The Road to the Top Podcast

By Will Grant

The Road to the Top Podcast interviews the world's top performers on how they achieved success, the lessons they learned along the way and how you can follow their principles. Hosted by Will Grant... more

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FAQs about The Road to the Top Podcast:

How many episodes does The Road to the Top Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 34 episodes available.

The Road to the Top Podcast episodes:

August 18, 20220014 Michael Markesbery - Co-Founder & CEO, OROS
Michael Markesbery, Co-Founder & CEO of OROS sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey and advice for young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs.
We discuss:
Michael's journey as a pre-med undergrad student at Miami University to becoming the Co-Founder & CEO of OROS

How the OROS insulation technology is going to improve industries far beyond winter jackets and outerwear
Some key take-aways:
Entrepreneurs should approach problems as a scientific experiments to solve and continuously improve their company

Assemble an advisory board at an early stage to help provide company guidance and direction
Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation. Enjoy!
...more
26min
August 02, 20220013 Alex Malebranche - Founder, PlaneAhead
Alex Malebranche, Founder of PlaneAhead sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey and advice for young professionals as well as aspiring entrepreneurs.
We Discuss:
How serving 8 years in the Army as an Intelligence Analyst, taught him to keep cool under pressure

Finding a problem where there was no solution and building a company to take advantage of the opportunity to revolutionize an entire industry

How to build awareness with customers and investors

Strategy to learn about any industry you have no prior experience in
Some key take-aways:
Internships are the best way to get real-world insight into a specific career

Some entrepreneurial success has to do with timing

Make mental health a priority as you build your company
Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation. Enjoy!
...more
30min
July 21, 20220012 Mark Richey - Managing Director, West Capital Advisors
Mark Richey, Managing Director at West Capital Advisors and Partner of 1809 Capital sat down with Will Grant to discuss his professional journey and advice for young professionals.
We discuss:
Navigating career shifts from software engineer → consulting → entrepreneur → venture capital

How a venture capital firm can find their perfect niche

What characteristics to look for in a company you may work with

Attributes of great start-up founders and the mindset for successful growth
Some key take-aways:
Build an ideal professional network through your alumni association

Start-up founders need to let go of control to grow

Determine what you know and seek out help on what you don’t
Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation. Enjoy!
...more
45min
May 11, 2022 0011 Joe Desch - Chairman, Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation
Joe Desch, Chairman at Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation sat down with Will Grant to talk about his professional journey and advice he's obtained along the way.
Key topics from this episode are:
1. The strengths of becoming involved with your university's career center.
2. How to utilize LinkedIn to build a network of professional mentors.
3. Strategies to help lead a non-profit organization to gain wider national growth
4. Building a legacy is formed over a lifetime of being your true self and impacting others

Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation!
...more
37min
April 27, 20220010 John Bratsakis - President/CEO, Maryland & DC Credit Union Association
John Bratsakis, President/CEO at Maryland & DC Credit Union Association sat down with Will Grant to talk about his professional journey and advice he's obtained along the way.
We discuss:
John’s professional journey from a management training program to President/CEO

How to form authentic and personal connections with people

Taking ownership of mistakes and how to overcome early career challenges
Some key take-aways are:
Leave yourself open to opportunities and pivot in your college curriculum and career

Developing a 90 day plan when transiting to a new job

Make a commitment to reach out to customers and listen to their needs good and bad

The best investment you can make is to establish strong relationships
Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation!
...more
32min
April 12, 20220009 Kevin Kelly - Chief Information Officer at P10, Inc.
Kevin Kelly, CIO at P10, Inc. sat down with Will Grant to talk about his professional journey and advice he's obtained along the way.

We Discuss:
The different ways to learn the impact of data in our lives and business

Strengths of being surrounded by fellow entrepreneurs through groups such as Entrepreneurs’ Organization

How his side passion of building database applications for companies led to the creation of Altvia as Founder & CEO and currently serves on the Board of Directors

Navigating an exit of a successful company and finding a new path as CIO at P10
Some take-aways are:
Importance of asking the right questions during an interview

Keep things in perspective as you face challenges throughout your career

The benefits of working with a manager who is committed to helping develop your skillset

Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation!
Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation!
...more
34min
March 30, 20220008 Lea Jesse - CEO, First Tee Greater Chicago
Lea Jesse, CEO at First Tee Greater Chicago sat down with Will Grant to talk her professional journey and advice she's obtained along the way.
We Discuss:
Changing college majors and career paths

How she developed a new group at JP Morgan

Her strategy for leading and taking a non-profit organization to the next level

How to approach your boss that you're leaving
Some take-aways are:
Never say no to an opportunity

The strength of not knowing the answer and asking for help

Develop a network of colleagues in a similar role to lean on in times of challenge
Please feel free to share with other who would benefit from this conversation!
...more
31min
March 22, 20220007 Lewis Steverson - Executive Vice President & Chief Legal and Administrative Officer at Corning Incorporated
Lewis Steverson, Executive Vice President & Chief Legal and Administrative Officer at Corning Incorporated sat down with Will Grant to talk about his journey from Siena College, Harvard Law School and professional career.
We discuss:
Successful habits developed as an All-American cross country student athlete at Siena College

Greatest lessons learned from Harvard Law School and his experiences with colleagues such as Barack Obama

Navigating an evolving career by creating fundamental goals
Some take-aways are:
Find a mentor and an advocate

The 95% / 5% framework for a successful career path
Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation!
...more
37min
March 10, 20220006 Oliver Zak and Selom Agbitor - Co-Founders of Mad Rabbit
Oliver Zak and Selom Agbitor, Co-Founders of Mad Rabbit sat down with Will Grant to talk about their journey building Mad Rabbit and advice for others who wish to follow a similar path.
We discuss:
Building a company while being a full-time student and professional career

Preparing and developing a strategy for their Shark Tank pitch

Determining the specific roles and strengths of co-founders
Some take-aways are:
How to find free resources to learn the e-commerce industry

Lessons learned from their business partner Mark Cuban

Creating a brand and community larger than tattoo aftercare
Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation!
...more
35min
February 17, 20220005 Brie Aletto - President and CEO, Altvia
Brie Aletto, President and CEO of Altvia sat down with Will Grant to talk about setting the right framework for rapid growth within a company and career.
We discuss:
Navigating a career path originally studying broadcast journalism to becoming a CEO

Systems for continuous feedback

Negotiating for what you want
Some key take-aways are:
The framework of working within a successful start-up company

Find a seat on the rocket ship and develop the skills along the way

Finding continuous feedback is essential for career growth
Please feel free to share with others who would benefit from this conversation!
...more
37min

FAQs about The Road to the Top Podcast:

How many episodes does The Road to the Top Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 34 episodes available.