“I think Legacy is, did you positively impact someone’s life?”

“Listen deeply and listen with various parts of you.”

“There’s no failing, there’s just learning.”

Episode summary |

In this conversation, Shannon Cassidy interviews Kate Paine, the Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Saint-Gobain North America. They discuss the principles of generous leadership, the importance of context and listening in marketing, and the value of collaboration as illustrated by the Stone Soup fable. Kate shares her insights on embracing imperfection, fostering mindfulness in leadership, and the significance of making a positive impact on others' lives. The conversation also touches on navigating personal challenges, purpose-driven marketing, and the legacy of leadership.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

Chapters | 

00:00 Introduction to Generous Leadership

02:50 The Role of Generosity in Marketing

06:49 The Importance of Context and Listening

10:40 The Stone Soup Fable: Collaboration in Action

14:35 Progress Over Perfection: Embracing Imperfection

16:43 Conscious Leadership in High-Stakes Environments

20:01 Turning Outward: Making Others' Lives Better

22:15 Mindset and Resilience Through Hardship

23:06 Navigating Personal Challenges and Community Support

26:12 Purpose-Driven Leadership in Marketing

28:30 Empowering Teams Through Trust and Collaboration

33:00 Legacy and Personal Impact in Leadership

35:26 Rapid Fire Insights on Leadership Values

Guest Bio |

Kate Paine is the Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Saint-Gobain North America, a leading global manufacturer of sustainable building materials. In this role, she leads brand strategy, growth marketing, digital transformation, and customer experience initiatives for North America.

With a career of twenty-five years spanning companies such as Ben & Jerry's, The Hershey Company, and Land O'Lakes, Kate's core passion has been building meaningful change through people-first design, curiosity, and mindful leadership. She has led innovation, technology, design, and growth strategy, and is a proponent of design thinking.

She is a mother of two, runner, artist, gardener, and loves to escape into a DIY home project that involves building something. She and her husband now reside in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, after spending much of the last two decades in Vermont and New Hampshire. 

Guest Resources:

Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Fear-Observations-Rewards-Artmaking/dp/0961454733

Bridge Between Resources:

Credits: Kate Paine, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 250, Special Guest, Mark Moroz.

When there's a high degree of trust, especially in teams, the sky's the limit.

Flexibility, community, excellence, collaboration and growth, and then proximity to leadership. All those things kind of to me have an underpinning on gratitude.

We need to continue to grow and have the culture evolve.

Episode summary |

In this week's conversation, Shannon Cassidy interviews Bill Straub, the founding principal and CEO of All4, an award-winning environmental consulting firm. Bill shares his journey from an environmental engineer to a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of generosity, trust, and culture in leadership. He discusses the significance of partnerships, the meaning behind the name All4, and how employee ownership has shaped the company. Bill also highlights the role of mentorship and the unique cross-coaching program at All4, which fosters personal growth and collaboration among employees. Throughout the discussion, Bill's humility and commitment to generosity shine through, making for an inspiring dialogue about leadership and community.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

Chapters | 

00:00 Introduction to Bill Straub and All4

02:51 Early Career and Overcoming Fears

05:31 The Meaning Behind All4's Name

08:42 Lessons in Partnership and Trust

11:32 Generosity in Leadership

13:16 The Importance of Company Culture

16:14 Cross Coaching Program and Personal Growth

19:22 Building a Collaborative Community

21:12 The Power of Generosity in Business

23:28 Building Trust and Psychological Safety

25:05 Cultivating Leadership Through Feedback

26:21 Employee Ownership and Collective Success

29:07 Generosity Beyond the Workplace

30:40 Rapid Fire Insights on Generosity

Guest Bio |

Bill Straub is a founding Principal of ALL4 and a registered Professional Engineer with over 35 years of experience in environmental consulting. An accomplished entrepreneur, he has successfully launched and grown two environmental services companies, blending deep technical expertise with strategic business leadership.

Bill has guided ALL4 through significant growth milestones, including the company’s 2018 partnership with a private equity firm and a successful recapitalization in 2025. He oversees the firm’s vision and day-to-day direction, leads mergers and acquisitions activities, and mentors the leadership team to foster the next generation of industry leaders.

Passionate about creating an environment where seasoned professionals can grow, share knowledge, and deliver exceptional client service, Bill is recognized for his ability to combine technical rigor with sustainable business strategy. Outside of work, he enjoys time at the beach, on the golf course, and with his wife and three adult children.

Bridge Between Resources:

Credits: Bill Straub, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 249, Special Guest, Kate Paine.

“Luxury is about experiences, not things. We all have the opportunity to give someone a luxury experience.”

“Personalization requires information, customization requires connection.”

“Listen with your eyes.”

Episode summary |

In this episode of ROG, Shannon Cassidy interviews Neen James, a leadership strategist known for her insights on generosity and luxury. Neen shares her background, emphasizing the influence of her mother’s generosity on her life. The conversation explores how generosity can elevate experiences in leadership and the importance of attention in making people feel valued. Neen discusses her research on luxury mindsets, revealing that luxury is a mindset that varies among individuals. The episode concludes with Neen's insights on creating exceptional experiences and the launch of her new book, 'Exceptional Experiences.'

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

Chapters | 

00:00 Introduction to Generosity and Leadership

01:54 Neen James: A Journey from Australia to Leadership

06:22 The Role of Generosity in Elevating Experiences

12:33 Redefining Luxury: A Mindset Shift

17:13 Exploring Luxury Mindsets

22:07 Insights from Luxury Research

23:55 The Power of the A Outfit

25:08 Creating Champagne Moments

27:33 The Ripple Effect of Self-Care

30:04 Leading with Intention and Attention

32:52 Understanding Team Mindsets

34:43 Elevating Experiences through Generosity

36:00 Rapid Fire Insights and Reflections

Guest Bio |

Neen James is a leadership strategist, dynamic keynote speaker, and the author of Folding Time, Attention Plays, and the upcoming Exceptional Experiences. With boundless energy, quick wit, and actionable insights, she serves as a confidante to C-suite leaders to help them elevate experiences and achieve greater focus, communication, and influence. Recently appointed to the board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, James has been named one of the Top 30 Leadership Speakers by Global Gurus multiple years in a row for her work with some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Viacom, Comcast, Virtuoso Travel, Four Seasons, and the FBI. She empowers individuals to prioritize what matters most so they can create exceptional experiences that drive results and foster lasting connections. Originally from Australia, James is living her best life in Tampa, Florida.

Guest Resources: 

Bridge Between Resources:

Credits: Bill Straub, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

“If you give credit to people who deserve it, you will be recognized as a great leader giving your team members the ability to have a voice.”

“Trusting your team leads to better outcomes.”

“Being able to read a room, understand an audience, disarm when you need to, and uplift when you can is the best gift I can give or offer.”

Episode summary |

In this episode of Return on Generosity, host Shannon Cassidy speaks with Jon Sichel, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Hallmark Media Family Networks. They explore the themes of generosity in leadership, the importance of humor, the value of mentoring, and the balance between compliance and innovation in high-stakes environments. Jon shares personal anecdotes about his upbringing, the influence of his parents, and the lessons learned from both good and bad leadership experiences. The conversation emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive workplace culture where individuals feel valued, their voices heard, and empowered to contribute their best.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

Chapters | 

00:00 Introduction to Generosity in Leadership

02:49 The Role of Humor in Leadership

05:40 Navigating Personal Loss and Growth

07:57 Empowering Teams Through Trust

10:14 Creating a Positive Work Culture

11:19 The Importance of Mentoring

14:23 Learning from Good and Bad Leadership

19:23 Embracing Change and Unexpected Opportunities

22:33 Choosing Positivity in Adversity

25:04 Generosity in High-Stakes Environments

29:50 Navigating Change and Supporting Colleagues

30:07 Balancing Compliance and Innovation

37:19 The Longest Banana Split: A Leadership Feat

41:08 Rapid Fire Insights on Leadership

Guest Bio |

Jon Sichel is executive vice president, general counsel and head of Business Affairs for Hallmark Media Family Networks, home of three linear networks, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama; and subscription video-on-demand streaming service, Hallmark+. Sichel is based in New York and reports to Hallmark General Counsel Erin Kobler and President John Matts.

In this role, Sichel leads all business and legal affairs matters associated with Hallmark Media, while also providing strategic guidance to the senior leadership team on issues impacting ad sales, marketing, digital, strategic alliances, production, international, and distribution. His oversight includes negotiating content rights, production and distribution agreements, talent deals, entertainment content acquisition, and development-related activities. Sichel serves as the primary legal liaison for the legal team at parent company Hallmark Cards, Inc. Sichel also consults on matters of corporate litigation, intellectual property, employment law, and compliance.

Prior to joining Hallmark Media, Sichel was executive vice president of distribution sales and strategy at AMC Networks. Previously, he held various ascending roles at Discovery Inc. and Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI), including general manager of content acquisitions and operations at Discovery. His tenure with SNI also included the international role as managing director of global commercial affairs and managing director of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Sichel earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Princeton University and graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School.

Bridge Between Resources:

Credits: Jon Sichel, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 247, Special Guest, Neen James.

“Mateship is essentially a code of conduct that embodies friendship, equality, solidarity, and it's often forged in adversity.”

“We all have something to give one another.”

“Be generous with your time when you can.”

Episode summary |

In this episode of the Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy speaks with Shayna Goodworth, a yoga teacher and community builder, about the importance of generosity in both personal and professional settings. Shayna shares her journey from Australia to the United States, her understanding of mateship, and how she fosters community through her initiative, Seagulls. The conversation delves into the healing power of the ocean, the significance of connection, and practical ways to be generous in our daily lives. Shayna emphasizes that generosity is not just about financial giving but about investing time and creating meaningful relationships.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

Chapters | 

00:00 Introduction to Generosity and Community

02:53 Shayna's Journey: From Australia to North Carolina

06:02 Understanding Mateship: Building Connections at Work

09:01 The Mateship Pyramid: Social Connections and Loneliness

12:13 Practical Ways to Be a Good Mate

14:53 Generosity in the Workplace: Personal Experiences

17:47 Seagulls Community: Women, Ocean, and Connection

22:06 Space Holding as Generous Leadership

24:52 Balancing Care for Others and Self-Care

28:05 Lessons from the Ocean: Healing and Growth

31:00 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Reflections

Guest Bio |

Shayna Goodworth has been a student of yoga since 2012 and to deepen her practice, she took part in a RYT200 hour program in the United Kingdom in 2021 and is passionate about Vinyasa, Yin & Trauma Informed styles of yoga along with meditation as a way to heal the body. Yoga is integral in her daily life and she is currently Longwave’s Yoga resident SeaGal facilitator, devoted to fostering community through a shared connection with the ocean. 

Raised on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, her spiritual path began early through learning about the local environment and waterways. This instilled in Shayna a profound respect for nature and the power of place-based connection. Her vision for SeaGals at Longwave and Wrightsville Beach is rooted in this philosophy: to cultivate meaningful bonds among women and create space to ground, reflect, and honor ourselves in unity. Or simply, her mission is centered around Ocean, Women & Community. These three pillars have helped Shayna inform and hone her leadership styles of inclusion, authenticity and humility and she enters her first year as a 30 year old.

Guest Resources: 

Bridge Between Resources:

Credits: Shayna Goodworth, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

“Take more risks. Take them early and often.”

“I think a generous leader is someone that looks at you for the long view and they see you.”

“Generosity is having the courage to also have that moment when you have to deliver that moment that isn’t inspiring, the honest truth that we all sometimes need to hear as well… and encourage them along the way.”

Episode summary |

In this episode of ROG, Shannon Cassidy speaks with Gemma Toner, founder and CEO of Tone Networks, about her journey from being an immigrant in the U.S. to becoming a leader in the tech and media industries. They discuss the importance of generosity in leadership, the need for accessible personal development, and the role of feedback in growth. Gemma shares her insights on navigating competition, daily acts of kindness, and the necessity of adaptability in a rapidly changing world. The conversation wraps up with rapid-fire questions that reveal Gemma's personal philosophies and favorite resources.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

Chapters | 

00:00 Introduction and Farewell to ROG

05:04 Career Journey: From Media to Technology

10:51 Understanding the Needs of Leaders

16:37 Generosity in Leadership

27:15 The Power of Generosity in Community

32:23 Embracing Risks and Learning Opportunities

38:49 The Importance of Feedback and Continuous Growth

Guest Bio |

Gemma Toner is a media and telecommunications leader known for driving innovation at the intersection of big data and digital media. As a senior executive in the cable industry for more than 20 years, Gemma experienced firsthand the transformative power of executive coaching and mentoring. With an eye toward helping others advance in the workplace, Gemma therefore created TONE Networks, an award-winning video content platform empowering diverse employees to reach their full potential through virtual, on-demand personal and professional development.

Guest Resources: 

Bridge Between Resources:

Credits: Gemma Toner, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 245, Special Guest, Shayna Goodworth.

“We should always test rigorously new innovation before putting it out in the wild to ensure stability.”

“You can't really go after the really big things that you want to achieve if you don't get the small things right.”

“One way to think about generosity is about exceeding, you know, expectations of what you're supposed to do and doing things over and above what you're supposed to do.”

Episode summary |

In this episode of the ROG Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy interviews Kenon Chen, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Growth at Clear Capital. Kenon shares his unique journey that intertwines music and technology, emphasizing the importance of generous leadership and company culture. He discusses how Clear Capital aims to empower confident real estate decisions and the role of AI in the industry. The conversation also touches on networking with a generous spirit and the legacy Kenon hopes to leave for future leaders.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

Chapters | 

00:00 Introduction to Keenan Chen and Clear Capital

03:35 Keenan's Journey: From Music to Technology

05:52 The Intersection of Art and Leadership

08:44 Defining Generous Leadership

11:55 Culture of Generosity in Action

13:55 Networking with a Generous Spirit

19:49 Understanding Clear Capital's Mission

22:10 Practicing Generosity in Leadership

26:11 Legacy and Future Aspirations

27:49 Navigating Disruption: Thriving in a Changing Landscape

28:28 The Human Element in AI: Embracing Change

32:00 Reframing the Narrative: AI as a Catalyst for Growth

34:59 Empathy and Innovation: Balancing Change with Stability

37:09 The Role of AI in Housing Finance: A Vision for the Future

39:33 Authenticity in Leadership: Lessons Learned

41:27 Rapid Fire Insights: Personal Preferences and Reflections

Guest Bio |

Kenon Chen, EVP of Strategy and Growth for Clear Capital, embodies the company’s mission of building confidence in real estate decisions to strengthen communities and improve lives. In his current role, Chen sits at the intersection of Clear Capital’s executive, product, marketing, and sales teams, guiding growth and ensuring the delivery of consistent and long-term value to customers and partners alike. 

His curiosity and entrepreneurial focus on intuitive, people-first solutions have brought financial technologies to market that have transformed the valuation space. As the industry continues to evolve, Chen remains at the forefront of solutions-driven conversations centered around holistic modernization and innovation – including the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and how to incorporate it into housing finance strategically. 

His dedication in these areas has earned him a regular column in HousingWire, a seat at the table on Business Insider’s Workforce Innovation Board, a role as Team Lead in the FHFA Tech Sprint in 2023 and 2024, and speaking slots at prestigious industry conferences across the U.S. Prior to Clear Capital, Chen honed his engineering and tech leadership skills in San Francisco as a director of technology for Roundpeg. He was introduced to the mortgage industry in the early 2000s leading tech projects for a large lender. Chen has been a crucial member of Clear Capital’s leadership team for more than 20 years.

Guest Resources: 

Bridge Between Resources:

Credits: Kenon Chen, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

“Being an empathetic leader… knowing who your people are, really caring about them, leading with understanding versus judgment is so critical.” 

“If you want to be treated well and given opportunities and, you know, have people invest in you and all those kinds of things, then you got to be willing to do that yourself.”

“Vulnerability is not a bad thing. It's actually just showing that you're human and showing your humanness.”

Episode summary |

In this conversation, Shannon Cassidy and Susan Chapman Hughes explore the themes of generosity and empathy in leadership. They discuss the importance of aligning organizational vision and mission, the role of empathetic leadership in fostering a positive work environment, and the necessity of authenticity and vulnerability in leaders. The conversation also touches on the significance of empowering decision-making within organizations, navigating conflict, and the impact of AI on leadership and personal growth.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

Chapters | 

00:00 The Power of Generosity in Leadership

02:59 Aligning Vision and Mission in Organizations

05:38 The Importance of Empathetic Leadership

09:44 Defining Generous Leadership

12:56 Authenticity and Vulnerability in Leadership

18:10 Navigating Change and Disruption

23:02 Empowering Decision-Making in Organizations

26:03 Leveraging AI for Personal and Professional Growth

Guest Bio |

Susan Chapman-Hughes is an accomplished global executive and Fortune 500 public board director with extensive executive leadership and transformation experience across the Financial Services, Technology, and Real Estate sectors. As a public board director, she has led Compensation and Audit Committees for both pre-IPO and established companies in the Technology/SaaS, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), and Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industries.

Her operational expertise includes serving in multiple executive roles, including EVP, COO, and CAO, where she has successfully led P&L turnarounds as well as digital, data, and operational transformations. Susan is known as a connected leader with a down-to-earth style, who builds trust, fosters collaboration, and energizes teams.

A growth-focused executive, she is highly skilled at leading both large-scale and emerging organizations across the globe. As an innovative leader of positive transformation, Susan is passionate about aligning organizations with their core missions and values. She champions a people-centered leadership approach that is inclusive, empowering, and energizing for all stakeholders.

Bridge Between Resources:

Credits: Susan Chapman Hughes, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 243, Special Guest, Kenon Chen.

“It's really simple. It's just really just caring about your people and putting people first and then that ends up becoming a huge driver in growth.”

“Accountability is a big aspect of care. It's how you show up that shows how much you care about what we're doing and why we're doing it.”

“Vulnerability is an act of generosity.”

Episode summary |

In this episode of the ROG Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy engages in a deep conversation with Jamie Reid and Gabe Erle from C3, a company revolutionizing the insurance industry by prioritizing people, culture, and relationships. They discuss their backgrounds, the origin of C3, and the core values that drive their business. The conversation highlights the importance of generosity as a business strategy, the significance of psychological safety in fostering high-performance teams, and practical insights into leadership and personal development.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

Chapters | 

00:00 Introduction to C3 and Its Vision

06:37 The Origin Story of C3

10:58 Core Values: Creativity, Collaboration, and Care

18:08 Generosity as a Business Strategy

23:09 Vulnerability: A Strength in Leadership

25:35 Challenging Perceptions: The Power of Inquiry

28:09 Abundance vs. Scarcity: A Mindset Shift

29:13 Creating Peace of Mind: Beyond Insurance

31:45 Aligning Culture and Brand: The Importance of Internal Conversations

33:58 Psychological Safety: The Foundation of High-Performing Teams

36:46 Building Resilience: Techniques from Coaching Kids

41:01 Rapid Fire Insights: Leadership Lessons and Personal Growth

Guest Bio |

C3 is shaking up the insurance industry by redefining the privately held insurance brokerage firm. Founded in 2017, C3 is locally owned and headquartered in San Diego. While young at heart, the breadth of experience spans decades. C3 inherently takes a different approach to managing the risk of companies from startups through multinational firms. The difference is in discovery. C3 proactively creates sophisticated and innovative strategies for preventing unexpected loss for its clients and conversely provides swift resolution for difficult claims. Its unique business model and dedication to employees and clients has been a catalyst to C3 becoming one of the fastest-growing insurance firms in the country.

Bridge Between Resources:

Credits: Jamie Reid and Gabe Erle, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week for From the Vault #3: Susan Chapman Hughes.

“With AI, there is so much to innovate, it gives people an equality.”

“Everybody has something to give.”

“There are three things we all need: a coach, a mentor, and a sponsor. A coach talks to you, a mentor talks with you, and a sponsor talks about you.”

Episode summary |

In this episode of Return on Generosity, host Shannon Cassidy speaks with Yvette Kanouff, an Emmy award-winning technology pioneer, about the importance of generosity in the workplace. They discuss Yvette's journey from Germany to becoming a leader in technology innovation, the role of AI in shaping the future, and how to create opportunities for others through a generous mindset. The conversation emphasizes the value of networking as genuine connection, the significance of mentorship, and the essence of being true to oneself while navigating challenges in leadership.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |

Chapters | 

00:00 The Power of Generosity

02:31 Yvette Kanouff: A Journey of Innovation

05:20 Embracing Change and Innovation

09:48 AI: Opportunities and Ethical Considerations

13:27 The Art of Networking and Relationship Building

16:11 Return on Generosity: A Personal Philosophy

20:37 Overcoming Barriers to Generosity

22:57 Generous Leadership in Action

28:53 The Importance of Mentorship

32:52 Navigating Disagreements with Grace

37:10 Staying True to Yourself

Guest Bio |

Yvette Kanouff is an Emmy award winning technology pioneer and Partner at JC2 Ventures, a venture firm founded by Cisco Chairman Emeritus and Silicon Valley legend, John Chambers. Yvette headed the $7B service provider business at Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader in IT, networking, and cybersecurity solutions. She has held CTO and President roles at various companies and has focused on leading technology innovation and invention. Yvette has pioneered technologies instrumental in creating video streaming, app stores, MPEG standards, encoding standards, CDNs, and the DVD.

Yvette has received numerous industry awards including a 2020 Lifetime Achievement Emmy for her contributions to television engineering and technology, the National Cable and Television Association’s Vanguard Award for Leadership in Science and Technology, being named an Industry Pioneer, an Emmy for her work in Video on Demand with SeaChange, being named an Industry Wonder Woman, Top Techie, and Woman in Technology; she has been named one of the 11 most influential women in the Television industry, and has consistently been ranked as one of the top 100 industry executives.

Yvette began her career in digital signal processing and has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mathematics from UCF. Yvette is a 2011 recipient of the UCF Distinguished Alumni Award and supports UCF students through the Yvette Kanouff Industrial Mathematics Scholarship, in addition to supporting the University and College of Sciences, where she serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board. Yvette holds several patents and is on various corporate and industry boards.

She is a long-standing leader in industry organizations, foundations, and standards bodies, and she has chaired several industry award boards including the Cable Pioneers and IEEE Ibuka medal award committee.

Bridge Between Resources:

Credits: Yvette Kanouff, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 244, Special Guest, Jamie Reid and Gabe Erle.