Timeout With Leaders: Recent Episodes

Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici

Everyone has a story to share from which we can all learn and grow. We have fun and enlightening conversations to learn and grow from our guest's leadership life lessons and the crooked mile journey it took to get there. #LeadUp

In this episode of Timeout with Leaders, hosts Kevyn and Tyler sit down with Andrew Wilder, the Chief Security Officer at Vetcor. With over 18 years of experience at a global giant like Nestlé, Andrew shares his journey of transitioning from a high-pressure corporate environment to a leadership role that prioritizes family and human connection.

The conversation dives deep into:

Modern Leadership: Why Andrew shifted from being a "technical manager" to an empowering leader who embraces failure and "crazy ideas."
The Human Element in Tech: A candid discussion on the impact of AI, the importance of "presence" in a digital world, and why the next generation should consider both high-tech and skilled trades.
Life Lessons: Andrew shares the powerful impact of the poem "A Father’s Lament" and how it reshaped his relationship with his children.
Cybersecurity & Boards: Practical advice for new CSOs on how to present effectively to boards using the "noses in, fingers out" philosophy.

What if fear isn’t the thing holding you back…
but the signal that you’re exactly where you need to be?

In this episode of Timeout With Leaders, Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici sit down with entrepreneur, creative, and visionary Ray Myers — a man who’s built multiple businesses, stepped into acting, music, and even storm chasing.

But this conversation goes deeper than credentials.

It’s about the internal battle every leader faces.

Ray breaks down the mindset shift that separates those who stay stuck… from those who move forward anyway:

👉 Run toward the danger.

From overcoming self-doubt to leading through uncertainty, this episode unpacks the real work behind confidence — not motivation, not hype, but action.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why fear disappears the moment you take action
How to reprogram your inner dialogue
The truth about entrepreneurship no one talks about
The difference between passion and purpose
How great leaders handle uncertainty and pressure
Why most people fail before they even start

Confidence isn’t something you wait for.
It’s something you build — one action at a time.

Connect and Follow

👉 Subscribe on YouTube for full episodes and clips
Timeout with Leaders Podcast

👉 Connect on LinkedIn for more leadership insights
https://www.linkedin.com/company/timeoutwithleaders/

If this episode gave you value:

Follow the podcast for more real conversations with leaders
Share this episode with someone building their career
Leave a review to help us reach more people

TimeoutWithLeaders #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Mindset #Confidence #OvercomeFear #GrowthMindset #HighPerformance #Podcast #BusinessPodcast #RunTowardTheDanger #SuccessHabits

What does it take to lead with discipline, resilience, and purpose across every season of life?

In this episode of Timeout with Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Phil McKibbin, a leader whose journey spans elite athletics, service aboard a nuclear submarine, and executive leadership in professional sports.

From lessons learned through pressure-filled moments in the military to building a 30-year career in technology leadership, Phil shares what it really takes to grow, lead, and stay grounded.

This conversation goes beyond business.
It is about character, consistency, and becoming the kind of leader others can trust.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why discipline beats motivation every time
How to lead without needing a title
The mindset required to grow into leadership
Lessons from high-pressure environments
How faith and daily intention shape leadership

Why This Matters?

Leadership is not built overnight.
It is built in the unseen moments.

The extra hours.
The hard decisions.
The choice to lead with integrity, even when it is difficult.

If you want to grow as a leader, this episode will challenge how you think and how you show up.

Connect and Follow

👉 Subscribe on YouTube for full episodes and clips
Timeout with Leaders Podcast

👉 Connect on LinkedIn for more leadership insights
https://www.linkedin.com/company/timeoutwithleaders/

If this episode gave you value:

Follow the podcast for more real conversations with leaders
Share this episode with someone building their career
Leave a review to help us reach more people

Leadership #PhilMcKibbin #TimeoutWithLeaders #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #GrowthMindset #HighPerformance #LeadershipDevelopment #Resilience #Discipline #FaithAndLeadership

In this episode of Timeout with Leaders, we sit down with Carlton Dossman, Corporate VP at Microsoft.

Carlton shares a leadership philosophy centered on harmony over balance, emphasizing being mentally present for the moments that matter in both family and business.

From his early sales days at ADP to executive leadership at SAP and Microsoft, he reflects on the shift from individual performance to empathetic, high-impact leadership. He highlights the importance of constant reinvention, learning agility, and staying curious in a rapidly evolving world.

Carlton also discusses leading at scale through trust and accountability, focusing on the what and why while empowering teams to own the how.

Ultimately, he defines success through legacy—creating meaningful impact as a mentor, leader, and role model for his family and the thousands he leads.

Unlock the secrets of mental toughness and spiritual growth with Jim Rose, VP of Operations at Pilot Flying J. This episode serves as a masterclass in resilient leadership, challenging the idea that we are victims of our environment and proving that true power lies in mastering the internal landscape.

Key Insights Include:* Mind Over Circumstance: Why elite leaders focus on controlling their internal response rather than trying to manage uncontrollable external variables. * The Vulnerability Accelerator: How embracing transparency and doing "hard things" fosters deep interdependence and builds unbreakable trust within teams. * The "Crack in the Earth" Analogy: A practical framework for navigating tough conversations and resolving conflict before it scales into a crisis. * The Power of Solitude: Why intentional isolation and mindset shifts are necessary tools for nervous system regulation and personal transformation. * Conquering the Plateau: Strategies for maintaining a growth mindset when progress feels stagnant and using discomfort as a catalyst for dreaming bigger.

Whether you’re a high achiever feeling stuck or a leader looking to fortify your team's culture, Rose’s blueprint emphasizes that resilience is a practiced discipline. Listen now to discover why pushing past your comfort zone is the only way to align your performance with your potential.

Redefine the essence of influence with Aftab Banth, founder of Deep Trail and former security leader at TikTok. This episode dismantles the myth of leadership-as-control, offering a roadmap for transitioning from high-stakes executive pressure to a leadership style rooted in inner peace and radical self-awareness.

Key Insights Include:* Regulated Leadership: How mastering your internal emotional responses transforms leadership from a dictatorial exercise into a source of calm, steady impact. * The Vulnerability Pivot: Lessons from Banth’s transition from the tech C-suite to purpose-driven mentorship, proving that authenticity is a leader's greatest asset. * Micro-Acts of Legacy: Why small, intentional acts of kindness and community support create a ripple effect that far outlasts professional ego or titles. * Tactical Mindfulness: Practical habits for staying grounded—including reflective thinking and presence—that allow you to lead with clarity even in high-chaos environments. * Beyond the Transactional: Shifting your focus from surface-level success to emotional intelligence, ensuring your influence is felt both in the boardroom and your personal life.

Perfect for the leader tired of traditional power plays, Banth’s philosophy serves as a guide for those ready to lead with purpose, empathy, and genuine fulfillment. Listen now to learn why the most important person you will ever lead is yourself.

Step into the dojo and the executive suite with Amir Khawaja, Senior Director at Discover Financial Services and co-founder of Black Belts and Boardrooms. This episode explores how the discipline of martial arts provides a high-performance blueprint for corporate leadership, resilience, and emotional intelligence.

Key Insights Include:

• The Sparring Mindset: How the physical adaptability required on the mat translates into confidence and quick decision-making under corporate pressure.

• Trust Through Mastery: Why delivering your best work is the ultimate foundation for building organizational trust and professional influence.

• The Power of Limitations: Understanding how self-awareness and acknowledging your boundaries can actually become your greatest leadership strengths.

• Tactical Mindfulness: Simple, grounding habits—like daily journaling and overcoming negative self-talk—to maintain clarity amidst organizational chaos.

• The Empathy Edge: Balancing technical competence with humility to lead teams with authenticity and mental agility.

Whether you are a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, Khawaja’s philosophy demonstrates that true mastery is a holistic pursuit of mind, body, and spirit. Tune in to learn how to bridge the gap between physical discipline and professional excellence.

Dive into the career journey of Zach Lewis, CISO and CIO of the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, as he explores the intersection of technical resilience and the "human" element of leadership. This episode serves as a tactical guide for navigating the high-stakes world of cybersecurity while staying grounded in curiosity and connection.

Key Insights Include: The Power of Curiosity: Why inquisitive hiring is the secret to building high-performing, adaptable teams. * Ransomware Reality Checks: Lessons from Lewis’s book, Locked Up*, on surviving a cyber crisis and coming out stronger. * AI’s Educational Shift: Understanding how emerging tech is reshaping the classroom and the future job market. * Combating Burnout: Practical approaches to sustaining a long-term career in a high-pressure industry.

Whether you're looking for leadership strategies in tech or a firsthand account of surviving a ransomware attack, Lewis’s blueprint emphasizes that professional success is built on a foundation of authentic relationships. Listen now to discover why intellectual curiosity is the ultimate asset for the modern C-suite leader.

Explore the career journey of Johnny Austin as he bridges the gap between 90s tech culture and the future of AI and creativity. This episode offers a masterclass in professional development, focusing on the "human" skills that technology can’t replace.

Key Insights Include:* Building Authentic Relationships: Why professional networks are long-term investments. * AI vs. Creativity: Navigating the impact of emerging tech on modern work. * Energy Management: Strategies for sustaining performance in high-demand careers. * Intentional Living: Finding wisdom through experience and mindful attention in a digital age.

Whether you're looking for career advice for the next generation or tips on trusting your instincts, Austin’s blueprint for success emphasizes that mistakes are essential learning opportunities. Listen now to discover why genuine connection is the ultimate tool for leadership and advancement.

Discover the unconventional career path of Sue Newman, Senior Director of Human Resources at ATW. In this episode, we explore how Newman transitioned from law enforcement to HR leadership, applying tactical skills from the police force to the corporate boardroom.

Key Topics Explored:* Transferable Skills: How lessons in communication and building rapport from law enforcement translate to HR. * Leadership Presence: Mastering the "power of presence" to navigate complex gender dynamics and executive leadership. * Mindfulness & Wellbeing: Using mindfulness and scuba diving as tools for maintaining professional balance. * Strategic Intentions: A blueprint for pursuing genuine happiness and setting intentional career goals.

This conversation is a must-listen for those interested in career pivots, unconventional leadership backgrounds, and personal development. Learn why an unconventional resume can be your greatest asset in building a fulfilling career.

Uncover the journey of Richard Hernandez, a technology performance and benchmarking manager at Chevron Phillips. Trace his inspiring path, fueled by a deep commitment to connection, mentorship, and community. Discover powerful insights on the importance of building authentic relationships in a global work culture and the transformative power of storytelling. Learn the essential lessons of leadership gained from a career of learning, evolving, and giving back. Hernandez shares a blueprint for success built on the pillars of curiosity, the value of feedback, and the courage to transform failures into opportunities. This episode is essential listening for anyone ready to embrace lifelong learning, find their leadership voice, and build a career that truly makes a difference.

From farm to future: Gary Dunbar's journey of overcoming adversity and leading a massive team at NG North America. Trace his inspiring path from humble beginnings to a leadership role, fueled by resilience, curiosity, and the power of strategic questions. Gain powerful insights on the importance of personal growth, adapting to change, and building a team culture that thrives. Learn the importance of curiosity, asking the right questions, and transforming challenges into opportunities. Essential listening for anyone ready to embrace resilience, find their inner leader, and create a career that's built to last.

From IT to authentic impact: Tiffany Benitez shares her journey of breaking free from societal norms to build a career on her own terms. Trace her path from a successful IT career to discovering her true self and leaving a lasting legacy. Gain powerful insights on embracing authenticity, balancing passion with responsibility, and navigating the challenges women face in tech. Learn the importance of self-discovery, community support, and empowering the next generation of leaders. Essential listening for anyone ready to find their voice, own their worth, and create a career that's true to them.

Midland grit, tech leadership, and a dash of fun: How did Dusti Wofford become Global Head of Digital Strategy and Technology at CBRE? Trace her path from a strict upbringing to mastering a fast-paced, tech-driven world. Gain sharp insights on building resilient teams, leading with empathy and high expectations, and navigating generational shifts. Learn the power of mentorship, community, and balancing work identity with personal life. Essential listening for leaders cultivating growth, collaboration, and a champion's spirit.

New Orleans resilience, Jiu-Jitsu mindset: How did Renard Henry become a top IT leader? Follow his journey through Katrina's aftermath to Toyota Connected, shaped by mentorship and the mat. Gain sharp insights on inspiring teams, leading with presence, and spotting potential. Learn the power of genuine connection, career reflection, and evolving beyond management. Essential listening for leaders cultivating growth, collaboration, and a champion's spirit.

From the Bronx to tech leader: How did Fern Johnson forge her path? Hear her journey, driven by family work ethic and a passion for tech. Get vital lessons on empathetic leadership, two-way mentorship, and adapting in a changing world. Discover the power of diversity, resilience, and building your personal 'board of directors'. A must-listen for aspiring leaders, especially women in tech, navigating growth and connection.

How does a music lover conquer cybersecurity? JJ Widener shares his unexpected path, fueled by learning and mentorship, to a career protecting what matters. Get real insights on leadership, AI's impact, and the daily grind of well-being and presence. Discover the power of your community and rethink what you see. A must-hear for anyone forging their own way.

Micro-episode: John Crighton emphasizes that strong leadership fosters collaboration and healthy debate, not just consensus. He argues that conflict can lead to the best solutions, and that good leaders encourage diverse perspectives. Learn how to navigate disagreements and move forward with informed decisions.

Micro-episode: Team-Driven Decisions. John Crighton shares insights on empowering teams to make decisions, highlighting the importance of process and information. Discover how to shift from individual responsibility to collaborative outcomes.

Micro-episode: John Crighton shares a two-part insight: first, his simple yet powerful catchphrase, "Keep Up," reflecting a fast-paced leadership mindset. Then, a journey to the Prior Mountain Mustangs, illustrating how community action preserves a wild legacy. Discover how staying ahead and leading with dedication, whether on the highway or in the wilderness, defines impactful leadership.

Micro-episode: John Crighton discusses the importance of timely communication, balancing immediate responses with thoughtful engagement. He emphasizes setting clear expectations and acknowledging requests, even when immediate action isn't possible. Learn how to manage response times effectively and communicate urgency, adapting to evolving expectations in today's fast-paced environment.

Micro-episode: John Crighton discusses navigating a new CTO role, emphasizing understanding team needs and prioritizing change. Learn to build trust through measured adjustments, not "draconian changes." He highlights the importance of clear messaging and iterative processes for lasting impact.

Discover the power of everyday leadership. Drew Dudley shares his insights on public speaking, personal growth, and the journey of writing "This Is Day One." This episode explores the role of emotions in communication, navigating personal challenges including addiction recovery and post-COVID adaptation, and the significance of individual moments of impact. Drew discusses self-awareness, decision-making in uncertainty, and the transformative power of forgiveness. Tune in for insights on embracing uncertainty, fostering empathy, and the ongoing work of self-improvement.

Discover the power of inclusive leadership. North Texas Disability Chamber CEO, Dylan M. Rafaty, shares his vision for 2025, focusing on disability inclusion and community building. This episode explores his personal journey of overcoming challenges, the importance of relationship building, and the concept of '100 buckets' to achieve multifaceted goals. Dylan discusses the need for a world that adapts to everyone, the significance of workplace flexibility, and the power of passion in driving success. Tune in for insights on personal growth and creating a more inclusive future.

Discover the art of leading a legacy business. Fee Brothers CEO, Jon Spaker, shares his unique perspective on leadership, drawing parallels from his experiences in sailing, mixology, and the beverage industry. This episode explores the advantages of private ownership, the importance of prioritizing people, and building a culture of resilience. Jon discusses mentorship, adapting to change, and the joy of fostering employee success. Tune in for valuable leadership insights applicable to any business.

Discover the power of purpose-driven leadership. East House CEO, Lindsay Gozzi-Theobald, shares her inspiring career journey, revealing the lessons learned from unexpected leadership roles and navigating a changing world. This episode explores the evolving landscape of nonprofit leadership, the impact of COVID-19, and the crucial role of adaptability and emotional intelligence. Lindsay discusses strategic planning, team dynamics, and the importance of self-care for leaders committed to making a difference.

Unlock the power of authenticity and resilience in leadership. Craft Canary CEO, Paul Guglielmo, shares his unique path from radio to entrepreneurship, revealing how prioritizing mental health, embracing vulnerability, and staying true to oneself fuels both personal and professional success. This episode explores the challenges of work-life balance, the lessons learned from failures, and the importance of genuine connection for impactful leadership.

Discover the secrets to leading with empathy and resilience. Villa of Hope CEO, Carrie Carl, shares her journey and reveals how prioritizing mental well-being, self-care, and even faith can foster personal growth and effective leadership. This episode explores a holistic approach to well-being and the importance of continuous healing for leaders who want to make a real difference.

In this powerful episode of Timeout with Leaders, hosts Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici sit down with Dr. Atoya Hodges, CEO, Executive Board Member, healer, and therapist. Dr. Atoya shares her unpredictable, unscripted journey of resilience, transformation, and faith. She opens up about how her life’s hardships—like becoming a mother at just 19 and being sentenced to prison—led her to find her true calling as a healer. Dr. Atoya reflects on the importance of faith, self-love, and letting go of control to embrace the lessons life has to offer. Listen in as she discusses how overcoming fear and ego can unlock the freedom to live authentically and purposefully.

Take a TIMEOUT with Kevyn and Tyler, along with their Tanya Cerniuk as she explores how adversity shapes authentic leadership. Tanya shares powerful lessons on resilience, emotional intelligence, and embracing your true self.Discover how slowing down, celebrating milestones, and cultivating adaptability can unlock your potential. Tanya’s insights remind us that life’s challenges often lead to personal and professional growth.

Tune in for inspiration to show up, embrace discomfort, and trust in brighter days ahead!

In this episode of Timeout with Leaders, Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici chat with Lindsay, who shares her journey of personal growth and community service. As a devoted Bills fan and leader at Best Buddies International, Lindsay discusses the importance of teamwork, the influence of her parents on her pursuit of happiness, and the profound impact of her trip to Nicaragua. She challenges listeners to redefine success on their own terms and emphasizes the significance of giving back to the community. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that encourages you to live authentically and embrace the power of service!

Timeout with Leaders hosted by Kevyn Rustici and Tyler White brings you a powerhouse episode featuring Justin Smith! Picture this: it’s a full count, and Justin’s bringing nothing but the heater. In this episode, Justin flips the script on leadership—taking lessons from the pitcher’s mound to the boardroom. From clearing the mechanism to harnessing your energy, he shares how failure fuels success, the importance of listening, and the magic of motivating through hope and connection. Don’t miss it!

This week on Timeout with Leaders, Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici chat with Ajamu Kitwana, SVP of Community Impact at ESL, about mindful leadership, curiosity, and the power of collaboration.

Ajamu shares how embracing mindfulness and slowing down has been key to his success in making sound decisions and connecting the dots in leadership and life. From his academic journey at Stanford and MIT to shaping ESL's community impact, Ajamu reflects on the importance of purpose, legacy, and empowering others.

Tune in to this insightful conversation and learn how curiosity, growth, and shared accountability can transform both organizations and communities.

On this episode of Timeout with Leaders, Rhonda Destino, former president of Rochester Commissary, discusses leadership, embracing unpredictability, and the importance of authenticity, collaboration, and empowering dreamers to thrive in business.

Embracing unpredictability in leadership
The balance between collaboration and self-improvement
Empowering others through understanding and support
The role of authenticity in effective leadership

This week on Timeout with Leaders Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici host Michaela Gascon, President & CEO of KJT, shares her journey to leadership, insights on building a culture of belonging, and the power of action to drive innovation in life sciences. With 17 years of experience at KJT, Michaela has worked in every department, bringing unparalleled insight to her leadership role. We dive deep into how her hands-on experience shaped her unique leadership style and how KJT’s core value of being "Ever Better" fuels its continuous growth. Tune in now!

In this episode of Timeout with Leaders, hosts Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici sit down with Dr. Myra Henry, President and CEO of the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County. Dr. Henry shares her journey from academia to leading a local nonprofit, focusing on the importance of servant leadership, mindfulness, and team empowerment. She discusses how YWCA’s mission is reflected in their work and how she challenges herself and her team to adapt to the evolving needs of the community, while leading with empathy and purpose.

This week on Timeout with Leaders, Tyler, and Kevyn sit down with Lynn Malooly, Executive Director of Water for South Sudan. Lynn shares her journey from Notre Dame to leading an international non-profit based in Rochester, NY. Discover how Water for South Sudan is transforming lives by drilling wells and providing clean water in the world’s youngest country.

Lynn offers insights into South Sudanese culture, the power of intention, and the importance of meeting people where they are. She draws inspiration from figures like Helen Keller and Mother Teresa, emphasizing leadership through human connection. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiring stories about the impact of clean water on communities.

Tune in for a conversation that explores life, leadership, and the incredible work of Water for South Sudan.

Join Kevyn Rustici and Tyler White as they sit down with Maureen Ballatori, CEO and Founder of Agency 29, to explore the power of storytelling in the food, agriculture, and beverage industries. Discover how Maureen gives voice to small farmers, sharing their hardships and passions to highlight their dedication to quality, clean, and sustainable practices. Learn about the importance of authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability in building strong customer relationships and inspiring movements that support meaningful brands but also a lesson to organizations and leaders looking to build cultures and employer brands!

Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici sit down with Tracey Dreisbach, Executive Director of the Rochester Rotary Club, for an insightful conversation. Tracey's story is a testament to the power of following your passion and embracing authenticity. From her early realization that she was meant to help others to her impactful leadership at the Rochester Rotary since 1997, Tracey's journey is one of purpose and dedication.

Growing up around someone living with a disability taught Tracey the importance of accessibility, belonging, and equity, shaping her perspective on life and leadership. With over 355 members in the Rochester Rotary, Tracey views each of them as a boss, emphasizing the significance of leading with authenticity to earn respect and support.

This week on Timeout With Leaders, Amanda DeVito, CMO of Butler/Till, joins hosts Kevyn Rustici and Tyler White. Amanda shared her journey of embracing authenticity and self-love, and how it fuels her energy and joy. Tune in to hear her insights on overcoming societal/ personal expectations while building true connections, resilience, and excitement around the unknown.

Join Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici on Timeout with Leaders as they sit down with Stefano Napolitano, Fire Chief for the City of Rochester, in an episode about advocating for ourselves to "Earn your no" and reducing our own limiting expectation beliefs to not "let perfect get in the way of good". Stefano shares insights from his immigrant upbringing, daily habits, and his core leadership values of fairness, honesty, and consistency. Discover how Stefano's journey through adversity and gratitude shapes his perspective on leadership and life because tomorrow is never promised.

Join Timeout with Leaders, with Kevyn and Tyler as they delve into an inspiring conversation with Sam Leone, President at Conifer Realty. In this episode, Sam shares insights from his rural upbringing in NJ to his leadership philosophy today. Discover how Sam's emphasis on authenticity, trust, compassion, and listening fosters meaningful connections and drives success in business and LIFE. Learn about the power of grit, self-awareness, and embracing failure as essential components of leadership in today's world. Tune in for valuable lessons from Sam on fostering teamwork, navigating adversity, and striving for continuous improvement.

Join Kevyn Rusticii and Tyler White on Timeout with Leaders" as they sit down with Donna Dedee, President and CEO of Holy Childhood and Special Touch Bakery in Rochester, NY. Donna shares her journey from journalism to leadership, emphasizing the importance of growth, empathy, and embracing imperfection. Tune in to discover how she evolved from a "Need to Prove Myself" mentality to a servant leader dedicated to empowering others to increase her impact within the community.

Join Tyler White, Kevyn Rustici, and guest Jennifer Cathy, President and CEO of Delphi Rise, on Timeout with Leaders. They explore life-work integration, emphasizing the journey over the destination as a path to self-discovery. Jen discusses the current mental health crisis and its impact across races, genders, and social classes. No one is immune to this epidemic, but open conversations and vulnerability can help people recognize their need for help. Jen's inspiring stories showcase her commitment to supporting her employees and spreading joy to those in need, encouraging them to take the next step forward.

Welcome to "Our 2 Cents," featuring Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici. Where we champion action, self-discovery, and helping others thrive. We believe in just starting, embracing failure, and fostering a culture of humility and growth. By sparking enthusiasm and curiosity, we inspire positive change and shared success. Let's stop waiting and start doing because true fulfillment comes from both personal growth and making a difference in the lives of others.

Join hosts Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici as they sit down with Randy Thomas to explore the keys to success in talent acquisition and training today. Randy shares valuable insights from his upcoming book, "Intakes to Start Dates," emphasizing simplicity, connection, and meeting individuals where they are in their learning journey. Randy's PB&J leadership podcast is sure to be a hit, as he looks to raise his community up and highlight Jacksonville's great leaders.

Timeout with Leaders sits down with Dr. Celia Mcintosh, Nurse Practitioner, and social justice advocate, to help us all "find our voice." It delves into personal growth, trauma's impact on our lives, and leadership's role in helping others to find their voice. Dr. Mcintosh urges courage, empathy, and authenticity in driving positive change, emphasizing the power of speaking out against injustice. She highlights the importance of self-awareness in effective leadership and human-centric approaches, urging listeners to embrace discomfort and lead with empathy. Through her insights, she inspires individuals to find their passion, advocate for social justice, and create a more equitable world.

Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici sit down with the inspiring Junior Dillion, CEO of Volunteers of America Upstate NY. Leadership gut check, "Would you follow you" and if not "Who would you follow?"

This introspective analysis is a daily practice of Junior's helping him to improve every day in the work and role he is doing. Junior shares his secrets to leadership seeing his role more as the Chief Motivational Officer. Stating that it requires us to inspire, reflect, and lead with our heart.

From listening tours to embracing failure, Junior advocates for selfless leadership, inspiring meaningful team connections, and continuous improvement. Tune in for insights on becoming a leader worth following.

Join this week's episode with Heather Smith, CEO of Velocitii. Heather's leadership during the pandemic embraced remote work, emphasizing trust, collaboration, and resilience. Focusing on communication, trust, transparency, and actionable insights, Heather's approach pioneers a culture of innovation harnessing the power of action, NOW. Discover the keys to a leadership turnaround and how to create a safe space for continuous improvement.

In this week's episode of Timeout with Leaders, we sit down with Rusty Meeks, CEO of the Arkansas Travelers Baseball Club. From his early days as a bat boy to becoming the CEO, Rusty shares insights on leadership learned from the game. He redefines minor league baseball, emphasizing that they don't just host games but create events. Rusty's diverse approach to managing his internal team mirrors the diversity of his fanbase. He emphasizes the power of small gestures, simplifying the common goal to "take pride in what you do." Rebuilding trust was key, and Rusty's infectious "can do" attitude transformed the culture. Leveraging data and trusting his team's ideas, they enhanced both fan experiences and workplace flexibility. Rusty's scouting background taught him the importance of identifying potential, fostering belief, and watching individuals flourish. Tune in for valuable leadership lessons from the diamond to the boardroom!

Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici sit down with Nikisha Ridgeway, the President and CEO of Starbridge, a transformative organization that partners with individuals with disabilities, their families, and their supporters to create opportunities in education, employment, and healthy living. Nikisha is a remarkable leader who embodies the spirit of curiosity, perseverance, and collaboration. She believes that success is inevitable when you approach life with the right attitude and a passion for what you do.

Nikisha Ridgeway's insights on leadership, inclusion, and the power of curiosity are invaluable. She reminds us that when we approach challenges with the mindset that success is inevitable and that everyone has the potential to contribute, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous world

Join us as we sit down with Michael Ognenovski, the current President of Sydor Optics Inc. in Rochester, NY. Mike's story is a testament to the power of personal growth, resilience, and effective leadership.

Mike shares invaluable insights that have shaped his journey as a leader, providing a roadmap for success and personal growth.

Tune in to hear Mike's inspiring journey, gain valuable leadership insights, and learn how to make each day count on your path toward Intrapreneurial leadership.

This week we take a TIMEOUT with Patrick Luckett, the CEO of Best Day Ever. Patrick's unique journey from being a head manager for Syracuse men's basketball under Coach Jim Boeheim to becoming a successful entrepreneur offered profound insights into leadership, consistency, and motivation.

Patrick Luckett's journey is a testament to the power of leadership, consistency, and personal growth. His experiences with Coach Boeheim have left an indelible mark on his approach to motivating and inspiring other individuals. Pat realized early on it is all about the experiences and feelings a person has that will appropriately motivate them to become their best selves.

As leaders, we can learn valuable lessons from Patrick's story, emphasizing the importance of connecting with and nurturing the potential of our team members to achieve greatness through an individualized approach.

Join us on an inspiring journey with Dale Sedgwick as she shares her powerful message: 'Do something today that makes tomorrow better.' As a faith-based leader, Dale focuses on providing hope to those society and the business community may have forgotten about.

In this enlightening podcast, Dale reminds us that the Bible's practical wisdom is rooted in stories that connect us all. She emphasizes the importance of offering resources, training, financial support, and safety nets that empower individuals to reskill and upskill, not just for a job but for a career they're truly passionate about.

Dale encourages us to pause and reflect on our personal journeys, acknowledging our achievements and experiences. While reflection is valuable, she reminds us not to be prisoners of our past but to use it as a textbook to shape our future.

TIMEOUT with Michael Backus, a part-time basketball referee, and President & Chief Executive Officer of Oswego Health, an independent community-based health system. He brings a whole new meaning to leadership in healthcare and a potential blueprint for others to learn from.

"Find the best people to get on the bus with you"

Transparency, vulnerability, and communication are how Mike has spread passion and purpose throughout all levels of the organization. In turn, their patients are saying, "You cared for my loved one as if they were a part of your family."

If you take care of the community, the community will take care of you. Finding ways to engage and challenge his team to find solutions while modeling his workforce off of the community in which they live and work, makes all the difference in the quality of care and positive health outcomes.

This week we take a timeout with Gwen Van Laeken, Executive Director of Leadership Rochester, a personal and professional program dedicated to bringing leaders together to solve our community challenges.

When we are able to present the challenge and effectively communicate with one another we can grow our perspective while achieving positive outcomes when we value each voice along the way.

Gwen shares that asking more questions today is better than attempting the have all the answers in leadership.

Are we providing enough empowerment, encouragement, and enablement to those currently or previously incarcerated to become successful contributing members of our community?

We sit down with Kardell Sims, who shares his journey with us which serves as his motivation to do more for others!

His story, passion, and compassion is a lesson for all of us.

Do you believe that humans and AI can co-exist? Tyler and Kevyn sit down to separate fact from fiction as it relates to AI with Ryan Carrier, Executive Director of ForHumanity.

His non-profit is focused on ensuring the safety and equity of AI, machine learning, and analytics to protect all our human interests. AI has been talked about feverishly since the release of ChatGPT but Ryan shares that this is only the tip of the iceberg.

We hope you are ready for this TIMEOUT with Ann Banks, President of DebtBlue in Richardson, Texas.

Join in as we talk about meeting Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, and Ann's brother out at Wrigley Stadium as we jam out to So Lonely by the Police. Ann Banks shares how being an English teacher, and principal while enjoying life has helped her to become the leader she is today.

Listening is not something many are doing right now, Ann admits that we must own our own ignorance in order to hear and value what others have to share in order to change perspective. It can be as simple as just following through with what you say you are going to do, just follow through.

Make leadership fun again!

Timeout with Leaders takes a TIMEOUT with Michelle Ashby, the inspiring founder, and CEO of Tipping Point Communications. As we learned that we would be sitting with Ghondi, MLK JR, and Michelle's mother at her own funeral, we got a sense of who Michelle was.

Leadership is all about having fun, Michelle says and in her own journey, she has reprioritized her definition of success and failure, a message we all can learn from today.

Life is moving fast and feels like it is speeding up every day. Hit the pause button, get off the hampster wheel, and figure out who you are FIRST, to get back to having fun again in leadership.

We all need to take our foot off the gas from time to time in order to reflect, learn and grow.

We grab our saddles and head out to the old Western Front with Jeff Sinsebox, President of Empowering People's Independence. A few other cowboys have decided to join the trek including FDR, Bob Dylan, and Robin Williams, as Jeff perfects his Clint Eastwood voice.

Jeff is a t-shirt and jeans kind of guy, but he had mentioned his own personal evolution of knowing who he was but realized he was not 100% comfortable being himself in leadership. This "wall" was blocking him from truly connecting with his people which has now become a bit of a superpower for him.

Jeff shared his passion for the work EPI does for the community as he sees work as the great "equalizer" in our community to bring people together.

“Economic Self-reliance is the empowerment of marginalized communities, giving them the power of choice, more choices than they previously had the privilege of making”

4th quarter, down by 2, 3.5 seconds to go… TIMEOUT!!!!! With the President of US Ceiling Corp, Melissa James-Geska

What’s our game plan team? That’s an easy one coach, give the ball to Melissa James-Geska and get out of her way!!!

We had the opportunity to sit down with Melissa and find out what gets her out of bed in the morning and most importantly, what she’s learned from her experiences in life.

She was very open with us about her struggles and how she overcame them and can only imagine how many women’s lives she's helped by simply telling her story. "Truth always and trust in always" is a powerful statement on how she is able to build real connections for real feedback and insights from her team, to continuously improve.

And if yall haven’t heard about Melissa’s birthday parties for herself... you might want to tune in because you’re missing out. We are hoping for an invite to her next birthday!

What a way to wrap up Women in Construction week with Melissa James-Geska, thank you for your time and we MUST do this again next season!!!! You’ll be on the top of our list!!!!

We blew the whistle and from the opening question we knew that Roseann Schmid was different. She was unapologetically herself, not afraid to share her personal side and how that factored into everything she does as a leader.

"Be kind to everyone because you don't know what they are going through"

Roseann Schmid, works as CEO of Fisher Associates, here in Rochester however what is most impressive is that she doesn't use her position for power but to empower her team. The winner of the 2022 Woman of Excellence could have not gone to a better role model and leader in our local community, that realizes life is much bigger than work.

Let us be vulnerable and build meaningful relationships with others because we all could use a listening, understanding ear right now.

A special thank you to all our current military service and veterans. We take a Timeout with Mike Klemmer, CEO, and Founder of Aerial Resupply Coffee, a courageous military veteran focused on the front-line workers who are commonly forgotten or overlooked.

Sometimes we suffer from paralysis from over-analysis in today's informed world, preventing us from taking that leap of faith, betting on ourselves and our passion to begin our self-learning journey. Mike suggested once he feels he has achieved 80% of the achievement mark that he will figure out the last 20% because if he waited for 100% he would never do anything.

"I wanted to do something that would give back to the veteran community" is the intention Mike needed in order to build his successful startup.

His passion to take care of the people behind the scenes comes from his experience in the U.S. Army as he was responsible for beans, bullets, and beds. His biggest lesson is in order to be successful on the battlefield that there are so many others involved in order to get the job done!

Feeding into that narrative that you are always responsible for the person to you right and left, regardless of diversity, title, or role because we all have a role to play.

As we get back into the swing of things after a new addition to the Timeout with Leaders family, Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici sit down with Daniel Bajus, Owner of Limitless Physical Therapy in Rochester, NY.

"I find it ironic that in healthcare our number #1 problem today is burnout." said Dan, continuing to say "We take care of people but we can't take care of people at the same time."

From the opening whistle, Dan took us to school on what lessons he learned coming from a family of seven, growing up on a farm, and embracing his faith to supercharge his leadership intention as well as company culture.

He realized very early on that there is more to the person than just their professional contributions, that they must be holistically healthy in order for them to thrive individually, yielding better patient experiences, and outcomes.

We can only do this if we ourselves are willing to block out the time for self-reflection and gratitude journaling. Because when our bucket is not full how can we expect to fill anyone else's?

This week Kevyn has a one-on-one conversation with Mike Colyer, Chief Executive Officer of Foundry in Rochester.

Foundry has exploded since Mike Colyer started as employee number 1 to now over 170 employees, mind you this was all during a global pandemic. Mike shared that growing up he remembers seeing and missing opportunities during the dot-com era because he was afraid to take a risk.

That all changed when he learned more about blockchain and how it could help to create a better world for all by leveling the playing field, this time he jumped head first.

Finally taking control of his own destiny, chasing his passion, purpose, and vision while helping others to achieve their full potential.

This week we take a TIMEOUT with Shan Foster basketball legend, the all-time leader in both points and three-pointers made at Vanderbilt University, drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2008.

Today Shan Foster is Co-Founder and CEO of Fostering Healthy Solutions committed to taking the lessons he learned on and off the court to inspire others. Focusing on creating safe spaces to have difficult conversations to change the paradigm of how we view our differences.

"When you push past your own discomfort you tap into your true potential" Shan shared what he learned early on going from being the 397th player ranked in the country to the #9 small forward in the country a summer later.

Shan shares that when you meet adversity, the times that make you question if this really is for you, having you think if you just like it or love it, is when you give yourself the ability to learn and grow.

We take a timeout this week with Tom Ulbrich, President & CEO of Goodwill of Western New York.

Did I Live, Did I Love, Did I Matter

This is the billboard that Tom would put up on I-90 for all of us to read, to ensure we are the best leaders we can be at home, at work, and in the community in which we all live and work. Tom shares that his goal as CEO and President has always been to create a business that is not "about" the leader. From his time working with entrepreneurs, and teaching in higher education, and business he has seen how egos can interrupt and impact the overall performance of a company when it is ALL about the leader.

Tom's Top 4:

Look in the mirror
Build a great team that doesn't need you
Predict the future by constantly innovating
Always remember it is about momentum

Timeout with Leaders kicks off Season 3 with a BANG sitting down with Chelsea Conway, CEO at Conway Beam Truck Group in Rochester.

We talk about leadership and racewalking in the Olympic trials. In case you were wondering Chelsea has a 7:14 average mile time but this wasn't her biggest challenge. Chelsea stepped in as CEO of the family-owned business which started in 1951, but she was the daughter of the owner and a woman in a male-dominated industry.

What stood out most was her humility to ask questions and surround herself with great people willing to give her honest feedback. Reminding us as leaders today that we cannot let out fear stand in the way of our progress.

We must understand that what drives others may be different than what motivates you, but is it not WRONG.

“Let me tell you how I got to the Whitehouse”

We had the honor and privilege to sit down with Dale Petroskey. When you’ve been President Ronald Regan’s Press Secretary, The President of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Vice President of National Geographic, and now the CEO of the #1 Chamber of Commerce in the country, how do you stay hungry?

Well, Dale has the answers and experiences to share on this episode of “Timeout with Leaders.”

Dale is currently the President and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber, one of the largest and most established business organizations in the state of Texas, representing 800 unique member companies and now the #1 Chamber in the country.

The DRC works to strengthen the business community by attracting companies and talented workers from around the world, improving education, advocating for pro-growth public policies, and enhancing the quality of life for all in the Dallas Region.

When Dale talks, you listen was the mantra of this episode. Dale dropped some valuable knowledge and we are so grateful for the hour we got to spend with him.

Have you ever realized that YOU, yourself are the common denominator? We take a TIMEOUT with Brittany Simmons Willis 9-5preneur and a franchise business owner when she is off the clock with the day job.

More and more professionals are realizing that they have more time and value they can give in return for a "side" hustle. Starting your own business can seem "crazy" to some because they would never take the risk themselves. However, it is NOT crazy when you have a little faith and you have done your homework. It is always a "little less crazy when you do your research"

With every opportunity you are present, did you leave that conversation, relationship, or environment better than when you found it?

Boxing, Life, and Leadership what do they all have to do with one another?

Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici take a TIMEOUT with Mayhem, aka Jeff Pier, Executive Director at the Child Care Council in Rochester, NY! There aren't many leaders like Jeff but then again not many people have a theme song written for them either. "Bring out the Mayhem"

He shares his stories of sparing with Oscar De La Hoya and other boxing legends with a few pairs of Golden Gloves himself. The lessons he learned in the ring have taught him how to become a truly electric Executive Director, no matter what challenge he is faced with.

Jeff shares that preparation is key in order to be ready for both the wins and the losses. If you make the training harder than the fight, you will be prepared for just about anything.

We sit down with Pat Smith, CEO of Serve Denton located in Denton, Texas down is Tyler's country, everything is said to be bigger in Texas!

His favorite meal and musician is George Strait, and he has a big heart for his community and our country. He is a veteran and now has turned his mission into serving the Denton, Texas community.

Desperation is a powerful force, if you aren't failing then you are not trying. FAIL stands for the first attempt at learning. He empowers his employees, by embracing the Toyota Way where failure is celebrated. If you fail in Pat's mind the process is broken not the person. It is if the company has set that individual up for success or failure with the given policies, procedures, and processes.

Pat shares that we in leadership today need to give our employees space. Trust them, that they can and will fail but as long as we learn and continue to improve we are always getting better.

We take a TIMEOUT with Wade Norwood, Chief Executive Officer for Common Ground Health, one of the nation's oldest and most effective regional health planning organizations located in Rochester, NY!

Wade shared that leaders today need to find more joy and peace in their lives today in order to lead effectively. Practicing gratitude often helps to keep things in perspective for him. Wade's focus on building real meaningful connections with his team is special, noting that he is preparing to "give this community to our children."

It isn't about the title for this CEO, he understands there is no "easy button" to leadership today but his honest understanding and constant reflection helps him to focus on what matters most.

Join Tyler and Kevyn as we sit down with Anthony Ditucci, President and COO at Livingston Associates. Tony is a father of 5 but takes the lessons he has learned at home and brings them into his leadership style and practices.

Tony has learned early on that it is all about the people, the relationships that you are able to build with those individuals and how you drive #teamthink in order to uncover the BEST IDEA. It is not about who is right and who is wrong, or we have always done it that way with Tony, which is a lesson most leaders need to learn today.

It is ok to celebrate the wins but also the losses as a team to create that continuous learning environment and sharing of intellectual capital across the entire business.

We sit down with Mohammed Ahamed, CEO and Chief Diversity Officer at EDI Executive Search to discuss leadership today and how it has changed over time. Sometimes we must wear the cap if it fits in leadership in order to learn or unlearn to make positive progress in our learning journey.

Mo starts and ends each day in reflection focusing on gratitude to see the sun rise and set that day, knowing he has been given the opportunity to make a difference by being ALIVE! It is that intentionality, to make the most out of today, that energizes Mo in the work he does.

We could all be a little more grateful and thankful today to realize what we do have and not focus all our energy on what we do not.

"Don't count the days make the days count" - Muhammed Ali

This week Tyler and Kevyn sit down with Kim Brumber, past CEO of East House, Volunteers of America Upstate NY, and NeighborWorks Community Partners.

Kim shared her journey from being a girl from rural America and how she became a prominent leader in our community. She mentioned that it can take a while to find your voice and that being broken is totally OK! We have the chance to build it back or build it better than before.

Kim 2.0 is a force to be reckoned with as she continues to "earn her followership" in both the professional world but also her personal life! She mentions how these key people helped her and continued to show up during certain phases of her life. Reminding us that we are "human if we are HONEST about it."

We sit down this week with John Sheehan, President/CEO of Rochester RHIO, which focuses on providing better care through better information.

John shared his passions for Food and Music and a little Florida State trash talk with the 93' National Championship. He was open in sharing more about his work in mental health and how he has seen this stigma change for the better, sadly it was always viewed as lesser than some of the other health needs in our communities. Let us be courageous and talk about these real challenges as it relates to addiction, mental health, trauma, and available treatment.

In leadership, John brings a top-down mentality to create a safe place for his employees to thrive. He has found the Platinum Rule is his secret recipe to success in leadership, "Understand how they want to be treated first, not how you think they would want to be treated."

Join Tyler and Kevyn as they sit down with Tom O'Connor, President of Al Sigl which focuses on providing affordable commercial real estate for human services non-profits in Rochester.

From for-profit to non-profit Tom was able to find more work-life balance as well as more fulfilling work knowing he was making a difference in the community. As a leader Tom is all about ACTION, yes we will make mistakes but let's ask questions, work together and come up with the BEST solutions with all the institutional knowledge of the team.

Tom shared "I don't have to win but I hate to lose" and that he is constantly curious which allows him to be comfortable with change and build the trust necessary with his team to get through prevailing winds.

When we are constantly curious we will always seek to find new and better ways of doing things while evolving as a leader, "nowhere near the best me yet!"

The mythical legend, Bob Duffy joins Timeout with Leaders, to discuss his time in policing, politics, and today serving as CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.

When he is running in one of his marathons you might catch him listening to a little rock-n-roll, R&B or even a little soul. Bob loves basketball and continues to see the parallels between coaching and leadership today.

Bob's life journey helped teach him critical life lessons that helps him to see all individuals as they are equally important. This allows Bob to really connect with ALL individuals on his team while treating them all equally important. "If you respect them you will listen to them" it is about elevating everyone's quality of life.

TIMEOUT with Job Creator John Love, President and Owner of Bob Johnson which is made up of 23 dealerships with over 1,400 employees today, or as John puts it 1,400 home payments, 1,400 car payments and 1,400 families.

John Love would be the first to tell you his life has certainly been a journey one that most would never write a book about, but John did titled "You Failed Me." He learned through the pain you can find purpose, his being the creation of jobs while lifting others up but despite all his success he stays grounded. As he puts it "I survived my success" not falling out of touch with the reality of the real world most people have to live with daily.

John shared he learns most about his company, their culture, and what they could be doing better by talking directly to the front line staff himself, albeit making managers uncomfortable. He is so in touch with his team that he topped off his employee's gas tanks to reduce their financial stress.

Leaning from loss John shared that LIFE IS SHORT, so make the most of TODAY, because today is a gift. Ask yourself what you ARE going to do with it.

"Control what you can control but what you can't pray hard."

TIMEOUT!!!!! Back after a short little break, Tyler and Kevyn sit down with the President and CEO of ESL Federal Credit Union, Faheem Masood.

An established community partner since the days of George Eastman, ESL continues to support Rochester but as we know it all starts at the top. Faheem Masood is an immigrant who has worked his way up to become or as he put it "participate" as President and CEO.

Having that personal experience of living in a 3rd world country, helped him to become more aware of ALL the things that might be happening in an individual's life, helping him to know where to focus to create a deeper connection.

One thing was clear Faheem understands the great responsibility you have as a leader, and instead of seeking success and glory for himself, he brings his team with him. Communication, feedback, and enabling others is really only possible if we listen. He shared that "as titles get bigger it gets harder" as others tend to shy away from openly sharing their opinion. But he said if you ask, you must ACT.

Take a TIMEOUT with Bob Bailey, the Chief Everyone Office (CEO) and Founder of the Truth Collective and throw on a little Rock n Roll.

How do you become the best version of yourself as a person but also as a business AFTER the global pandemic?

Focus on people and team preservation, giving free ideas and free advice to help as many people as you can while keeping the band together. In a world where change is happening faster than before, Bob has found 30-day business plans to be effective. He mentioned that we need to get more granular with our goals in business and leadership to make success more obtainable.

Bob's advice is to flip the hierarchy pyramid on its head, become the Chief Listening Officer, get 100% comfortable with who you are so you can be vulnerable with your people and be OK with telling the truth!

What do Doug Flutie, Yankee heroes, the breakup of The Beatles, and 4 Careers add up to? ...Mark McDermott

Mark is CEO of Touching Hearts at Home and Together in Caring, both out of Rochester. He loves the Yankees and fly fishing, but also knows he is waking up every day and making a BIG difference in the community by providing quality care for older adults.

As he left the law field, he recalled, "I wasn't finding meaning in the work, I was searching for meaning." This forced Mark to go from having a comfortable paycheck to no paycheck when he started a companion care agency. He didn't know at the time if they would be successful but realized the reward was actually helping older adults.

As for leadership advice, Mark says the workplace is all about relationships but possibly the most important ingredient to a great culture is meeting individuals' intellectual and emotional needs regularly. That is why "You have to let them see the human side of you" to build real meaningful relationships with your people.

What do you get when you mix ethics with leadership, compassion, and a passion to help others? ...La'Ron Singletary

We sit down with La'Ron Singletary, the former Chief of Police of the Rochester Police Department who is looking to grow his impact on our community by running for U.S. Congress. It isn't often that Tyler and Kevyn get to sit down with a superhero but that is exactly who La'Ron Singletary is.

In the face of adversity, it is "best to believe in something otherwise we will fall for anything," which La'Ron shared was a lesson taught to him by his grandmother, one we all can learn something from.

We meet with Admiral James T. Kirk, aka "Captain Kirk" aka Michelle Casey, President and CEO at Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York.

Tyler and Kevyn knew from the start with Michelle's calm, confident demeanor that we were going to get some schooling on leadership and what it takes today. Michelle shares some of her personal experiences of being a leader but also how her previous jobs helped shape her to be more in tune and in touch with her people.

Michelle's egoless mentality helps her to eliminate hierarchy based on the title alone to really understand and connect with each individual within her organization to build meaningful trustworthy relationships.

You know when someone has that energy when you talk to them that you can't seem to put your finger on to describe, and you simply just FEEL it?

Buckle up for this interview with Ann Marie Cook, President & CEO of Lifespan of Great Rochester, who is fighting to protect, support, advocate for older adults, not only in Rochester, but beyond.

Ann Marie shared that you have to connect with individuals, but do so on an emotional level, which is why she LOVES teaching with stories, sharing a few in the interview that got Tyler and Kevyn fired up!

She shared that one of the best pieces of advice that she has received is that you are going to make a million mistakes, but how quickly you learn from these mistakes is the difference between a good leader and a great one.

Today's world is full of change, which is something Ann Marie is very comfortable with. She said "don't take yourself too seriously" and "let go" more often, but reminded us that every plan "doesn't have to be perfect because it is a start."

"I look up to my people" Take a Timeout with Willis, William, Bill Boulter the 5th generation CEO of Boulter Industrial Contractors, a 130-year-old company here in Rochester.

When you think of a family-owned and operated business what do you think of first? Well, we stopped to ask the question of Willis to understand what was the family recipe when it came to leadership, which was always engaging with our people on an individual level.

William's short game is killer but his calm, cool and collected leadership approach allows his staff to approach him with challenges and questions due to the level of trust. He uses the "Stop - Think - Ask" method to build trust and accountability with his people on a daily basis to always improve.

Get away from the "This is how we use to do it" mindset and always be reinvesting in the business and the people for long-term sustainable growth!

Are children more emotionally intelligent than most CEOs today?

We sit down with Dr. Kymberly Cruz, Chief Educational Officer at Renaissance Academy Charter School in Rochester New York. She shared that she feeds off the kid's energy and innocence because they believe in her, trust her, and will let her make mistakes. Maybe we all need to channel our inner child self when it comes to leadership today before it wasn't cool to be smart, kind, and when we didn't give in to peer pressure.

Dr. Kymberly talks about how her school teaches THROUGH the arts, as she has worked her entire career in education she sees how important their education is to prepare our young people for a future of success while improving the community one class at a time. They focus on giving them the 21st-century skills like empathy and creativity to be successful in the new world of work.

We need to pay teachers the salary they deserve as they prepare the future generation we ALL will rely on. Stop waiting for an endorsement and build confidence in the journey of life.

One word "Transparent" which would describe this interview with Kevin Schulte, CEO for Greenspark Energy focus on bringing economical and sustainable ways to push us away from the use of fossil fuels.

The one thing that you will hear is that Kevin Schulte never wanted to be a different person at home, at the office and even out with friends, because that is acting. He has found it to be most effective in leadership to be the SAME person who is open, honest and transparent.

Kevin is an employee-first leader who understands the importance of his people while also understanding there is no purpose without profits. Requiring him and his team to make some tough decisions in 2018, (Greensparks D-Day) which oddly had them properly prepared to take on the COVID pandemic through transparency, grit, grace and some great communication across all teams.

Let's work to build those social, individualized relationships with our people, get personal and build the social fabric that will ready your team for the next adversity they will face.

We got to sit down with Jim Malvaso, VP of Human Resources at Constellation Brands to talk Michigan State hoops, Dave Mathews Band World Tour, and about leadership in HR. From the opening song "Can you feel the love tonight" by Tyler White, we knew Jim was different. We talked about the importance of his experience in Selma and how he is on his own learning journey as we reflected on MLK. Jim is a leader who is helping to understand how he can help improve the lives of employees while still building the trust and respect of other business leaders within Constellation Brands. After listening you will know why Constellation Brands is always leading and never following!

Join us to listen to episode 6 with Ken Glazer, CEO of Buckingham Properties, a growing real estate and property management company in Rochester. Ken recently was awarded the WNY Power 100, for his work in and around the Rochester community.

Ken shares with us his life journey in being put into a leadership role before he was even able to prepare himself for the challenge. Due to a tragic accident, losing both his mother and father he had to work on himself first and heal before he could lead a company.

Ken shared the steps we can start making to understand more about who we are and what do we like to do for fun... all so we can become better leaders in our own lives eventually being able to lead others.

Through Ken's own experiences and life lessons he has learned that by "doing less as a leader, more work gets done." He goes on to explain that the team had to learn how to make decisions again and he learned trusting his people to get the work done was the best way to make them feel empowered.

Kicking off 2022 in style, Patrick Tobin, CEO and President of Han-Tek, joins Timeout with Leaders to talk Terps basketball and leading a family-owned company, picking up right where his father left off! Patrick might be the calmest, coolest and collected leader we have ever met.

Patrick started by telling us that he never wants to be the smartest person in the room, he wants to surround himself with smarter people to bring forth the constant innovation required in their industry. He creates opportunities for his team to ask questions, share insights and speak openly to help build trust, resilience, and a sense of TEAM. This has helped his team to fight through adversity, solve problems and more importantly listen to one another.

Don't ask Patrick about Steve Blake but if you want to learn about what it means to be a leader today, ask Patrick. Keep your commitments to your people and put them in the best position to succeed, for starters. His message to leaders is to hire attitude and aptitude over a resume!

Episode 4 of Season 2: Amy Gould, Chief People Officer at Regional Transit Service, joins as our first HR leader to be on Timeout with Leaders. Amy has a passion for people and building relationships to improve the daily lives of employees, creating a uniting purpose to bring over 1,000 employees together to serve the community daily.

Top 3 Gould Family Christmas Movies

-Christmas Vacation

-A Christmas Story

-Elf

Amy spoke about the competitive labor market and believes companies need to hire for character and train for skills. While increasing communication across all teams to get the full story on what is really going on internally. She has found more communication limits surprises for the business, so they can take a more proactive approach.

Amy reminds us that the customer experience should match the employee experience as they are interacting daily with one another, a direct representation of the company, so they better be happy!

"It is so important to know your employees today" - Amy Gould

Ken Johnson CEO of Leonard's Express a multi-generational family-owned and operated business, recent winner of Rochester Top 100 places to work joins us for episode 3 "Opportunity to Create Change"

When we think about leadership today, Ken shared that he has found you must be "fair" and "firm" but you must have built the right relationship establishing trust to hold the team accountable. Ken shares that running a family business is never easy from arm wrestling competitions with his brothers but also how to they have had to learn how to utilize each of their strengths.

What was most fascinating is their dedication to their people, the industry, and looking to make a change, even if it "ain't broke". Ken's commitment to the community, "we have a responsibility to give back, we need to be a part of the community in which we live and work"

You "got to listen" in leadership today.

Season 2 is off to a HOT start with guest Jaime Saunders, President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. Her energy sucked us right in for an incredible conversation about what it takes to be a leader today.

She spoke about the "Great Resignation" as the "Great Re-Think" for most leaders and businesses.

Jaime's positive mindset, thinking about how she can "leave the world a better place" as a leader in our community here in Rochester. She reminds leaders that they are the followers, the champions, and the cheerleaders to effectively build trust across their teams uniting them with a common purpose. She mentioned that this can all be found in the children's books of old teaching the same lessons leaders need today.

We can be more effective leaders if we "touch the heart before you teach the mind!"

What a way to kick off Season 2 of “Timeout with Leaders” with Kenneth Rhee, Dean of the School of Business and Leadership at Nazareth College in Rochester.

Well, his favorite movie is “Chariots of Fire”, he knows when it’s the best time to go to the grocery store in Green Bay and he’s a huge Apple fan.

What we also learned about Kenneth is he’s an amazing and progressive leader that puts a primary focus on leading by example. He said today we should change our focus to the inputs and process rather than just the desired output result.

He shared leaders of today need to be "self disruptive" in order to get comfortable with the changes necessary in today's business environment. Today leaders new to be honest, transparent and most importantly authentic to earn the trust of their people. Our people should feel safe to say what you NEED to hear not just what you want to hear.

Kenneth pumped us full of wisdom and experiences and educated us on how to start with ourselves if we want to change the universe.

Episode 27 - Business Owners and Coaches, get your pen and pad out because we are taking a "Timeout" with Coach Kevin Clifford, Head Coach for Roberts Wesleyan Women's Basketball Team and he's what we like to call.... "ahead of the game."

Coach Clifford's knowledge, wisdom, and experience with processes recruiting, and finding our way are unmatched. Coach Clifford's approach to recruiting in the sports world can absolutely be used as an instrumental tool in today's business world. Coach is much more than a basketball coach, he increased his team's GPA from a 1.6 GPA to a 3.5GPA in just one year!!! We loved it when he said, "team, we're going to the library for practice today!" Coach puts a tremendous value on building relationships in this episode that you all will find extremely valuable. His character shines as bright as the sun in our conversation and was a BLAST!!!!

What can stop Joe Rulison, the founder and CEO of three + one...... the answer is NOTHING, not even going blind while starting a business!!! We had a ball listening to Joe's journey to success. Joe didn't say the word "I" the entire episode when talking about accomplishments. We wondered how Joe built an unstoppable force at three+one and the quote that stood out to us was, "the hardest part about three+one is getting into three+one."

We learned everything from Joe's favorite superhero to how his puppy became famous overnight... "Eddie The River Golden Doodle."

Have an awesome Friday y'all and enjoy Joe's ahead of the pack leadership skills we get to talk about!

"If you haven't gotten your picture taken by Brother Ernie then you ain't Hip-Hop" At first, we were blown away by Ernie's portfolio of pictures & relationships he had of Tupac, Biggie, Chuck D, Mike Tyson, P. Diddy, Nas, Snoop Dog, Ice Cube, LL Cool J, Wu-Tang Clan and so many more... the list does not end. Ernie's energy and wisdom immediately steered our conversation to only about Ernie as we had a LOT to learn... we were no longer curious about the icons he took photos of and we focused on how iconic Ernie was. His view on the universe and focus on energy was more than insightful, we couldn't stop asking Ernie questions on life!!! Ernie said "Energy cannot be either created or destroyed" and this made us more aware that no matter what we are doing we are putting off positive or negative energy. We must put in more than we take out in the universe, when we can learn to laugh it helps us to put FEAR into perspective. Stop focusing on the result and focus on the DOING.

Episode 24: Anne Wilder CEO of Coordinated Care Services Inc. joins Tyler & Kevyn

Right from the opening whistle Anne spoke from the heart and painted a real mural of what it is like to work for a compassionate and collaborative leader. Anne shares that her first mission was to create a type of environment where people LOVED to work. She shares her keys to creating a sound people infrastructure, that will enable you will be more in tune with the constant evolution of culture.

When we feel safe to share our perspectives, collaboratively we can help each other problem-solve more effectively. Don't be afraid to ask for help in leadership, it shows you are human and together the company will grow stronger.

We take a TIMEOUT with our first international guest on "Timeout with Leaders" the one and ONLY Miisa Mink, Founder & Chief Do-er at Driven Women! Miisa is a woman who is changing the world by empowering other women to lead the best lives they can and to build up the courage to overcome their fear standing in the way of the "dream that they would never tell anyone." Sometimes taking that first step is the hardest, but becomes a little less scary when we know the "ground is always there to catch you." Life is a journey we grow and become more aware of as time goes on, how we are able to view and learn from defeat, failure, and challenges is key to unlocking our true potential. Don't just be a thinker, be a DO-ER, to stand up for what you believe and value! Corporations are evolving and could be well suited to tap into the "female values" to lead them out of the crisis created when the scales are tipped too heavily in one direction.

This week's guest on Timeout with Leaders, Mike Faulkner, CEO and President of WECO Manufacturing, lets us in on his secrets to unlocking a business's true potential, by focusing on a "Double Bottom Line."

After meeting Mike, we knew within 30 seconds we had a very special guest on the show and got down to the nitty-gritty FAST with this talented leader in our community. Mike's a gentleman that simply has the "IT" factor we all hear and talk about. Mike nails down "staying in an aware state of leadership and not one based on EGO, meeting people where they are, and practices having an open mind and FEARS NOTHING! The most profound item we heard from Mike was about outcomes, "outcomes are just a gauge to tell us if we are doing the right things.... so focus on the inputs, not the outputs." If yall give this a listen you will find the key to success is a $19.95 "one-pager" with 4 key points that Mike has lived by and has proven by outshining his competition.

"If I can help just 1 person for the day, I've done my job." - Brian Cuban Since it's Recovery month we reached out to Brian Cuban and he graciously spent an hour with Kevyn & Tyler on Labor Day morning sharing his experience, strength and hope around his road to recovery. We are all recovering from something. Our muscles recover from workouts, our egos recover from humility, and in Brian's case, recovered from alcoholism, eating disorders, and cocaine addiction. 2-trips to the psych hospital. Jail. Law practice gone. 3 failed marriages. Brian, shares that is it ok to "recover out loud" and we all need to "break the stigma" to create more understanding around addiction and mental wellness.

Brian is a leader just by sharing his story hoping to have that impact on just one person's life every day.

Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici take a TIMEOUT with Peter Wallin owner of Wallin Insurance who learned to skip the suit and tie early in his career, and just be himself was the best way to lead others. Peter discusses our fight for legitimacy early in life and how we start to turn our attention to our legacy over time. He also shares a story about a "cupcake shop" that many business owners can relate to and learn from. Eager to find some "thought partners" who are there as a sounding board to share ideas and resolve challenges.

If we never think of failing, failure is never an option. Peter reminds us all it's ok to be "humble and hungry!"

Tyrone Muse, President/CEO of Visions FCU joins Timeout with Leaders to talk how he crossed over Jaime Foxx, learned from Jay Williams and why he loves cheering his team on from the bench. He learned from sports, what it is like to be on a team, he discusses how everyone has something to teach us and how it is more fun to watch others succeed than just himself. You will not want to miss this episode, as Ty had left Tyler and Kevyn speechless at times! Remember to always "be yourself first" when leading others.

We were joined by Anne Constantino, CEO of Horizons Corporations, fighting on the fronts lines of another pandemic, mental health and addiction. Anne shares that this is becoming a crisis as rates reach all-time highs. Leading from a place of love has helped Anne over the last 28 years as CEO, and she knows when she needs to advocate for change to get the necessary resources to deliver for her employees and the 14,000 individuals they serve.

THE SWEN NATER, 2 Time NCAA National Champion and NBA All-Star joins Timeout with Leaders! Swen shares a bit about his childhood and how his time on the court with Coach John Wooden, the "Wizard of Westwood" playing behind Bill Walton had a profound impact on his life. Swen defined success as "success is the peace of mind which is a direct result of the self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best in which you are capable." We all have ego's but most let their ego get in the way, therefore we must teach by doing and pushing others to "see how good you can get." In Swen's words, "You have taught until you have learned" and you "only learn by doing!"

Bob Whipple, the Wizard of Trust joins Tyler and Kevyn to discuss the importance of trust today and the negative impacts that no trust will have on the business performance. He brings a few toys on the show but the "I am Right" button was spot on! When we are in the absence of fear we are able to grow personally but also professionally by developing trust amongst the team.

Bob reminds us to praise others and tell them "good job" is free, being consistent and treating people the right way are some steps to get back on track when trust has been lost.

This is a timely message to the leaders of today need to hear to get back to winning!

Dr. Roderick Jones, CEO of Goddard Riverside Community Center in Brooklyn, New York joins Timeout with Leaders this week. He gave us a few pages from his book "Things My Mother Said" while sharing his life journey with us. Roderick is a steward of change, by breaking down assumptions and pulling everyone up with his "net." By teaching civility and providing opportunities we all can live out our own definition of the "American Dream."

All the way from Vail Colorado, Gregg and Bob Vanourek, father and son, experts in all things LEADERSHIP join the show.

They share some father-son moments with us but also what they learned from interviewing some of the top leaders across the world. The key is to find balance in our life between family, work, learning, and friends to get in alignment. When you are able to find who YOU are, only then can you begin your journey to find your purpose in LIFE unlocking your full potential.

Timeout with Leaders did something a bit differently this week with Kevyn still home with his new baby we invited Amanda Falzone to assume the role of Kevyn while her friend Karyn Tellez sat in the hot seat!

Karyn is co-owner of TES Staffing here in Rochester NY she shares her tips on recruiting and life.

The offseason is here with the birth of Kevyn's son Angelo and Tyler backpacking from Texas to Rochester on a 25 hour car ride listening to some FUNK music. We talk football, what we learned from last guests and everything that happened in our lives in the offseason. We pick back up next week we new guests!

Don't rely on past success, keep moving forward and speak from the chest!

For episode 11 we play a little 2 v 2 on Timeout with Leaders. We got to talk with Kim Allen, CEO and Jessica Savage, President of Dixon Schwabl Advertising! They are most commonly confused for "Thelma and Louise" , this dynamic duo not only finishes each other's sentences but they also lead one of the most well known companies in Rochester. They discuss how they clear the path for their people to succeed, "we will lead you through the fire to make sure it is safe," but it is so much more than work sometimes you just gotta turn up some 80's hits or grab the microphone to have fun. Holding each other accountable by leading their company’s core purpose to "provoke progress.”

We cannot believe we are already on episode ten, this is one interview you will not want to miss with Bob Russell, CEO of Rochester Hearing and Speech Center. Bringing us back to the days of flow, in his professional hockey career to how he is now hip checking stereotypes and barriers into the boards. Bob focuses on “not getting stuck in his ways” by always “closing his mouth and opening his ears” a valuable lesson his mother taught him growing up. Son of a plumber but applies this “do whatever it takes” attitude that best serves his team while lifting up the community, to bring EVERYONE together. We cannot be afraid to try something and fail, then never try anything new at all.

LEAD UP not down!

Heidi Gregory joins us for Timeout with Leaders, Managing Partner at Harris Beach PLLC where she supports over 230 employees, the FIRST female managing partner in the company's 165 years. Heidi shares that "It is ok to not be ok, you have to be honest with yourself and be willing to move through it." When discussing her involvement in the community, she said "Do good be good" and in business Heidi mention she is always "lifting others as she climbed" the ranks in business to ensure everyone can find their way. Her keys to success is to "step out of your day to day environment, pick your head up and focus on where you WANT to be."

Take a TIMEOUT with Jennifer Lake, President and CEO of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, ABVI. Sharing how she came from Hollywood, making "TV and movie magic" to leading one of the largest non-profits in the community. Reminding us that WE are in control of our own lives and WE are enough, sometimes our subconscious is limiting our true potential. The affirmation to take control of our lives is "You are enough", helping us to get out of our own way.

Episode seven we take a timeout with Dr. Seanelle Hawkins, Executive Director of the Urban League of Rochester. Some may know her as "Queen Supreme" but we know her as Dr. Seanelle, whose mission is to improve the lives of everyone in our community. She shares her story with us and tells us to "always be your authentic self" and "where we are today is only temporary." Having a team of friends, mentors and employees is how she is able to get the work done necessary to help the Rochester community.

Ty Hookway owner of CleanCraft chooses to always "see the good in people." Since starting his company in 1995 Ty has learned that servant leadership is critical to his success. Evaluating individuals by their future and not by their past, he gives those who need a second chance most a "hand up".

EPISODE FIVE we sit down with the Mark Donohue ower of LifeGuides, training Buddhist, focused on more conscious capital practices to "use business as a force for good." Mark has the vision to touch a BILLION people's lives over the next 15 years. Sometimes it is best to just "slow down" to take time to think and meet people where they are is key to building a great culture... "we must walk the talk."

"We ARE! Penn State!" for episode four we sit down with Diane McClure, often referred to as the "Queen of Chambers" who shares her story, always looking for ways to use her gifts to help others. Reminding us that the energy we put out in the world is the energy we get back. Letting us know our greatest strength is finding ourselves and who we are as an individual.

Episode three was an absolute hoot with Lori Florack, 40 under 40 RBJ winner! She shares her journey with us on how she went from pizza girl to now president. Encouraging us we need to "ride the waves of change" with both grit and grace.

For the second episode of Timeout With Leaders, we host Justin Collins a police officer who is looking to bring change to policing through his company Police Career Exam Prep. Tune in to hear how Justin is tackling the issues today in our community through empathy, community service, and transparency. "Only takes one person to drive the necessary change"

For the first episode of Timeout With Leaders, we host the Rochester icon Bill Pollock, tune in to hear how he is able to turn farm waste into jet fuel. Quote of the day "Failure is never final"