Realistic CEO Podcast

In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, the host interviews Jawad Khokhar of Tyrbrook Financial about what a financial planner does for individuals and entrepreneurs, including business structure reviews, tax planning coordination with CPAs, estate planning, and risk coverage like life and disability insurance. Jawad shares how he moved from college finance studies and retail into banking, g...

The host of the Realistic CEO Podcast shares how a teacher once said becoming a CEO was unrealistic, inspiring a mission to help kids believe their dreams can come true. He interviews Victor Narvaez, co-owner of Good Works Coffee House in downtown Chicopee, a coffee shop built around community impact, partnerships with nonprofits, and internship opportunities for at-risk youth. Victor describes hi...

In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, the host interviews Anne Kandilis, leader of Springfield Works, a citywide collaboration of employers, educators, and residents focused on economic mobility by expanding access, opportunity, and choice. Anne shares her Springfield upbringing, first-generation college path at UMass Amherst while working multiple jobs, early management experience, and ca...

In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, the host interviews Megan Burke, President and CEO of a Community Foundation, about her role doing “a little bit of everything,” from reviewing grants and scholarships to meeting donors, managing budgets, and engaging the board. Megan shares her career path from political science and economics studies to international work preventing the use of landmin...

In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, the host interviews Bob Bolduc, who now runs a foundation serving youth and families in underserved communities and describes his team focused daily routine. Bolduc shares his upbringing in Springfield, his engineering degree from Notre Dame, and a master’s in business from Purdue, emphasizing that education and lifelong learning are essential to succe...

In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, Mike interviews Raymond , who leads Common Capital, a US Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in Western Massachusetts that provides loans to small businesses that can’t get full financing from banks and pairs capital with free technical assistance, training, and education. Raymond shares his path from dropping out of c...

On the Realistic CEO podcast, the host interviews Dr. Marcus Ware, the first superintendent guest, about what a superintendent does as the instructional leader and “keeper” of a district, including daily operations and even snow-day decisions. Ware shares his path from Springfield public schools and an early dream of becoming a TV meteorologist—failing out of college twice, restarting at STCC, fin...

Chicopee Mayor John Vieau on Leadership, Mindset, and Building a Dynamic Team | Realistic CEO Podcast Mikwy hosts the Realistic CEO Podcast with Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, who explains that as mayor he functions like the city’s CEO, overseeing finances, departments, services, and serving as school committee chair while working with the city council to keep Chicopee a great place to live, work, and...

In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, Mychal interviews The Queen of Pitch Dr. Forbes Riley, who shares how learning to pitch helps you position what you do based on what others need, communicate without filler, and earn more meetings and clients. Riley recounts her path from a difficult childhood and her father’s long hospitalization to winning a scholarship through Miss Teenage America,...

In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, the host interviews Michael Tremble, Chief Executive Officer of Valley Communications, who has been with the company for over 13 years. Michael explains his CEO responsibilities across people management, operations, sales, business development, and strategic planning. He shares the company’s history—founded in 1945 by his grandmother and how it evolved...

In this episode featuring two guests, the Realistic CEO Podcast welcomes Elizabeth and Cory Staples, the dynamic duo behind The Good Dog Spot. They discuss their journey from the inception of their pet care business in 2007 to expanding their services and opening a second location in Northampton. The conversation covers their early struggles, the strategies they employed for growth, and the challe...

In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, Mikey chats with Omar Mohamed, a 19-year-old electrician, who shares his fascinating journey from high school student to a professional in the trades. Omar talks about the realities of entering the trades, the surprising lesson he learned, the importance of a supportive community, and what has driven his mindset at such a young age. Sponsored by River...

Join us for another episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast where we welcome Denise Luna, co-owner of Creep Sheek a unique hair salon that has gothic theme. Denise shares her inspiring journey from working in traditional salons to creating her own space that celebrates artistic individuality. Denise talks about the challenges and triumphs of starting her business, the importance of having a support s...

Join us in this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast as we sit down with Phil, the CEO of Courage Compass Company, who shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey. From humble beginnings to scaling a business to $70 million in eight months, Phil discusses key moments of transformation, navigating failures, and the importance of internal alignment. Discover the realities of pivoting in business, t...

In this episode of The Realistic CEO Podcast, Mike interviews Kristi Reale, a CPA and partner at Myers Brothers Kalicka. Kristi shares her inspiring journey from an uncertain high school student to achieving her dream of becoming a CPA and eventually a partner at a prestigious firm. She discusses her passion for math, the importance of internships, the evolving dynamics in the accounting industry...

In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, we sit down with Lindsay LaBonte from Applied Mortgage to discuss her journey in the mortgage industry and how she took over her father's business. Lindsay shares invaluable insights on what it takes to qualify for a mortgage, the importance of financial education, and how core values and community focus drive her company. She also dives into the chall...

Join us on this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast as we sit down with Heather Burbeck-Rodriguez, CEO of General Cleaners and a fire and water restoration company. Heather shares her inspirational journey from starting as a part-time bookkeeper to becoming a successful business owner. She discusses the challenges of running two businesses, the importance of continuous learning, team building, an...

In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, the host shares an inspiring journey from being dismissed in high school as unrealistic to becoming the CEO of a nonprofit organization, the Realistic Lemonade nonprofit. The guest, Megan, CEO of United Way Pioneer Valley, discusses her unexpected path to leadership, the challenges of running a nonprofit, and the importance of passion, community suppor...

In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, host Michael interviews Mark French, the Chief Revenue Officer of The Republican. Mark shares his journey from an advertising assistant to a leadership role, emphasizing the importance of hard work, creativity, and genuine care for clients. He discusses how he navigates an ever changing media environment, builds client relationships, and leverages both...

Join us in this episode of The Realistic CEO Podcast as we sit down with NFL legend Matthew Slater. Matthew shares his journey from dreaming of becoming a CEO to achieving incredible success on the football field. We discuss his high school experience, years with the New England Patriots, winning Super Bowls, and his transition to retirement. Matthew offers valuable advice for young athletes, insi...

In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, the host interviews Paul Lambert, President and CEO of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Lambert shares his unique career path, which includes unexpected turns from professional theater to NBA special events management, and finally landing in the world of classical music. He discusses the challenges of running a symphony orchestra in today's economic...

Join us in this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Rachelle Hannoush, founder of Rooted Leaders. Rachelle shares her path from struggling student to CEO, providing valuable insights into early childhood education and entrepreneurship. Discover how she navigated challenges, set goals, and continually sought self-improvement to achieve her dreams. Perfect...

In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Andrea Bordenca. Andrea shares her path from dreaming of becoming a CEO at a young age, to taking over her family business, Desco Service, under challenging circumstances. Learn about the importance of creating an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, overcoming skepticism in a male-dominated in...

In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, Mikey interviews Patrick Kubala, the CEO of a window and door replacement company in Ludlow, Massachusetts. Patrick shares his journey from working in the summer heat to running a successful business with 17 employees. He talks about his initial struggles, the importance of mentorship, focusing on core business services, and building a strong team. Pat...

In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, join us as we dive into the remarkable journey of Carla Cosenzi, President of Tommy Car Auto Group. Carla shares her inspiring story from pursuing a master's degree in clinical psychology to unexpectedly joining her family’s car business. Hear about the challenges she faced, the importance of investing in her team, and how she transformed the car buyin...