The Executives' Exchange

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

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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

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

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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, 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

In this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we welcome Darrel Hackett, President and CEO of BMO Bank N.A. and Exec Club Board Member, and guest host, Andrea Saenz, President and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust. Under Darrel's leadership, BMO continues to soar nationally and in the Chicago area – where they remain the largest bank in our city. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience on September 19, 2024.

00:00 – Intro

1:45 – First Year as BMO U.S. President and CEO

2:30 – Background

5:08 – Comments on Bank of the West Acquisition

6:55 – Cultural Changes

9:10 – BMO Community Outreach and Giveback

13:13 – Approach and Vision

14:57 – Including Communities

17:00 – Programs for Removing Barriers to Homeownership

18:06 – Macroeconomic Issues

18:30 – Handling Economic Cycles

22:05 – Shifting Focus and Giving Advice Based on Market

23:28 – Outlook on U.S. Economy

25:36 – Helping Grow Chicago Economy

26:05 – Addressing Inequality within Homeownership

28:50 – Passion Behind Working at BMO

30:55 – Final Thoughts

Episode Link(s): BMO US Bank

Guest Host: Andrea Saenz, President and CEO, The Chicago Community Trust

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 November 19, 2024, we feature our International Executive of the Year – Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft. Nadella discusses the strategies and culture that have propelled Microsoft to become a global leader in technology. He is joined by guest host, Penny Pritzker, the founder and chairman of PSP Partners and Microsoft Board Member.

00:00 – Intro

01:25 – Keys to Transformation with AI

04:54 – 3 Platforms Microsoft is Building

08:22 - Leadership in Adopting AI

12:45 – Maximize Platforms While Mitigating Risk

14:41 – Cascade to Aspiring Goals

18:50 – Advice for Chicago

22:45 – Empathy as a Leader

24:28 – Leadership Qualities for Massive Shifts

26:45 – Thank You

26:49 – Outro

Episode Link: Microsoft

Guest Host: Penny Pritzker, Founder and Chairman, PSP Partners

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 are ecstatic to welcome Brooke Skinner Ricketts, Co-Founder and President of Beyond Barriers. Brooke is a natural leader and shares her insights on leadership, resilience, and the importance of authentic personal branding during this conversation. She is joined by guest host Travis Hunter, Managing Partner of KPMG's Chicago office and a member of the Exec Club Board of Directors.

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – Early Childhood & Introduction to Activism

03:45 – Impactful Figures of Activism

06:35 – Start of Professional Career

11:20 – Involvement in Corporate Strategy

16:15 – Letter to Younger Self

18:25 – Drive to Start Beyond Barriers

22:28 – Best Parts of Being Entrepreneurial

24:40 – Working Closely with Spouse and Aligning Values

28:25 – Working with Other Companies and What to Look For

30:45 – Changing the Environment around Diversity and Inclusion

31:55 – Potential vs. Current Performance in Individuals

36:01 – Process of Growing in One's Journey and Battling Self-Doubt

41:05 – Realization and Pivot of Own Goals

42:35 – Significance of Being LGBQT Role Model

44:18 – Cubs Charity Involvement

46:50 – Rapid-Fire Questions

52:00 – Outro

Episode Link: Beyond Barriers

Guest Host: Travis C. Hunter Jr., Chicago Office Managing Partner, KPMG

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

Episode 070 – Eric Larson, Chairman and Co-CEO, Tilia Holdings

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, Eric Larson (Chairman and Co-CEO, Tilia Holdings), shares his journey from architecture to private equity, highlighting how creativity and integrity continue to drive his success. Tune in to hear Larson and host, Margaret Mueller (President & Chief Executive Officer, The Executives' Club of Chicago), discuss the importance of leading with purpose and adapting to make a positive impact in the private equity industry.

00:00 - Intro

00:46 - Introduction into Private Equity Career

03:27 - The Gentleman of Private Equity

07:00 - The Evolution and Roots of the industry

11:51 - Unique role of Chicago

14:04 - Inspiration to starting Linden Capital Partners and Tilia Holdings

17:42 - Food Industry in Private Equity

18:32 - Family Farm Life

20:03 - This Year's Harvest

20:48 - Lessons Learned and Applied to Tilia

24:56 - Incorporating ESG into Investment Decisions

27:43 - Shure Incorporated

28:10 - Quick Returns with Long Term Growth

30:53 - Is Private Equity Over?

30:30 - Disciplined Investment Approach

36:30 - Not Selling to Private Equity Firms

38:30 - Most Influential Leader

42:25 - Clean Water

42:57 - When and Where to give back

46:07 - What's to Come

48:08 - Advice to Young Entrepreneurs

51:26 - Rapid-Fire Questions

57:04 - Outro

Episode Link: Tilia Holdings

Host: Margaret Mueller, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Executives' Club of Chicago

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

Episode 069 – Mathias Carlbaum, President and CEO, International

In this episode of the Executives' Exchange, Mathias Carlbaum, President and CEO of International, joins Travis Hunter, Managing Partner at KPMG.

After spending nearly 40 years under the name Navistar, the Lisle, Illinois based manufacturer of trucks, engines, and buses is going back to its roots as International.

From its beginnings as a one-man operation in 1831 to its current strength of 15,000 employees, Mathias leverages his international experience while honoring the company's local legacy.

00:00 – Intro

00:48 –Address the Navistar/International Name Change

2:35 – Background of Mathias Carlbaum

3:57 – International Experience Impact on Leadership Style

6:05 – Inspiration to Pursue Career

8:02 – Impact of Mentors

11:25 – Leadership Impacted by Army

14:15 – Observations and Views for International

20:25 – Technology in Automotive Industry

25:06 – Managing Stakeholder Expectations

29:24 – Legacy

34:30 – Most Rewarding Experiences

38:40 – Teaching the Next Generation

42:50 – Rapid-Fire Questions

47:06 – Outro

Episode Link: International

Guest Host: Travis C. Hunter Jr., Chicago Office Managing Partner, KPMG

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