Employee expectations are changing — and workplace culture is changing with them. As organizations navigate growing demands for transparency, accountability, and trust, culture has become a defining factor in leadership effectiveness, talent retention, and long-term business performance.

In this episode of Beyond the Loop, Kristen Prinz, Founder and Managing Partner of Prinz Law Firm, and Christina Hynes Mesco, Of Counsel at Prinz Law Firm, explore how leaders can build stronger workplace cultures in an increasingly complex environment. Drawing from their experience advising organizations on employment law, workplace investigations, and culture assessments, they discuss the warning signs leaders should watch for, the value of culture audits, and the challenges of turning employee feedback into meaningful action.

The conversation examines how organizations can balance performance expectations with psychological safety, create accountability that extends beyond policy, and foster workplaces where trust, connection, and results can thrive together.

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.

For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.

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Dr. Bob joins Dorri for a mid-year pulse check, approximately six months after the Club's most recent Annual Economic & Market Outlook.

The stakes are high and the signals are mixed. In a moment defined by shifting economic indicators, geopolitical tension, and evolving market confidence, business leaders are looking for clarity they can trust.

This podcast episode features Dr. Bob Froehlich, Former Vice Chairman, Deutsche Asset Management, and a long-time speaker for The Executives' Club of Chicago's Annual Economic Outlook.

Dr. Bob shares insights on key economic indicators from interest rates to inflation, following his 2025 prediction that the Dow could reach 50,000 by 2026 and his appearance during this year's Annual Economic Outlook. At a time when trust in markets and forecasts is being tested, this conversation focuses on clear analysis, practical perspective, and the opportunities ahead.

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.

For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.

Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

World Business Chicago's Chicago 2050 Plan outlines a bold vision for a region that thrives on sustainable growth, inclusive opportunity, and global competitiveness. But realizing that vision depends on one critical factor: innovation.

In this episode of Beyond the Loop, Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago and Luke Tanen, President and CEO of Chicago Innovation, explore the long-term strategy on Chicago's future. The discussion reframes regional planning through the lens of technological advancement, data-enabled decision-making, and cross-sector collaboration. From smart mobility systems and AI-informed planning to climate-tech infrastructure and next-generation workforce development.

The conversation explores how innovation will be embedded into every layer of implementation into this bold plan for our city. The episode will also examine how public institutions, private enterprise, and civic organizations can co-create scalable solutions that position the region as a leader in 21st-century urban innovation.

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.

For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.

Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Jason Zimmerman, Founder of 3Fold Collective, joins The Executives' Exchange for a candid conversation on what it truly takes to drive meaningful organizational change.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience spanning behavioral economics, corporate strategy, and large-scale transformation, Jason shares how leaders can align people, systems, and purpose to unlock lasting impact.

Hosted by Dorri McWhorter, this episode explores the intersection of research and execution — from the innovations that reshaped modern retirement programs to the cultural and operational challenges organizations face during periods of transformation. Jason also reflects on the philosophy behind 3Fold Collective: when individuals and systems are aligned, 1+1=3.

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.

For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.

Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Suzy Welch—best-selling author, professor, and tech entrepreneur—joins The Executives' Exchange for a candid conversation with guest host Kristen Prinz. This isn't just about her latest book, Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career—it's about rewriting the rules of success.

Drawing from her hit NYU course, Suzy breaks down a framework for finding your core values, leading with purpose, and building a career that actually fits the life you want. No buzzwords. No one-size-fits-all formulas. Just the clarity and tools you need to shape your next chapter—on your terms.

This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience in May 2025.

00:00 – Intro

00:55 – Inspiration Behind the Book

04:26 – Suzy's Becoming You Experience

08:26 – Defining the Four Horsemen

12:50 – The Values Test & Learning Your Values

21:05 – Methodology Applied Across All Age Groups

27:20 – Go Where Your Characteristics Overlap

30:00 – The Worthiness of Values

33:51 – Do Values Change Over Time?

36:16 – Recognizing Attributes & Identifying Aptitudes

46:40 – Economically Viable Interests

50:25 – Outro

Episode Link: Suzy Welch | Becoming You

Guest Host: Kristen Prinz, Founding & Managing Partner, The Prinz Law Firm

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated. For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.

Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, Katrina Markoff, Founder of Violet Flame Chocolate, joins Julie Smolansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods and Exec Club Board Member, to discuss her nearly three decades of innovation in the world of gourmet chocolate and what it means to lead with creativity and purpose.

00:00 – Intro

02:30 – Katrina's Childhood and Background

06:19 – Why Chocolate?

11:32 – Navigating Challenges

13:12 – Violet Flame

17:45 – Creating a Balanced Company Culture

23:30 – What Makes Chicago Special

30:35 – Balancing Taking Risks

37:45 – Using Mothership as a Business Tool

43:25 – Making Things Purposeful

46:20 – Leaving a Legacy

50:15 – The Future of AI in Different Spaces

56:25 – Outro

Episode Link: Violet Flames Chocolate

Guest Host: Julie Smolyansky, President & Chief Executive Officer, Lifeway Foods

Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives' Club of Chicago

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated. For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.

Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

In this episode of the Executives' Exchange, world-renowned executive coach and bestselling author, Marshall Goldsmith, joins Harry Kraemer of Northwestern University to share timeless advice on career and life success. Learn proven strategies that can help participants successfully balance being present, while simultaneously planning for your future in a world that is ever changing. This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience in February 2025.

00:00 – Intro

01:50 – Key to Being a Great Coach

6:35 – Common Challenges when Changing Behaviors

8:31 – Identifying and Overcoming Blind Spots

9:10 – The Most Effective Methodology

12:50 – Role of Feedback, or Feed "Forward"

13:51 – Evolving Landscape of Leadership

18:27 – Coping with Hard Decisions

21:00 – Achievement vs. Happiness

24:00 – The Power of Mentorship

28:10 – AI Platform

31:00 – Daily Practices for Effective Leadership

33:50 – What Future Leaders Need to Know

36:23 – Guiding Principles and Philosophies

40:35 – The Secret to Staying Inspired

44:44 – Do the Work or Let it Go

48:35 – Final Bits of Advice

50:48 – Outro

Episode Link: Marshall Goldsmith

Guest Host: Harry M. Kraemer, Clinical Professor of Management & Organizations, Northwestern University

Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives' Club of Chicago

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated. For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.

Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society. Under her leadership, National Geographic is achieving remarkable advancements in exploration and conservation. In this episode, Dr. Tiefenthaler speaks with Dr. Bridget Coughlin, President and CEO of Shedd Aquarium. This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience on October 1, 2024.

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – Growing Up Midwest

03:42 – Time At St Mary's

05:21 – Fast Facts About NatGeo

07:26 – How It Came Together

08:45 – Urgent Needs And Impacts

11:09 – Examples Of Influential Work

12:20 – Relationship With Disney

15:20 – What Makes A Good Story

17:33 – Corporate Relationships

19:50 – MapMaker With NatGeo

23:05 – Most Fun Travel Story

26:25 - What's Next After The Amazon

28:10 – A Message From Our Sponsor, Shure

29:00 - Engagement Strategy & Global Solution

31:26 – New Facility Opening

33:33 – Championing Gender Equality

35:50 – Outro

Episode Link(s): National Geographic | Shedd Aquarium

Host: Dr. Bridget Coughlin, President and CEO, Shedd Aquarium

Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives' Club of Chicago

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.

For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.

Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

In this episode of the Executives' Exchange, which was recorded in front of a live audience on January 30th, 2025, we feature Richard Edelman, President & CEO of Edelman, along with Tom Wilson, Chair, President, & CEO of Allstate, and our gracious guest moderator, Isis Almeida, Chicago Bureau Chief at Bloomberg. This year's trust barometer touches on the rise of income-based trust inequality, rapidly polarizing trust disparity among younger generations, and what leaders can do to regain public trust across companies and government.

00:00 – Intro

00:58 – 25-year Overview on Rising Distrust

02:20 – 4 Important Developments Contributing to Distrust

03:50 – Trust Research Deep-Dive

09:10 – Businesses Role in a Time of High Grievance

11:25 – 5 Things Employees are Asking of Their Company

13:05 – 3 Actionable Steps for Recovering Trust

14:58 – Shure Ad Break

16:35 – How We Got to a High Level of Public Distrust

19:27 – 2 Responses to Addressing Organizational Distress

20:42 – How Executives Should Prepare for Trump Administration

24:15 – Perspectives on DEI Initiatives

27:20 – The Public Perception of Wealth

31:31 – AI's Impact on Employment

37:34 – Wilson's 2 Steps on Rebuilding Trust

40:16 – How Young Generations Absorb Information

43:03 – Whose Responsibility Is It to Reskill People?

45:10 – Getting Beyond the Anger Stage

47:43 - NGOs Role In Rebuilding Trust

49:35 – Merging Necessary Changes with Shareholder Value

51:09 – Outro

Episode Link: 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer | Allstate | Bloomberg

Guest Host: Isis Almeida, Chicago Bureau Chief, Bloomberg

Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives' Club of Chicago

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated. For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.

Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

In this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we feature Sallie Krawcheck, Co-founder and Former CEO, Ellevest. As a trailblazer in the investment landscape, Sallie empowers women to make informed financial decisions that matter most to them, their families and communities. Sallie is joined by Sidney Dillard, Partner at Loop Capital Markets. This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience on September 26, 2024.

00:00 – Intro

01:54 – Not Being My Mother

05:15 – Money is Power

07:34 – Career Journey into Capital

11:06 – Research Analyst to Women

16:34 – What Was the Motivator

20:24 – Wealth Management

23:45 – Managing Wealth with a Family

28:28 – Sponsorship Message from Shore

29:35 – Feminization of Wealth

34:32 – Difference to Leader Large Corp vs Small

37:08 – Brand Building

39:50 – Thinking About Money as Women

40:58 – Diversity and Inclusion in the Market

45:04 – Advice to Entrepreneurial Women

49:43 – Outro

Episode Link(s): Ellevest

Guest Host: Sidney Dillard, Partner, Loop Capital Markets

Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives' Club of Chicago

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated. For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.

Find Shure on: Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram