The Executives' Exchange

On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, Chandra Brown, CEO of MxD, joins Margaret Mueller, The Executives' Club of Chicago's President & CEO to discuss her experiences as a female who has been a leader and transformer in the supply chain and manufacturing sectors. Tune in to hear about Chandra's lessons learned moving through her career, including during her tenure as the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing, reshoring opportunities for those in manufacturing, and increasing diversity in the field.

0:45 - Introductions

1:40 – Chandra shares about her early life and growing up in a family of tradespeople 4:58 – Chandra discusses a potential shift of focus to trades and the concept of continuous learning 7:01 – Chandra discusses the best advice her parents gave her 7:44 – Chandra discusses her impactful post-college move to Oregon and the impacts it had on her life and leadership style 10:46 – Chandra describes the two companies that helped define her and set her on her path in manufacturing: Oregon Iron Works and United Streetcar 14:10 – Lessons learned from and experience of being appointed by President Obama to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing 25:20 – Chandra describes the creation of MxD 27:17 – How MxD is impacting American manufacturing 29:13 – The inevitablity of reshoring 32:16 – Discussing "Made in America" 34:15 – The biggest challenges for reshoring 36:15 – Chandra discusses environmental concerns 37:28 – Comparing being a woman in tech then and now 39:04 – Questions to ask about diversity in tech 40:30 – Diversity in tech: you can't fix it unless you measure it 42:28 – Chandra discusses wanting to see more women in positions of power 44:10 – How other people can learn the lessons Chandra has 45:22 -- "The kitchen cabinet" -- surrounding yourself with a diverse group of people 47:35 – Chandra discusses her love of fantasy novels 48:27 – Discussing Chandra's retirement from role with MxD 49:00 – Knowing when it is time to move on 51:55 – Discussing empathy and new leaders 53:45 – Chandra's plan for life after stepping down 56:35 – Parting words for the Chicago business community

Episode Link: https://www.mxdusa.org/

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

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

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:

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On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, Garry Cooper, Rheaply's Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, joins Amanda Lannert, Chief Executive Officer of Jellyvision. Tune in to hear Garry and Amanda discuss innovation, the transformation of Chicago's tech sector, and how Rheaply thinks about bottom-line spending and waste in their day-to-day operations.

00:55 – Introductions

2:02—Garry shares career path and guides North Star

4:09—Garry describes the influential person in his life and the role of education in his upbringing

6:45—Rheaply helping companies attain net-zero through technology

9:00—Garry discusses Rheaply's evolutionary and revolutionary sell approach to businesses

11:03—The key to success for pitching for funding

13:30—Amanda and Garry discuss measuring Rheaply's impact and goal

15:55—Garry discusses Rheaply's vision and goals and business structure

18:30—Holding companies accountable publicly on a green scale and the future repercussions of not scaling a circular economy

22:34—Garry discusses systems change needed for more cities to have a circular economy

27:00—The key to keeping customers engaged is being human

30:33—Garry provides tips for organizations to reduce waste

33:25—One concept to take away from this discussion & advice for influencers, not the leadership that wants to change within their company

35:18—Saying yes more to Chicago's technology companies working to improve the world and being intentional in creating diverse boards in Chicago

37:14— The balance of work productivity, giving back, and personal time

38:41—Garry provides advice for younger self, recommended books, and ways to get involved with Rheaply

Guest Host: Amanda Lannert, CEO, Jellyvision

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

Recommended Book: Speed & Scale by John Doerr

rheaply.com

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:

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On this episode of the Executives' Exchange, we are joined by Christine Leahy, President & CEO of CDW. Chris sits down with guest moderator Linda Imonti, Office Managing Principal, KPMG. They discuss how CDW thrived through the pandemic with an intense focus on co-worker engagement and customer satisfaction, their tremendous acquisition growth strategy, and the importance of conceptualizing offices of the future as watering holes versus fences.

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience.

Guest Host: Linda Imonti, Office Managing Principal, KPMG

00:50—Chris discusses her upbringing in an entrepreneurial family, guiding principles, empathy & energy

07:08—Learnings from the pandemic—agility, course correction, and putting people at the forefront

9:28—Chris discusses opportunity & impact for CDW employees

10:41—Maintaining the passion and culture of being connected to a purpose in a new way of working.

13:45—Chris discusses the original structure of CDW and its purpose and the continuation of the significance of satisfied customers and employees

19:04—The changing needs of technology—CDW's conscious and subconscious level changes

24:33—Chris discusses eight acquisitions during the pandemic; the commitment to the customer; integrating cultures of companies from acquisitions

31:51—Chris discusses CDW's diversity, equity & inclusion; the digital divide, and how technology can enable opportunity & impact

38:12—The movement of talent and attrition rates & CDW's concept of 'watering hole' to retain employees

44:33—Reflecting—the power of pause & the decision of bringing energy to the table

Guest Host: Linda Imonti, Office Managing Principal, KPMG

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

https://www.cdw.com/

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 joined by Christine Leahy, President & CEO of CDW. Chris sits down with guest moderator Linda Imonti, Office Managing Principal, KPMG. They discuss how CDW thrived through the pandemic with an intense focus on co-worker engagement and customer satisfaction, their tremendous acquisition growth strategy, and the importance of conceptualizing offices of the future as watering holes versus fences.

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience.

Guest Host: Linda Imonti, Office Managing Principal, KPMG

00:50—Chris discusses her upbringing in an entrepreneurial family, guiding principles, empathy & energy

07:08—Learnings from the pandemic—agility, course correction, and putting people at the forefront

9:28—Chris discusses opportunity & impact for CDW employees

10:41—Maintaining the passion and culture of being connected to a purpose in a new way of working.

13:45—Chris discusses the original structure of CDW and its purpose and the continuation of the significance of satisfied customers and employees

19:04—The changing needs of technology—CDW's conscious and subconscious level changes

24:33—Chris discusses eight acquisitions during the pandemic; the commitment to the customer; integrating cultures of companies from acquisitions

31:51—Chris discusses CDW's diversity, equity & inclusion; the digital divide, and how technology can enable opportunity & impact

38:12—The movement of talent and attrition rates & CDW's concept of 'watering hole' to retain employees

44:33—Reflecting—the power of pause & the decision of bringing energy to the table

Guest Host: Linda Imonti, Office Managing Principal, KPMG

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

https://www.cdw.com/

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 joined by Greg Hughes, President of North America's Beam Suntory. Greg sits down for a conversation with guest moderator Andy Callahan, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Hostess Brands. They discuss how Japanese-style Gemba culture has changed how his leadership team operates and ways we can all think about leading in new, lean ways.

:52—Greg discuss the origins of "Gemba"

4:25—Leading from the front—Greg & Andy discuss developing leadership skills

7:05—Greg discusses what Gemba is not

9:03— Four ways to scale up across a broader footprint of people

14:12—Andy and Greg discuss the challenges of leadership during the pandemic

17:52—Andy discusses the silver lining that provides the opportunity for something better

22:21—Greg discusses implementing Gemba in the social media space

25:04—Connecting brands with culture and employee base; the need to be empathetic & inclusive

27:56—Building global brands while acknowledging there's no global consumer—understanding what's universal about brands and what's local that's adaptable

30:10—What are some of the trends you see in your business?

34:00—Gemba intersects everything you do—team, business strategy and provides the very foundation of how you think.

35:40—The most significant challenges with Gemba

39:46 —Greg discusses how his leadership translates into building the culture you want in the organization

43:30—Gemba enables employees to engage

https://www.beamsuntory.com/en

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 joined by Julie Sweet, Accenture's, Chair and CEO. Accenture is one of the most admired global professional services companies in the world. Tune in to learn how technology is driving the next generation of business success, the future of work, attracting top talent and building and sustaining an inclusive culture.

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

1:00—Early upbringing, family & pursuing law

5:00—How a law degree prepares for running a tech company

7:00—Julie discusses Accenture's success

11:57—Looking ahead in 2023--Compressed Transformation, Cloud-first in embracing emerging technology, pivot IT budget to innovation

16:25—Julie discusses how companies have accelerated

18:18—Why is Chicago a vibrant place to do business?

21:00—Julie discuss Accenture's investment in digital manufacturing & supply chain

26:00—What is Accenture doing to both attract and retain the best talent?

31:40—Accenture's Net better off model

35:28—Creating shared experiences through virtual reality

38:21—What can other companies learn from Accenture's Inclusion and Diversity?

41:33—The future of work—new trends

45:19—Accenture's commitment to sustainability

50:07—What are you most proud of as CEO?

Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago

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

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 joined by Julie Sweet, Accenture's, Chair and CEO. Accenture is one of the most admired global professional services companies in the world. Tune in to learn how technology is driving the next generation of business success, the future of work, attracting top talent and building and sustaining an inclusive culture.

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

1:00—Early upbringing, family & pursuing law

5:00—How a law degree prepares for running a tech company

7:00—Julie discusses Accenture's success

12:00—Looking ahead in 2023--Compressed Transformation, Cloud-first in embracing emerging technology, pivot IT budget to innovation

16:25—Julie discusses how companies have accelerated

18:00—Why is Chicago a vibrant place to do business?

21:00—Julie discuss Accenture's investment in digital manufacturing & supply chain

26:00—What is Accenture doing to both attract and retain the best talent?

31:40—Accenture's Net better off model

35:40—Creating shared experiences through virtual reality

38:21—What can other companies learn from Accenture's Inclusion and Diversity?

41:33—The future of work—new trends

45:19—Accenture's commitment to sustainability

50:07—What are you most proud of as CEO?

Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago

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

Accenture.com

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, Linda Imonti, Office Managing Principal at KPMG, sits down with Timothy Walbert, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Horizon Therapeutics. They discuss the growth of Horizon Therapeutics, the importance of engaging with your staff and the community, and how Tim's personal journey with health and wellness has guided his career

Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago

:48— Tim discusses being the patient of an autoimmune disease and parent of a child with autoimmune disease

5:18—Challenges in growing Horizon

8:00—The importance of adding research and development

11:34—Ingredients to a collaborative culture and maintaining culture as the company grows

14:30—Tim shares how Horizon creates an inclusive environment for employees and provides tools for success regardless of personal limitations.

17:30 –Tim discusses what Horizon has learned from DEI, corporate responsibility, raising awareness, and focusing on it from the beginning

20:14—Bringing the whole group along equals success through an equity lens; Linda and Tim discuss the importance of volunteering and being a part of the outcome

23:58—Companies are in a different world—employee experience, healthcare, and the voice of companies

26:30—Recommendations for organizations for building and growing within their community and how Horizon focuses on underserved communities

31:10—Tim shares what compelled him to begin to share his story and the company's launch of "It's Personal Campaign."

35:25—Horizon's decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic were rooted in a mindset of doing the right thing for other people.

41:50—If you were a leader in today's climate, what is one thing you would do to break the mold of corporate mold culture?

Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago

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

www.horizontherapeutics.com

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 joined by David Gupta, CEO and Founder of SDI Presence. David sits down to discuss pivotal moments in his career—from leaving the family company and moving to the west coast, to his short stint in retirement and coming home to Chicago. David discusses his company's focus on presence and his commitment to developing and hiring diverse talent. Tune in to learn how he continues expanding on his father's legacy of giving back to the community and creating opportunities for future generations.

Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago

01:11—Early years—The Gupta family moves from India to Chicago's suburbs; David discusses his father's passion for engineering and construction and giving back to the community.

03:33—David discusses leaving the family company to fill a void in IT

05:36—Founding SDI—rewarding, frustrating, and challenging big leap

07:48—David discusses the benefits of adding a private equity company

10:22—David discusses SDI's expanding customer base

13:43—David founds PGV Solutions and merges PGV & SDI

16:17—The Great City of Chicago—David talks about the benefits of Chicago for business

19:43—David explains the significance of adding 'presence' to SDI

21:50—Balancing SDI Presence on the West Coast and Midwest and integrating culture.

28:12—Recruiting diverse talent and understanding the financial support and mentoring needed to increase more people of color in the industry

35:30—David discusses diversity —management, employees, mentors, and supplier diversity and bringing wealth into communities

39:00—SDI Presence's First Chance Initiative

42:41—David discusses his passion for philanthropy

46:10—Rapid Fire

Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago

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

https://www.sdipresence.com/ www.chicagoapprenticenetwork.org https://p33chicago.com/tech-talent-report/

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 Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago is joined by Coco Meers, CEO & Co-Founder of Equilibria. Coco discusses how this Alabama native's early aspirations of dance & law transitioned to marketing and brand management. She talks about the journeys of her Chicago-based startups and how the windy city is both tough and nurturing to its entrepreneurs. Tune in as she discusses the meaning of balance, the intersection of wellness, self-care, and beauty, and more.

Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago

1:42 – Early upbringing in an attorney driven Alabama family

4:11 —Women are strong—Coco shares her admiration in seeing her mother reinvent herself

7:10—Coco's new career path—marketing

10:18—Discuss the importance of P & L and brand management experience

12:07—Coco discusses the pivot to entrepreneurship, working for Loreal, deciding to go to business school, and building her portfolio from early-stage consumer companies.

14:17 —Coco shares insight into her first company Pretty Quick & the significant role of supply and demand

18:13—Next chapter of entrepreneurship—Coco leads beauty at Groupon

19:30—Coco provides advice for entrepreneurs; she discusses the influential role of a startup and the importance of investing in companies with unit economic viability.

22:33—Comparison of Chicago's startup culture versus the West Coast; investments versus conservative investments

24:14—Coco discusses Equilibria and explains CBD Products versus cannabis products.

28:08—Coco shares her journey of CBD discovery and Equilibria's founding as a health tech services company.

31:50—Lessons learned—Coco discusses when business partners aren't the right fit

35:24—Advice for those interested in using CBD products for the first time & Coco's personal CBD routine.

42:46—Providing support to members and employees during the pandemic

46:25—Coco discusses the benefits of starting a business in Chicago and recruiting globally.

51:30—Coco discusses the impact of her English major and supporting the Arts

53:43—The intersection and balance of wellness, self-care and beauty

59:00 —Rapid Fire Questions

Host of this episode: Margaret Mueller, CEO & President of the Executives' Club of Chicago

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

myeq.com

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