In this episode of the Chicago Business Leaders Podcast, Scott Moran sits down with Sean Gallagher, Executive Vice President and Regional President at Busey Bank, to explore what leadership really looks like after 30 years in the banking industry.

Sean shares a powerful perspective on leadership, built around trust, accountability, and curiosity. He breaks down the idea of having a "strong back, soft front, and wild heart", balancing empathy with the ability to make tough decisions and lead with integrity.

The conversation dives into one of the defining moments of his career, a major financial downturn that reshaped how he thinks about risk, due diligence, and relationships. Sean explains how failure became his greatest teacher, reinforcing the importance of doing things the right way, even when it's hard.

They also discuss how Busey Bank differentiates itself through a high-touch, relationship-driven approach, combining commercial banking with top-tier wealth management services. Sean highlights the importance of seeing clients holistically and building long-term trust.

Finally, Sean shares his outlook on today's economic environment, emphasizing the impact of global uncertainty and why business leaders should stay focused on fundamentals, control costs, and lean on trusted advisors.

This episode is a thoughtful look at leadership, resilience, and navigating uncertainty in today's business world.

Connect with Sean at BMO: 🌐 https://www.busey.com/

Email: [email protected]

Sean Gallagher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-gallagher-7148199/

Connect with Scott: 🌐 https://sutkermoran.com/contact-us/

Email: [email protected]

📍 Presented by Sutker Moran — Chicago's trusted partner for business consulting and CFO services.

In this episode, host Scott Moran welcomes Rob Hallberg and Matt Stefani, Managing Directors and Market Leaders at BMO, marking the first-ever duo to appear on the Chicago Business Leaders Podcast. Together, Rob and Matt share over 50 years of combined experience in commercial banking and open up about how BMO's guiding principle — "Boldly Grow the Good in Business and in Life" — shapes their approach to leadership, culture, and client relationships.

They explore the foundations of effective leadership, emphasizing the power of listening, trust, and authentic communication as the cornerstones of meaningful client and team relationships. Matt discusses the importance of empowering bankers to bring their unique approach to client service, while Rob explains how genuine trust allows teams to navigate challenges with confidence and unity.

The discussion moves into how BMO differentiates itself in a crowded financial marketplace — combining the resources and scale of a global institution with the personal touch and decision-making agility of a local bank. Rob and Matt outline how their "One Client" mindset enables collaboration across business lines to deliver comprehensive, relationship-driven solutions.

They also share insight on the challenges facing today's business leaders — from information overload to AI's evolving role in banking — and how BMO helps clients cut through noise and focus on facts. With practical examples and thoughtful perspective, Rob and Matt offer a grounded view of how leadership, culture, and client advocacy come together to drive long-term success.

Listen now to discover how two of Chicago's top banking leaders are redefining relationship banking — and what their leadership lessons can teach every business owner about focus, trust, and growth.

Connect with Rob & Matt at BMO: 🌐 https://www.bmo.com

Matt Stefani, [email protected]

Rob Hallberg, [email protected]

Connect with Scott: 🌐 https://sutkermoran.com/contact-us/

📍 Presented by Sutker Moran — Chicago's trusted partner for business consulting and CFO services.

In this episode, host Scott Moran sits down with Chris Gallagher, co-founder of Green Office Partner, a 50-person technology firm recently named the #1 Best Place to Work by both Crain's Chicago Business and the Chicago Sun-Times. Chris shares how he and his brother built Green Office Partner from the ground up — transforming it into a nationwide leader in managed print services, document digitization, and conference room technology serving clients across 49 states and Canada.

Chris reflects on his decision to leave corporate America to pursue entrepreneurship, the lessons learned in leadership and delegation, and the importance of building a culture where employees come first — echoing Richard Branson's philosophy that happy employees create happy clients. He explains how EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) helped structure growth, how recruiting top talent has fueled "hockey stick" results, and why learning what not to chase has been key to scaling efficiently.

The conversation also touches on the power of nimble decision-making in a saturated industry, navigating family business dynamics, and insights from Green Office Partner's vantage point on shifting workplace trends — from the return to office to AI adoption. Chris also introduces a timely concept: "job hugging" — the tendency for employees to stay put amid economic uncertainty — and how it's affecting recruiting in today's climate.

Listen now to hear how Chris and his team at Green Office Partner are redefining leadership, culture, and client service — and what their journey can teach every business leader about growth, focus, and resilience.

Connect with Chris Gallagher: 📧 [email protected] 📞 (312) 399-5299

Connect with Scott: 🌐 https://sutkermoran.com/contact-us/

📍 Presented by Sutker Moran — Chicago's trusted partner for business consulting and CFO services.

In this episode, host Scott Moran sits down with Lee Singer, a 40-year veteran in public accounting and a partner and executive at FGMK, a 250-person Midwest-based professional services firm. Lee shares how FGMK evolved from a small bookkeeping shop into a national powerhouse, serving clients across all 50 states by growing alongside them and building robust in-house expertise rather than merging up with larger firms.

Lee dives into leadership shifts post-COVID, highlighting the expanded talent pool with remote work but also the cultural and training challenges it creates. He emphasizes the importance of proactive client communication, creative tax and structure strategies (including re-evaluating LLC vs. S-Corp status), succession planning for aging business owners, and implementing phantom equity plans to retain top talent long-term.

Listen now to discover how to future-proof your business with proven leadership, tax, and talent strategies from FGMK's Lee Singer. Don't miss these insights that could transform your next move.

Connect with Lee Singer: [email protected] Connect with Scott: https://sutkermoran.com/contact-us/

📍 Presented by Sutker Moran — Chicago's trusted partner for business consulting and CFO services

In this episode of the Chicago Business Leaders Podcast, presented by Sutker Moran and hosted by Scott Moran, we sit down with Andy Hartlieb, CEO of American Community Bank & Trust, to discuss leadership, strategy, and the evolving banking landscape. Celebrating the bank's 25th anniversary, Andy reflects on its journey from a 10-founder startup to a trusted, independent commercial bank serving entrepreneurs across Chicago.

Andy shares how his leadership style—rooted in a "player-coach" mindset—has evolved, emphasizing team culture, accountability, and continuous improvement. He highlights the power of personalized service in a consolidating industry and how staying agile and values-driven allows smaller firms to stand out amid large-scale competitors.

The conversation dives into strategic planning, the critical role of advisory teams, and the importance of articulating and aligning business goals across an organization. Andy also offers a refreshing sense of optimism about the future of Chicago's business environment and opportunities for growth.

Whether you're a CEO, business owner, or aspiring leader, this episode offers timely, tactical insights on building lasting client relationships, creating team alignment, and leading with purpose in today's fast-changing market.

Learn more at www.amcombank.com or connect with Andy Hartlieb at (815) 334-3564.

In this episode of the Chicago Business Leaders Podcast, host Scott Moran sits down with Patrick Croke, founding partner at Croke Fairchild Duarte and Beres, to explore how one of Chicago's fastest-growing law firms is rewriting the rules of legal leadership.

Patrick shares the firm's incredible growth story — from 7 lawyers at launch to over 100 across 13 states — and dives into the principles of servant leadership, client partnership, and entrepreneurial thinking that drive their success. He offers insights on scaling a law firm, standing out in a crowded legal market, and why staying humble and strategic makes all the difference.

You'll also hear Patrick's perspective on:

• How Chicago's business climate continues to thrive

• What law firms get wrong about KPIs and management

• The importance of being more than "just" a lawyer

• Why local business leaders must become ambassadors for the city

Whether you're a founder, a legal professional, or a business leader, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable wisdom, and a powerful message about the future of leadership in Chicago and beyond. Connect with Patrick Croke: [email protected] Connect with Scott: https://sutkermoran.com/contact-us/

📍 Presented by Sutker Moran — Chicago's trusted partner for business consulting and CFO services.

In this wide-ranging conversation, veteran banking leader Bob Shanahan shares hard-earned wisdom from over 20 years of running a successful asset-based lending group at Wintrust. With a people-first mindset and a leadership style rooted in collaboration, Bob explains how hiring talented individuals has laid the foundation for a high-performing, loyal team. Nearly all team leaders under his guidance have risen through the ranks internally, proving the long-term power of promoting from within and fostering growth through mentorship and trust.

But leadership doesn't stop at staffing. Bob outlines how transparency, clear expectations, and consistent communication—internally and with clients—have been key to building enduring relationships. He emphasizes the critical moments that truly test a lender-client relationship: not during sunny market upswings, but in challenging cycles like COVID, trade disruptions, or raw material shortages. These inflection points reveal character and commitment on both sides, and Bob's team strives to be proactive, planning months in advance, rather than reacting at the last minute.

For Chicago-based lenders and business leaders, Bob also shares insights into the city's unique financial landscape and the additional responsibility that local institutions bear in preserving and growing client relationships in an increasingly globalized market.

This episode is packed with wisdom on leadership, succession planning, team development, and client trust—all built on a foundation of honesty, humility, and mutual respect. Whether you're in finance, consulting, or leading a growing business, Bob's emphasis on hiring great people, planning for tomorrow, and earning trust through communication will resonate deeply. Connect with Bob Shanahan: [email protected] or visit www.Wintrust.com. Connect with Scott: https://sutkermoran.com/contact-us/

Welcome to the Chicago Business Leaders Podcast. Each month we bring you insights from Leaders throughout the Chicago Middle-Market Business Community. Listen in as we discuss leadership styles, industry trends and topics, and other key items affecting the Business community.