The Leadership Cafe: Recent Episodes
Vaco Pittsburgh
The Leadership Cafe is Vaco's new webcast, organized by the Pittsburgh office. Hosted by co-authors Dr. Richard Citrin and Michael Couch of 'Strategy-Driven Leadership: The Playbook for Developing Your Next Generation of Leaders.' This webcast is dedicated to having conversations with CEOs and Founders of local businesses. Discussing what tactics that take as a leader during difficult times and improve their profits.
Full videos can be found on Vaco's official YouTube page under the 'Pittsburgh' playlist.
Sean Lydon is the founder and President of ISCM Inc, a consulting firm that specializes in the unique challenges of organizations with global supply chains.ISCM leverages that broad experience managing organizations that have garnered awards for their performance on projects
Tim Murphy is the Business Category Leader for the software and services team within the Sleep and Respiratory Care group at Philips. This business offers a series of Clinical and Business management applications, software-as-a-service solutions, data sharing, and more to aid those who have sleep and respiratory disorders.
In this episode, Tim talks about his experience in respiratory care for over 28 years and how Philips' business rapidly increased in production over the past year due to the global pandemic. Being able to quickly and efficiently change the work dynamic remotely and continue to serve the needs of patients in various countries.
Cheryl Paxton-Hughes is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Board at Edgar Snyder & Associates. Prior to this role, Cheryl spent over 15 years in human resources and five years in project management and IT.
Cheryl has used her background in various professional settings to put towards being vulnerable and learning agility for each business. As of finalist for the Pittsburgh Human Resources Association Leader of the Year award, she talks about how her studies in Organizational Psychological and Development helped served as her foundation for a career in HR.
Sonia Layne-Gartside is a multi-talented, results-oriented Global Consultant that is a certified Master Trainer, Change Manager, Strategist, and DEI specialist. Along with the list of her specialties, she is an International Speaker author of the book 'Workplace Anxiety: How to Refuel and Re-Engage.'
Recently named 2021 Leader of the Year! by Pittsburgh Human Resources Associates, this Barbados native has focused her career on getting people to be the most productive self. Ensuring that the systems that they are working with are built for them to thrive in their position.
Jackie Dixon is the former Vice President of the Ladies Hospital Aid Society (LHAS) at UPMC. She is well known in the Pittsburgh area for her long-time community leadership with companies like PPG and Giant Eagle Corporate. Jackie is a member of Allegheny County's Regional Asset District (RAD) Board, a seven-member committee appointed by the County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. Though currently retired, she continues to make a positive impact within local communities and enjoys connecting with as many people as she can through her Facebook page.
In this episode, listen to the multitude of stories that Jackie shares about the connections she has made throughout the years.
Corinne Ogrodnik is the cofounder of Maitri Medicinals. A dispensary that views Pennsylvania's medical marijuana program as an opportunity to help patients suffering from serious medical conditions, support intervention efforts to address the region's opioid crisis.
Over the past five years, Corinne has led Maitri through its founding and start-up phase by securing two permits to operate in the highly competitive Pennsylvania medical marijuana industry and establishing the Company's grower/processor and three dispensary operations.
Julie Gerdeman is the CEO of HealthPay24, where she is leading efforts to drive significant change within the EngageSmart entity. The company's values are believing in using streamlined, intuitive technology to create comfort and clarity for both patient and provider.
As the third oldest child of nine, Julie is surrounded by family members in the healthcare industry. She shares how seeing her dad's medical bag and the connection he had with his patients, impacted her journey in her career
Arthur (Art) Hoopes is the CEO of Capital Healthcare Solutions, a national healthcare staffing firm that provides a multitude of Healthcare organizations with qualified nursing professionals. In his 35 years as a certified public account, Art has received his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and has worked for an array of companies. Including a manufacturer where packages were made for Kellogg's cereal.
In this episode, Art talks about the journey of becoming the CEO of Capital Healthcare Solutions, and the plans they have for the future.
Mike Cherock is the founder and President of AE Works, an architecture company that practices in planning + strategy, engineering, project services and security risk management to develop innovative, creative, and collaborative solutions to complex problems.
In this episode, Mike tells the story of how AE Works became a blessing in disguise. Having been a start-up before the recession in 2007 located in Mike's basement, to expanding into three locations in PA and Arlington, VA. Though Mike claims himself to be an accidental CEO, he is happy and proud of what the company has become. Spending every day solving complex building problems for government agencies such as the National Institute of Health.
Edwin K. Morris is the President and Founder of Pioneer Knowledge Services (PKS), a non-profit organization with a charitable purpose in Western New York. Their practices involve clients in customizing knowledge solutions and training to cultivate an organizational disposition and culture that values knowledge as a sustainable asset.
As a podcast host himself, Edwin discusses his leadership career and the tactics he learned both in and out of the military. Telling stories about advice he would receive from Vietnam War Veterans and how he flipped the advice to benefit his career decisions. Explaining how academic learning came to him at a later time in life.
Greg Spencer is the President and CEO of Randall Industries, a manufacturing company that provides chemical-based cleaning solutions domestically and internationally. In 2006, the company acquired the assets of Space Chemical Inc., a specialty chemical manufacturing firm that has been operation for over 25 years.
In this episode, Greg discusses his vast resume and how he went from attending HBCU Wilberforce University to joining the Air Force and working for US Steel for 22 years. He also discusses how Randall Industries came to be about. Seeing that there were only three minority and veteran-owned chemical manufacturers in the United States at the time of acquiring the company.
Kevin Jenkins is the President and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corporation. A non-profit organization committed to working with individuals to transform lives in the building, strengthening, and enhancing communities for about 53 years.
In this episode, Kevin talks about the four branches of the organization and how they all come together, especially MCG Jazz. A program created by Manchester Bidwell to help preserve and promote the Pittsburgh jazz community.
Stephanie Doliveira is the Vice President of Human Resources for Sheetz, Inc. A family-owned convenience and food retailer based in Altoona, PA. Recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, Best Places to Work for Women, and Best Workplaces for Millennials, Sheetz is committed to offering sustainable careers built on an inspiring culture. She is responsible for strategic planning and execution of employee-related initiatives.
In this episode, Stephanie talks about how March 13, 2020, will be a day she never forgets. As the state of the nation and the business because unknown, team members came together at Sheetz to prepare for what was next. Saying that relying on the company values established in 1952 by Founder, Bob Sheetz is what helped the most.
With more than 30 years in technology and information services, Ed McCallister is the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at UPMC.
As a leader of a team of more than 2,000 IT professionals; McCallister is responsible for the technology strategy and infrastructure that supports UPMC's world-class clinical care, insurance services, international operations, and research.
In this episode, McCallister talks about the early days of the UPMC Health Plan and the start-up environment it had. Showcasing how the company skyrocketed to developing 20 new hospitals in a span of seven years.
Chad Quinn is the CEO of Dollar Energy Fund, a regional non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for households experiencing hardships by providing utility assistance and other services that lead to self-sufficiency. In this episode, Chad discusses the history of Dollar Energy and how it turned from a small business in a basement, to providing $165 million in utility assistance grants.
For the past 6 years, Tony Richards has served as the President/CEO of Impact Dakota; a manufacturing extension partnership program through the National Institute of Standards and Technology, based in Bismarck, North Dakota. Tony is also the founder and Principal of the Tony Richards Leadership Academy, a certificate-based leadership development program working with organizations in Africa, India, Indonesia, Japan, Haiti, and Pakistan.
In this episode, Tony discusses his focus on working with organizations to look at their leadership today, what are their needs, how will they prepare for the future, and the kind of leaders they will need to build relationships.
Nicholas Kuhn is CEO of NanoGrip Technologies; Carnegie Mellon University spin-off that produces microfibrillar dry adhesives. NanoGrip s the first commercial manufacturer of dry adhesive technology providing micro-fibrillar polymer-based dry adhesives and surfaces for a wide range of product applications.
In this episode, Nicholas talks about the plans that NanoGrip has to expand the business into other industries; such as sports gear. As well as the advice that he has when it comes to young entrepreneurs and "stepping up to the plate."
https://nanogriptech.com/about/
Dr. Tuesday Stanley is President of Westmoreland County Community College. Joining the institution in 2014, becoming the first female president in the 50 years that the college has been open. During her time at Westmoreland, the college has been awarded a Title III, $2.5 million grant to strengthen online educational services and student services to ensure a full spectrum of services to all of the communities the college serves, Westmoreland, Indiana, and Fayette counties in Pennsylvania.
In this episode, Dr. Stanley discusses what it was like when the pandemic first hit and how quickly the school had to switch from the primarily in-person institution, to primarily online. She also discusses how the importance of communication and finding bigger ways to communicate throughout the institution played a big role in the acceptance of changing to online education.
Nick Vizzoca is President & CEO for Vincentian, one of the largest faith-based providers of senior care in Western Pennsylvania. His passion for healthcare started at an early age after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at 13 years old. He is a recognized leader in the senior care space, has partnered with organizations such as the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UMPC).
In this episode, Nick discusses how Vincentian created a Clinical Excellence team, a group dedicated to figuring out how to prepare and handle the pandemic. Including the decision of taking in patients who had testedd positive for COVID-19.
Geoffrey Hall is CEO of Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital, a center committed to the provision of comprehensive physical medicine and rehabilitation programs and services to maximize the health, function, and quality of life to those we serve, ultimately returning those persons to their communities.
In this episode, Geoffrey talks about the changes faced in 2020 with recruiting new staff members and how the hospital learned to become more flexible when accommodating staff needs.
Bruno Kurtic is the Founding VP of Strategy and Solutions for SumoLogic. A machine data software company that pioneers in continuous intelligence; a new category of software that enables organizations of all sizes to address data challenges and opportunities presented in digital transformation. Bruno leads strategy and solutions by developing machine-learning technology to address growing volumes of machine data across enterprise networks.
In this episode, Bruno discusses how he found himself on the path of joining start up companies throughout his career and what the process is like when finding the next one.
Mike Brady is the CEO of IMG Energy Solutions, a power generation solutions company. Founded in 2012, IMG has six natural gas-fire powered plants in operation and their first solar project in construction.
In this episode, Mike discusses how his career as a "power guy" has taken him to places such as General Electric and Sweden. As well as current projects happening for IMG, including one at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Continuing to bridge the gap in burning clean fossil fuel.
Jessica Green is Co-Founder and CEO of the award winning Sidekicks Salsa. A brand that flourished after entering a salsa competition in the summer of 2014. Today the Cleveland, Ohio company produces all-natural ingredient products. Focusing their salsas to be heart-healthy, low in sodium, Non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free.
In this episode, Jessica discusses how the company became to be what it is today. What it has been like to be in the food industry during 2020 and how their business was affected. Plus the ways Sidekicks Salsa is planning to expand in retailers outside of the Cleveland area.
Aradhna Oliphant is the President and CEO of Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. (LPI), the premier resource for community leadership identification, connection, and development in Southwestern Pennsylvania. LPI seeks to strengthen regional leadership through programs, partnerships, and connections. In this episode, Aradhna discusses how she first moved to the Pittsburgh area and became involved with the LPI program. Following the curriculum with the idea that those who join the program learn how to become better leaders in services for their community.
Brenda Nevidjon, MSN, RN, FAAN is the Chief Executive Officer of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), a professional association of close to 40,000 members committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care. After two decades in oncology clinical and administrative settings, she transitioned to health care executive practice, culminating with her being the first nurse and the first woman to be a chief operating officer of Duke University Hospital. In this episode, Brenda discusses her career as a nurse and how she came upon teaching at the School of Nursing for Duke. She also discusses the challenges OSN and it's members have seen in the past year due to the virus.
Bobbi Watt Geer is the President and CEO of United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. A non-profit organization that is dedicated to gathering communities together and creating an impactful change.
In this episode, Bobbi discusses her first year as her current role and, leadership takeaways during the pandemic, and how leaders can foster culture.
Dr. Howard B. Slaughter is the President and CEO of Habitat Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. For more than 30 years, Habitat Pittsburgh has provided homeownership to local, limited-income families.
In this episode, Howards discusses how HHOGP is a hybrid organization; building, preserving, and financing affordable housing. As well as what is it like to watch a family gain an emotional connection as they assist in building their new home.
Jamie Gallagher is the President and CEO of Faber-Castell USA, a 260-year old German parent company that sells stationery and artistry products. There, he has played a pivotal role in the "Enriching Lives Through Creativity and Self-Expression" strategic platform within the Faber-Castell Group.
In this episode, Jamie talks about collaborative critical thinking, communication, and creativity as an emphasis on the new platform for Faber-Castell products and how they serve their clients. As well as how the company's stationery products have helped artists cope with the current pandemic.
Our final episode this week is with Kyle Gray, the CEO at ATW Transportation Worldwide. A pet transportation service that started in 2011 after Kyle saw a job posting that was looking for someone to transport a veteran's new dog.
In episode, Kyle goes into how his reliance on technology has helped ATW transport over 150 animals per month, and the commitment he upholds being helping those at ATW find the right position if another does not work out.
Megan Storrar is an Australian native that has been working in the United States for a 10-year project to help build a Cyber Security platform. As the CEO of Event Horizon Security, Megan is the global expert in operation cyber security and risk management.
In this episode, Megan dives into the topic of COVID-19, what the projections for a vaccine will look like, and discusses how the WFH style of management is different than what we are used to.
John Moran is the Chief Executive Officer of Inovera Health, a company that is dedicated to improving all aspects of the sterile processing function for hospitals and surgery centers.
In this episode, John discusses his journey as an experienced medical specialist, how he discovered the need in the medical field to start Inovera Health, and how he sees technology being the solution to aiding the pandemic.
Brook Ward is the President and CEO of Washington Health System (WHS) in Washington County, Pennsylvania. In his role, Ward provides leadership, direction and administration across the entire Washington Health System. Working with the health system's Board of Directors, he charts the course of the health system in response to the health care needs of the community.
In this episode, Brook discusses the challenges WHS has faced due to the changes caused by Covid-19, and the goals they have to improve their digital presence.
Matt Dietrich is a proven manufacturing executive with over 30 years of leadership of complex, global bespoke products manufacturing businesses. He is currently the CEO of Alco Manufacturing Corporation, LLC, a private equity owned company engaged in the manufacture of engineered products widely used in the hydraulics industry. Matt has led profitable growth and execution of strategic plans through multiple M&A deals and integrations while engaged in middle market public businesses, privately owned foreign businesses, and more recently, private equity owned businesses.
Joe serves as the CEO of Seiso, LLC, where he is building a dynamic, fast-paced, customer-focused consulting organization. He previously served as a transformational Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and a driven leader in information technology and security with over 25 years of experience.
Cindi Roth has been leading the private philanthropic efforts of WVU and WVU Medicine as the president and CEO of the WVU Foundation since 2014. A Pennsylvania native, Cindi has served on several nonprofit boards in the western Pennsylvania region as well as the board of the United Way of Monongalia/ Preston Counties in West Virginia, and the national board of trustees for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.
Justin Griffith, Ed.D, is the CEO of the Regional Learning Alliance (RLA), a self-sustaining nonprofit learning and conference center. Justin began service to the RLA in May 2005, developing the RLA into the most active workforce training and educational conferencing center in western Pennsylvania. Listen to Justin's viewpoints on what he believes remote learning will become and how RLA is making adjustments to do hybrid programs with organizations.
Marsha is the CEO of the IT consulting firm, Cloud Ace. A certified Women-Owned Business in Pennsylvania that helps with Technical Architect, Content Marketing, and consulting services. In this episode, Marsha talks about what it is like to be the owner of a certified WOB company, and the many opportunities have come along with that title.
Audrey Russo is a familiar face when it comes to doing podcast and radio shows. As President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, the oldest (1983), and the largest technology trade association, Russo serves as the technology business sector for southwestern PA. Listen to hear how the tech community has responded internally with their leadership ideas during this past year.
Marvin Ferguson is a triple threat splitting his work as as a Pharmacy Manger of Clinical Operations, founder of nonprofits such as 'Let's Get Healthy Cleveland,' and has recently started his own radio show "Ask the Pharmacist."
With his upcoming TED Talk on Health Disparities (October 24) Marvin is looking to use his knowledge to provide further clinical education and resources for his community.
Jessica Brooks is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Business Group on Health, where she is leading the effort to redefine and advance the discussion around health care value, access and quality on behalf of employers.
In this episode, Jessica discusses current social issues, how the global pandemic has effected Communities of Color and what plans she to do to be actively engaged in addressing health equity issues.
In this episode, we speak with Joe Pohl. The former CEO of PharmBlue LLC, a specialty pharmacy business operating across the United States. Their areas of focus are the federal 340B drug program, retroviruses, and mental and behavioral health. During his time with the company, his role was to bring the four pillars of PharmBlue--Compliance, Finance, Operations, and Sales--together to provide Right-On-Time pharmacy services to our clients.
(This session was recorded back in July, prior to Joe stepping down from the position)
Seth Mason started his entrepreneurial journey at the mere age of 10 when his parents noticed his interest in wanting to create his own business. With the help of their graphic design company, Graphic Connections, Seth started Seth's Socks, creating unique and custom socks. Launching him into the small business world, eventually leading him to start The Esport Company. A company that provides opportunities and experience in Esports at every level.
Nancy Kukovich is the CEO of Adelphoi, an abuse, delinquency, and dependency youth-serving agency with a wide continuum of services, headquartered Latrobe, PA. The organization employs about 650 part and full-time persons have revenues of about $55m and serve about 2500 kids and families from throughout Pennsylvania each year.
John Meighan is the President of Lake Erie Rubber, a components manufacturer that specializes in custom rubber molding and manufacturing. They are committed to improving customer outcomes through high quality, on time delivery and responsive customer service!
John is also the Co-Founder of One Leg Up. A small, family owned company that designs, tests and manufactures Natural Rubber dog toys.
Alice DeGeorge is the CEO and Founder of Presque Isle Printing Services, LLC. Created in 2008 to help meet the needs of these clients with the goal of providing the best design, print and on-brand marketing services in the local area.
Tony Beltran, President and CEO of Pittsburgh Mercy. A faith-based community health and well-being nonprofit organization serving the most vulnerable people and communities; including those who have mental illness, intellectual disabilities, addictions, and other types of trauma.
Matthew Thiel, is the President of AUMA Actuators. Matt is responsible for AUMA's North American operations, which includes manufacturing, engineering, sales, marketing and service. He first joined the company as Executive Vice President in February 2015, later being appointed President in January 2016.
Andrew Andronas serves as the CEO of Bluestar USA, a locally owned and operated pipeline construction company based out of Southwestern Pennsylvania. He focuses on the overall vision of the company through creating new growth opportunities and revenue generation as well as client relations, marketing, and public relations.
Our next guest is Lisa Scales, President and CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank since 2012. She's lead the organization in distributing food for more than 36 million meals annually through a network of 500 member agencies, programs and community partners in 11 counties of southwestern Pennsylvania.
Welcome to The Leadership Cafe is Vaco's newest podcast, organized by the Pittsburgh office. Hosted by co-authors Dr. Richard Citrin and Michael Couch of 'Strategy-Driven Leadership: The Playbook for Developing Your Next Generation of Leaders.'
This podcast is dedicated to having conversations with CEOs and Founders of local businesses. Discussing what tactics that take as a leader during difficult times and improve their profits.
Our first guest is Colin Lennox, CEO of EcoIslands, LLC. A Pennsylvania company whose mission is to construct and provide Metal Removal Unit technology to deal with a multitude of acid mine drainage and water pollution loads.