Can hard work really create luck? Yes, in fact, it can.

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, host Jason Ulm sits down with Sean Brady, CEO of Cadmium, to explore an extraordinary leadership journey that began with humble beginnings and led to the executive suite of a leading Cadmium.

In this episode you'll learn:

- How work ethic creates opportunity

- Why mentorship can change your career forever

- The leadership lessons Sean learned in the restaurant industry

- Why reading transformed his approach to leadership

- How authentic leadership builds stronger teams

- The importance of developing people before focusing on results

- Why experiences matter more than possessions

- How to build a culture where employees thrive

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:00:44 Meet Sean Brady, CEO of Cadmium

00:01:28 Growing Up in Oklahoma City

00:02:45 Football, College, and Early Ambitions

00:04:47 From Dishwasher to Restaurant Leader

00:06:05 Meeting the Mentor Who Changed Everything

00:09:59 Becoming a Restaurant Owner

00:12:06 Leadership Lessons and the Power of Reading

00:14:00 Building a Career Beyond Hospitality

00:20:00 Transitioning into Technology Leadership

00:27:00 Growing People and Building Great Teams

00:33:00 Leadership Through Change and Adversity

00:39:00 Company Culture and Authentic Leadership

00:44:53 Family, Experiences, and Life Outside of Work

00:47:10 Final Leadership Takeaways

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share for more interviews with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are elevating their organizations and communities.

Learn more about Braden Business Systems:

https://www.bradenonline.com

#Leadership #LeadershipPodcast #BusinessLeadership #CEO #SeanBrady #Cadmium #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #Mentorship #ExecutiveLeadership #CareerGrowth #WorkEthic #PersonalDevelopment #CompanyCulture #ElevatePodcast

How do you scale a business while keeping people at the center of every decision?

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast, Jason sits down with Rich Diaz, CEO and owner of Advanced Resources, to discuss his journey from Kansas City to leading a fast-growing Chicago-based talent and business solutions firm.

Rich shares practical leadership lessons on building strong teams, creating a top workplace, betting on yourself as an entrepreneur, and using AI and automation to help people work smarter—not replace them. Rich also talks about Advanced Resources’ work in executive search, interim staffing, accounting and finance solutions, HR consulting, and helping organizations navigate growth and change.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:43 Meet Rich Diaz, CEO of Advanced Resources

01:21 Growing Up in Kansas City

03:07 A Life-Changing College Experience

05:03 Psychology, Research & Finding Business

07:04 Starting a Career in HR

08:45 Becoming a Leader at 24

11:13 Learning to Motivate and Invest in People

14:44 Rebuilding and Growing Advanced Resources

18:09 “At Advanced, It’s Personal”

21:04 The Decision to Become an Owner

25:12 What Advanced Resources Does

30:23 AI, Automation & the Future of Work

33:26 Using AI for Knowledge Transfer

36:09 Giving Back to the Community

40:00 Leadership Lessons and Business Growth

40:58 Family, Purpose & Being Present

43:26 Closing Thoughts

Check out Advanced Resources: https://www.advancedresources.com

Subscribe for more leadership stories, business insights, and conversations with the people shaping their communities.

#Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #AI #HumanResources #ExecutiveSearch #Staffing #ElevatePodcast

How do you build a company that can scale without sacrificing speed, service, or trust?

In this episode of Elevate: Powered by Braden, Jason sits down with Nick Novy, founder and CEO of Korpack, at the company’s headquarters in Bloomingdale, Illinois. Nick shares how he progressed from at Michigan State University to working in sales, leading teams, and ultimately launching Korpack in 2015.

Nick explains how Korpack helps manufacturers and emerging brands improve efficiency, reduce packaging costs, implement automation, and prepare for growth. He also discusses the company’s three core differentiators—speed, technology, and trust—and how tools such as ERP systems, Excel, automation, and AI can give employees more time to solve problems and build stronger customer relationships.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Intro

00:44 – Meet Nick Novy of Korpack

01:22 – Growing Up in the Chicago Area

03:32 – Discovering Packaging Engineering

06:06 – Internships and Early Career Lessons

08:07 – Starting a Career After 9/11

10:08 – Nick’s First Sales Role

13:06 – Learning to Create Better Solutions

14:47 – Developing as a Sales Leader

16:25 – Recognizing the Need for a Scalable Model

17:37 – The Idea Behind CorePack

19:14 – Launching Korpack in 2015

20:31 – What Korpack Does

21:47 – Speed, Technology, and Trust

24:01 – Building Trust Through Honest Advice

27:15 – Technology, Excel, Automation, and AI

30:49 – Family and Community

32:33 – Life Outside of Work

34:17 – The Reality of Entrepreneurship

35:22 – Helping Emerging Brands Scale

36:15 – Nick’s Final Advice

Check out Korpack: korpack.com

Keywords: Nick Novy, Korpack, packaging solutions, packaging automation, packaging engineering, supply chain efficiency, manufacturing growth, business scalability, entrepreneurship, emerging brands, leadership engineering, business automation, Elevate Podcast, Braden Business Systems

In this episode, Braden Business Systems has the honor of having Indiana Governor Mike Braun as a guest on our Elevate Podcast.

Host Jason Ulm explores how technology, innovation, and strong communities are driving business success across the state, while discussing the challenges and opportunities facing today's leaders.

Governor Braun reflects on his journey from building a successful business to serving as Indiana's Governor. Along the way, he shares lessons on leadership, economic development, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, workforce growth, and the opportunities shaping Indiana's future.

Whether you're a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, or someone passionate about Indiana's future, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on leadership and the evolving business landscape.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

- Governor Mike Braun's entrepreneurial journey and leadership philosophy

- The future of business and economic development in Indiana

- How artificial intelligence is transforming industries

- The role of technology in driving innovation and growth

- Building stronger communities through leadership and collaboration

- Opportunities and challenges facing Indiana businesses

About The Elevate Podcast:

The Elevate Podcast brings together business leaders and innovators to share ideas that inspire growth, leadership, and innovation. Powered by Braden Business Systems, each episode explores the trends, technologies, and strategies helping organizations thrive in an ever-changing world.

Connect with Braden Business Systems

🌐 https://www.bradenonline.com

Follow The Elevate Podcast for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of business, technology, and Indiana.

#MikeBraun #IndianaGovernor #IndianaBusiness #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #ArtificialIntelligence #Technology #Innovation #EconomicDevelopment #BusinessPodcast #ElevatePodcast #BradenBusinessSystems

Can leadership, faith, and education transform lives? Dee McDonald believes they can.

In this episode of the Elevate Podcast Jason Ulm sits down with Dr. Dee McDonald, President of Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana, to discuss leadership, higher education, servant leadership, career growth, and building communities that make a lasting impact.

Dee shares his journey from growing up in La Porte, Indiana, playing baseball, and beginning his career in admissions before serving in executive leadership roles across the country. He explains why becoming President of Bethel University was his dream job and how the university is preparing students to lead with excellence, integrity, and purpose.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:44 Meet Dee McDonald, President of Bethel University

01:35 Growing Up in La Porte & The "Slicers" Story

03:22 Baseball Dreams & Playing in College

07:15 Becoming a Teacher & Coach

11:03 From Coaching to Higher Education

13:46 Career Growth & New Opportunities

21:33 Returning to the Midwest

24:26 Becoming President of Bethel University

32:13 The Story, History & Mission of Bethel

40:07 AI, Technology & Ethical Leadership in Education

44:02 Community, Service & Leadership

51:10 Life Outside of Bethel University

57:09 Closing Thoughts

Want to learn more about Bethel University? Check out their website: https://betheluniversity.edu

Whether you're a student, educator, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or business executive, this conversation is full of practical leadership insights you can apply in your own career.

🎙️ Elevate: Powered by Braden features conversations with business, nonprofit, education, and community leaders who are making a difference throughout Indiana and beyond.

👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more leadership conversations every week.

How do you preserve a family culture while growing a global company?

In this episode of Elevate: Powered by Braden, Jason Ulm sits down with Patrick Gallagher, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Gallagher to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, company culture, innovation, and the future of business.

Patrick shares his journey from growing up in the Gallagher family business to starting in the company mailroom, leading operations in London, and helping scale the company into one of the world's leading insurance brokerage and risk management firms.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:57 Welcome to Chicago Week | Meet Patrick Gallagher

01:17 Growing Up, Sports & Family Legacy

02:54 Why He Chose the Family Business

04:59 Starting in the Mailroom & Early Career

06:10 Building a Career in London

10:56 Returning to Lead Gallagher's Growth

11:15 How Gallagher Became a Global Insurance Leader

16:10 The Gallagher Way: Culture & Community

22:36 Technology, AI & the Future of Insurance

29:23 Leadership, Family & Life Outside Work

30:39 Closing Thoughts

Whether you're a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, this episode is filled with practical insights on leadership, growth, innovation, and building organizations that last.

🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are shaping their communities.

#leadership #BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneurship #ArthurJGallagher #Insurance #CompanyCulture #BusinessGrowth #ExecutiveLeadership #ArtificialIntelligence #Innovation #ElevatePodcast

Welcome to the first episode of our special Chicago Week series! One week of every month the Elevate Podcast will feature guests from the Chicago, IL area, and how they lead both with intention and success in the fast-paced community.

In this episode of Elevate: Powered by Braden, Jason Ohm travels to Palos Heights, Illinois, to sit down with Jide Lawal, President & CEO of Applied Home Health Network.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:44 Welcome to Chicago Week | Meet Jide Lawal

01:27 Jide's Vision for Home Health Care

02:10 Growing Up in Chicago & Nigerian Roots

03:10 From Pre-Med to Healthcare Leadership

04:57 First Job & Discovering a Gap in Senior Care

07:16 Technology Experience in Healthcare

10:08 Why COVID Inspired Him to Start Applied Home Health

12:58 Building a Business Around Care

15:28 Supporting Families Through Medicaid Caregiving

18:40 Technology & the Future of Home Healthcare

21:22 What Community Really Means

23:06 Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

27:05 Leadership Lessons & Company Growth

28:18 Life Outside of Work

30:39 Closing Thoughts

Jide shares his inspiring journey from growing up in the Chicago area after immigrating from Nigeria to building one of Illinois' fastest-growing home healthcare organizations. After years working in healthcare administration, hospital technology, and pharmaceutical operations, Jide recognized a critical gap in senior care—and during the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched Applied Home Health Network to help seniors receive compassionate care where they belong: at home.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, entrepreneur, business leader, or someone passionate about making a difference, this episode is filled with practical insights and inspiring leadership lessons.

🎙️ Chicago Week is a special series from Elevate: Powered by Braden, featuring conversations with outstanding business and community leaders from across the Chicagoland area.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more leadership conversations every week.

Check out Applied Home Health Network: https://www.appliedhhn.com/

Keywords: Jide Lawal | Applied Home Health Network | Home Healthcare | Home Health Care | Senior Care | Caregiver | Home Care | Healthcare Leadership | Healthcare Innovation | Healthcare Technology | Healthcare Administration | Healthcare Business | Entrepreneurship | Entrepreneur Podcast | Leadership Podcast | Business Leadership | CEO Interview | Servant Leadership | AI in Healthcare | Technology in Healthcare | Medicaid | Family Caregivers | Healthcare Careers | Senior Living | Aging in Place | Healthcare Management | Chicago Business | Chicago Entrepreneur | Illinois Business | Palos Heights | Business Growth | Community Leadership | Elevate Podcast | Braden Business Systems | Chicago Week

#Healthcare #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #ChicagoWeek #ElevatePodcast

In this episode of Elevate: Powered by Braden, Jason Ulm sits down with Derrick Christy, CEO of Approved Mortgage, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey. From starting a cleaning business in high school to building one of Indiana's leading mortgage companies over the past 33 years.

Derrick shares lessons on leadership, company culture, mentorship, continuous learning, technology, AI, real estate investing, and why serving your community is just as important as growing your business. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, leader, or someone looking for career inspiration, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real-world experience.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:44 Meet Derrick Christy, CEO of Approved Mortgage

01:20 Growing Up, High School & First Business

04:09 Why He Started a Mortgage Company

05:40 Mentors, & Entrepreneurial Lessons

07:28 Building Approved Mortgage Over 33 Years

09:34 Company Culture & Core Values

11:32 Advice for New Entrepreneurs

13:15 What He Would Do Differently

14:17 Family, Fatherhood & Leadership Motivation

16:16 Approved Mortgage Today

17:54 Real Estate Investing & Horizon Property Group

19:34 Technology, AI & The Future of Business

22:10 Community Leadership & Giving Back

24:28 What's Next for Derrick & His Businesses

25:56 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

28:12 Life Outside of Work

30:04 Final Leadership Takeaways

Check out Derrick's businesses:

approvedmortgage.com

benfranklinii.com

gatewayeducation.com

horizonpropertygroup.com

🎙️ Elevate: Powered by Braden features conversations with Indiana's top business and community leaders, sharing leadership insights, business strategies, and inspiring stories you can apply in your own career.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more leadership conversations every week.

Keywords: Derrick Christy, Approved Mortgage, CEO, Entrepreneur, real estate, real estate business, business owner, Entrepreneurship, CEO Interview, leadership, leadership advice, business owner advice, business growth, business podcast, leadership podcast

Tammy Williams has built an incredible career by embracing every opportunity with one simple mindset: "This is going to be great." From growing up in a small town in Missouri to playing Division I softball at Northwestern, competing for Team USA, playing professionally in Japan, and now serving as President of Cook Financial Group, Tammy shares the lessons that shaped her journey.

In this episode of Elevate: Powered by Braden, Tammy discusses:

- Her journey from elite athlete to business leader

- Playing professional softball and representing Team USA

- Leadership, resilience, and overcoming setbacks

- Wealth management and serving high-net-worth families

- How AI is transforming the financial services industry

- Building strong company culture and meaningful relationships

- Why optimism and continuous growth are keys to long-term success

Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, financial professional, athlete, or someone looking for inspiration, Tammy's story offers practical leadership lessons and a refreshing perspective on personal and professional growth.

🎙️ Subscribe to Elevate: Powered by Braden for more conversations with Indiana's top business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

#Leadership #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #BusinessLeadership #ProfessionalSoftball #TeamUSA #WomenInLeadership #Entrepreneurship #ArtificialIntelligence #PersonalDevelopment #Indianapolis #CookFinancialGroup #ElevatePodcast #BusinessPodcast #SuccessStories