What Leaders Say | Tony Berenyi

Tony sits down with Darryl Griffin, GM of Neal Brothers Charleston Inc., and discusses business, growth, and the importance of teamwork.

Alden Klemm is a rising senior at Academic Magnet, ranked the 2nd best high school in the nation. Alden and Tony discuss his background, academics, and important habits to develop as a teenager. Some highlights from the podcast are below:

* The importance of perseverance at a young age.* Understand your weaknesses and don’t be afraid to ask for help.* How establishing good study habits has positively impacted Alden in school and in college preparation * Why time management is crucial to both Alden and Tony. * Using competition to improve yourself and your skills

Alden Klemm is rising senior at Academic Magnet, ranked the 2nd best high school in the nation. Alden and Tony discuss his background, academics, and important habits to develop at a young age.

Nancy Mace won the Republican nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives in South Carolina’s 1st congressional district. Nancy and Tony discuss her background, why she is running for Congress, and her loyalty to the Lowcountry. Some highlights from the podcast are below.

* As a local from Goose Creek, SC she intimately knows the community.* Hard lessons in failure are important, but can often lead to success.* Accepted to The Citadel in 1996, Nancy became the first woman to graduate from its Corp of Cadets in 1999.* Nancy Mace understands the hard-working people of the middle class in the Lowcountry.* Commitment to the Lowcountry over party politics is forefront and of utmost importance to Nancy.

Mr. Newsome and Tony discuss the expansion of the manufacturing and shipping industries in South Carolina, the keys to the SC Ports Authority’s growth, and important leadership techniques.

* Optimism about the future despite the COVID-19 pandemic.* Boom of manufacturing in South Carolina has been highly beneficial for SC Ports Authority including the new Walmart Distribution Center new Ridgeville, SC.* SC Port Authority has invested $2 Billion dollars in their existing terminals to prepare for future.* Packaging and shipping for export in the Charleston area are forecasted to continue to grow.* Having a motivated team is key and allowing people to do their jobs.* A collective vision of every member of the team is very important to the overall mission.* Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal is scheduled to be complete in 2021 and was a long-term vision and culmination of years of hard work.

Tony and U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson discuss the importance of community involvement, positive attitude, and cultural awareness. Some highlights of the podcast are below:

* Involved in the emergence and rise to prominence of the Republican party in South Carolina.* 19 years of total service as a U.S. Congressperson since 2001.* Positive attitude is of utmost importance when it comes to service back to the community.* Grew up in Charleston and the Lowcountry.* Early supporter of former Governor Nikki Haley and US Senator Tim Scott.* Associate yourself with a good, honest, and dedicated team.* International cultural exposure is important to expand your world view.* There is reason to be optimistic for the future.

Tony and Mayor Tecklenburg discuss many of Charleston’s accomplishments over the past few years, key components of effective leadership, and importance of service.

* Mayor Tecklenburg answered the call to serve after being in public life for 30 years.* Leaders are people who are good listeners.* “Compromise is not a dirty word.”* Getting control of the hotel growth and development was a point of emphasis.* Charleston is working to get a handle on the storm water and drainage for the future.* Mobility and affordable housing are also core issues for the long-term success of the city.* Central responsibility of government is to keep citizens safe.* Housing and assistance programs were developed to end “tent cities” in the Charleston area.* “Be Yourself, Follow Your Faith”* Different perspectives all bring unique experience to the discussion and it needs to be respected.

For this podcast interview Tony and Mr. Paul Campbell discuss innovation, importance of trust, and positive self image. Some highlights from the interview are as follows:

* Empower others to accomplish their goals – don’t micromanage.

* To grow talent, you need to try new things. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.

* Three rules of bridges: don’t burn the bridges in front of you, don’t burn the bridges behind you, and when something unexpected happens, get over it.

* Everything is built on trust: if your employees trust you, they’ll work hard for you.

* It’s important to learn from mistakes – but they’re much less painful if you learn the mistakes of others.

* Admit your mistakes and be honest.

* Utilize the education of those around you and always get better at what you do.

* Always do the right thing, even when no one is looking.

* Vision is key to a successful organization.

* Leadership is how you make things happen.

For this podcast interview Tony and Mr. Jeffrey McWhorter discuss the importance of learning from your mentors, customer satisfaction, and commitment. Some highlights from the interview are as follows:

* Build a strong foundation for your future

* Don’t be afraid to share your goals and dreams with your team

* It is important to learn from mentors

* Surround yourself with a team that has different unique abilities or skills

* Take the initiative when necessary

* Raise the bar with your group

* Created the acronym SECURE (Safety, Efficient, Customer Service and Expenses) to help your team be successful

* Strive to exceed your customers expectations

* Get to know your people by spending time with them

* Become efficient so that you can do more

* It can be good to re-brand to establish identity

* Surround yourself with a GREAT team that is COHESIVE.

* Be accessible and approachable to your employees

* You have got to be committed to your work since running a rail road is a 24/7 job

* Help your team grow and to develop since it helps better the overall operations of the team

* Having a diverse talented team is KEY for long term success

* Make sure that you empower your team with the appropriate authority

* Build an atmosphere of cooperation and support systems to enable your team to excel

* Be sure to give credit where credit is due

* If you want to grow you need to demonstrate your work ethic and do whatever it takes

* Professional development is an ongoing process that takes time, but is worth the pay-off

* Focus on removing any distractions that are not energizing to the overall team