Executives on the Frontlines: Real Answers to Everyday Business Problems

Please email us at [email protected] for more information.

In today’s rapidly evolving economic and geopolitical landscape, middle market companies face growing challenges in managing manufacturing costs, supply chain disruptions, and tariff uncertainties. Unlike large enterprises with deep resources, mid-sized businesses must act quickly and strategically to maintain profitability and long-term growth.

In this LinkedIn Live session, ExecHQ and SIB will provide a pragmatic, solution-driven discussion on how middle-market companies can adapt, optimize costs, and build financial resilience. Topics will include:

-The impact of tariffs and supply chain shifts on manufacturing costs.

-Cost containment and procurement optimization are essential business strategies.

-Profit optimization strategies to enhance financial health and reduce risks.

-How middle market companies can self-fund strategic growth through cost savings.

Next Steps:

Don’t let unnecessary expenses hold your company back. We’re here to help.

https://exechq.com/agile-manufacturing-strategies-for-mid-market-companies/

Get Started with ExecHQ: Don’t let unnecessary expenses hold your company back. We’re here to help.https://calendly.com/d/dy9-tyh-b6g/meet-exechq

Get Started with SIB/Shipware: https://calendly.com/shipware/shipware-discovery-call-ehq

86% of salespeople don't even attain 90% of their sales targets, yet U.S. companies spend $15 billion annually on sales training.  Adding insult to injury, when 1,000 CEOs of midsize businesses were asked to name their top three competitive advantages, 997 got it wrong compared to their respective customers' answers.  Sean Stormes — Founder and CEO of The Demand Creation Institute, nationally syndicated growth strategy columnist, published author, and keynote speaker — provides solutions to these dilemmas, giving hope to those willing to innovate and transform their growth strategies.  Welcome to the world of Demand Creation!

To schedule a brief call with Sean to learn more, use the following link: 

https://calendly.com/seanstormes/30min?month=2025-01

Sean Stormes' Bio: Sean Stormes leads DCI, a profitable growth strategy firm. A nationally recognized authority on helping resolute yet humble leadership design purpose-driven business models that create enviable marketplace demand, he founded his practice after a distinguished 27-year executive corporate career that included two Fortune 500 companies. DCI’s platform is rooted in critical growth areas including Strategic Planning; Organizational Health (Purpose – Mission – Vision – Core Behaviors); Sales; Marketing; Business Growth Transformation; and Continuous Process  Improvement (Deming-based). After leading high-performing organizations at the regional and national level between 1995 and  2008, where his teams generated over $250 million in new business, he designed DCI’s curriculum in response to traditional industry "best practices" that have become obsolete. Many of his firm’s clients have realized double-digit profitable growth within 12 months of implementation,  primarily because the DCI system helps produce marketplace separation for businesses in highly competitive industries. In 2024, DCI launched its tech-savvy Learning Management System (LMS).

This is the second of two episodes in which our host, Jeff Pelaccio, asks two of our ExecHQ Principals, Ellza Malok and Mark Derr, to provide year-end thoughts and suggestions for a successful 2025 in light of the recent election results and the probable U.S. economic/business climate.

To learn more, you can schedule a 30-minute introductory call with our guests using this link: https://calendly.com/d/dy9-tyh-b6g/meet-exechq.

Ellza Malok bio: Ellza Malok is a principal, and CMO recognized for her data science background and expertise in behavior science research. With a passion for psychology-based approaches, Ellza leads the International Group and co-chairs the marketing group at ExecHQ. Based in Chicago, Ellza's global reach extends across Europe and the Middle East, where she supports clients in navigating the complexities of business growth and evolving organizations to their next phase. As a refugee immigrant to the US from Kosovo, Ellza's journey has instilled in her a unique outlook on the differences between perception, data, and reality, driving her dedication to empathetically understanding perspectives, thus ensuring impactful results through strategic marketing initiatives.

Mark Derr bio: Mark Derr has many years of experience as a business consultant, CFO, corporate senior executive, and business owner.  He provides CEO/CFO advisory and consulting services to entrepreneurial privately held companies in various industries including aviation, healthcare, retail, and services.  As an executive coach, he has trained over 200 senior executives and sales teams in consultative sales methodologies.  His corporate experience includes 10 years in the aviation industry as a Chief Financial Officer for a commercial aviation services firm and 10 years in the defense industry in Management Systems.  He has an MBA in Finance. Mark is a Principal at ExecHQ, a global consulting firm that helps for-profit and non-profit organizations get to the next level.  

This is the first of two episodes in which our host, Jeff Pelaccio, asks three of our ExecHQ Principals, Elizabeth Souder, Mike Read, and Baron Lukas, to provide year-end thoughts and suggestions for a successful 2025 in light of the recent election results and the probable U.S. economic/business climate.

You can schedule a 30-minute introductory call with Baron using this link: https://calendly.com/baron-lukas-exechq/30min).

Elizabeth Souder bio: Elizabeth McJimsey Souder is a “recovering” attorney and organizational health consultant and coach who helps companies and leaders realign the disconnect between who they say they are and how they behave. She has worked with some of Kansas City’s leading organizations as they launched, prepared for growth and expansion, addressed COVID and post-COVID related interruptions, reimagined who they were, restructured how they functioned, and rebuilt the culture in which they worked. Elizabeth also enjoys working with new managers and their teams to build trust, align and operationalize values, empower one another, and win together. 

Mike Read bio: With over forty years of experience Mike Read brings industry-specific knowledge that shapes effective strategies and tactical approaches. His insights enable clients to allocate resources wisely, directing efforts toward achieving optimal outcomes. Whether refining existing operations or pioneering new market entries Mike's guidance ensures that your company stays ahead in competitive landscapes. Mike is a trusted advisor and partner to executives and business leaders worldwide. Using his technical background and business development expertise, Mike brings a unique perspective that helps organizations solve complex business problems, including product line rationalization, turnaround execution, and acquisition selection and integration. His depth of experience spans the energy, aerospace, defense, telecom, and marine industries. As President of a high-tech company in the energy and marine markets, Mike successfully developed and leveraged operational strengths and best practices to achieve financial and operational objectives. He specializes in optimizing enterprise core processes and establishing centers of excellence that drive peak performance.

Baron Lukas bio: An executive leader, board member, advisor, coach, and retired Marine Corps Colonel, Baron has 44 years of leadership, management, and mentoring experience.  His professional career spans a diverse spectrum of positions: fighter pilot, instructor, strategist, intelligence officer, professor, commander, and finally, C-Suite executive, entrepreneur, board member, and advisor.

This episode explores the benefits of ExecHQ’s new Profit Optimization service. Statistics show that

Baron Lukas bio (LinkedIn): An executive leader, board member, advisor, coach, and retired Marine Corps Colonel, Baron has 43 years of leadership, management, and mentoring experience.  His professional career spans a diverse spectrum of positions: fighter pilot, instructor, strategist, intelligence officer, professor, commander, and finally, business executive, entrepreneur, board member, and advisor.

In this episode of "Executives On The Frontlines," Elizabeth Souder and Clive Mecham demonstrate an example of the power of teamwork and collaboration in maintaining consistent application of operational practices across multiple divisions and geographies.  A common challenge for CEOs is to effectively delegate responsibilities for running the business while ensuring consistent application and cooperation of leaders, to ultimately prevent work or cultural silos from developing among disparate groups.   This case study overview provides insight into developing organizational health by ensuring alignment with senior leaders on values and unified business practices.

To schedule an introductory call with Clive Mecham, use this link: https://calendly.com/clive-mecham-exechq.

Clive Mecham bio: Mr. Mecham has dedicated his career to helping businesses and individuals grow and develop. He has served others while in executive roles and leadership positions; including C-Level positions and Corporate Officer responsibilities. He has also served as a Board Member, Business Leader, and Strategic Advisor. Primary responsibilities throughout his career have included key account growth, expanded market penetration, new service development, top-line revenue growth, and increased efficiency of operation.

Elizabeth Souder Bio: Elizabeth McJimsey Souder is a “recovering” attorney and organizational health consultant and coach who helps companies and leaders realign the disconnect between who they say they are and how they behave. She has worked with some of Kansas City’s leading organizations as they launched, prepared for growth, prepared for expansion, addressed COVID and post-COVID related interruptions, reimagined who they were, restructured how they functioned, and rebuilt the culture in which they worked. Elizabeth also enjoys working with new managers and their teams to build trust, align and operationalize values, empower one another, and win together.

Elizabeth brings 20+ years as a corporate lawyer with two of Kansas City’s largest employers where she witnessed and experienced the relationship between an organization’s health and alignment and its success.

In this episode of "Executives On The Frontlines," we explore the intricacies of outsourcing manufacturing and assembly operations to Asia and Latin America. Our expert guest Larry Martinez shares hard-won insights on:

• Evaluating the unique challenges and opportunities in Asian vs. Latin American markets

Gain valuable perspectives on how experienced executives guide companies through the complexities of global outsourcing, focusing on the vibrant manufacturing landscapes of Asia and Latin America.

To schedule an introductory call with Larry, use this link: https://calendly.com/larry-martinez.

Larry Martinez bio: Larry Martinez is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and CFO principal at ExecHQ. He is an expert in managing outsourced subcontractors in Asia and Latin America. With a global focus, Larry assists clients considering outsourcing, helps them manage existing subcontractors, or provides guidance on creating an exit strategy.

"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth" - Mike Tyson

In this Quick Huddle episode, we discuss the concept of continuous assumption-based planning and its deliberate and disciplined execution process. We talk about how to effectively execute your strategic plan and establish mechanisms for ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and course correction as needed. You can read an accompanying article at Planning for an Uncertain Future (or to schedule a 15-minute introductory call with Baron, use this link: https://calendly.com/baron-lukas-exechq/15-minute-consultation-with-baron).

Baron Lukas bio: An executive leader, board member, advisor, coach, and retired Marine Corps Colonel, Baron (LinkedIn) has 43 years of leadership, management, and mentoring experience.  His professional career spans a diverse spectrum of positions: fighter pilot, instructor, strategist, intelligence officer, professor, commander, and finally, business executive, entrepreneur, board member, and advisor. Baron is a Principal at ExecHQ, a consulting firm comprised of senior executives in North America and globally with extensive C-Suite (e.g., CEO, CFO, COO, CMO, etc.) experience. ExecHQ delivers on-demand, cost-effective solutions for complex business problems that CEOs and business owners face. Baron’s advisory services include Chief of Staff as a Service, pre-transaction valuation improvement, strategy development and execution, executive coaching, corporate governance, and succession planning. Baron heads ExecHQ’s Chief of Staff as a Service, Executive Coaching, and Corporate Governance practices, and ExecHQ MULTIPLE, an advisory program specifically intended to prepare businesses for an M&A transaction or capital raise.

Baron’s long history of business and military leadership positions gives him a unique perspective that blends the best practices of both worlds.  A native of Germany, Baron is bilingual (English and German) and holds two master’s degrees.

If you are a CEO or part of the executive management team, why are you not focusing on building a great culture where your team members are energized and engaged? This episode focuses on why culture is so important, what a great culture looks and feels like, the importance for the CEO and other CxOs to live by the company's cultural values, and the steps to create the best environment for your team members.

To learn more, you can book a 15-minute call with Jeff here: https://calendly.com/jeffpelaccio/zoom-15-minute-call-with-jeff

Jeff Pelaccio Bio: Jeff  (LinkedIn) is a servant executive leader, podcast creator/host, accomplished speaker, culture/revenue builder, super connector (Go-Giver), and strategist. Driven by the philosophy that the more people you know, the more people you can help, Jeff adds value by connecting individuals and fostering collaborations that create magic. He assists companies with podcasting, provides fractional C-Suite executives to start-ups/high-growth companies, and guides business owners in planning exits while increasing enterprise value. Jeff has over 40 years of leadership experience for every t-shirt size company - Small (4 employees) to XL (over 1 million employees). He graduated from Manhattan College with a business degree in Information Systems and obtained his MBA from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.

In this episode, we look into the growing area of greenhouse gas emissions management and its building block role in the broader area of sustainability disclosure frameworks and reporting for companies.  While this subject may not be impacting all businesses currently, there are important considerations that companies of any size should be weighing when thinking about this important area of growing regulatory compliance and stakeholder interest. Developing a point of view around the science and business of decarbonization and implementing the right strategy and tools are essential for success in this area while continuing to improve operational performance, resilience, profitability, and shareholder returns.

To learn more, you can download this greehouse gas emissions management page from Lance's company: Nectivio

To  book a 15-minute call with Lance, go to: https://meetings.hubspot.com/lance-chastain

Lance Chastain Bio: Deep and broad experience as a founder in multiple industries with exits, company builder, C level, and board leader. Experiences as a founder offer me an intimate, detailed, and operationalized understanding of how to lead and scale companies for success and the right outcomes. Global C-level leadership and operating experience have been utilized across a range of business sectors, both domestically and internationally, in startup, turnaround, operating, and high-growth scenarios. Lance holds two patents for technology and industrial product design and has won numerous awards for product innovation, design, and performance. He is a Member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, W. Frank Barton School of Business, Wichita State University. Lance studied Business and Mandarin Chinese at Wichita State and holds a BBA with a minor in Management (Magna Cum Laude) from Wichita State University’s W. Frank Barton School of Business.