Listening With Leaders

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Consultant and Author, Jim Bramlett. Jim shares his career journey, detailing his transition from logistics to consulting and authorship. Jim discusses the challenges of starting companies, the importance of customer-centric leadership, and the value of creating a great user experience. Jim also discusses his role with Vistage, a peer group for business leaders...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Co-Founder and CEO of Deliveright Logistics, Doug Ladden. Doug shares his transition from a successful career in investment banking to launching Deliveright Logistics, a delivery service for large items like furniture and exercise equipment. He discusses the challenges of delivering bulky products and the development of their technology platform, Grasshopper, w...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Founder and Principal of Minette Norman Consulting, Minette Norman. Minette shares her journey in the male-dominated tech industry, her rise at Autodesk, and her current focus on inclusive leadership and psychological safety. Minette highlights the importance of fostering collaboration, listening to all voices, and addressing diversity and inclusion challenges...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Founder and CEO of Brunner Communications, Liz Brunner. Liz shares her diverse career journey from a classically trained vocalist and high school choral music teacher to a 28-year broadcast journalist and now an executive communications coach. She discusses her transition to entrepreneurship, the services her company offers, and the importance of storytelling i...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the President of Montelongo Capital, Paul Montelongo. Paul shares his journey from small-scale investments in single-family homes to managing over $100 million in real estate through syndication. He discusses his diversified investment strategies across multifamily housing, storage, land development, and student housing. Paul emphasizes the importance of listening...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Founder and CEO of Ziplines Education, Sara Leoni. Sara shares insights into Zipline Education's mission to empower professionals through industry-focused certificate courses in partnership with universities. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, listening, and staying current with technological advancements in leadership. Sara also covers recruitment strat...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the CEO of Group PMX, Michael Giaramita. With over 45 years of experience, Michael shares insights on leadership, team dynamics, and managing large-scale projects. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, respect, and effective communication within teams. Michael discusses his journey into construction management, the founding principles of his company, and h...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the CEO Success Coach, Glenn Gow. Glenn shares his journey and insights on leadership, communication, and understanding human behavior in the corporate world. Glenn emphasizes the importance of effective communication, active listening, and empathy in leadership roles. He discusses the challenges of human behavior change and the need for leaders to foster an enviro...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Founder and CEO of Moss Pure, Jamie Mitri. Jamie, with over 20 years of experience in biotech and environmental engineering, discusses her journey from a scientist to an entrepreneur. She shares insights into Moss Pure's innovative living moss wall art, which serves as a scientifically certified air filter. Jamie covers the challenges of launching a startup, th...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the CEO and Chief Empowerment Officer of PowerHouse Leaders, Stephana Johnson. Stefana shares her journey of overcoming adversity and emphasizes the importance of holistic leadership, which integrates physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual engagement. Stephana highlights the significance of presence and active listening in leadership. She underscores the transf...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Creative Director of The Idea Farm, Emma Jackson. Emma shares her journey from nonprofit work to leading her family’s marketing consultancy in Houston. After her father's passing, Emma revitalized the business by focusing on storytelling to help service-based businesses attract ideal clients. She emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' needs and cra...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the President of Smokey Mo's BBQ, Craig Haley. Craig shares his journey from studying computer science to leading a barbecue chain, emphasizing his passion for the restaurant industry. He discusses the importance of teamwork, customer service, and emotional intelligence in creating memorable dining experiences. Craig highlights Smokey Mo's community-oriented approa...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the President of Soake Pools, Karen Larson. Karen shares her unexpected journey into the pool industry, the unique aspects of their business, and her experiences working alongside her husband. She discusses the versatility and aesthetic appeal of their pools, the division of responsibilities within the company, and the importance of customer satisfaction. Karen als...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Co-founder and CPTO of NovoEd, Farnaz Ronaghi. Farnaz shares her journey from Iran to Stanford, where whe co-founded NovoEd, inspired by technology entrepreneurship. Farnaz highlights NovoEd's mission to enhance online education through experiential learning, emphasizing collaboration and feedback. They explore the role of AI in education, the importance of lis...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Co-Founder and CEO of TranscendAP, Jeffrey Weinstein. Jeff discusses his career path through various startups, emphasizing the importance of team building, mentoring, and creating a supportive work environment. He highlights the significance of empathy, listening, and collaboration in effective leadership. Jeff discusses his insights on leadership, workplace cu...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Sustainability Commercial Manager of INEOS Styrolution America, Justin Riney. Justin discusses his diverse career journey from agriculture to the plastics industry, emphasizing his role in promoting eco-friendly products and recycling initiatives. The conversation delves into the importance of listening in leadership, the challenges of recycling plastics, and t...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the President and Founder of Ethos Benefits, Chelsea Ryckis. Chelsea shares her journey from a Canadian softball player to a healthcare industry disruptor. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, Chelsea experienced the complexities of the American healthcare system firsthand, motivating her to transform how employers manage health insurance. Ethos Benefits opera...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the President of The Lilian Raji Agency, Lilian Raji. Lilian shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to PR professional, influenced by a pivotal moment watching "Devil's Advocate." She discusses her experiences in the luxury market, the emotional intelligence required in business, and her recent career shift prompted by personal challenges, including her mother's p...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Founder of Pancakes for Roger, Susan L Combs. Susan shares their journey from a strict upbringing in Missouri to founding a successful insurance brokerage and a nonprofit honoring their father's legacy. She discusses the importance of mentorship, understanding the value of time, and the power of listening. The episode underscores the impact of personal experien...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Global CRO and CEO of Making Science, Jason Downie. Jason shares his eclectic career journey from management consulting and performing in a boy band to owning a bar and working in ad tech, including a stint at Google. Jason discusses his current role at Making Science, a digital marketing and consulting firm, and emphasizes the importance of listening in leader...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the CEO of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health, Heather Maurer. Heather shares her journey from rural Virginia to her leadership role, discussing her diverse experiences in aviation, marketing, and nonprofits. She emphasizes the importance of listening, collaboration, and creating a safe work environment. She also explores the impact o...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Northern Re, Anthony McKelvy. Anthony shares his extensive background in the reinsurance industry, including roles at Northern Re and Guy Carpenter, and his journey to co-founding Northern Re with his brother. Anthony discusses the company's focus on attracting capital, global expansion, and the importance of collaboration. He...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Founder of Geletka+, John Geletka. John shares his professional journey, blending creativity with technical skills, and discusses the importance of creating a meaningful impact through his work. He explores topics such as the power of service, the evolution of listening skills, and the unique challenges introverted leaders face. John highlights the value of con...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Founder and CMO of Enactify.ai, Monique Hayward. Monique shares her career journey from aspiring journalist to corporate roles at Intel and Microsoft, and finally to entrepreneurship. She discusses the innovative solutions her startup provides by transforming static documents into interactive digital experiences. Monique emphasizes the importance of effective l...

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the CEO of Wilson & Girgenti, Joseph Girgenti. Joseph, a fourth-generation Tampa resident, shares his journey in the industry, detailing how he and partner Todd Wilson founded their company after leaving a previous firm. Joseph discusses their growth, challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their focus on hiring and training young engineers. He emphasizes...