The Executives' Exchange

Episode 040 – Paula Kerger, President and CEO, PBS

Today's episode of the Executives' Exchange features PBS' President and CEO, Paula Kerger. Paula is joined by guest host, Bill Kurtis, acclaimed television documentary producer and host. Paula talks about the vital role of public broadcasting and what it means to her to be the first woman leading PBS. Listen in to hear the challenges she's faced, the values PBS lives by, and the future of public media. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience.

00:00 – Intro 01:40 – Kerger details her childhood and her relationship to public broadcasting 04:00 – Kerger discusses her early career 08:32 – The role of mentor relationships 09:30 – Kerger details meeting hero and mentor Newt Minnow 13:40 – How public broadcasting is local, yet national 16:55 – How PBS lives its values and evolves 19:00 – How PBS will help solve climate change 21:58 – Message from our sponsor, Shure 22:26 – Importance of diversity in media 25:10 – How COVID-19 was the biggest challenge Kerger has faced 34:15 – Distribution of funding for public broadcast 39:05 – Kerger's favorite PBS program 40:55 – What PBS will look like in the next three years 43:30 – Outro

Episode Link: PBS | NPR

Guest Host: Bill Kurtis, Acclaimed Television Documentary Producer and Host

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

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we hear from Melissa Urban, Co-Founder of Whole30 and author of The Book of Boundaries. Urban tells the story of how hitting rock bottom with her addiction led her to build the Whole30 brand and mission. Her journey taught her to honor her limits in all situations, a lesson she shares in her recent book. Enjoy this conversation with Melissa!

00:00 – Introduction 00:55 – Urban details her upbringing 03:31 – Urban talks about her hobby of rucking 05:45 – Mission of Whole30 08:30 – Urban discusses struggle with drug addiction, beginning of health and fitness journey 11:06 – Urban's self-work practices 13:15 – Urban's decision to hire a president for Whole30 17:25 – Championing DEI; how to adapt when you know more 20:50 – Sponsor message from Shure 21:33 – Why Urban is known as "the boundary lady" 23:45 – Summary of The Book of Boundaries 27:35 – How saying no is a kindness 29:15 – Workplace boundaries 33:15 – Personal life boundaries 36:25 – Clear expectations of favors 42:30 – Holding boundaries; not taking on others' emotions 44:22 – Saying no and relearning healthy communication habits 46:10 – How to navigate allyship, boundaries, and family 49:47 – What Urban hopes readers remember 50:30 – Rapid fire questions 51:25 – Outro

Episode Link: Whole30 | Book of Boundaries

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

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we hear from Melissa Urban, Co-Founder of Whole30 and author of The Book of Boundaries. Urban tells the story of how hitting rock bottom with her addiction led her to build the Whole30 brand and mission. Her journey taught her to honor her limits in all situations, a lesson she shares in her recent book. Enjoy this conversation with Melissa!

00:00 – Introduction 00:55 – Urban details her upbringing 03:31 – Urban talks about her hobby of rucking 05:45 – Mission of Whole30 08:30 – Urban discusses struggle with drug addiction, beginning of health and fitness journey 11:06 – Urban's self-work practices 13:15 – Urban's decision to hire a president for Whole30 17:25 – Championing DEI; how to adapt when you know more 20:50 – Sponsor message from Shure 21:33 – Why Urban is known as "the boundary lady" 23:45 – Summary of The Book of Boundaries 27:35 – How saying no is a kindness 29:15 – Workplace boundaries 33:15 – Personal life boundaries 36:25 – Clear expectations of favors 42:30 – Holding boundaries; not taking on others' emotions 44:22 – Saying no and relearning healthy communication habits 46:10 – How to navigate allyship, boundaries, and family 49:47 – What Urban hopes readers remember 50:30 – Rapid fire questions 51:25 – Outro

Episode Link: Whole30 | Book of Boundaries

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

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we hear from Melissa Urban, Co-Founder of Whole30 and author of The Book of Boundaries. Urban tells the story of how hitting rock bottom with her addiction led her to build the Whole30 brand and mission. Her journey taught her to honor her limits in all situations, a lesson she shares in her recent book. Enjoy this conversation with Melissa!

00:00 – Introduction 00:55 – Urban details her upbringing 03:31 – Urban talks about her hobby of rucking 05:45 – Mission of Whole30 08:30 – Urban discusses struggle with drug addiction, beginning of health and fitness journey 11:06 – Urban's self-work practices 13:15 – Urban's decision to hire a president for Whole30 17:25 – Championing DEI; how to adapt when you know more 20:50 – Sponsor message from Shure 21:33 – Why Urban is known as "the boundary lady" 23:45 – Summary of The Book of Boundaries 27:35 – How saying no is a kindness 29:15 – Workplace boundaries 33:15 – Personal life boundaries 36:25 – Clear expectations of favors 42:30 – Holding boundaries; not taking on others' emotions 44:22 – Saying no and relearning healthy communication habits 46:10 – How to navigate allyship, boundaries, and family 49:47 – What Urban hopes readers remember 50:30 – Rapid fire questions 51:25 – Outro

Episode Link: Whole30 | Book of Boundaries

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

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we hear from Melissa Urban, Co-Founder of Whole30 and author of The Book of Boundaries. Urban tells the story of how hitting rock bottom with her addiction led her to build the Whole30 brand and mission. Her journey taught her to honor her limits in all situations, a lesson she shares in her recent book. Enjoy this conversation with Melissa!

00:00 – Introduction 00:55 – Urban details her upbringing 03:31 – Urban talks about her hobby of rucking 05:45 – Mission of Whole30 08:30 – Urban discusses struggle with drug addiction, beginning of health and fitness journey 11:06 – Urban's self-work practices 13:15 – Urban's decision to hire a president for Whole30 17:25 – Championing DEI; how to adapt when you know more 20:50 – Sponsor message from Shure 21:33 – Why Urban is known as "the boundary lady" 23:45 – Summary of The Book of Boundaries 27:35 – How saying no is a kindness 29:15 – Workplace boundaries 33:15 – Personal life boundaries 36:25 – Clear expectations of favors 42:30 – Holding boundaries; not taking on others' emotions 44:22 – Saying no and relearning healthy communication habits 46:10 – How to navigate allyship, boundaries, and family 49:47 – What Urban hopes readers remember 50:30 – Rapid fire questions 51:25 – Outro

Episode Link: Whole30 | Book of Boundaries

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

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we hear from Melissa Urban, Co-Founder of Whole30 and author of The Book of Boundaries. Urban tells the story of how hitting rock bottom with her addiction led her to build the Whole30 brand and mission. Her journey taught her to honor her limits in all situations, a lesson she shares in her recent book. Enjoy this conversation with Melissa!

00:00 – Introduction 00:55 – Urban details her upbringing 03:31 – Urban talks about her hobby of rucking 05:45 – Mission of Whole30 08:30 – Urban discusses struggle with drug addiction, beginning of health and fitness journey 11:06 – Urban's self-work practices 13:15 – Urban's decision to hire a president for Whole30 17:25 – Championing DEI; how to adapt when you know more 20:50 – Sponsor message from Shure 21:33 – Why Urban is known as "the boundary lady" 23:45 – Summary of The Book of Boundaries 27:35 – How saying no is a kindness 29:15 – Workplace boundaries 33:15 – Personal life boundaries 36:25 – Clear expectations of favors 42:30 – Holding boundaries; not taking on others' emotions 44:22 – Saying no and relearning healthy communication habits 46:10 – How to navigate allyship, boundaries, and family 49:47 – What Urban hopes readers remember 50:30 – Rapid fire questions 51:25 – Outro

Episode Link: Whole30 | Book of Boundaries

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

Today's episode of Executives' Exchange spotlights Lynn Osmond, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. She is joined by guest host, Teresa Wilton Harmon, Chicago Office Managing Partner at Sidley Austin LLP. Osmond tells us her tale of going from music to architecture to champion of all things Chicago. She details her mentorship experience, her 25 years with Chicago Architecture Center, and why she's passionate about Chicago's future. Sit back and enjoy this conversation with Lynn!

00:00—Introduction 02:00—Lynn details her journey growing up in Canada, moving to the US, and finding a passion for architecture 04:28—Lynn discusses taking over the Chicago Architecture Foundation and building its programming, eventually founding the Chicago Architecture Center 07:25—Developing Open House Chicago and the Chicago city model 09:24—Expanding CAF, her priorities, and growth mindset 11:10—Lynn discusses engaging young people, developing architecture curriculum in CPS, and programming specifically for girls 14:30—Lynn discusses role as President Emeritus, future of CAF; equitable programming 16:08—Shure sponsor message 17:20—Transitioning to Choose Chicago; rebuilding staff, audiences, and funding post-pandemic 24:45—Lynn discusses being first woman in her role; mentorship, supporting other women in the industry; work-life balance 29:45—Tourism disruption; opportunities for people in hospitality, including training and advancement 31:34—Lynn discusses which awards mean most to her; CAC Lynn Osmond award, which will live on; recognized with honorary AIA 32:50—Rapid fire questions 36:21—Outro

Episode Links: Choose Chicago | Chicago Architecture Center | Sidley Austin LLP

Guest Host: Teresa Wilton Harmon, Chicago Office Managing Partner at Sidley Austin LLP 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 037 – Brendan Whitworth, CEO, Anheuser-Busch

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we welcome Brendan Whitworth, CEO of Anheuser-Busch. Brendan sits down with guest host Doug Glanville, Baseball Analyst for Marquee Sports Network to discuss his career journey and the importance of innovation to keep your business growing. Tune in to hear Whitworth's perspective on sustainability, the beverage industry during COVID and the importance of partnerships. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Chicago's Wrigley Field.

0:00 - Intro

01:28 - Whitworth's new role and Anheuser Bush's future

06:33 - The power of partnerships

12:12 - About sustainability

14:59 - How Anheuser-Busch builds communities

16:00 - The expansion of DEI

18:41 - Message from our sponsor Shure.

19:24 - The three major rules that have been adopted for 2023

24:00 - Artificial Intelligence within the company

26:14 - Responsible drinking & Anheuser-Busch

28:13 - Memorable stories for Whitworth

30:23 - Thank you & remarks

30:45 - Outro

Episode Link: Anheuser-Busch

Guest Host: Doug Glanville, Baseball Analyst, Marquee Sports Network 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

Roz Brewer Podcast

Episode 036 – Roz Brewer, CEO, Walgreens Boots Alliance

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we welcome Roz Brewer, CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance and guest host, Dean Harrison, Immediate Past Chair of the Exec Club Board of Directors and CEO of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. Roz and Dean discuss the future of Walgreens and their mission to reduce healthcare inequalities and the key role technology plays. Tune in to hear Brewer's vision for accessible healthcare in the United States. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Ivy Room in Chicago.

00:00 - Intro

01:45 - Brewer's experience in education and her role today.

03:20 - The impact of COVID

06:00 - New Clinical trials at Walgreens

06:55 - How did the pandemic affect how to get your workforce rearranged?

09:20 - New lessons to carry forward.

11:00 - After the lessons, how does Brewer see the future?

13:16 - Would there be hospital and patient services?

18:10 - The biggest risk

18:50 - Health and Equity

22:10 - The BBA as a way of creating jobs

23:20 - Word from our sponsor, Shure.

24:00 - About innovation

25:30 - Three things to improve equity in healthcare within Chicago.

28:20 - Who were Brewer's mentors?

29:50 - Who does Brewer seek for advice?

31:00 - How do you balance your professional and personal life?

33:00 - Retail expertise as a tool for healthcare

34:10 - Brewer's perspective on pharmacists evolving.

36:45 - Best career advice from Brewer

37:00 - Last questions

38:43 - Outro

Episode Link: Walgreens Boots Alliance

Guest Host: Dean Harrison, CEO, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare 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

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we welcome Andy Dunn, Author of BURN RATE & Founding CEO of Bonobos with guest host, Jasmine Shells, Co-Founder & CEO of Five to Nine. Andy shares his entrepreneurship experience while living with bipolar disorder and excelling on his journey. Tune in to hear Dunn's broader perspective on the importance of accepting yourself and breaking the mental illness stigma. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the American Writer's Museum in Chicago.

00:20 - Intro

01:40 - Cubs or Sox?

02:55 - More about Dunn's family

04:40 - The pivotal moment to start his company

06:20 - The biggest shift in the Chicago tech scene

08:00 - "The future is already here"

12:28 - Dunn gives advice for aspiring founders

14:45 - Dunn's journey as an entrepreneur and his mental health.

19:45 - A word from our sponsor Shure

20:15 - More about bipolar disorder.

30:00 - Dunn's suggestion for organizations to deal with mental health challenges.

34:50 - The motivation behind Dunn's book

38:37 - Why "BURN RATE"?

41:13 - People's response to "BURN RATE"

43:26 - Who does Dunn go to for vulnerability?

45:26 - Where did Dunn channel his energy?

47:55 - What is next?

48:50 - Thank you/Outro

Episode Link: Burn Rate: Launching A Startup and Losing My Mind

Host: Jasmine Shells, Co-Founder & CEO, Five to Nine 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