Why do employees stay with a company for decades while others leave after just a few years?

In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens and Brad Marotti sit down with Andrew Sapienza, Senior Director of HR at Reeves, to discuss leadership, employee engagement, workforce development, and what it takes to build a culture where people want to stay and grow.

Andrew shares his unique journey from serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and working as an electrician, to teaching construction management and eventually leading HR teams for some of the largest construction organizations in North America. Along the way, he learned a powerful lesson: great leadership is less about having all the answers and more about helping others succeed.

They explore:

• Why employees often leave managers, not companies
• What today's workforce expects from employers beyond a paycheck
• How leadership responsibilities change when you're managing people
• The role employee development plays in retention and engagement
• Why listening is one of the most important leadership skills
• How empathy helps leaders build trust and stronger teams
• The importance of timely feedback and difficult conversations
• Why strengths-based leadership creates more effective teams
• How training and development can prepare future leaders for success

From Coast Guard stories and career pivots to leadership development and workforce trends, this conversation highlights a simple truth: people thrive when leaders invest in their growth, listen to their perspectives, and create opportunities for them to succeed.

If you're leading a team, developing employees, navigating the challenges of management, or looking to become a better leader, this episode offers practical insights you can apply right away.

Thanks for listening!

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Why do some leaders consistently build high-performing teams, while others struggle to unlock their team's full potential?

In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet sit down with Jeff Glenn, owner of Glenview Strategies, leadership consultant, and strategic planning expert, to discuss what separates good leaders from great ones and how organizations can close the gap between their potential and their performance.

Jeff shares his unique career journey from working odd jobs and riding the back of a trash truck to serving in government, working at Delta Companies, and eventually building a business dedicated to leadership development. Along the way, he shares the lessons, mentors, and experiences that shaped his approach to leadership.

They explore:

• Why leadership starts with leading yourself first
• The importance of intentional personal growth and development
• How great leaders build trust with their teams
• Why focusing on strengths creates better results than fixing weaknesses
• The role mentors play in accelerating growth and success
• How to identify and develop high-performing teams
• Why evaluated experience is more valuable than experience alone
• Common mistakes leaders make when managing people and culture
• How organizations can close the gap between what they want to be known for and what they're actually known for

From leadership lessons and team dynamics to strategic planning and organizational growth, this conversation highlights a simple truth: the most effective leaders never stop learning, growing, and investing in the people around them.

If you're leading a team, managing people, growing into a leadership role, or looking to become a more effective leader, this episode offers practical insights you can apply right away.

Thanks for listening!

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Why do some people thrive in a career they never planned to pursue, while others struggle to find work that truly fits them?

In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens sits down with Christine Ostendorf, Market Developer at Thrivent Financial and former Catholic school teacher and principal, to discuss career transitions, discovering your strengths, and finding work that gives you energy instead of draining it.

Christine shares her journey from teaching theology and leading a Catholic grade school to building a career in financial services. Along the way, she reflects on transferable skills, leadership lessons, personal growth, and the importance of understanding what motivates and fulfills you.

They explore:

• How to identify the work that energizes you versus the work that drains you
• Why career changes can be uncomfortable, but often lead to growth
• The importance of self-awareness when making professional decisions
• How transferable skills can create opportunities in unexpected industries
• Why your identity should be bigger than your job title
• Practical ways to evaluate whether you're in the right role
• Financial tips for seasonal and irregular-income workers
• The value of creating a plan for your money and your future

From leadership and personal development to financial habits and career planning, this conversation highlights a simple truth: meaningful work happens when your strengths, values, and purpose align.

If you're considering a career change, trying to discover your strengths, or looking for practical financial advice, this episode offers insights you can apply right away.

Thanks for listening!

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Why do some communities grow, attract investment, and create opportunity—while others struggle to keep people and jobs?

In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens sits down with Shad Burner, CEO of SEMO REDI, and Lucas Presson, Business Development Director at SEMO REDI, to break down what economic development really is and why it matters to the future of Southeast Missouri.

Shad and Lucas share their unique career journeys into economic development before diving into the challenges and opportunities facing the region. From workforce development and site selection to regional collaboration and population growth, they explain the work happening behind the scenes to help communities thrive.

They explore:

• What economic development actually means and how it's measured
• Why population growth and GDP are key indicators of a healthy region
• How communities attract new businesses and support existing employers
• The role workforce development plays in long-term economic success
• Why regional collaboration is critical for competing on a larger stage
• What site selectors look for when evaluating locations for new investments
• How Southeast Missouri can differentiate itself and compete for future growth
• The leadership challenges of bringing diverse organizations together around a common goal

From attracting businesses and developing talent pipelines to building stronger communities, this conversation highlights a simple truth: economic growth doesn't happen by accident—it requires vision, collaboration, and consistent effort.

If you're interested in business, leadership, workforce development, or the future of Southeast Missouri, this episode offers valuable insights into what it takes to build a region where people and businesses want to stay, grow, and invest.

Thanks for listening!

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Why do we take infrastructure for granted until something goes wrong?

In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet sit down with Dustin Boatwright, Chief Engineer of the Little River Drainage District and Vice Chair of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, to explore the systems, investments, and leadership that shape our communities every day.

Dustin shares his journey from growing up around heavy equipment in Southeast Missouri to leading one of the largest drainage districts in the United States and helping guide transportation policy across the state. Along the way, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at how infrastructure projects are funded, built, and maintained—and why they matter more than most people realize.

They explore:

• How the Little River Drainage District transformed Southeast Missouri from swamp land into one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country
• The role infrastructure plays in economic growth, public safety, and quality of life
• How major flood events have shaped modern flood control systems and transportation networks
• Why Missouri has become a national leader in delivering large infrastructure projects
• The challenges of transportation funding and planning for future growth
• What it takes to lead through adversity and make decisions that impact generations
• Why long-term thinking and investment are critical for building stronger communities

From drainage systems and highways to leadership and public service, this conversation reveals how some of the most important work in our lives often happens behind the scenes—and why investing in the future requires vision, courage, and a willingness to do the right thing.

If you're interested in engineering, infrastructure, leadership, or the future of Missouri, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and projects that keep our communities moving forward.

Thanks for listening!

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Why do some people figure out their career path early—while others struggle to find the right fit?

In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens sits down with Braxton Cousins to talk about his journey from intern to full-time safety professional and how hands-on experience helped him find the right path.

Braxton shares how he went from a small-town athlete focused on basketball to navigating college, internships, and ultimately building a career in construction safety. Along the way, he reflects on the power of trying new things, building relationships, and learning from real-world experience.

They explore:

• How internships can help you figure out what you do (and don’t) want to do
• Why rotating through different roles builds stronger long-term skills
• The importance of relationships and credibility early in your career
• What it’s really like working in safety—and why culture matters
• How sports and teamwork translate directly into the workplace
• Why mindset and effort matter more than having everything figured out

From lessons learned in college athletics to navigating a first full-time role, this conversation highlights a simple truth: you don’t need all the answers—you just need to start and stay open to learning.

If you’re a student, early in your career, or trying to figure out your next step, this episode offers real insight into how to gain experience and build a path forward.

Thanks for listening!

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Why does leading change feel so much harder than it should?

In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Brad Marotti sit down to talk through their real-world experience leading change inside a growing organization—and how John Kotter’s Leading Change framework is shaping the way they approach it.

From early assumptions to hard-earned lessons, they unpack why change takes longer than expected, why communication often falls short, and what it really takes to get an entire organization aligned.

They explore:

• Why change isn’t an event—it’s a long, ongoing process
• How communication breaks down across teams (and how to fix it)
• The challenge of creating urgency in already successful organizations
• Why a clear, simple vision is critical—and harder to create than you think
• How short-term wins help maintain momentum without losing focus
• What it takes to turn change into lasting culture

Through honest reflections, practical examples, and lessons learned while applying Kotter’s principles, this conversation reveals the reality behind leading meaningful change: it’s slow, messy, and requires constant effort.

If you’re leading a team, driving change, or trying to improve how your organization adapts and grows, this episode offers a grounded framework—and real insights you can use right away.

Thanks for listening!

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Why do some teams speak up, share ideas, and collaborate, while others stay quiet?

In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens and Brad Collins sit down with Cheryl Suszczynski, Learning and Development Manager at Barrett Industries, to break down what separates average teams from high-performing ones.

Cheryl shares her journey into HR and leadership development, then dives into the real drivers of effective leadership, including self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and creating a workplace where people feel safe to contribute.

They explore:

• Why psychological safety is critical for strong teams
• How leaders can create an environment where every voice is heard
• The role of emotional intelligence in managing people effectively
• Why focusing on strengths leads to better performance than fixing weaknesses
• Practical ways to improve communication, listening, and trust

From real workplace examples to actionable leadership strategies, this conversation highlights a simple truth: great teams start with leaders who understand themselves and the people around them.

If you’re leading a team, growing into leadership, or just want to improve how you work with others, this episode offers insights you can apply right away.

Thanks for listening!

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What does it really take to build a personal brand as a leader and why does it matter more than most people think?

In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens and Brad Collins sit down with Stephan Mills, Director of Finance at Barrett Industries, to break down how your reputation, relationships, and authenticity shape your career over time.

Stephan shares his journey from job cost accountant to executive leadership, and what he learned along the way about adapting to new roles, navigating different team dynamics, and rebuilding your brand from scratch in unfamiliar environments.

They dive into:

• How to establish trust and credibility when no one knows you
• The challenge of rebuilding your reputation in new roles and regions
• Why authenticity is the foundation of strong leadership
• The difference between reputation and personal brand
• How great leaders adjust their approach without losing who they are

Through real stories, including navigating difficult work environments and leading through uncertainty, Stephan explains why your personal brand is not something you create once, but something you continuously refine.

If you are growing into leadership, changing roles, or looking to stand out in your career, this conversation offers practical insight you can apply immediately.

Thanks for listening!

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In this episode of On the Surface, Seth sits down with Brad Collins, Vice President of Finance and Development at Colas, to discuss his career journey and how leadership perspectives evolve over time. Brad shares how he found his way into finance, the importance of timing and intentional decision-making, and why being willing to say “no” to certain opportunities can be just as important as saying “yes.”

A central theme of the conversation is growth. Brad and Seth explore the idea of reassessing your direction every few years, pushing yourself into new challenges, and how roles naturally shift as your career progresses. Moving from detail-oriented work early on to strategic thinking in leadership, Brad explains how the skillset required at each stage is different—and why success depends on adapting along the way.

The discussion also focuses heavily on communication and its impact across an organization. Brad shares practical insights on how to communicate more effectively by meeting people where they are, adapting to different communication styles, and providing context so messages are clearly understood. He emphasizes that strong communication isn’t just about what you say, but how and when you say it.

Throughout the episode, they highlight how communication acts as a bridge—translating complex ideas into something relatable and actionable for others. Combined with feedback, self-awareness, and curiosity, this ability becomes a key driver of both personal growth and organizational success. It’s a practical conversation that reinforces a simple idea: the better you communicate, the more effective you become.

Thanks for listening!

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