Targeting Leadership: Recent Episodes

Mary Trombitas

Tune in and listen or contribute as we discuss what leaders do and why they do it. We are sparking a conversation about how to develop strong working relationships between leaders and their team members. We will explore what it takes to build trust and loyalty within the business culture. We will share opinions on how to create meaningful work for all people, and methods for inspiring them to really get engaged.

Melissa Robinson, Regional Director for Florida at Armada Risk Partners and Sean Williams, Architect and Designer for Cooper Carry represent Generation X in our series “Meet the Generations.” The depth of their seriousness focused, and dedication to success comes across in this discussion. They describe good leaders as those who treat people equally and are predictable. Their view is that leaders should be technically competent, yet also realize that having a good “leadership lens” is necessary for success.

Ted and Freida Radtka, Owners of Imperial Communities, Inc., Warren, OH After 61 years of success in business, Ted and Fredia share some great tips on operating a successful business. Ted believes people make their own luck and should try hard to accept the “downs” as much as the “ups.” In fact, Ted embraces his father’s insight who shared “If you don’t have downs, you won’t enjoy your ups.” With that, Ted faced many challenges, from struggling with the right style of mobile home that was needed in his market, to working such long hours that he thought “a bed was for sick people.” Ted’s advice to new business owners/entrepreneurs is to do your research, choose an industry you enjoy, work hard, be honest, and trust God.

Jay and Doris, Owners of Hays Enterprises, Lordstown, OH Jay and Doris started their business 40+ years ago. They attribute much of their long-term success to the relationship they have with employees. After working for a Fortune 500 company for several years, Jay wanted to create a culture which was different from the feel of a larger company.

Specifically, he felt strongly that his employees be treated by “name” rather than by “number.” Jay and Doris are natural leaders who genuinely trust and appreciate their people. They care about what their employees think, and often solicit their input and ideas as it relates to company operations, and providing referrals for new employees. In keeping with their overall inclusive leadership style, Doris and Jay also share 25% of the company profits with their employees.

They share the philosophy that treating employees as they would investors is a win-win partnership. Employees care as much about the company as do the owners – proactively managing costs, seeking new business opportunities, and showing a genuine appreciation for customers.

JP LaCasse, Chief Operating Officer for Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. shares his 40+ years of experience as a leader. JP spent 35 years of his career in private industry and is now enjoying a career in a not-for-profit business. He offers his point of view on the “not everyone will move up.” There are fewer leadership roles in business, so it’s competitive. Aspiring leaders should be ambitious and open to learning as much as possible. People should value and appreciate the time it takes to earn experience. Micro Managers are not leaders. The result of micro-managing is the equivalent of two people doing one job with no one managing.

Meet Generation X Amber Pisoni and Joe Arner are considered a part of Generation “X.” They share their perspective on what leaders do to motivate and demotivate them as professionals. An important part of their motivation is to be trusted by their leader, and to know who they are, and what they represent. Leaders who offer a clear vision, autonomy, and trust in their people are well on their way to creating success with this generation.

John Trombitas, Jr., CW04 ret, U.S. Coast Guard and Gary Lewis, CW04 Ret, U.S. Coast Guard, share their insight and experience on mentoring as a leader. John and Gary believe that those who are successful leaders are people who know their own job inside and out, are prepared to support their people no matter what, and they know what inspires their people. You can only motivate your people with the “carrot” approach if you know them well enough to know what it takes. Building a strong rapport with your team is critical. Accepting your own shortcomings and owning up to your mistakes as a leader is essential.

James Sartain, Jr., Ph.D. and Kathryn Davanzo, M.Ed., Principal Partners of CODA Partners, Inc.

Jim and Kathy share their valuable insight on a unique approach to leadership development. It begins with understanding your intention and P.O.V (Point of View). They are both experienced leaders and passionate educators. Their unique approach to developing leadership skills is intriguing.

Welcome to Mary 's series titled "Meet the Generations."

In the first episode, Mary Trombitas interviews two millennials, Amy DeLorenzo, a trusted insurance advisor. and Justin Ulrich, a digital marketing strategist and published author.

To connect with them, they've included their emails in the podcast and offer their insight to anyone listening:

Amy DeLorenzo: amycdelorenzo@gmail.com

Justin Ulrich: justin@lifeimprovementmedia.com

According to many statistics, the Millennial generation represents the largest working population in the U.S. today. There are many views on the attitudes and motivations of this generation, some of which are founded and others which are unfounded. This is a conversation with two millennials who candidly shared their view on their definitions of career and leadership. They share their thoughts on what good leadership is to them, and describe what they expect from leadership. They leave us with good insight, and a wealth of guidance on how to effectively lead them. It is not what many think it is, and it’s not too much to ask of leaders. This is a “must listen to” episode for all leaders, as well as people from all generations!

Developing trust with employees is key to the success of a leader.

Open communication is important to developing trust among people.

Jury’s hate the word “insubordination."

Bosses have bosses too.

Perception, reality, and intention are important considerations.

Show host Mary Trombitas recaps several topics regarding leadership from her guests as well as principles to follow yourself. In order to be a leader, you must learn how to be a follower.

Interview with Suzanne McCormick

CEO & President of United Way Suncoast

Suzanne has 20 years of executive and senior-level leadership experience in nonprofit/for-impact organizations. She is a visionary, strategic, results-driven leader.

An authentic leadership style is a key to success as a leader
A direct communication style can be appreciated
Building Confidence requires pretending to believe in yourself first
It is not lonely at the top
Self-management of emotions is a leader’s obligation

Interview with Sarah Davis, BA, BSW, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Human Resource Manager

Sarah began her professional career in social services before making a natural transition to human resources. She now has over 14 years of experience in human resource management.

Leaders should be comfortable with discomfort
Effective communication requires honesty
Receiving honest, constructive feedback is a gift
Make it a goal to be happy at work

Interview with Tony Moore, MS, SHRM-SCP

Culture Architect, Speaker, Trainer

Chief Strategic Relations Officer for Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc.

Tony has 20+ years of experience serving others in the non-profit sector. His high energy and compassion for people is contagious.

Leadership Insights:

Giving up multi-tasking increases focus
Hire those who willingly hold themselves accountable and own their results
Proactively manage perception
Know your employee’s primary driver
Pay attention to your biases through your lens

Interview with Amy Gregory, President of Title Operations for Hillsborough Title

Amy began her career in the title industry in 1995. She started working in the industry as a Receptionist, and has enjoyed a progressive career.

Leadership Highlights:

People can learn a great deal from poor leaders.
Leading needs to be a conscious priority.
Technical competence in a chosen field fosters respect.
Proactive communication is key.
Don’t accept status quo.
Evaluate the team and the business before replacing someone.
People evolve and become good leaders.

Interview with Jessica Rivelli, June 2017

Jessica Rivelli is the Founder of Working Women of Florida

Jessica saw a need for a more comfortable platform for women to network and engage with one another. She launched her business in 2009. Today, she has 850 members, 35,000 social media fans/followers, and she has hosted 2 thousand events.

Leadership Highlights:

Leaders need to know themselves.
Women leaders are compassionate people.
Women leaders are good listeners.
We should manage our work/life responsibilities with a 360-degree view.
Women should be comfortable articulating their value.
Leaders should be natural.

In this collaborative interview, Ron and Hal share their view on effective leadership which includes:

The advantages of developing a family-like business culture.
Making a natural, personal connection is good for business and the lives of employees.
How to “do life together.”
Flexibility is key to establishing good working relationships.
Leaders should be transparent.
Good leaders are competent, have good character, and build relationships.
Leaders should support employees in achieve work life balance.

In this collaborative interview, Dick shares his experience and view on effective leadership:

Leaders can take their idea and develop it.
An example of ineffective leadership can be the catalyst for motivating someone to be a good leader.
Technical competence and emotional intelligence is vital.
Treating people with dignity and respect.
Focusing on strengths vs. weaknesses.
Negative energy creates unnecessary distractions.

During this interview, Major General Simeon Trombitas, Retired, shares his experience as a leader in the U.S. Army. Specifically, he shares his view on effective leadership which includes:

How soldiers are trained to be effective troops and leaders.
How troops assimilate to the culture.
What good leaders do.
Leading across subcultures.
The importance of effective communication.
How to overcome initial impressions and overlook biases.
Why bad leaders aren’t revealed by soldiers.
The requirement and importance of a second language.
How providing latitude results in peak performance.
The act of managing is imposing your will while leading is gaining acceptance and buy in to reach a common goal.
Advice for new soldiers.
How to learn more about the Green Beret Foundation: https://www.greenberetfoundation.org