What can a rock and roll drummer teach you about leadership, transformation, and empathy?

Turns out — a whole lot. In this episode of the BLTnT Podcast, Matt Loria, CEO of Auxiom sits down with Sandy Gennaro, professional drummer turned keynote speaker, who’s played with legends like Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, and The Monkees — and now brings stadium-level energy to boardrooms and business conferences around the world.

This isn’t just a music story. It’s a story about moments that matter — about empathy, connection, and saying "yes" even when it's inconvenient. It’s about how one autograph given to a stranger led to a gig with Cyndi Lauper.

In this episode, they talk about:

• How defaulting to empathy can transform your leadership and your life

• Why simple acts of kindness ripple further than you think • Lessons from Queen, Johnny Carson, and Vistage stages across the world

• Why the best leaders think like drummers — keeping time, driving rhythm, and letting others shine

• How to spot the “God winks” and say yes to unexpected opportunities

• The art of serving your team, not just leading them.

Sandy’s energy is infectious, and his insights — forged in both green rooms and executive rooms — will stay with you long after the episode ends.

Whether you lead a business, a team, or just want to lead yourself better — this one will hit home.

Let’s Dig In!

#BLTnT #Podcast #Leadership #Transformation #SandyGennaro #EmpathyInBusiness #RockAndRollWisdom #LeadLikeADrummer #BusinessLifeTechnology #Vistage #EmotionalIntelligence #PurposeDrivenLeadership #BeatTheOdds

In this episode of the BLTnT Podcast, host Matt Loria sits down with Scott Eisenberg— a CPA-turned-investment banker, serial entrepreneur, turnaround consultant, board chair, and community builder — whose life story is as multifaceted as it is impactful.

Scott talks about his journey from working at Deloitte to launching multiple businesses, including Franklin Capital Advisors and a company that refurbishes enterprise IT hardware. With decades of experience guiding companies through M&A deals and high-stakes restructuring, he shares invaluable insight into what it takes to help businesses survive — or exit — at the right time.

Key Topics Covered:

- Why most companies call turnaround consultants too late

- The emotional side of selling a business

- How helping one business owner ask for a price increase saved the company

- Building trust and networks when you’re the new guy in town

- Creating legacy through presence, service, and showing up for others

If you’re a business owner navigating big decisions, someone thinking about their next move in life, or just someone who appreciates a story about doing the right thing, even when it’s hard— this episode is for you.

Let’s dig in!!

#BLTnTPodcast #BusinessLifeTechTransformations #ScottEisenberg #TurnaroundExpert #LeadershipLessons #Entrepreneurship #Philanthropy #Legacy #EOStories #FamilyFirst #LifeAndBusiness #PodcastConversations #DetroitBusiness #RealTalk

This week, we’re digging into real leadership, authentic culture, and purpose-driven business with the one and only Kevin Schnieders, CEO of Educational Data Systems, Inc, (EDSI) - a company that grew from 9 to 900 employees under his servant leadership.

In this episode, Kevin opens up about what it takes to scale a culture-driven company without losing your soul. You’ll hear how he personally connects with every employee, why he measures success by human impact - not just profit - and how his leadership philosophy was shaped by faith, family, and failure.

Kevin shares:

- His “Town Hall” method for staying connected with a growing team

- How “Show Up, Smile, and Support” became more than just company values - they became family values

- Ways he prioritizes people in a profit-first world

- His plan for succession and life after the CEO seat

It’s not just a story about building a business - it’s about becoming the kind of leader people want to follow.

Let’s dig in!!

On this episode of the BLTnT Podcast, Matt Loria sits down with Erik Larson, Vistage Chair, Leadership Coach, Existential Psychotherapist, and Lavender Farmer to talk about the power of emotional intelligence, leadership growth, and personal transformation.

They dig into:

• How emotional intelligence is the key to leadership success

• Why delegation and trust are the biggest leadership hurdles

• The intersection of AI & EQ—how leaders must evolve

• The fear-driven mindsets that hold us back (and how to break free)

• And yes, even lavender honey & beekeeping in Northern Michigan!

If you’re a leader looking to grow, an entrepreneur navigating change, or just someone who loves a great transformation story, this episode is for you!

Let’s dig in!!

#BLTnTPodcast #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #BusinessGrowth #Transformation #Vistage #AIandEQ #Podcast

This week, we’re bringing you a conversation from Harbor Springs, Michigan, where we sit down with Israel Hernandez, co-owner of the newly transformed Otis Harbor Springs. From Texas ranches to the West Wing of the White House, Israel shares his journey through politics, business, and now, hospitality.

Key Highlights:

White House Days: How Israel went from a small Texas town to working for George W. Bush as Texas Governor, all the way to the West Wing with him as President George W. Bush.

The Power of Persistence: How knocking on doors (literally!) led him to interning for a would be governor, working on a presidential campaign...and beyond.

Lessons from Business Titans: What he learned from private equity giants and how he applies it to every venture.

Israels story proves that success isn’t about staying in one lane—it’s about embracing change, learning continuously, and seizing opportunities. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot or chasing a new dream, your next big transformation could be just one decision away.

Let’s dig in!!

We’re hitting the slopes at Nubs Nob Ski Area in Northern Michigan for a fireside chat with Rob Dube - author, speaker, CEO, and entrepreneur. Rob shares his journey with EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), the power of 10-year thinking, and how self-awareness and discipline can unlock true entrepreneurial freedom.

We also dig into his latest book he co-authored with Gino Wickman, "Shine: How Looking Inward is the Key to True Entrepreneurial Freedom."

In this episode:

How EOS transformed Rob’s business and led to a successful exit…a re-entry back into the business….and his goal to exit again.

The science behind driven entrepreneurs and what makes them different from “normal people”.

Why inner peace and high performance aren’t mutually exclusive.

The 10 Disciplines for maximizing energy and impact.

The powerful choice: Are your decisions based on love or fear?

If you're an entrepreneur, leader, or someone striving for clarity and purpose, this one's for you!

Let’s dig in!!

https://robdube.com

https://www.the10disciplines.com/shine/

In this episode of the BLTnT podcast, Matt Loria joins Elise Fisher, the spirited owner and chairperson of Nub’s Nob Ski Area. Elise shares her profound connection to the ski area she runs alongside her mother and siblings, Yvonne and Greg Fisher. Elise shares her multifaceted life journey from a young ski enthusiast to a pivotal community leader.  

As a mom, grandmother, philanthropist, and influential leader in both healthcare as a board member and local business owner, Elise weaves a story of deep community involvement, impactful leadership, and the timeless values of her family legacy. 

Episode highlights:  

Family Business Dynamics: Elise offers a behind-the-scenes look at managing Nub’s Nob, sharing thoughtful insights learned by observing her father Walter charter the unique dynamics and shared responsibilities of running a family-owned ski area. 

Business Philosophy: Elise delves into the guiding principles behind her management style at Nub’s Nob, with a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences and cementing meaningful community connections. 

The Future of the Ski Area: Looking ahead, Elise focuses on the future of Nub’s Nob, exploring the challenges and opportunities of generational transitions while emphasizing the importance of preserving both family values and the business’s core identity. 

This episode takes a look at the delicate balance of personal commitment and professional leadership that defines the ethos of Nub’s Nob and the community it serves. 

Let’s dig in!! 

In this episode of the BLTNT Podcast, we explore the art of hospitality reimagined with Ty Humpert, co-owner of the wonderfully unique Otis Harbor Springs, a specialty hotel in Northern Michigan. Nestled in a stunningly renovated space, Otis is where thoughtful design meets community spirit, creating an experience that’s as luxurious as it is welcoming.

Ty shares the meticulous care that goes into every detail of the hotel, from handcrafted decks to locally sourced interiors, ensuring every guest experiences a unique blend of luxury and comfort.

🎙 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Guest-Centric Excellence: How Otis ensures every aspect of their service enhances the guest experience.

• Future-Focused Vision: Ty shares the plans to evolve Otis while remaining committed to their core values of hospitality and community.

• Local Partnerships: Hear how Otis collaborates with local businesses and artisans to create a destination that supports and celebrates its community.

This isn’t just a story about a hotel - it’s about building a home away from home, where every detail, from handcrafted decks to locally sourced interiors, speaks to intention and care.

Let’s dig in!!

https://www.otisharborsprings.com/

#OtisHarborSprings #BLTNTPodcast #ThoughtfulHospitality #NorthernMichigan

When Vision Aligns: How Respect and Trust Drive Success at Nubs Nob

In this episode of the BLTNT Podcast, Matt Loria sits down with Ben Doornbos, General Manager of Nubs Nob Ski Area and Resort, to explore the unique dynamic that drives the resort's success.

Ben discusses his leadership philosophy, his inspiring journey from hiking the Appalachian Trail to managing a premier ski destination, and how shared values between ownership and leadership foster harmony and growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Vision in Action: Discover how alignment between ownership and leadership, built on mutual respect and trust, creates the foundation for success.

• Innovation: Hear how Nubs Nob leverages advanced snowmaking technology to deliver exceptional skiing experiences.

• Customer & Employee Focus: Learn how prioritizing both customer satisfaction and employee well-being builds a thriving, family-like culture.

• Leadership Excellence: Ben shares why staying engaged with daily operations enhances his ability to lead effectively.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of shared vision and collaborative leadership in driving exceptional results.

Let’s dig in!

In this episode of the BLTNT podcast, host Matt Loria sits down with Shannon Striebich, a dynamic leader balancing roles as a wife, mother, and the president / CEO of Trinity Health Michigan Market. Shannon shares her journey from growing up in Michigan to leading a major health organization. They talk about her early leadership roles, her transition through educational phases, and pivotal moments that shaped her career.

Episode highlights:

Vision for Healthcare: Shannon provides her vision for the future of healthcare, focusing on community health, accessibility, and integrating mental health services more thoroughly within healthcare systems.

Advocacy for Mental Health: Shannon expresses a strong advocacy for improving mental health services and reducing the stigma associated with mental health care.

Becker's Healthcare Podcast: They talk about a recent podcast that Shannon has been listening to, a concise and informative series that provides updates on the healthcare industry, making it perfect for professionals looking to stay informed 

Shannon and Matt also discuss how personal transformations and strategic decisions impact business and healthcare landscapes, offering listeners insights into effective leadership and life balance.

Let’s dig in!!