Real World Leaders

Dalene Blattner, Shareholder Connections Manager at Clemens Food Group, shares her journey as a fifth-generation leader in Pennsylvania’s largest family-owned business. Growing up surrounded by hard work and dedication, she embraces servant leadership and the power of perseverance. Dalene sees herself as a steward of her family’s 130-year legacy, committed to sharing their story and fostering strong connections. Tune in to hear how she overcame self-doubt, leads with purpose, and carries forward a history of resilience and teamwork. Followed by George Bressler, President of GB Collects, shares his no-nonsense journey from growing up in Queens to building his own company. With hustle in his DNA, he started working at 11 and learned early that success comes from hard work, integrity, and accountability. Despite skipping college, he used real-world experience to get a head start, proving that fear can be a powerful motivator. George’s story is about resilience, betting on yourself, and turning challenges into opportunities. Tune in to hear how he carved his own path to the top—no shortcuts, just hustle.

Humble Beginnings, Lessons on the Field, Winning the Day - Bobby Keyes President and CEO of Elite Salons and Suites talks about how to you go from humble beginnings in a row home to leading a successful business.  In this incredible journey from his childhood in Philadelphia to running a thriving family business. Join student co-hosts from Philadelphia Electrical and Technology Charter High School as they interview Bobby about the values of teamwork, leadership, and caring for people that have helped him build his success. Followed by our interview with Chris Annas, Chairman & CEO of Meridian Bank, as he shares his journey from a sports-loving kid in Minnesota to founding a successful commercial bank.  He reflects on the challenges of raising $10 million to launch Meridian and the responsibility of leading a growing business. Chris credits his team as his biggest motivator and thrives in the fast-paced energy of headquarters.

Ted Wentz, CEO of Quadratec, shares his journey from growing up in a family business to leading it through growth and challenges. A born leader, Ted reflects on how his early roles shaped his approach to motivating a team, even during tough times. He opens up about stepping away from the family business, finding his path, and ultimately returning to lead with renewed purpose. From Jeep parts to personal growth, Ted’s story is a playbook on resilience, hard work, and expanding your horizons as a leader. Followed by Jim Paolino, Co-Founder and CEO of LodeStar Software Solutions, shares his journey from a math-loving, entrepreneurial kid to building a successful business. He reflects on writing the mortgage calculator that launched his career, the tough early years of entrepreneurship, and the small wins that make the biggest impact. Jim’s story is packed with humor, insight, and lessons on patience, problem-solving, and leadership. Tune in to hear how a kid who once wanted to be President found his true calling in business.

What is the formula for sweet success in business? Scholars from Imhotep Institute Charter High School interview Ross Born, the former CEO of Just Born who shares invaluable wisdom on achieving business success, emphasizing the importance of strategic selectivity, cultivating recognition and embracing serendipity. This insightful conversation offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.  Followed by Stan Middleman, CEO of Freedom Mortgage and part owner of the Phillies, shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to business success. Starting with odd jobs as a kid, Stan worked for everything he has and believes in leaving the world better than you found it. He discusses the importance of helping others become their best selves and how small, meaningful changes can transform your corner of the world. Tune in for valuable insights from a leader who embodies hard work, generosity, and purpose.

Philadelphia E&T Charter High School students interview Jim Ashton, General Partner, New Spring Capital, and hear how dedication and an inquisitive mind can uncover passions and drive success.How do you go from building your own career to helping fund companies that solve real-world problems? Followed by, Roxborough High School students sit down with Jane Hollingsworth, Managing Partner at Militia Hill Ventures. Jane shares how investing in herself and staying committed to her career path ultimately enabled her to invest in the brilliant minds across Philadelphia, empowering them to tackle important challenges.

Dean Curtis and Dr. Evan Loh share their journeys of leadership built on listening, coaching, and inspiring others. Dean, CEO of Ingage, reflects on how understanding and guiding people to be their best drives his success, while Dr. Loh, a former cardiologist turned CEO of Paratek, reveals how empathy and a people-first approach make him a standout leader. Both discuss the power of setting goals, standing out through perseverance, and leading with purpose. Tune in for inspiring lessons on becoming a leader who truly connects.

Jeff Mack and John Rizzo share their journeys from shy beginnings and tough leaders to confident CEOs and industry icons. Jeff, a Philadelphia real estate leader, talks about putting people before business and building your personal brand, while John, a tech entrepreneur, reflects on lessons from working with legends like Steve Jobs. Both reveal how adversity shaped their leadership and why persistence is the key to success. Tune in for insights on staying the course, leading through challenges, and leaving a lasting impact.

Can you turn failure into success? In this episode, DC International students sit down with Joe Arcangelo, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of inSeption Group. Hear how being fired became a turning point in Joe’s life, leading him to a mentor, newfound opportunities, and a journey toward stability and success. Followed by students from Sankofa Freedom Academy's interview with Gregory Reaves, CEO of Mosaic Development Partners. Greg Reaves shares how losing his mom and many loved ones before the age of 13 shaped his relentless drive to succeed. From starting a real estate empire with no experience to embracing humor and persistence as keys to life, Greg’s story is one of fearlessly chasing opportunities and living with urgency.

Shawn McCaney and Dan DiOrio share their inspiring stories of leadership, resilience, and legacy-building. From running the influential William Penn Foundation to founding Thinc Forward after overcoming homelessness, these two leaders explore what it takes to leave a lasting impact. Hear how trust, integrity, and mental fortitude have shaped their paths and why innovation and hard work are essential to success. This episode is packed with lessons on turning challenges into opportunities and building something bigger than yourself.

Greg Reaves shares how losing his mom and many loved ones before the age of 13 shaped his relentless drive to succeed. From starting a real estate empire with no experience to embracing humor and persistence as keys to life, Greg’s story is one of fearlessly chasing opportunities and living with urgency. Followed by Tacony Academy Charter School students interview William Bowie, President & CEO of Empower Construction. Hear the inspiring story of a CEO who faced adversity, overcame challenges, and channeled his passion into building a successful business with the goal of empowering others to become the best versions of themselves.