Light Bulb Moments: It's All About The Energy

A Senior Partner at Schiller DuCanto and Fleck LLP, Anita attended the University of Michigan and graduated from the College of Law at DePaul University.  A Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Anita currently serves as Counsel. She serves on the Board of the American Bar Association Family Law Section Trial Advocacy Institute and sits on the American Bar Association Board o...

Phil discusses the importance of authenticity, emphasizing the need to be true to oneself rather than trying to emulate others. He highlights the positive response from listeners and the impact of his content on their daily lives. Phil plans to continue improving the podcast by incorporating feedback and inviting guests who align with his values. He also previews an upcoming episode featuring Anit...

Brian Rosen is a leading expert in private equity, specializing in the adult beverage industry. As General Partner of InvestBev, he has grown the firm into the largest private equity platform in the alcohol sector, managing over $200 million in assets and $100 million in private credit. Brian's visionary leadership and deep industry expertise have driven successful investments, including the growt...

Phil discusses the importance of passion in life, sharing personal anecdotes from his podcast and family experiences. He highlights how passion leads to joy and inspiration, citing gifts he received related to his podcast and family traditions. Phil emphasizes the significance of acknowledging others' passions and the energy created when passionate individuals interact. Connect with Philip: ...

Joanna Lago is a ten-year resident of La Grange Park where she resides with her husband, Felipe, and their two elementary-aged sons. When she is not carpooling her kids to soccer practice, coordinating block parties, helping her parents, LaGrange's Santa and Mrs. Claus, aka HOHOHoglund, book events in the area, or attending D102 meetings, she serves as Principal at Sherlock Elementary School, a Pr...

Brent Hutto is a transportation and logistics professional with more than 20 years of leadership in sales and marketing. His focus includes brand consulting with Fortune 500 companies with specific experience in product development, distribution channel management, marketing communications, and research. He has been happily married to his wife Teresa for 24 years, and they have six children. In th...

Phil discusses the importance of career fulfillment and how to achieve it. He shares a conversation with a nurse who feels unfulfilled due to the fast-paced, profit-driven nature of modern healthcare. Phil advises the nurse to identify her sources of happiness and fulfillment, consider sabbaticals, and plan for future changes. He emphasizes focusing on success rather than failure and highlights th...

Kris Lonsway, Ph. D. is an organizational psychologist, executive coach, and speaker with over 25 years of experience helping leaders and executive teams navigate change, develop talent, and drive performance. She is the Founder and CEO of The Lonsway Group, which accelerates leadership and organizational effectiveness for a wide range of clients. Thousands of professionals have benefited from her...

In this episode, Phil discussed the importance of being adaptable and not getting attached to outdated or ineffective strategies. He explores the value of continuously evolving processes and systems for better efficiency and outcomes, even if it means abandoning familiar approaches. Additionally, Phil emphasizes the need to avoid complacency and actively advocates for advancement, embracing change...

David Horbenko is a Business Performance Advisor with Insperity, where he provides a service-based, technology-rich human resource solution for growing business needs designed to maximize productivity and minimize risks for companies. David also runs a professional business association with over 2,000 members through Level Up Social Club. In this episode, Philip and David Horbenko discuss:  N...

Phil discusses the importance of making mental connections in networking, emphasizing that it requires effort to understand individuals and find common ground. He highlights techniques such as asking open-ended questions and building a roadmap of the other person's life. Phil stresses the value of listening and adding value, like offering helpful information or articles. He advises documenting int...

Jerry Holisky is a seasoned business lawyer with Aronberg Goldgehn, a full-service business law firm with offices in Chicago and Wheaton, Illinois. He focuses on the legal concerns of middle-market companies and their owners, frequently serving as the company’s outside general counsel. Jerry is a highly experienced mergers and acquisition attorney. In addition, a large portion of his practice is c...

Keith Dickens is the founding member of Dickens Technology Consulting Group, Inc. (DTCG, Inc.) He is an IT Consultant/Specialist with 40+ years of experience. He has established a formidable reputation for delivering efficient business solutions. His extensive experience has been marked by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving technological landscape...

Phil Fornaro discusses the importance of expectations, mentioning his firm's successful implementation of an expectation plan. He notes that focusing on one key expectation per person simplifies improvement. Phil also talks about the challenges of maintaining weekly meetings due to his busy schedule and how spreading them out has made them more enjoyable. He previews an upcoming episode with Keith...

As we gather to share heartfelt stories and support the mission of providing college and trade school scholarships and mentorship to local students who have lost a parent, we will also commemorate 12 years of impactful work that has already awarded over $1.993 million in scholarships to 268 deserving students who reside within Lyons Township High School District 204. Together, we will continue to...

Joseph is the managing partner and founding member of Chicago based investment bank and restructuring firm Kreshmore Group. Joseph is primarily tasked with the oversight of the existing restructure and M&A platform, implementation of strategic initiatives, project management, and key client relationship management. Joseph steers Kreshmore’s overall vision with the help of a highly experienced...

Phil discusses the importance of multiple income sources for business owners and employees, emphasizing the need to manage income taxes and deductions effectively. He shares insights from his father, who worked in various trades and real estate to ensure financial stability. Phil highlights his own diverse investments, including limited partnerships, real estate, and alternative investments, which...

Adam Codilis is a legal professional specializing in the banking and default services industries, with extensive expertise in mortgage law, real estate law, default litigation, defense of consumer litigation, title insurance, and regulatory/compliance issues. Alongside his legal practice skills, Adam possesses substantial experience in management and enjoys collaborating with a team of leaders to...

In this episode, Phil dives into the power of feedback—why it’s essential for growth in both business and life. He shares personal stories, including a listener whose spouse had a strong reaction to the podcast and a contractor who took immediate action on tax filings after tuning in. Phil explores the role of family and friends in delivering the tough truths that colleagues might hesitate to shar...

Jennifer Conroyd is the founder of Fluid Running, a deep-water running fitness company, offering group classes in the western suburbs of Chicago and an app-based system available internationally. She created Fluid Running after she got injured training for a marathon. She is an 18-time Boston Marathon qualifier and an Ironman finisher. She is passionate about fitness and doesn’t want people stoppe...

Phil discusses the importance of setting and meeting expectations, both personally and professionally. He shares his experience of implementing an expectations program at Fornaro Law, emphasizing self-reflection and critical conversations. Phil aims to grow his podcast to inspire a broader audience and improve client development. He highlights the value of aligning expectations with team members a...

Joe serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer of FNBC Bank & Trust in La Grange, IL. He has been a member of the FNBC team since 2012 and manages a group of several commercial and consumer loan officers at FNBC’s various locations. He develops and services banking and loan relationships with businesses, investors, individuals, and not-for-profits. His specialization includes lo...

Phil discusses the importance of client retention in business, emphasizing the need for long-term relationships built on friendship and genuine interest in clients' lives. He highlights the significance of proactive communication, understanding clients' businesses, and being available beyond just business needs. Phil shares personal anecdotes about reaching out to clients without an agenda, which...

For more than three decades, Jay Winkler has worked with many smart and talented people and served as a leader at family-owned, privately held, and private equity-backed companies in manufacturing, non-profit, communications, consulting, consumer products, education, technology, business services, and globalization. He has started factories around the world, launched businesses, succeeded in turni...

Phil discusses strategies for converting clients and customers effectively. He emphasizes the importance of identifying ideal clients who need your services and with whom you can provide the best value. Phil suggests finding strategic partners who can refer ideal clients, creating a mutually beneficial network. He highlights the significance of understanding and leveraging one's strengths, effecti...