The Executive Appeal

On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Sarah Ghessie (Senior HR Director at Fundrise) as they discuss how to create strong workplace cultures, build HR departments from scratch, and use data to predict trends. Dive into her journey of understanding diverse perspectives and the human side behind every data point in today’s evolving society.

Guest BIO:

With over ten years of experience in human resources and operations, I am a passionate and strategic leader who drives organizational excellence and employee engagement. As the Senior Director of Human Resources at Fundrise, I oversee the People function for a high-growth, direct-to-investor alternative asset management platform, overseeing talent acquisition, performance management, compensation and benefits, learning and development, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. I hold a SHRM-CP certification and am graduate of the People Leader Accelerator, a program that equips HR professionals with the skills and tools to create high-performing and inclusive teams, and the Redefining HR Accelerator - Charlie Cohort. Previously, I held various HR and operations roles at Asurity Technologies, NJI Media, Social Tables, and Hukkster, where I supported the growth and success of different organizations in the technology, media, and retail sectors. I have a strong background in retail management and organizational leadership and learning, with master's degrees from the University of South Carolina and the George Washington University. I also hold a diversity and inclusion certificate from Cornell University, and I am committed to fostering a culture of belonging and respect at Fundrise and beyond.

On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Juan Ramirez (Regional Growth Director at Oak Street Health) as they discuss insights on defining your purpose, doing what's right, and taking actionable notes to drive change. Discover his approach to leading teams, understanding people, and creating a positive impact in HR.

On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Jason Risoli (Founder of Grassroots Talent Solutions and Global Head/VP of Human Resources P&O) as they discuss powerful lessons on the realities of executive growth, balancing sacrifice with success, mastering self-discipline, and minimizing distractions. Learn how every decision shapes your journey in this inspiring episode for ambitious professionals.

Guest BIO:

Jason Risoli is an accomplished Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience in various industries. He has a proven track record of driving business improvements through employee engagement, enhancing company culture and strategies initiatives.  

Jason's career began with a dual Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management as well as Management and Organizational Behavior from Rider University. He then went on to complete a Master's degree in Labor and Employment Relations from Rutgers University. 

Since then, he has worked with a variety of top organizations, including large corporations and small businesses, to develop and implement effective HR strategies. In his most recent role as the Sr. Director People Operations Head of HR at Transformco Sears Home Services, a leading Home Services company, Jason oversaw all aspects of HR operations, including employee relations, while strategically partnering with Talent Acquisition and Total Rewards subject matter experts. He has also played the lead role in developing and implementing employee engagement and retention strategies at the company. Throughout his career, Jason has demonstrated a passion for employee development and engagement. He is an advocate for ongoing learning and development, and has led numerous training sessions on topics such as leadership development and conflict resolution and has mentored countless people throughout his career and personal life. 

Outside of work, Jason is nature lover and enjoys spending time with his family. He is also actively involved in his community, volunteering with local non-profit organizations including being Merit Badge Counselor with the Boy Scouts of America for 6 Eagle Merit badges as well being a mentor for HR students attending Rutgers University.

On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Peter Bonner (President and Founder of Bonner Enterprises) as they discuss essential strategies for building strong work relationships in virtual spaces, integrating new team members, and fostering a collaborative culture. Learn how to enhance communication skills and bring teams together remotely!

Guest BIO:

Peter Bonner is a public, non-profit, and private sector innovator, working at the crossroads between these sectors in the areas of human capital, workforce development, leadership effectiveness, and operational excellence. He recently led the federal agencies tasked with hiring the technical, management, and staff talent to implement the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act. from his role as the Associate Director, HR Solutions at Office of Personnel Management. This resulted in hiring, in less than two years, more than 6,000 engineers, program managers, contracting and grants management specialists, to help build the roads, bridges, cell towers, water treatment facilities, and semiconductor plants that will improve the quality of life for Americans for generations to come. As OPM’s HR Solutions team executive, Peter led customer experience and innovation for USAJOBS, USA Staffing, USA Performance, USA Hire and other shared services that help federal agencies recruit, hire, train, and manage the performance of the federal workforce. Peter’s particular expertise is in interagency and inter-sector initiatives that meld the sometimes disparate missions and outcomes of federal agencies, NGOs, and the private sector. He has demonstrated this through work on OPM’s interagency hiring surge innovations, federal Energy Star programs, Veterans employment initiatives, evidence-based decision making, the OMB/USDS DITAP Program, and OPM shared services.

Peter has led consulting organization functions in senior executive roles at ICF and ASI Government that focus on strategic planning, leadership development, learning, and organizational development. Peter supports federal agencies s they chart new courses and direction in times of great volatility and change. His familiarity with federal consulting, contracting, HR, and workforce management helps agencies efficiently and effectively create and align objectives and goals in response to diverse stakeholder needs and requirements. Mr. Bonner’s experience demonstrates his ability to get results and make agencies even more effective.

Peter can be reached at

[email protected]

On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Donna Miller (Chief Growth Officer - Xyant Services and Co-Founder/CEO and Webcast Host - Purse Power) as they discuss powerful insights on advancing into executive roles. Learn how to empower others, communicate your unique skill set, and build a strong network by connecting people and positioning yourself as a leader.

Guest BIO:

Donna Miller, Co-founder and CEO of Purse Power and Chief Growth Officer - Human Capital Management of Xyant Services, has had more than 30 years of hands-on experience as an entrepreneur and executive in Fortune 500 companies. She is an award-winning talent management consultant and a formally trained executive coach. The theme of Donna's career has been around initiating, driving and managing organizational transformations.

Her expertise lies in Human Capital Management consulting, organizational development, executive coaching, talent management, leadership development, and team building. With a background as a former HR executive, extensive experience is brought to optimizing technology recruitment, fostering diversity and inclusion, and facilitating large scale change. Close collaboration with clients ensures alignment of workforce strategies with business objectives, providing strategic guidance and customized solutions. Additionally, a collaborative approach extends to advisory and consulting services, assisting clients in areas such as digital transformation, cloud migration, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Passion for delivering impactful results drives the ability to help organizations thrive by unlocking the full potential of their human capital.

On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Jane Hanson (Former Host NBC'S New York Live, and CEO/Founder of HHH Productions) as they discuss the common topic of difficult conversations. Learn from Jane as she reveals her top strategies for handling tough talks with authenticity, empathy, and confidence. Discover how to face critical questions and navigate complex discussions like a pro!

Guest BIO:

Emmy award winning television journalist and media/presentation/video coach Jane Hanson has spent over 30 years helping people learn to communicate better. Hanson focuses on three core elements: what you say, how you say it, and how your body language keeps it all in sync.

Among her clients: top tier leaders in finance, insurance, startups, pharma, technology, education, fashion and media; chefs, sports figures and restaurateurs. She hosts programs on cable, digital and life streaming channels. And she is a frequent speaker, emcee, and panel moderator.

Jane spent most of her broadcast career at NBC New York, including anchoring "Today in New York”, appearances on the Today show, reporting on every major event from the tragedy of 9/11 to the joy of Yankees victory parades to Wall Street and Washington. She also hosted Jane’s New York that traveled the world; and later New York Live. Jane has won 9 Emmy Awards. She's been honored by New York's Police Detectives, New York's Firefighters, and numerous other groups, and has served on the board of several philanthropies.

On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Q Hamirani (Chief People Officer at HighLevel and Founder of PeopleGPT) as they discuss insights on building transparency, trust, and dealing with stakeholders. Learn how CPOs work tirelessly for employee well-being and how helping others can empower personal growth in this inspiring episode!

Guest BIO:

Q is a trusted advisor to founders, boards, C-Suites, people executives, VCs and reputed global accelerator programs like Techstars and PeopleTech Partners. He is a mission driven business-minded leader, public speaker and executive coach with a focus on people strategy and business operations. He provides valuable insights and drives sustainable change from his extensive first hand experience across his own startups, venture growth, private equity, management consulting, and Fortune 100 companies across 25+ countries.

On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) Chikara Kennedy (Founder and CEO of Chikara Power Coaching and Consulting and Coach at The Human Reach) as she reveals key strategies for mastering communication, enhancing self-awareness, and embracing change. Learn how to become more open and receptive in this insightful episode packed with expert tips for personal and professional growth!

Guest BIO:

Chikara is an entrepreneur, transformation coach, veteran and accomplished HR leader with two decades of partnering and collaborating with executives at some of the most iconic companies in the world. At the start of her impressive career, she led a small team administrative providing HR support to a squadron of United States Air Force fighter pilots in North Carolina. She leveraged her HR knowledge and unique leadership skills in her next role as a strategic HR consultant at Westinghouse Electric Company. While at Westinghouse, her innovative leadership during a period of unprecedented growth and expansion into the Chinese nuclear industry led to her selection as the first and only HR professional to take on an extended international assignment at Toshiba HQ in Tokyo, Japan.

In the last decade, Chikara’s senior leadership roles at EY and Meta (formerly known as Facebook) have given her the opportunity to lead teams of senior HR business partners while simultaneously co-creating talent strategies with senior executives to address emergent business challenges. AT EY, she led the HRBP team supporting the US-Central Region Strategy and Transactions practice of nearly 800 professionals for nearly seven years. During her Meta (formerly known as Facebook), Chikara was responsible for the leadership of HRBP teams developing dynamic talent strategies that supported the astounding 200% growth of the company’s global recruiting organization followed by the rapid reduction of 80% of the organization within a 5 year period.

As an entrepreneur, Chikara is a co-owner of the Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services of Springfield-Woodbridge and the founder and CEO of Power Coaching and Consulting. She is passionate about helping clients recognize and harness the power of their personal agency to design and direct their personal and professional lives. She recognizes that this process will inevitably be different for each person and organization, and the foundation of her coaching is helping clients identify what truly matters to them.

Chikara graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Georgetown University and a Masters of Administration with a HR concentration from Central Michigan University. She’s recently relocated back to the Washington DC area and re-acclimating herself to our nation's capital. She is passionate about traveling, health and wellness and leading with positivity and her heart.

On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & KeynoteSpeaker) and Jamail Carter (Vice President of Academic Affairs at the San Jose City College, President & CEO at Kayannus Consulting Group, Inc., and Senior Pastor and Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Greater Blessings Ecclesiastical Fellowship International) as they discuss insights on the "Triangle of Balance." Learn how to avoid burnout, recalibrate when needed, and maintain harmony in your personal, professional, and spiritual life. Don't miss this episode packed with expert advice for thriving!

Guest BIO:

Jamail D. Carter, MBA, M.Sc., Ph.D., is an analytical executive and strategic planner with consistent track record of success impacting the visibility, profitability, and performance of diverse organizations through strategic design and execution of innovative training, planning, research, and communication initiatives.

On today's episode of The Executive Appeal Podcast join Alex D. Tremble (CEO of GPS Leadership Solutions & hashtag#KeynoteSpeaker) and Randy Conley (VP & Trust Practice Leader at The Ken Blanchard Companies) as they delve into the secrets of effective people leadership. Discover how to build trust, grow personally, and stay in tune with life’s evolving terms in this insightful episode. Don’t miss these expert tips to elevate your leadership game!

Guest BIO:

Randy Conley serves as Vice President & Trust Practice Leader for The Ken Blanchard Companies.

He is Blanchard's subject matter expert in the field of trust, co-author of Blanchard's Building Trust training program, and works with organizations around the globe helping them build trust in the workplace. Trust Across America has recognized Randy with a Lifetime Achievement Award as a Top Thought Leader in trustworthy business behavior and he is a founding member of the Alliance of Trustworthy Business Experts. Inc.com named Randy a Top 100 Leadership Speaker & Thinker and American Management Association included him in their Leaders to Watch in 2015 list. He holds a Masters Degree in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego.

You can follow Randy on Twitter @RandyConley or connect with him via his blog, Leading With Trust, at www.leadingwithtrust.com.