The Drop In CEO

This episode of The Drop-In CEO features a conversation with Kerim Kfuri, President and CEO of the Atlas Network, who shares his journey from a global upbringing to leading innovation in supply chain management. Kerim and host Deb Coviello discuss the complexities of modern supply chains, the impact of tariffs, the importance of agility and risk management, and how technology and mindset shape business resilience.

Episode Highlights

1. Kerim’s Global Upbringing and Entrepreneurial Journey [12:13]
   Kerim shares how his multicultural background and early entrepreneurial spirit shaped his approach to business and supply chain leadership.
2. The Five Ways to Navigate Tariffs [31:15]
   Kerim breaks down five strategies for managing tariffs, including absorption, deferral, terms and conditions, cost re-engineering, and alternative supply chains.
3. The Importance of Agility and Risk Management in Supply Chains [41:08]
   Discussion on how leaders can stress-test their supply chains, prepare for disruptions, and the value of contingency planning.
4. Global Interconnectedness and Resilience [45:28]
   Kerim emphasizes the need for communication, cultural respect, and adaptability in a global economy, and how to become “disruption proof.”

About Kerim:

Kerim Antoine Kfuri is a leader in global supply chain innovation and media. As co-host of the Supply & Demand podcast, he brings together industry professionals to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of supply chain management. With a focus on fostering dialogue and community, Kerim shares insights that drive progress and transformation. He is also the founder of The Atlas Network, a trusted partner for businesses worldwide, offering consulting, logistics, and risk mitigation services. Kerim’s visionary leadership reflects his commitment to excellence, resilience, and creating value in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Connect with Kerim:

Company Website: https://kerimkfuri.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerimkfuri/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kerim-Kfuri

For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/

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In this episode of the Drop-in CEO podcast, Deb Coviello shares personal stories and professional insights to help C-Suite leaders navigate challenges with confidence. Deb discusses the importance of investing in personal time, challenges the narrative of imposter syndrome, and emphasizes the value of surrounding yourself with people who recognize your gifts. Listeners will gain practical advice on regaining confidence and leading with purpose.

Episode Highlights

• [0:00] – Introduction: Deb welcomes listeners and sets the stage for helping C-Suite leaders navigate challenges.
• [2:07] – Personal Reflections: Deb shares recent experiences enjoying life in Cincinnati and the importance of investing in personal time.
• [5:96] – Main Topic: Deb challenges the concept of imposter syndrome and encourages listeners to focus on their unique gifts.
• [7:19] – Practical Advice: Deb explains how she helps leaders regain confidence by reframing their value and gifts.

For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/

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In this solo episode of the Drop-in CEO podcast, host Deb Coviello shares personal updates and dives deep into the art of navigating challenging conversations with confidence. Deb introduces a practical framework for handling difficult discussions, explores why these conversations are often so tough, and emphasizes the importance of language and empathy. Through relatable stories from both family and business, Deb equips listeners with actionable strategies to improve their communication and leadership skills.

Episode Highlights

1. The Framework for Challenging Conversations [10:39]
   Deb outlines a step-by-step framework for approaching difficult conversations, focusing on establishing common ground, identifying gaps, and taking mutual action.
2. Why Challenging Conversations Are Difficult [7:30]
   An exploration of the emotional and systemic reasons that make tough conversations so challenging, and why most organizations don’t teach these essential skills.
3. The Power of Language in Difficult Conversations [13:27]
   Deb discusses the importance of word choice, empathy, and respect in maintaining relationships and moving through workplace challenges.
4. Personal Connection and Icebreaker [2:00]
   Deb opens the episode with personal stories and updates, setting a relatable and engaging tone for the discussion.

For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/

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In this heartfelt episode of the Drop-in CEO podcast, Deb Coviello explores the journey of reinventing oneself as a leader. Deb shares personal stories of rediscovering her creativity, overcoming the constraints of corporate life, and embracing the childlike wonder that fuels authentic leadership. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own paths, reconnect with their passions, and find joy in both personal and professional growth. Deb offers practical support, inspiration, and a special gift to help C-Suite leaders navigate challenges with confidence.

Episode Highlights:

1. Deb’s personal story of reinvention and returning to her creative roots.
2. The importance of embracing your authentic self and childlike wonder as a leader.
3. Overcoming corporate and societal expectations to rediscover joy and fulfillment.
4. Practical advice and resources for building a strong support system and navigating leadership challenges.

For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo episode, Deb Coviello, the Drop-in CEO, shares a heartfelt reflection on the importance of pausing and reassessing your leadership journey. Deb opens up about her own experiences, the challenges leaders face, and the critical need to invest in yourself, stick to your strategy, and avoid burnout. Tune in for actionable insights and stories that will help you lead with intention and leave a lasting legacy.

Episode Highlights

1. 6:30 - Defining Planetary Leadership
   Deb introduces the concept of planetary leadership and explains the risks of waiting for the "planets to align" before taking action.
2. 11:20 - Real-World Example: Delayed Risk Mitigation
   A story from Deb’s career highlights the consequences of delayed decision-making and the importance of addressing risks early.
3. 15:40 - Building a Culture of Proactive Leadership
   Deb offers actionable advice for leaders to foster environments where risk identification is celebrated and team input is valued.

For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo episode, Deb Coviello, the Drop-in CEO, shares a heartfelt reflection on the importance of pausing and reassessing your leadership journey. Deb opens up about her own experiences, the challenges leaders face, and the critical need to invest in yourself, stick to your strategy, and avoid burnout. Tune in for actionable insights and stories that will help you lead with intention and leave a lasting legacy.

Episode Highlights:

[3:00] - The Power of Pausing and Reflecting: Why Deb is changing the podcast format and the importance of slowing down as a leader.

[7:30] - Five Leadership Traps: Burnout, tactical overload, lack of self-investment, losing discipline, and feeling lost.

[17:50] - Real Stories and Solutions: Deb shares personal and client stories illustrating each leadership trap and how to overcome them.

[21:10] - Building Your Legacy: The importance of discipline, self-care, and finding your unique leadership path.

For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Drop In CEO podcast Join host Deb Coviello as she welcomes David Jenyns, entrepreneur and founder of Systemology, to discuss how business owners can free themselves from daily operations by building effective systems. David shares his journey from selling the Melbourne Cricket Ground to systematizing businesses, and offers actionable insights for leaders looking to scale and optimize their organizations.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:12 — David’s entrepreneurial journey: from selling the Melbourne Cricket Ground to founding Systemology
• 12:01 — The seven-stage process for systematizing a business and why “process first” matters
• 27:14 — Real-world impact: How systemization saved a business 1,000 man-hours and empowered team members
• 41:01 — Building a culture of systems: Overcoming resistance and the role of the “systems champion”

David Jenyns is an experienced entrepreneur who sold the Melbourne Cricket Ground in his early twenties and founded Melbourne SEO Services. He systemized himself out of that business in 2016 and founded SYSTEMology to help business owners implement systems to scale their business. Today, he supports a growing community of certified SYSTEMologists, delivers workshops, keynote addresses, hosts a podcast, and is on a mission to free business owners worldwide from daily operations.

Connect with David Jenyns:

Company Website: www.systemology.com
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/david-jenyns

For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Drop In CEO podcast Deb Coviello welcomes Curtis McCullom, CEO of The Curtis McCullom Group and founder of Bespoke Human Potential Coaching. Curtis shares his journey from top sales agent to transformative coach, revealing how he helps CEOs, entrepreneurs, and high achievers eliminate hidden mindset blocks and unlock their fullest potential. The conversation explores the LGET mindset, the power of hypnotherapy, and practical strategies for personal and professional growth.

Episode Highlights:
13:00 The influence of mentors and the importance of continuous learning
18:00 Developing the LGET mindset and integrating coaching frameworks
22:00 The role of hypnotherapy in personal transformation
27:00 How neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) interrupts limiting patterns

Curtis McCullom, CEO of the Curtis McCullom Group LLC and founder of Bespoke Human Potential Coaching, empowers CEOs, entrepreneurs, and high achievers to eliminate hidden mindset blocks and unlock their fullest potential. Through transformative coaching rooted in the L.G.E.T. Mindset™—Learning, Growing, Expanding, and Transforming—Curtis helps individuals become the best version of themselves, both personally and professionally.

Connect with Curtis McCullom:

Company Website: www.curtismccullom.com
Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-mccullom/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bespoke-human-potential-coaching/

https://www.instagram.com/curtis.mccullom/

https://twitter.com/curtisBmccullom

https://tiktok.com/@curtismccullom

https://youtube.com/@curtismccullom

https://www.facebook.com/BespokeHumanPotential

https://www.facebook.com/curtis.mccullom.BHPC/

For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Drop In CEO podcast, Deb Coviello welcomes Shane Barker, CEO and founder of TraceFuse, the first Amazon TOS-compliant negative review removal system. The conversation covers entrepreneurship, the importance of focus, lessons learned from business growth, and the value of work-life balance. Shane also discusses the origins of Trace Fuse, the challenges of working with Amazon, and his commitment to helping business owners protect their reputations and feed their families.

Episode Highlights:

02:00 Shane’s Backstory: From restaurants to digital marketing and influencer education

07:00 Lessons from early businesses and the drive to help others

13:00 The origin and mission of Trace Fuse

18:00 How Trace Fuse helps Amazon sellers proactively and reactively

22:00 Relationship with Amazon and the challenges of review removal

27:00 Growth, focus, and the future of Trace Fuse

32:00 Work-life balance, personal growth, and building a high-performing small team

38:00 Shane’s life outside of work and the importance of family

44:00 Final advice, how to connect with Shane, and closing thoughts

Shane Barker is the CEO and founder of TraceFuse, the first Amazon TOS-compliant negative review removal system. With over 25 years of marketing experience supporting Fortune 500 brands, Shane has been recognized as a leading influencer. His recent focus is helping Amazon sellers combat negative reviews through TraceFuse’s innovative, white-hat solution.

Connect with Shane Barker:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shane_barker
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaneBarkerConsultant/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/shanebarker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanebarker
Company LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tracefuse/

For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Drop In CEO podcast, Deb Coviello welcomes Lance Cayko, a serial entrepreneur, architect, builder, and co-founder of F9 Productions. Lance shares his journey from rural North Dakota to building a vertically integrated business in architecture, construction, and real estate development. The conversation explores the value of mentorship, the design-build model, affordable sustainability, and the importance of finding the right business partner. Lance also offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and insights into building a client-focused, resilient business.

Episode Highlights:

06:10 Early Lessons in Entrepreneurship and Money

15:30 Discovering Architecture and the Power of Mentorship

23:45 Building F9 Productions During the Great Recession

32:20 The Design-Build Model Explained

39:00 Niche Client Selection and Business Philosophy

45:15 Affordable Sustainability in Architecture

Lance Cayko is an award-winning architect, builder, educator, and serial entrepreneur. As co-founder of F9 Productions, a top-rated design-build firm in Longmont, Colorado, Lance brings deep expertise in architecture, construction, and real estate development. He holds degrees in Building Construction Technology, Environmental Design, and a Master of Architecture, graduating top of his class with the McKenzie Thesis Award. Lance teaches at CU Boulder and NDSU, co-hosts the Inside the Firm podcast, and leads Longmont Community Gardens as founder and president. A proud dad and professional fisherman, Lance is passionate about building stronger communities—one project, class, and garden at a time. 

Connect with Lance Cayko:

Instagram: @fishingwithlance

Company Website: f9productions.com

For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.