Steve and Shannon are back with a lively catch-up and a double dose of “Low-Hanging Fruit” on AI before teasing an interview with local business leader Pat Greco about a new St. Charles development (and a little Northwestern Wildcats banter). (36:30) Pat, a key figure in the Foxhaven Square project in St. Charles. They discuss Pat's background in the family business, the vision behind the Foxhaven Square development, and its potential impact on the community. The conversation highlights the importance of family values, perseverance, and the excitement surrounding the new mixed-use space that aims to enhance the local economy and provide a vibrant gathering place for residents.

In this episode, Steve and Shannon Clemonds discuss their busy lives, including Shannon's return to wedding planning after nine years, a neighborhood rodeo party, and the impact of AI in movies. They also share their fall bucket list and thoughts on the polarizing nature of politics.

Steve welcomes Pam Marsh, Vice President of Sales at Udemy, to discuss the importance of continuous learning and development in organizations. They explore how learning drives personal growth, organizational performance, and innovation. In our conversation we talked about how the best organizations don’t chase the “next big thing” for the sake of it. Instead, they listen with intent, solve what truly matters, and build trust that keeps customers coming back—and even attracts new ones. 

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, host Steven Clemonds discusses significant developments in the customer experience sector, including the launch of the iPhone 17, a major donation to the University of Illinois, and the acquisition of Cognigy by NiCE. He highlights the importance of these events for both the tech industry and customer experience, emphasizing NICE's leadership in the Gartner Magic Quadrant. The episode concludes with a positive outlook for the future of NICE and its customers.

This week on the Press One Podcast, Steve and Shannon sit down with Chris and Megan Curren, the husband-and-wife duo behind one of Chicagoland’s most talked-about restaurants—The Graceful Ordinary in St. Charles, Illinois.

From a vision of turning a historic riverfront bank building into a warm, modern-day “ordinary” (a colonial gathering place), the Curren's have built more than a restaurant—they’ve created a community hub.

In this episode, we cover:

Chris’s journey from Chicago’s top kitchens to opening his own restaurant in the suburbs.

Megan’s hospitality expertise and the role of culture in shaping unforgettable guest experiences.

Why they believe a happy team leads to happy guests—and how they live that every day.

The importance of mental health in restaurant culture, and how they’re setting new standards for staff well-being.

Their exciting plans for expansion: a new restaurant in Aurora (Winter 2025/26) plus two new concepts coming to St. Charles.

Whether you’re passionate about food, leadership, or customer experience, this conversation is packed with insights on building something lasting—one plate, one guest, and one experience at a time.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, hosts Steve and Shannon Clemonds kick things off with their signature blend of banter and relatability. From Cubs vs. Cardinals jabs to summer bucket lists and parenting wins, the episode opens with warmth, laughter, and a healthy dose of real life.

Then, Steve sits down with Life Fulfilled podcast host and seasoned content strategist Bernie Borges for a thought-provoking conversation about personal growth, leadership, and finding fulfillment in every season of life. Bernie shares the story behind his unique "Five Life Pillars" framework—health, fitness, career, relationships, and legacy—and how it’s become the foundation for his work in fulfillment-centric leadership.

Listeners will learn:

Why fulfillment—not just engagement—is the secret to high-performing teams

How legacy becomes more important as life progresses

Practical ways leaders can build authentic relationships at work

Why recognizing small wins can create long-lasting impact

How Bernie is helping organizations measure fulfillment as a performance strategy

Bernie also discusses the evolution of his podcasting journey, his favorite guests, and his dream interview with Arianna Huffington. Whether you're a leader, parent, or someone seeking more meaning in your day-to-day, this episode is packed with insights that will resonate far beyond your earbuds.

🎧 Plus: Shannon’s iced coffee debacle, Steve’s “Karen tendencies,” and why you should never kayak in the same boat as your spouse.

In this inspiring episode of the Press One Podcast, host Steve Clemonds sits down with Sheri Shaw Leavens, Associate Dean of Student Affairs at UNC Wilmington and author of My Mama Always Say…: 7 Leadership Lessons Adapted from Southern Wisdom.

Sheri shares how the timeless sayings of her mother shaped her leadership journey—from her roots in the South to her role as a higher education leader. You’ll hear powerful stories, practical advice, and heartfelt lessons on authenticity, resilience, and leading with heart.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How personal heritage and culture can inform your leadership style

Why emotional intelligence is essential in both student development and organizational growth

The power of storytelling in leadership and legacy-building

Whether you're a leader, educator, or lifelong learner, this episode will leave you motivated and reflective.

🎧 Tune in and discover how the wisdom of one Southern mama can impact the lives of many.

In this episode of the Press One podcast, Host Steve Clemonds welcomes back Chris Irwin-Dudek at Interactions 2025. They discuss the vibrant atmosphere of the conference, the importance of humanizing customer experience, the role of AI in enhancing service, and the significance of empowering teams. Chris shares insights on NICE's new branding and future strategies, while also touching on personal anecdotes about family life and the joys of being a 'girl dad.'

Steve also recaps his Top 5 takeaways from his time at Interactions during the weekly Low Hanging Fruit segment and highlights his Hero and Zero of the week.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, hosts Steve and Shannon Clemonds reflect on their recent family trip to France, discussing the highlights and cultural differences they experienced. They share insights on the pace of life in Europe compared to the US, the charm of Paris, and their travel tips for families. The episode also features a segment on their 'heroes and zeros' from the past month, highlighting positive experiences and areas for improvement in travel.

Finally, the episode concludes with an interview with Scott Russell, CEO of NiCE Systems, to explore what it takes to lead a global technology powerhouse into its next era of growth. Scott shares his perspective on taking the reins of a company already known for excellence, how he’s evolving the culture to stay innovative, and why NiCE is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in AI-powered customer experience. From rebranding strategies to the role of Copilot and Autopilot in modern CX, this conversation dives deep into the strategic vision shaping the future of digital engagement. Scott also details what he wants his legacy to be focused on once he retires and gets surprised with a few "Circle Back" questions from one of his daughters. 

🎧 Tune in, and get inspired by the vision behind one of the world’s most advanced customer experience platforms.

On this episode of the Press One Podcast, hosts Steve and Shannon Clemonds kick things off with their signature mix of humor, parenting chaos, and weekly highlights in their "Weekly Meeting"—from a spirited “school trivia quiz” to test Steve's knowledge around all things Norton Creek Elementary. For "Low Hanging Fruit" this week, Steve and Shannon discuss Graduation Season happening all around the US. They also highlight their Hero's and Zero's of the week that may or may not include a flooding issue caused by one of the hosts....again. 

Our amazing guest this week is Tony White, the principal of Norton Creek Elementary, who shares his insights on leadership, education, and creating a positive environment for students and staff. He discusses his journey into education, the importance of community, and how to manage change effectively, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. Tony emphasizes the significance of safety, understanding student behavior, and delivering a positive experience for all stakeholders in the educational process. In this engaging conversation, Tony discusses the importance of listening and validating others, especially in a leadership role within education. He emphasizes the promise parents make to their children at birth and how schools play a crucial role in fulfilling that promise. Transparency in decision-making and creating a positive school environment are highlighted as key leadership values. The discussion also touches on the fun aspects of leadership, including surprising questions from teachers and the importance of humor in education.

In this episode of the Press One Podcast, hosts Steve and Shannon Clemonds discuss their weekend plans, including Mother's Day celebrations and an upcoming family trip to Paris. They share their experiences with annual flower shopping and reflect on the efficiency of their daughter's school PTO. The conversation shifts to their 'Heroes and Zeros of the Week', highlighting a successful fundraiser and frustrations with travel apps. They also delve into the impact of AI on education and the changing nature of communication in the digital age, particularly the use of emojis and shorthand in texting.

Steve also welcomes David Schuringa, a close friend and former telecommunications leader turned realtor. They discuss David's diverse career journey, the influence of his psychology degree on his professional and personal life, and the importance of project management principles in everyday decision-making. The conversation also touches on navigating LGBTQ+ identity in the workplace, insights on retirement planning, and personal reflections on life choices and aspirations.