Real World Leaders

 Michael Sharp, Executive Chairman of Sharp Financial, isn’t just redefining the financial world—he’s reshaping how leaders connect and support others. Growing up in Philadelphia as the oldest of three, he developed a passion for mentorship, coaching, and building relationships. His goal is to bring integrity and collaboration to an industry known for its cutthroat nature. Whether he's guiding cli...

 Dalene Blattner, Shareholder Connections Manager at Clemens Food Group, shares her journey as a fifth-generation leader in Pennsylvania’s largest family-owned business. Growing up surrounded by hard work and dedication, she embraces servant leadership and the power of perseverance. Dalene sees herself as a steward of her family’s 130-year legacy, committed to sharing their story and fostering str...

Student Co-hosts from Williamson College of the Trades sit down with Robert Peppelman, CEO of RJP Consulting Group, to explore how faith and family shape business decisions. Robert shares insights on how prioritizing healthy relationships and strong character has played a pivotal role in his success. Tune in for a conversation about the values that drive meaningful business leadership and how pers...

Humble Beginnings, Lessons on the Field, Winning the Day - Bobby Keyes President and CEO of Elite Salons and Suites talks about how to you go from humble beginnings in a row home to leading a successful business.  In this incredible journey from his childhood in Philadelphia to running a thriving family business. Join student co-hosts from Philadelphia Electrical and Technology Charter High School...

Ted Wentz, CEO of Quadratec, shares his journey from growing up in a family business to leading it through growth and challenges. A born leader, Ted reflects on how his early roles shaped his approach to motivating a team, even during tough times. He opens up about stepping away from the family business, finding his path, and ultimately returning to lead with renewed purpose. From Jeep parts to pe...

 Philadelphia E&T Charter High School students interview Jim Ashton, General Partner, New Spring Capital, and hear how dedication and an inquisitive mind can uncover passions and drive success. How do you go from building your own career to helping fund companies that solve real-world problems? Followed by, Roxborough High School students sit down with Jane Hollingsworth, Managing Partner at M...

What is the formula for sweet success in business? Scholars from Imhotep Institute Charter High School interview Ross Born, the former CEO of Just Born who shares invaluable wisdom on achieving business success, emphasizing the importance of strategic selectivity, cultivating recognition and embracing serendipity. This insightful conversation offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.  Fo...

Dean Curtis and Dr. Evan Loh share their journeys of leadership built on listening, coaching, and inspiring others. Dean, CEO of Ingage, reflects on how understanding and guiding people to be their best drives his success, while Dr. Loh, a former cardiologist turned CEO of Paratek, reveals how empathy and a people-first approach make him a standout leader. Both discuss the power of setting goals,...

Jeff Mack and John Rizzo share their journeys from shy beginnings and tough leaders to confident CEOs and industry icons. Jeff, a Philadelphia real estate leader, talks about putting people before business and building your personal brand, while John, a tech entrepreneur, reflects on lessons from working with legends like Steve Jobs. Both reveal how adversity shaped their leadership and why persis...

 Can you turn failure into success? In this episode, DC International students sit down with Joe Arcangelo, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of inSeption Group. Hear how being fired became a turning point in Joe’s life, leading him to a mentor, newfound opportunities, and a journey toward stability and success. Followed by students from Sankofa Freedom Academy's interview with Gregory Reaves, CEO o...

 Shawn McCaney and Dan DiOrio share their inspiring stories of leadership, resilience, and legacy-building. From running the influential William Penn Foundation to founding Thinc Forward after overcoming homelessness, these two leaders explore what it takes to leave a lasting impact. Hear how trust, integrity, and mental fortitude have shaped their paths and why innovation and hard work are essent...

 Greg Reaves shares how losing his mom and many loved ones before the age of 13 shaped his relentless drive to succeed. From starting a real estate empire with no experience to embracing humor and persistence as keys to life, Greg’s story is one of fearlessly chasing opportunities and living with urgency. Followed by Tacony Academy Charter School students interview William Bowie, President & C...

Join Chris DiPaolo and Bob Cohen as they share powerful lessons on leadership, decision-making, and success. Discover why "no" is the most limiting word in the English language and how to turn hesitation into action. Learn the art of reading people, the value of hard work over intellect, and how trusting your instincts can propel you forward. They’ll reveal why calculated risks are essential for r...

Listen to our student co-hosts as they sit down with Bill Edmonds, CEO of B&G Manufacturing to learn how the youngest sibling transitioned from sweeping floors in a third-generation, family-owned business to becoming a successful CEO? Followed by the students from Roxborough High School interview Bill Stockwell, Chairman of the Board of Stockwell Elastomerics, and learn what it means to lead w...

Legends Charter School interview Bruer Kershner, CEO of Kershner Office Furniture as he shares practical advice, including the power of networking, the importance of mentors, and why writing down your goals helps you achieve them. We follow that with YearUp students interview with Caleb Frankel, President and CEO of Instinct.vet. Listen as he shares how playing point guard when he was younger help...

Bill Cumby President & CEO of W.S. Cumby Construction and Dave DeLizza, President & CEO of Pennoni share lessons on the value of honesty, active listening, and maintaining a student mindset to learn from every experience. They reveals how a people-first approach fosters a company culture that feels like family and creates lasting, meaningful projects.

"Have I become the person he would have wanted me to be?" In this episode, Prep Charter High School scholars sit down with Paul Spencer, President of dsm-firmenich Biomedical, to explore how the profound loss of a parent at a young age—while deeply traumatic—can inspire resilience and drive personal success. How can you let others help you shine? Followed by KIPP Philadelphia students interview wi...

How can we overcome self doubt by feeding our souls? TECH Freire Charter High School students interview Emmanuella Myrthil, Chief Culture & Social Impact Officer of SEPTA, and hear how she believes that every challenge she faces prepares her for the next thing she is meant to be. Followed by the interview with students from Freire Charter High School as they sit down with Joe Messner, CEO and...

What are some cross functional skills that can help someone climb to the ranks to a high-level corporate position? Hopeworks students interview Adam Lurie, CEO of Knexus, and Eric Faggioli, President of Delaware Valley Paving, regarding the importance of communication skills, leadership skills, and resilience in the face of inevitable adversity.

What is the value of hard work and a positive attitude? Williamson College of the Trades students interview Jessica Scully, President of Scully Company, and Dolly Oberoi, Founder and CEO of C2 Technologies, and learn about how a positive attitude and strong work ethic can help leaders navigate adversity.

Our co-hosts from Manassas Park High School learn how to take small opportunities and make it into something huge from the President and CEO of B&A, Jonathan Evans. Hear how there is no shame starting at the bottom and figuring out how to show up and set yourself apart. Followed by Franklin Towne Charter High School students interview with Joshua Burg, CEO of Glass Enterprises, and hear how he...

What should a successful career path look like? Executive Education Academy Charter School students interview Kelly Botti, President and CEO of TruMark Financial Credit Union, and hear that a successful career path is not always a straight line. Sometimes you have to jump to where the next opportunity is. Hatboro-Horsham High School students interview Adam Pardes, Co-Founder and CEO of Neuroflow,...

What does it take to successfully build a business from your kitchen table? Global Leadership Academy SW scholars interview Steve Lang, CEO of Mon Cheri Bridals, and receive valuable gems of wisdom from a “graduate of the school of hard knocks.” Steve encourages the co-hosts that as long as they believe in themselves and never give up they can achieve their dreams. Followed by Tacony Academy Chart...

Students from Hopeworks interview with Ross Born, retired CEO of Born Industries and learn how they are their own brand and everything they do and the choices they make can impact their brand and future success. Followed by Imhotep Institute Charter High school students interview with Rick Skidmore, CEO of Timberlane Shutters and hear how he prioritizes being responsible and taking care of people...

How do you find success in business? The interns from YearUp United interviewed Todd Sager, CEO of AWE Tuning and Denny Howell, President of Howell Engineering, Surveying and Environmental and gained wisdom of starting a business with a focus on people, passion, and making a profit.