Our People Our Purpose

Kathy sits down with Polly Baur, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategy at Charter Next Generation, for an engaging conversation about purpose, family and the mindset of creating what's possible.    Polly reflects on her first year at CNG, her passion for building bold ideas and the experiences that have shaped her perspective as a leader. She also shares stories about her family, their l...

Kathy sits down with Maryann Stefonik, a Quality Manager at Films 1, for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, perseverance, and the experiences that shape who we are.  Maryann shares her journey at CNG, including helping lead Films 1 through its first-ever BRCGS certification achievement and the teamwork behind the accomplishment. She also reflects on her life outside of work, from marathon...

Kathy sits down with Devin Sweeting, CNG’s Inside Sales Support Manager, for a lively conversation about collaboration, adventure and the experiences that shape who we are.    Devin shares her journey at CNG, including the role she plays supporting the sales team and the surprise of receiving the Collaborative Award at Leader Summit. She also reflects on her love of adventure and some of the unexp...

Kathy sits down with Doug Latreille, Vice President of Marketing at Charter Next Generation, for a candid conversation about leadership, fatherhood and the moments that define us.    Doug reflects on growing up between Canada and the United States, building a career in sales and marketing, and how his perspective on travel and time has evolved over the years. At the heart of the conversation, he s...

Kathy sits down with Cameron Van Eyl, Senior Accountant based in Chicago, for a thoughtful conversation that spans career paths, curiosity, and life beyond the numbers. From his early passion for accounting to his love of travel, music, and meaningful time with family, Cameron shares how staying curious and connected helps him navigate both work and life.  Throughout the episode, Cameron reflects...

Kathy sits down for a heartfelt Veterans Day Special with employee-owners Audrey O’Brien and Andrew Bacon, two military veterans leading CNG’s United Veterans Employee Resource Group. The pair share stories of service, resilience, and how their experiences in the military continue to shape the way they make an impact at CNG, through leadership, community, and the shared values that unite and empow...

Kathy and Alex dive into a thoughtful conversation about the people and experiences that have shaped his path. From growing up in Columbus with deep Buckeye roots, to the lessons he learned from his grandfathers’ sacrifices, Alex reflects on how gratitude, hard work, and a drive to build a lasting legacy guide his life and career today. He also shares his passion for sports, travel, and community...

Kathy and Sam dive into an exciting conversation about Sam’s lifestyle outside of work and the experiences that have shaped her path. From growing up in Chicago with the guidance of her parents, to the lessons she learned through sports, and the competitive drive that continues to influence her life and career, Sam shares how these moments define who she is today. The two also bond over their love...

Kathy sits down with Apurva Shah to explore what it means to find balance. The pair share a thoughtful conversation about family, leadership, and the connections between work and home. From his career journey and path to leadership at CNG to his perspective as a father and a self-described introverted extrovert, Apurva reflects on how relationships and purpose shape the way he shows up every day b...

Kathy and Meghan share a heartfelt conversation about family, resilience, and the unexpected paths that shape our lives. Meghan opens up about her early years as an au pair in Ireland, raising two teenagers, and navigating a career built on empathy and connection. As a member of CNG’s internal communications team, Meghan reflects on how her upbringing as the oldest sibling in a big, blended family...

Kathy and Ryan dive into a thoughtful conversation about leadership, personal growth, and the values that shape who we are. As an award-winning CNG employee owner and soon-to-be father, Ryan shares how his upbringing, career journey, and passion for continuous improvement influence his leadership and his life. From road trips with his dad to preparing for fatherhood himself, Ryan reflects on the e...

Kathy and Eric Morningstar dive into a flavorful conversation about Eric’s journey from beer delivery and backyard cooking to launching a successful line of barbecue sauces, all while excelling as a film extrusion technician at Charter Next Generation. As a father of five kids, Eric brings the same dedication, creativity, and resilience to both his family and his work. With a mind full of ideas an...

Kathy and Kaci sit down for an uplifting conversation about family, leadership, and finding purpose close to home. In this episode, Kaci Griggs shares some insight into marrying her high school sweetheart, what it’s like raising her adventurous daughter, and how growing up on a farm shaped her strong work ethic. As Regional Talent Acquisition Manager, Kaci opens up about her role in helping CNG be...

Kathy and Joseph sit down for a heartwarming conversation about resilience, family, and finding purpose through life’s challenges. Joey opens up about his journey from Puerto Rico, his role at CNG, and how he is guided by faith, purpose, and a deep commitment to his family. In this heartfelt episode, he reflects on the legacy of his mother, the joy of being a father, and how CNG’s values have help...

Kathy and Dennis share an inspirational conversation about overcoming adversity, working hard, and building a future you can be proud of. Dennis reflects on his journey growing up in Massachusetts with a hardworking single mom and facing personal struggles. He also opens up about his long-term goals, shares his passion for cooking, and even a bit about how hiking with his father has strengthened t...

Kathy and Jason sit down for a nostalgic conversation as the pair discuss the evolution of Charter Next Generation and reminisce on the past 20 years of personal and professional growth that they have shared. Jason goes on to talk a bit about his favorite hobby, mountain biking, as well as enjoying time with his family, pets, and more. From growing up spending summers in Connecticut to finally mov...

Kathy and Kayla enjoy a fun and inspirational conversation about overcoming obstacles and raising the bar. Kayla dives into her role at CNG, shares how her son is a driving force in her life, and so much more. Along with the joys and challenges of raising a teenager, Kayla shares her love for baking, the beach, and all things spooky. From childhood memories of trucking with her grandfather to futu...

Kathy sits down with Colton Davidson as he shares his story of resilience, passion, and hands-on learning. From growing up in Upstate New York to finding his place in Blythewood, SC, Colton reflects on his journey of working night shifts, his hobbies like fixing motorcycles, living life with a daredevil spirit, and balancing it all with some quality time with his cat, Milo. He opens up about the i...

Kathy and Dave share a lighthearted conversation about Dave’s interests, his childhood and family, and what shaped him into the man he is today. From Fish Fry Fridays with the boys from work to exploring Wisconsin’s brewery scene, Dave’s story is filled with connection, inspiration, and finding purpose. With candor, he expresses how his problem-solving mindset helps him thrive at CNG during an exc...

Kathy and Jordan sit down to discuss his diverse background and journey to finding his place as a Level 2 Operator at Charter Next Generation. Jordan shares his personal story of overcoming challenges, discovering his passions, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Listen as he and Kathy reflect on the importance of family, growth, and the drive to make a positive impact. Tune in to Episode...

Kathy and Julius share a profound conversation about building a supportive environment, personal development, and more. Julius, who has been with CNG’s Blythewood facility for over five years, reflects on his commitment to acting and thinking like an owner every day. He discusses how the company has been a blessing to his family, his hobbies like his plastic car collection, and the path his childr...

Kathy and Brenda dive into a heartfelt conversation this week on Our People Our Purpose. Brenda shares how her mother’s influence on celebrating and spreading joy has shaped her, her career and colleagues at CNG, including a plant birthday club tradition that keeps the team connected, and more. Brenda reflects on what ownership means to her, and how it goes beyond just a job, empowering her to fos...

Kathy and Travis sit down for a meaningful conversation about his life outside of CNG, growing up in a small town, losing his father young, and more. From being raised with strong principles such as the power of a positive mindset to Travis’s passion for lifting weights for mental and physical health, his insight is motivating. The pair go on to discuss his drive for being present for his young so...

Kathy and Xavier share an insightful conversation discussing Xavier’s childhood, his goals and future plans, and the philosophical approach he takes on life. He goes on to express the importance of practicing a positive mindset and learning about his ego, also sharing a bit about his personal life, like his recent journey to becoming a foodie!     Don’t miss Episode 31 to learn more about how Xavi...

Kathy sits down with Brian Cody as the pair discuss growing up in Wisconsin, life outside of CNG, employee ownership, and much more! From rescuing dogs and ice fishing to dabbling in watercolor painting, Brian’s journey is captivating. As the episode continues, he details some of his poignant moments, Kathy and Brian connect through art, and more. Don’t miss Episode 30 to learn more about how Bria...