Success Beneath the Surface

CEOs are often laser-focused on destinations—quarterly targets, market share goals, and exit strategies. But what if the true measure of leadership lies in valuing the journey as much as the endpoint? This insight comes from a recent conversation with Bob Roda, CEO of Hemasonics, who emphasizes the fulfillment of embracing daily experiences. As someone who regularly engages with CEOs, I've observed a common fixation on end results. However, reflecting on my own career and those of successful leaders, it's clear that real value often emerges from the collective moments of triumph, failure, and growth along the way. This commentary explores the power of balancing destination-driven goals with an appreciation for the journey, offering a fresh perspective on leadership and organizational success that resonates in today's dynamic business landscape.

About our guest:

Robert A. Roda (Bob) joined HemoSonics in February 2020 as the company’s President and CEO, bringing more than 25 years of global experience developing and commercializing innovative diagnostic and medical device products and services.

Links from this episode:

HemoSonics website 

HemoSonics YouTube channel:  

X @HemoSonics

HemoSonics on LinkedIn 

Deborah Fell on LinkedIn

Chief Outsiders

In this episode, Deborah welcomes Bob Roda, President and CEO of HemoSonics, about purpose-driven leadership in healthcare. Bob shares his journey from an economics major to a passionate advocate for improving patient care. He offers candid insights from his career at Johnson & Johnson to his current role in medical technology innovation.

Bob's story emphasizes continuous learning and embracing both successes and failures. He provides a fresh take on leadership, stressing the importance of the journey as much as the destination. Bob's commitment to making a meaningful impact in healthcare is evident throughout the conversation.

Join us for this engaging discussion on mentorship, the value of experience, and the challenges of driving change in clinical practice. Bob's insights offer valuable perspective for those at any stage of their career in, “Balancing the Blood Ledger: HemoSonics CEO on Innovation and Patient Care.”

About our guest:

Robert A. Roda (Bob) joined HemoSonics in February 2020 as the company’s President and CEO, bringing more than 25 years of global experience developing and commercializing innovative diagnostic and medical device products and services.

Links from this episode:

HemoSonics website 

HemoSonics YouTube channel:  

X @HemoSonics

HemoSonics on LinkedIn 

Deborah Fell on LinkedIn

Chief Outsiders

Deborah Fell reflects on her recent conversation with James Hyman, a seasoned turnaround CEO and board member. Deborah discusses the key insights from their full episode, focusing on themes of leadership, accountability, and empowering teams. She shares her experience leading a diverse and accomplished team of sales and marketing executives from various industries, highlighting the challenges and rewards of being a "leader of leaders." Deborah emphasizes the importance of inspiring confidence, showing compassion, and knowing when to compromise. 

James Hyman brings 25+ years of experience in international business leadership as CEO and Independent Director, driving demonstrated performance improvement. James has had responsibilities for operations, finance, M&A, and restructuring businesses across multiple US and European industries, as well as at leading companies such as GE Capital, McKinsey, JPMorgan & Starwood Hotels. He has delivered shareholder value as CEO of six companies, as a Board member of public & private companies, as an advisor to start-up/venture-backed companies, and as a Senior Advisor to Stifel’s Investment bank. He is a Partner with Marketing Strategies, LLC, which provides consulting and M&A advice to private equity firms and portfolio companies.

As a Board member of 11 companies (currently Watterson Solutions), James works to focus the organization on business building and creating shareholder value within a structure of strong governance. As a Board member, he works with management on critical-path strategy issues, leadership development, and risk management. He has served on multiple committees: Audit (Chair), Compensation, Governance (Chair), and Transaction/Special Committees (Chair).

As CEO, James is a leader who delivers shareholder value with large and sustained improvements in operating and financial performance - currently as CEO of PE-owned United Site Services, and previously of Corizon Health, Citizens Parking, CEC, and TestAmerica as well as Chairman & CEO of NYSE-traded Cornell Companies. For underperforming B2B services and industrial businesses, he brings strong process improvement and lean sigma skills to bear, emphasizing growth, top-grading, margin expansion, and return on capital.

In this episode of Success Beneath the Surface, James Hyman, a seasoned CEO and board member, shares his methodology for helping companies navigate complex restructuring processes. With a background spanning diverse industries and a track record of successful transformations, James offers invaluable insights for CEOs and business transformation leaders facing the daunting task of overhauling large to enterprise-sized organizations.

James emphasizes the importance of broadening one's skill set, knowing what "good" looks like in various business functions, and leveraging the expertise of others to drive change. He also touches on the evolving role of AI in business and how leaders can prepare to harness its potential.

Whether you're a CEO grappling with organizational challenges or a transformational leader seeking fresh perspectives, this episode provides a roadmap for those looking to steer their companies toward a more successful future.

James Hyman brings 25+ years of experience in international business leadership as CEO and Independent Director, driving demonstrated performance improvement. James has had responsibilities for operations, finance, M&A, and restructuring businesses across multiple US and European industries, as well as at leading companies such as GE Capital, McKinsey, JPMorgan & Starwood Hotels. He has delivered shareholder value as CEO of six companies, as a Board member of public & private companies, as an advisor to start-up/venture-backed companies, and as a Senior Advisor to Stifel’s Investment bank. He is a Partner with Marketing Strategies, LLC, which provides consulting and M&A advice to private equity firms and portfolio companies.

As a Board member of 11 companies (currently Watterson Solutions), James works to focus the organization on business building and creating shareholder value within a structure of strong governance. As a Board member, he works with management on critical-path strategy issues, leadership development, and risk management. He has served on multiple committees: Audit (Chair), Compensation, Governance (Chair), and Transaction/Special Committees (Chair).

As CEO, James is a leader who delivers shareholder value with large and sustained improvements in operating and financial performance - currently as CEO of PE-owned United Site Services, and previously of Corizon Health, Citizens Parking, CEC, and TestAmerica as well as Chairman & CEO of NYSE-traded Cornell Companies. For underperforming B2B services and industrial businesses, he brings strong process improvement and lean sigma skills to bear, emphasizing growth, top-grading, margin expansion, and return on capital.

In today's commentary, we revisit my conversation with Joe Leo, CEO and founder of Def Method, from episode 61. Joe's company focuses on breaking down data silos to help businesses connect the dots and gain valuable insights. When data is stuck in silos, it can lead to people and mindset silos as well, causing friction and draining energy. However, by bringing data together, a shared understanding emerges, allowing diversity of thought to invigorate the organization. Joe shares how his company evolved to focus on the high-risk data engineering projects many businesses need and how they've been able to templatize and orchestrate solutions. He also discusses the impact of AI on their work. To hear more, let's dive into the key parts of our discussion in this episode, “Marrying Data Silos for the Complete Picture.”

Joe Leo on LinkedIn

Deborah Fell on LinkedIn

Def Method is a boutique consultancy with deep expertise in data science, data engineering, and custom software development. They are often brought in for executives' toughest data challenges.

Their clients include giants like Citigroup, Dick's Sporting Goods, and the Museum of Modern Art down to smaller start-ups still getting their name on the map. They empower businesses of all sizes—from startups to major enterprises—to navigate the complexities of modern software development and achieve digital transformation.

Their standout product, Def Method Powerhouse, helps companies harness their data with powerful tools and knowledgeable support. Powerhouse makes it easy for non-technical business users to glean insights from their data and communicate these insights to others.

Deborah Fell welcomes Joe Leo, the CEO and Founder of Def Method, a data science and custom software development consultancy. Joe's entrepreneurial journey started with a humorous misinterpretation of his father's advice, leading him to strike out on his own. As he navigated leadership challenges, Joe learned to focus on the right people and clients and deliver value. His detail-oriented approach and ability to learn from mistakes have been crucial in shaping Def Method's enduring company culture and success. From managing data silos to leveraging AI in revolutionary ways, Joe's experiences will resonate with seasoned SAAS entrepreneurs who have faced their own set of challenges. 

• Embrace a growth mindset: Be open to learning from mistakes and adapt to the challenges that come with leading a company. Continuously work on developing your skills in various areas, such as hiring, operations, and articulating your vision.

Joe Leo on LinkedIn

Deborah Fell on LinkedIn

Def Method is a boutique consultancy with deep expertise in data science, data engineering, and custom software development. They are often brought in for executives' toughest data challenges.

Their clients include giants like Citigroup, Dick's Sporting Goods, and the Museum of Modern Art down to smaller start-ups still getting their name on the map. They empower businesses of all sizes—from startups to major enterprises—to navigate the complexities of modern software development and achieve digital transformation.

Their standout product, Def Method Powerhouse, helps companies harness their data with powerful tools and knowledgeable support. Powerhouse makes it easy for non-technical business users to glean insights from their data and communicate these insights to others.

In this episode of "Success Beneath the Surface," Deborah Fell shares a story sparked by her recent conversation with Susan Finch about understanding and nurturing individual team members. Deborah emphasizes the importance of recognizing each person's unique experiences and skills, and providing opportunities for growth and development. She highlights the value of creating a supportive environment where team members feel comfortable stepping out of their comfort zones, learning from their experiences, and receiving encouragement along the way. Deborah's insights offer valuable guidance for team leaders, including CSOs, HR professionals, and CEOs, who aim to unlock the full potential of their teams by embracing individuality and fostering a culture of trust, rather than micromanaging because you just want to be involved.

Links from this episode:

Deborah Fell on LinkedIn

Susan Finch on LinkedIn

Are you a business leader, HR professional, or entrepreneur looking to enhance your team's performance and harmony? In this special episode of "Success Beneath the Surface," host Susan Finch turns the tables on regular host Deborah Fell to uncover key insights on adaptive leadership. Drawing from her diverse experiences leading teams at Chief Outsiders, Marriott, and beyond, Deborah shares strategies for understanding individual team members, building trust quickly, and skillfully guiding conversations to defuse tensions and facilitate solutions. Whether you're taking over an existing team or working with a diverse, cross-functional group, you'll learn how to tailor your approach to different dynamics and generations. Tune in for valuable advice on effective communication, collaboration, and personal growth that extends beyond the business realm. Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear from Deborah and Susan as they explore the art of leadership in today's complex team environments.

Who is this episode for:

1. Business leaders and managers: The insights shared by Deborah and Susan are highly relevant for those in leadership positions who want to improve their ability to understand, adapt to, and guide their teams effectively.

In our last episode, Deborah interviewed Kyle Buckett, a retired member of the elite US Navy SEALs. Today, she focuses on one specific segment from that conversation where Kyle shares his insights on building high-performing teams and the parallels between military leadership and the business world.

As a CEO, your role is to define a clear mission and assemble a team of leaders who can work together to achieve the impossible. Kyle's unique perspective, drawing from his experiences in both military and civilian settings, offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to create a culture of excellence in their organization. 

EP57: Lessons from a SEAL - Culture Improvement with Culture Fit to Build Your Elite Team

Kyle Buckett's book

Culture Force

Kyle Buckett on LinkedIn

Deborah Fell on LinkedIn

Chief Outsiders

Kyle Buckett is an unshakable idealist who believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together through developing strong cultures. 

Kyle’s WHY is to refine and create positive cultures that attract great people. He believes great people working together make elite teams. Elite teams make organizations elite. And when you have elite organizations striving for excellence in their missions, the world is a much better place!

With a vision to change the way businesses think, act, and operate, Kyle and his team work with leaders and organizations in nearly every industry to help transform company culture and create a better working world.

As a retired Navy SEAL leader, board member, and former COO and CHRO of a publicly traded company, Kyle has discovered remarkable patterns in how some of the greatest movements in history were led by self-lead teams. He is fascinated by the people and organizations that make the greatest, lasting impact on the world. He has devoted his life to sharing his thinking, and leading movements to inspire people to do the things that inspire them.

Deborah Fell welcomes Kyle Buckett, a former Navy SEAL and author of "Leadership is Overrated." Buckett shares lessons from his military career and consulting work, emphasizing the importance of trust, delegating authority, and developing leaders at all levels. "Great people working together really makes elite teams. And when you have elite teams, you have organizations that become elite," Buckett notes. Listen to this episode, "Lessons from a SEAL: Culture Improvement with Culture Fit to Build Your Elite Team," to discover insights that can help transform your organization's culture and performance.

Kyle Buckett's book

Culture Force

Kyle Buckett on LinkedIn

Deborah Fell on LinkedIn

Chief Outsiders

Kyle Buckett is an unshakable idealist who believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together through developing strong cultures. 

Kyle’s WHY is to refine and create positive cultures that attract great people. He believes great people working together make elite teams. Elite teams make organizations elite. And when you have elite organizations striving for excellence in their missions, the world is a much better place!

With a vision to change the way businesses think, act, and operate, Kyle and his team work with leaders and organizations in nearly every industry to help transform company culture and create a better working world.

As a retired Navy SEAL leader, board member, and former COO and CHRO of a publicly traded company, Kyle has discovered remarkable patterns about how some of the greatest movements in history were led by self lead teams. He is fascinated by the people and organizations that make the greatest, lasting impact on the world. He has devoted his life to sharing his thinking, and leading movements to inspire people to do the things that inspire them.