In this episode of "Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney," we’re joined by Gina Lizzo, Managing Editor of Main Line Today and The Hunt Magazine. For Gina, storytelling isn’t just part of the job—it’s her passion. She shares how embracing the privilege of telling other people’s stories fuels her creativity, even during challenging moments like writer’s block.

We explore Gina’s approach to leadership, the importance of authenticity in social media, and how meaningful connections—rather than surface-level networking—shape her success. She also discusses balancing structure with freedom, leaning on mentorship, and staying open to new ideas and experiences.

This conversation offers a fresh perspective on what it takes to thrive in media, connect with purpose, and lead with gratitude and intention. 

Learn more about Main Line Today and The Hunt Magazine. 

Read The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Man, The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent but Ester Hicks and Jerry Hicks, and Untamed by Glennon Doyle.

Read Gina’s article in Main Line Today, “The 20 Men Project Wants to Change the Racial Narrative in Chester County.”

Listen to We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle.

This episode is presented by Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, a certified public accounting firm specializing in tax, audit, and advisory services for businesses. They have offices in Media, Delaware County, and Chadds Ford, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Visit their website at https://barszgowie.com/ to learn more about their services.

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In today's episode of "Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney," we’re joined by Renee Patrone Rhinehart, the innovative founder of Events by Renee and Party Host Helpers. Renee shares her entrepreneurial journey from her first job at Main Line Today Magazine to becoming a successful business owner in the event planning industry.

Renee discusses how she identified a niche in the market and created Party Host Helpers to meet the demand for event staffing. She provides insights into the challenges and rewards of scaling a business, offering practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on starting and growing a company. Renee emphasizes the importance of networking, adaptability, and maintaining a positive work-life balance.

Renee's dedication to empowering others and creating memorable events sets a powerful example for industry leaders. Her story reminds us that success is within reach with passion, perseverance, and a keen eye for opportunity.

Learn more about Events by Renee and Party Host Helpers.

This episode is presented by Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, a certified public accounting firm specializing in tax, audit, and advisory services for businesses. They have offices in Media, Delaware County, and Chadds Ford, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Visit their website at https://barszgowie.com/ to learn more about their services.

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In today's episode of “Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney,” we’re joined by Christina (Tina) Reger, Esq., an employment law attorney and co-owner of LOUTEL. Co-founded by Robyn Pollack, Esq., LOUTEL offers employment law counseling and compliance services, workplace culture, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) performance solutions. 

Tina discusses her career journey, the founding of LOUTEL, and how integrating legal compliance with workplace culture and DEI initiatives can transform businesses. She provides insights on how leaders can create a winning culture and avoid legal pitfalls.

Tina's commitment to listening to employees and taking meaningful action sets a powerful example for leaders. Her story reminds us that true leadership involves empathy, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.

Listen to this insightful episode to understand how to foster a positive workplace culture, navigate legal challenges, and implement effective DEI strategies.

Learn more about how LOUTEL can help your workplace.

Check out the resources Tina mentioned like: SHRM, Philadelphia Society of People and Strategy, and National Association of Women Business Owners Philadelphia. 

Read Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg.

This episode is presented by Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, a certified public accounting firm specializing in tax, audit, and advisory services for businesses. They have offices in Media, Delaware County, and Chadds Ford, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Visit their website at https://barszgowie.com/ to learn more about their services. 

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In today's episode of “Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney,” we’re joined by Yonathan Kebede, FACHE, Vice President of Operations at Lankenau Medical Center, part of Main Line Health.

With over 15 years of experience, Yonathan has dedicated his career to improving healthcare operations. He shares his story from Ethiopia to become a respected healthcare leader in the United States.  

In this episode, Yonathan discusses the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and inclusion. He shares the intricacies of healthcare operations and the need to be adaptable in handling day-to-day unpredictabilities while focusing on long-term strategic goals. 

Yonathan's experiences offer a unique perspective on navigating crises, fostering innovation, and aligning leadership with the organizational mission and values.

Learn more about Lankaneu Medical Center and Main Line Health.

Listen to The Morning Brew Daily, Think Like a Champion, and Tools of Titans.

This episode is presented by Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, a certified public accounting firm specializing in tax, audit, and advisory services for businesses. They have offices in Media, Delaware County, and Chadds Ford, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Visit their website at https://barszgowie.com/ to learn more about their services.

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In today's episode of “Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney,” we’re joined by Ann King LAGOS, founder and designer of REALM.

Ann's journey is a testament to her passion and entrepreneurial spirit. She shares her story of how she became captivated by precious metals and established several highly successful businesses, including co-founding LAGOS with her ex-husband, Stephen Lagos.  

After a divorce and leaving the family business, Ann faced a pivotal decision. Rather than choosing retirement, she channeled her experiences and the encouragement of other women into founding REALM. Ann's aim was not just to create a jewelry brand but to establish a unique community that celebrates and honors women. 

Ann's journey is a testament to her perseverance, creativity, and commitment to the women who inspire her.

Learn more about REALM.

Read Maybe: A Story about the Endless Potential in All of Us.

This episode is presented by Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, a certified public accounting firm specializing in tax, audit, and advisory services for businesses. They have offices in Media, Delaware County and Chadds Ford, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Visit their website at https://barszgowie.com/ to learn more about their services.

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In today's episode of “Follow our Lead with Alaina Kearney,” we’re joined by Carley Razzi, President of Penns Woods Winery. It was founded in 2001 by Carley’s father, Gino Razzi, an Italian immigrant and veteran. He was a well-respected importer and distributor before crafting his own wine using Penns Woods’ grapes.

 Carley joined the family business in 2010 to help manage their growth. The father-daughter duo now has two additional vineyard sites in Chester County, a successful tasting room, a wine club, and a full staff. They have won numerous awards and accolades for their leadership and their wines.

Carly shares the evolution of Penns Woods Winery, emphasizing the critical role of strategic planning, understanding market trends, and the artistry involved in producing high-quality wines. Her insights into the operational aspects of running a winery, coupled with the emphasis on building a strong community, provide a practical framework for entrepreneurs aiming to turn their passions into profitable ventures. 

Our discussion serves as a valuable learning resource for those interested in the dynamics of the wine industry and the broader lessons applicable to business leadership and development.

Learn more about Penns Woods Winery.  

Check out Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee.

This episode is presented by Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, a certified public accounting firm specializing in tax, audit, and advisory services for businesses. They have offices in Media, Delaware County and Chadds Ford, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Visit their website at https://barszgowie.com/ to learn more about their services.

Watch the episode live on YouTube!

In today's episode of “Follow our Lead with Alaina Kearney," we are thrilled to welcome Cheldin Barlatt Rumer, CEO and executive producer of THIS IS IT NETWORK. THIS IS IT NETWORK is a global, female, minority-owned digital streaming platform. Cheldin hosts a daily digital talk show that shares the stories of inspiring female leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs. 

Cheldin is also the author of SCREAM YOUR DREAM 66 Lessons to Build Your Personal Brand. She provides tangible steps to help you shape your online presence and grow your business. 

She also works with business owners to build their brands, tell their stories, and craft their messages. Cheldin hosts workshops, is a keynote speaker, emcees, and moderates various events. 

Cheldin shares her inspiring journey as an immigrant from Sierra Leone, West Africa, to building a very successful digital network - something that didn’t exist when she was younger. Cheldin talks about what it was like to break into a niche market, why she focused on women, how she gained subscribers, and ultimately, how her dream became a business. Cheldin discusses the importance of authenticity, positivity, and storytelling when building your personal brand. Our conversation is riddled with tips and tricks you can implement to fine-tune your personal brand.

Check out the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. 

Learn more about THIS IS IT NETWORK.

Follow THIS IS IT NETWORK on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok! 

SCREAM YOUR DREAM 66 Lessons to Build Your Personal Brand by Cheldin Rumer 

This episode is presented by Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, a certified public accounting firm specializing in tax, audit, and advisory services for businesses. They have offices in Media, Delaware County and Chadds Ford, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Visit their website at https://barszgowie.com/ to learn more about their services.

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In today’s episode of "Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney," we are privileged to have Sydney Grims, Director of Business Development at Fearless Restaurants, join us. Sydney began working in the family business at age 12, and her early exposure to hospitality sparked her passion.

A distinguished alumna of Cornell's Hotel School, Sydney not only honed her skills but excelled academically, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a specialization in Real Estate Finance. Her career path took her to New York, where she worked with the Hillstone Restaurant Group and later as a Hospitality Director for a renowned finance mogul before returning to Philadelphia to play a pivotal role in her family's business.

 At Fearless Restaurants, Sydney has been at the forefront of strategic growth and real estate development, contributing to the expansion and success of over a dozen establishments with thousands of employees. 

Sydney’s journey at Fearless Restaurants highlights the delicate balance of honoring tradition while driving innovation. Joining her family’s business came with privilege, but it took dedication, industry knowledge, business acumen, and strong interpersonal skills to run and scale an operation as large as Fearless Restaurants.

Sydney's insights offer valuable lessons in nurturing relationships and adapting to change. Her approach reflects a leadership style that empowers, inspires, and transcends personal achievements.

Check out the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. 

Learn more about Fearless Restaurants.
Learn more about Fearless Femmes.
Fearless Femmes Instagram: @FearlessFemmesPHL

Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara 

This episode was recorded in October 2023 before Fearless Restaurants announced three new ventures. Read about them here.

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Today on “Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney,” I have the honor of sitting down with the Honorable Kenneth (Ken) J. Braithwaite, former Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway and 77th Secretary of the United States Navy. 

Ambassador Braithwaite shares his career journey riddled with personal antidotes of successes and failures and the profound influence of his family. He also gives us a glimpse into some of the biggest moments in his life, like when he received the call that he’s been selected for the position of Secretary of the Navy. 

As Secretary of the Navy, Braithwaite navigated the department through crises, emphasizing the importance of trust, culture, and leadership in rebuilding and strengthening the Navy and Marine Corps. He shares his experiences with international diplomacy, the strategic importance of maritime power, and his commitment to ensuring the U.S. Navy remains a formidable force on the global stage. He shares his expertise on how to build high-performing teams and the art of compromise. 

Throughout the episode, Braithwaite's stories of perseverance, dedication to duty, and love of country offer a profound glimpse into the life of a public servant who has dedicated his life to the security and prosperity of the United States. Join us as we explore the journey of a man who, through determination and a commitment to service above self, has left an indelible mark on the U.S. Navy and the nation.

 Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times by Donald T. Phillips

This episode is presented by Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, a certified public accounting firm specializing in tax, audit, and advisory services for businesses. They have offices in Media, Delaware County and Chadds Ford, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Visit their website at https://barszgowie.com/ to learn more about their services.

Watch the episode live on YouTube!

Today on "Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney," I talk with Dan Hershberg, founder and general manager of the Amateur Golf Society of America (AGS). He is a Philadelphia-born entrepreneur who has launched four successful companies in the past 15 years. His ventures include Philly Phaithful, a sports apparel line, and Workhorse Brewing Company, a craft beer business.

While at Workhorse, Dan introduced the Workhorse Tour, a one-of-a-kind amateur golf series that allows members to play competitive, tournament-style golf at their convenience. This innovative concept quickly gained traction, leading Dan to separate the Tour from the brewery and establish AGS. He forged a strategic partnership with the Golf Association of Philadelphia to expand the Tour across three states, offering over 60 week-long events in the 2023 season. The AGS Tour's unique format and booking platform enables amateur golfers to enjoy competitive golf on their own schedule, providing additional playing opportunities and a range of perks to its members.

In this episode, Dan takes us on his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the importance of pursuing businesses he is genuinely passionate about. Despite not having industry expertise initially, Dan relied on his extensive networks and prioritized the needs of his customers and employees. By combining his passion with a customer-centric approach, he paved the way for remarkable success in all his ventures.

To learn more about AGS or to join a tournament visit:  https://www.amateurgolfsociety.com/

The Pitch Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pitch/id1008577710

Watch the episode live on YouTube!