Chief Play Officer Eric Newman joins us to talk Roc Solid Foundation, the WHY behind the non-profit and promotes the release of his new book, What Hope Looks Like.

Chad and I welcome Will Fediw back to the Beyond Small Talk podcast and ask Will to help make the distinction between mentorship and sponsorship. Mentorship tends to be a passive role; a mentor is a source of guidance and advice. Whereas sponsorship is a more active process; it requires the sponsor to spend human capital for the benefit of another. We dig a little bit deeper into the benefits of sponsorship and also share some of our favorite stories about sponsorship opportunities. 

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Will Fediw is the Vice President of Industry & Government Affairs at Virginia Maritime Association (VMA).

As Vice President of Industry & Government Affairs, Will Fediw plays a leading role in creating and implementing business development and legislative strategies to improve the economic and political climates for VMA member companies and Virginia’s port. Furthermore, he keeps VMA’s membership and leadership advised of industry, regulatory, and legislative developments within Virginia’s maritime supply chain sector, ensuring open and timely communication and representation.

For over a decade, Will has been involved in maritime operations, marine terminal development, external affairs, and stakeholder advocacy. While working closely with federal, state, and local governments in several ports around the country, he led marine infrastructure permitting for deepwater terminals, maritime transportation initiatives & legislation, and maritime economic development solutions.

Growing up in Hampton Roads, Will graduated from Old Dominion University in 2008 with a degree in Maritime Supply Chain Management, during which he was an intern at Norfolk International Terminals. Following graduation, he served as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard specializing in maritime safety & security regulatory compliance. Additionally, he managed the regulatory oversight and maritime risk analysis for $47B of regional energy projects under development.

Afterwards, he worked as the Director for Marine Development and Regulatory Compliance for Venture Global LNG, a private natural gas firm currently developing marine export terminals in the Gulf Coast. During that period, he also served as the Vice-Chair of the Louisiana Energy Export Association, a regional advocacy coalition of energy exporters.

Additionally, Will holds a Master of Business Administration through the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.

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To read the Harvard Business Review article we referenced today, "Want More Diverse Senior Leadership? Sponsor Junior Talent", visit: https://hbr.org/2020/10/want-more-diverse-senior-leadership-sponsor-junior-talent.

In today's episode, Chad and I sit down with Will Fediw to talk mentorship. We offer our armchair theories on both sides of the equation: the mentor and the mentee. We discuss the various roles of a mentor and potential benefits to providing mentorship. And we also focus in on the expectations of the mentee and how to go about asking for a mentor. 

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Will Fediw is the Vice President of Industry & Government Affairs at Virginia Maritime Association (VMA).

As Vice President of Industry & Government Affairs, Will Fediw plays a leading role in creating and implementing business development and legislative strategies to improve the economic and political climates for VMA member companies and Virginia’s port. Furthermore, he keeps VMA’s membership and leadership advised of industry, regulatory, and legislative developments within Virginia’s maritime supply chain sector, ensuring open and timely communication and representation. 

For over a decade, Will has been involved in maritime operations, marine terminal development, external affairs, and stakeholder advocacy. While working closely with federal, state, and local governments in several ports around the country, he led marine infrastructure permitting for deepwater terminals, maritime transportation initiatives & legislation, and maritime economic development solutions. 

Growing up in Hampton Roads, Will graduated from Old Dominion University in 2008 with a degree in Maritime Supply Chain Management, during which he was an intern at Norfolk International Terminals. Following graduation, he served as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard specializing in maritime safety & security regulatory compliance. Additionally, he managed the regulatory oversight and maritime risk analysis for $47B of regional energy projects under development.  

Afterwards, he worked as the Director for Marine Development and Regulatory Compliance for Venture Global LNG, a private natural gas firm currently developing marine export terminals in the Gulf Coast. During that period, he also served as the Vice-Chair of the Louisiana Energy Export Association, a regional advocacy coalition of energy exporters. 

Additionally, Will holds a Master of Business Administration through the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.

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You can find Brené Brown's Dare to Lead Podcast episode with Jim Collins on Curiosity, Generosity, and the Hedgehog here: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-jim-collins-on-curiosity-generosity-and-the-hedgehog/ (December 14, 2020). 

You may also consider checking out Jim Collins' books, "Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't" and "BE 2.0 (Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0): Turning Your Business into an Enduring Great Company" which honors his coauthor and mentor, the late Bill Lazier.

This episode was inspired by a dialogue Chad and Lauren had discussing their latest book club selection.  In section 3 of Dare To Lead: Brave Work, Tough Conversations, Whole Hearts, author Brene Brown breaks down Daring Leadership vs. Armored Leadership.  We pick out a handful of learnings that hit home and apply them to experiences in our own lives.  Brene Brown does such a wonderful job using storytelling and providing language so we can articulate what we are feeling and experiencing!  

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To explore articles, book excerpts, videos, and guides, visit the Dare to Lead Hub at https://daretolead.brenebrown.com. You may even want to download artwork of your favorite quote as a daily positive affirmation! 

Podcast References: 

Marc Marling's Corporate Thought Podcast: A bonus conversation with brother & sister Chad Cherry & Lauren McGee on building relationships (April 1, 2020) -- https://corporatethought.com/corporate-thought-podcast/

Brene Brown's Dare to Lead: Brene with President Barack Obama on Leadership, Family, and Service (December 7, 2020)

Brene Brown's Dare to Lead: Brene with Simon Sinek on Developing an Infinite Mindset (January 18, 2021)

Also referenced, Simon Sinek's The Infinite Game.

It was an honor to have Charlie Luck on the podcast as our guest.  His stories of going from a rock-based business to a values-based business are inspiring!  The creation of InnerWill Leadership Institute is such a gift to those who choose to engage.  The work Charlie and his team are doing to improve the lives of his colleagues and clients really resonated with our idea of being the best version of yourself SO THAT you may inspire others to do the same!  Special shout out to Camille Cherry and Betsey Fortlouis for connecting us to Charlie!

Charlie Luck, Founder & Chairman of InnerWill Leadership Institute

As President and CEO of Luck Companies, Charlie Luck is the third-generation family member to lead the 97-year-old, privately held organization. He is focused on developing the company’s vision, and leads the Strategic Leadership Team, guiding Luck Companies towards fulfilling its mission to "ignite human potential through Values Based Leadership and positively impact the lives of others around the world."  The mission of Luck Companies to ignite human potential is activated through the associates in each of the organization’s three business units: Luck Stone, Luck Ecosystems and Luck Real Estate Ventures.  Under Charlie’s leadership, Luck Companies has grown to become the largest family-owned and operated aggregates company in the country. The company has also been recognized on a local, state and national level for their innovative practices and progressive culture.

Charlie began his career with the company in 1980 as a summer trainee while enrolled at Virginia Military Institute. He graduated in 1983 with a civil engineering degree.  Charlie competed on the NASCAR circuit for four years before returning to Luck Companies.  After working in many facets of the business, as well as attending several executive education programs at Darden School of Business (UVA), he rose to President and CEO in 1999.

An Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient and Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame inductee, Charlie has served on numerous boards to include:  National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance, Luck Foundation, Saint Christopher's School, YMCA, Virginia Military Institute's Jackson-Hope Fund, Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges, as well as the Robins School of Business Executive Advisory Council.

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For more information about Values Based Leadership, visit https://innerwill.org or https://www.linkedin.com/company/innerwill.

To explore Luck Stone, Luck Ecosystems, and Luck Real Estate Ventures, visit: https://www.luckcompanies.com.

Episode 2 of season 1 is a conversation with Christine Wilson.  Simon Sinek's book, Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, will frame our discussion as we touch on topics like story telling, The Golden Circle (Why, How, What) and the Law of Diffusion of Innovation as relates to early adopters in the work setting.  We will tie it all back in to connection and being the best versions of ourselves.  

Christine Vetere-Wilson

Senior Vice President, Marsh & McLennan Agency

Christine began her career in the insurance industry in June 1990, following graduation from Saint John’s University with a BS in Marketing. She began working with US Healthcare as a sales executive, securing and managing business relationships in metropolitan New York. The production-oriented culture of US Healthcare, which melded aggressive selling with progressive thinking, provided the foundation for her philosophy and teachings

In 1995, Christine became the National Director of Sales Training for the merges Aetna US Healthcare organization, leading a team that trained production and service colleagues on selling skills, industry knowledge, corporate mission and values, and overall culture. She led initiatives to merge cultures, derive value proposition messaging and motivate a unified salesforce.

Her intense and motivational approach to people development positioned her for continued advancement.  Christine served as a District Sales Director for the company in the New York Metro area business and successfully exceeded revenue growth expectations and client retention targets.

In 2000, Christine implemented the middle market sales and service division of a prominent brokerage in the New York metropolitan area. With a full staff of client managers and market analysts, she was responsible for sales, plan implementation and servicing of middle market clients nationwide. This initiative, led by Christine, established the organization as a leading middle market brokerage and consulting firm.

In 2002, Christine returned to the New York and Long Island Markets, as a Director of Sales for Emblem Health Plans. Here, Christine was responsible for sales production and executive strategy for the organization. Her ability to unify merging organization and rally production in a time of change was executed again in this role.

Christine launched a consultation and advisory business for small and middle market clients in 2005. This empowered her to extend her knowledge and energy to all clients, without the barrier of being captive to one carrier partner. She eventually expanded her consulting business to include work in strategic planning for small and middle market businesses across the US, with a strong focus in the business services industries. This quickly became her primary passion. The programs and initiatives that she has developed and implemented have enabled her clients to create consistent and compelling client value proposition messaging. She has been a coach and mentor to all she works with, and a vital contributor to each client’s strategic direction and success.

Most recently, in 2018, Christine joined the firm Marsh and McLennan Agency (MMA) to continue to develop impenetrable corporate culture and consistent value messaging. Her signature program, ALIGN, is MMA’s value proposition story. Christine realizes her sense of purpose through the coaching and inspirational support she provides to colleagues. Christine is determined to leave a legacy that enhances the impact that her organization delivers to people and progress of business.

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For more information about Simon Sinek's online classes, visit: https://simonsinek.com/InspireU#/

Lauren and I start this adventure with an off-the-cuff discussion about how we got here.  We chat about why we came together in 2020, the influence of our book club and why we are launching Beyond Small Talk.

The following book and authors are referenced:

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff . . . and It's All Small Stuff: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life, Richard Carlson

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, Simon Sinek  

Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy, Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant

The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed, Jessica Lahey

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Angela Duckworth

BST in a nutshell!