Episode 050 – Allison Robinson, Founder and CEO, The Mom Project

In this episode, we have the honor of featuring Allison Robinson, the esteemed Founder and CEO of The Mom Project. From her experience at Procter & Gamble, Allison discovered a profound passion for empowering mothers. Get inspired as Allison unveils the origins of The Mom Project, a venture dedicated to supporting and providing opportunities for mothers and their families.

00:00 – Intro

00:45 – Introducing Allison

00:58 – Allison background and early influences

02:56 – First real job (Hostess)

04:42 – First corporate job (Proctor and Gamble Sales)

09:03 – The start of The Mom Project

16:07 – The purpose and mission of The Mom Project

19:34 – Business side of The Mom Project

22:52 – Message from sponsor, Shure

23:22 – Company family leave policies

28:50 – Negative corporate culture on family leave

33:20 – Role Models, Serena Williams

34:38 –#1 thing learned in fundraising

39:39 – Women in the workforce post-Covid

42:40 – The gig economy and the importance of The Mom Project and the difference between the two

45:47 – Benefits of The Mom Project

46:38 – The Mom Project in the next year, the next 5 years

48:32 – Rapid fire questions

50:09 – Outro

Episode Link: The Mom Project

Host: Margaret Mueller, President & CEO, The Executives' Club of Chicago Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives' Club of Chicago

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher 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 049 - Greg Hughes, President & CEO, Beam Suntory (2022)

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we are thrilled to rebroadcast our interview with Greg Hughes in honor of his promotion to President & CEO of Beam Suntory! He will be stepping into this role on October 1st. Dive into this conversation between Greg and Andy Callahan, President and CEO of Hostess Brands, as they discuss the profound influence of Japanese-style Gemba on their leadership.

00:41 – Greg discusses the origins of "Gemba" 03:27 – Leading from the front—Greg & Andy discuss developing leadership skills 06:55 – Greg discusses what Gemba is not 08:40 – Four ways to scale up across a broader footprint of people 13:06 – Andy and Greg discuss the challenges of leadership during the pandemic 17:48 – Andy discusses the silver lining that provides the opportunity for something better 21:41 – Message from our sponsor, Shure 22:10 – Greg discusses implementing Gemba in the social media space 23:56 – Connecting brands with culture and employee base; the need to be empathetic & inclusive 27:07 – Building global brands while acknowledging there's no global consumer—understanding what's universal about brands and what's local that's adaptable 30:05 – What are some of the trends you see in your business? 33:55 – Gemba intersects everything you do—team, business strategy and provides the very foundation of how you think. 35:44 – The most significant challenges with Gemba 38:12 – Greg discusses how his leadership translates into building the culture you want in the organization 43:20 – Gemba enables employees to engage 48:34 – Outro

Episode Link: Beam Suntory

Guest Host: Andy Callahan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hostess Brands

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

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher 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.

Episode 048 – Dave Kimbell, CEO, Ulta Beauty

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we dive into the profound role of beauty in our lives with two exceptional leaders: Dave Kimbell, CEO of Ulta Beauty, and guest host Michelle Collins, President of Cambium LLC. Discover how Ulta Beauty revolutionized the industry by making beauty accessible to all. Get ready to be inspired and gain invaluable insights as we explore beauty, technology, leadership, and community engagement.

00:00 – Intro

00:58 – Michelle introducing Dave

01:35 – Dave's background & early influences

03:47 – Roles prior to Ulta Beauty

05:55 – Ulta Beauty's beginning – Beauty in a New Way

09:27 – Technology enhancing the Ulta Beauty experience

12:04 – Data insights from loyalty customers & beauty enthusiasts

15:36 – Ulta Beauty's partnership with Target

18:00 – Challenges with retail theft

21:26 – Message from our sponsor, Shure

21:57 – Ulta Beauty's differentiators

24:06 – Deepening investments in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

26:53 – Setting industry & company standards

29:20 – Supporting new and emerging brands – Sparked

30:47 – Opportunities for Men as beauty consumers

32:16 – Advice for potential CEOs

34:49 – Dave's community involvement

37:25 – Supporting Chicago

39:44 – How leadership starts with heart

41:36 – Rapid fire questions

46:54 – Outro

Episode Link: Ulta Beauty

Guest Host: Michelle Collins, President, Cambium LLC

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

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher 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 047 – Marilynn Gardner, President and CEO, Navy Pier

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, get ready as we delve into the remarkable journey of Marilynn Gardner, the esteemed President and CEO of Navy Pier. Join us as Marilynn opens up and shares her lifelong commitment to fostering connections and celebrating the vibrant cultural tapestry of Chicago. Discover the legacy of Navy Pier and the incredible impact it has had on the city. This is a conversation you won't want to miss!

00:00 – Intro

00:48 – Exploring Marilynn's neighborhood

02:35 – Marilynn's early years

04:28 – Favorite childhood memories in Chicago

07:01 – Parents as role models

09:18 – Early career at Navy Pier

11:08 – Initiation of architectural developments

13:12 – Cultural history and purposes of Navy Pier

19:19 – Transformation of Navy Pier into a modern cultural hub

22:43 – Evolution into an independent nonprofit

24:13 – Message from our sponsor, Shure

24:43 – Financial challenges and adaptations during the pandemic

28:00 – Reopening of establishments

29:43 – Chicago Live! as a platform for local performing arts organizations

32:03 – Commercial projections for summer

33:36 – Role of former shipping warehouses

35:02 – Impact of NASCAR

35:57 – Security measures in Navy Pier

38:18 – What is EXPO Chicago?

40:00 – Current projects and events

44:43 – Navy Pier as an integrator of Chicago neighborhoods

48:08 – Coordination with citywide events

50:30 – Future Navy Pier initiatives

52:38 – Rapid fire questions

55:11 – Outro

Episode Link: Navy Pier

Host: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President, The Executives' Club of Chicago

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

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher 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 046 – Cecilia A. Conrad, CEO, Lever for Change

On this episode of The Executives' Exchange, we have a special treat for you as we delve into the future of philanthropy. Join us as we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Julia Stasch, former President of the MacArthur Foundation, and Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change. Together, they uncover the transformative power of philanthropy, offering unique insights through the lens of Lever for Change. Recorded in front of a live audience on April 13, 2023.

00:00 – Intro

00:57 – Who is Cecilia Conrad?

02:07 – The current state of philanthropy & disruption

05:53 – The aspiration gap

08:09 – The origin of Lever for Change

12:41 – What does Lever for Change do?

15:37 – Lever for Change values

20:18 – The problem with the word 'solution'

25:40 - Message from our sponsor, Shure 26:14 – Lever for Change reached their $1B milestone and what that means

28:49 – Why Lever for Change is 'issue agnostic'

35:46 – How philanthropy, government, and business can work together

39:28 – Most outrageous ideas Lever for Change has encountered

42:20 – Academic sectors role in philanthropy

44:54 – Ideas Lever for Change would love to see

46:17 – What post-award relationships & partnerships look like

48:06 – Is this disruption to philanthropy ready to expand and be replicated?

50:55 – Outro

Episode Link: Lever For Change | MacArthur Foundation

Guest Host: Julia Stasch, Board Chair, Lever for Change; Former President, MacArthur Foundation

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

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher 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 045 – Lior Ron, CEO, Uber Freight

On this episode of The Executives' Exchange, we welcome Lior Ron, CEO, Uber Freight with guest host Christine Schyvinck, President and CEO of Shure. Lior shares his story and how being a child of immigrant parents taught him life lessons and developed his passion for innovation. He describes his vision for the future of Freight, the role autonomous vehicles will play and so much more. Tune in to hear his whole story!

00:00 – Intro 00:43 – Lior's early years 02:32 – Decision to pursue Computer Science 04:50 – The joy of creation 06:11 – Being a 'system thinker' 08:39 – Working and managing diverse teams 10:11 – Influence of his immigrant experience 12:39 - The leap to entrepreneurship & Google 19:06 – Chicago connections & Motorola experience 22:18 – Message from our sponsor, Shure 22:50 – Entry to logistics & Uber Freight 30:26 - Uber Freight alleviating supply chain issues 33:44 – Autonomous vehicles for logistics 40:40 – The future of Uber Freight 45:26 – Rapid fire questions 51:26 – Outro

Episode Link: Uber Freight

Guest Host: Christine Schyvinck, President & Chief Executive Officer, Shure

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

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher 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 045 – Lior Ron, Head of Uber Freight

On this episode of The Executives' Exchange, we welcome Lior Ron, Head of Uber Freight with guest host Christine Schyvinck, President and CEO of Shure. Lior shares his story and how being a child of immigrant parents taught him life lessons and developed his passion for innovation. He describes his vision for the future of Freight, the role autonomous vehicles will play and so much more. Tune in to hear his whole story!

00:00 – Intro 00:43 – Lior's early years 02:32 – Decision to pursue Computer Science 04:50 – The joy of creation 06:11 – Being a 'system thinker' 08:39 – Working and managing diverse teams 10:11 – Influence of his immigrant experience 12:39 - The leap to entrepreneurship & Google 19:06 – Chicago connections & Motorola experience 22:18 – Message from our sponsor, Shure 22:50 – Entry to logistics & Uber Freight 30:26 - Uber Freight alleviating supply chain issues 33:44 – Autonomous vehicles for logistics 40:40 – The future of Uber Freight 45:26 – Rapid fire questions 51:26 – Outro

Episode Link: Uber Freight

Guest Host: Christine Schyvinck, President & Chief Executive Officer, Shure

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

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher 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 044 – Alice Waters, Food Activist, Chef, Founder & Owner, Chez Panisse

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we welcome Alice Waters, Food Activist, Chef, and Founder & Owner of Chez Panisse with guest host Paul Kahan, Executive Chef and Partner at One Off Hospitality. Alice recalls her journey to launch Chez Panisse and rebuild people's connection with their food. Tune in to discover more about the Edible School Yard Project and the slow food movement. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Avec River North.

00:00 – Intro 00:47 – Paul Kahan Intro 03:45 – Alice passion beginning 05:49 – Origin of Chez Panisse 15:11 – Paul Kahan memory of Waters 16:13 – Shoutout to the day's chefs 17:55 – Evolve Network 19:01 – Mt. Rushmore of culinary 21:48 – Message from our sponsor, Shure 22:19 – Edible School Yard Project beginning 23:22 – Influence to start the project 25:45 – Sensorily deprived world 26:15 – MLK middle school project vision 29:37 – Edible School Yard Project map 30:59 – Connection with food and people 33:58 – Amazing revelation with the project 36:00 – Waters parent's victory garden 37:04 – Future of institutes 45:09 – Water's advice to leaders 50:21 – Outro

Episode Link: Chez Panisse | Edible School Yard Project

Guest Host: Paul Kahan, Executive Chef and Partner, One Off Hospitality

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

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher 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 043 – Michael Osanloo, President and CEO, Portillo's

On this episode of The Executives' Exchange, we have a Chicago favorite! Portillo's CEO, Michael Osanloo joins us along with guest host, Andy Lansing, CEO of Levy, another iconic Chicago restaurant brand. Osanloo and Lansing talk about the importance of servant leadership, taking quintessential eateries to the next level, and, of course, their go-to Portillo's orders. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience.

00:00 – Intro 01:05 – Lansing and Osanloo share their similarities 03:40 – Osanloo's college career choice 05:10 – Osanloo career before Portillo's 07:35 – Why he choose to work for Portillo's 10:10 – Portillo's story 13:20 – Osanloo beginning at Portillo's 14:36 – How Portillo's had lost its way 17:22 – Hospitality and importance of the employees 19:55 – Building up management 24:40 – Opportunities from local to global 28:12 – Message from our sponsor, Shure 28:44 – Osanloo vision for Portillo's 30:22 – Portillos's journey through COVID 34:09 – Servant Leadership 35:24 – How he knew Portillo's strategy was working 39:19 – Portillo's food 42:44 – Lightning round questions 44:37 – Outro

Episode Link: Portillo's

Guest Host: Andy Lansing, CEO, Levy

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

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher 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 042 – Scott Swanson, Regional President of Illinois, PNC Bank

On this episode of The Executives' Exchange, we are honored to welcome Regional President at PNC Bank, and Exec Club Board Chair, Scott Swanson! Swanson shares how he fell in love with the City of Chicago, his passion for banking, and how those two things intersect in the best ways at PNC Bank. Join us as we dive into his story.

00:00 – Intro 01:25 – Swanson details his childhood and who influenced him growing up 06:45 – Swanson discusses the process of raising his kids in the city 09:15 – Swanson discusses his hobby 11:00 – Swanson's very first job 13:10 – How he went into banking 16:00 – What Swanson loves about banking in general and in Chicago 17:15 – Banking in Chicago 21:50 – Shares his journey to PNC Bank 25:15 – Message from our sponsor, Shure 25:40 – PNC partnership with Chicago Bears 28:50 – The relationship with sports and business in Chicago 30:46 – Grow Up Great program 32:25 – Balancing family and work 37:40 – Mentorship and developing soft skills 41:30 – What he would like Chicago to focus on in the future 43:25 – Rapid Fire Questions 44:45 – What he would say to his younger self 45:15 – Outro

Episode Link: PNC

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, Stitcher 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