paths. Richard Green reflects on growing up in a family banking business and leading a third-generation institution with a strong community focus. Bob Clements discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and building authentic relationships, while Tara Sipe shares her journey from teller to commercial lending and her passion for client connection. Jonathan Friedan explains how his engineering work reduces energy and carbon emissions through thoughtful leadership. Together, these stories reveal how early life lessons influence decision-making, resilience, and innovation across industries.

April 13, 202643 min

Leadership Through Adversity: How Early Life Challenges Shape Authentic Leaders

This episode features Dr. Ajay Nair, President of Arcadia University; Jennifer Schaefer, President and CEO of JS Benefits Group; Bill Gullan, President of Finch Brands; and Cathy Young, President of Moore College of Art and Design, as they share the formative experiences that shaped their leadership styles. Dr. Nair reflects on growing up in West Philadelphia, overcoming early family loss, and leading with authenticity while building strong relationships with students and staff. Jennifer discusses how her childhood experiences, including family challenges and competitive sports, fueled her drive for financial independence and commitment to helping employers support their people. Bill shares how growing up as an only child and developing a passion for sports and politics influenced his adaptability and people-focused leadership in brand consulting. Cathy recounts navigating frequent family transitions and school changes after losing her parents, experiences that strengthened her resilience and ability to connect with diverse communities. Together, these leaders demonstrate how adversity, resilience, and personal authenticity play a critical role in building trust, relationships, and long-term organizational success.