What does it take to break barriers, lead with vision and transform challenges into opportunities? For this episode of Withology, host Brian Tierney sits down with Sherry Phillips, Forbes Media's first woman CEO, to explore her extraordinary path from Philadelphia roots to media trailblazer. Together, they uncover how family values, community support, and personal grit fuel leadership, mentorship, and resilience—qualities that shape not just successful careers, but lasting legacies.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (01:38) Sherry reflects on mentors during pivotal moments in her career journey

• (05:52) Sherry offers advice for younger generations and discusses the unique culture and family legacy at Forbes

• (11:17) Discusses personal strategies for staying grounded and reflects on overcoming leadership challenges

• (14:14) Sherry comments on the significance of becoming the first female CEO at Forbes

• (19:50) Pivoting to digital and launching Forbes Under 30 has allowed Forbes to thrive

• (23:56) Addresses the integration of AI into journalism, the importance of maintaining trust in the media

• (29:19) Sherry looks forward and advises other industry leaders

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Mentorship and strong family support serve as the foundation for success, cultivating resilient leadership in both business and media.

• Innovation, adaptability, and a spirit of collaboration fuel personal growth while driving Forbes' continued impact and evolution.

• Authentic journalism that uplifts diverse entrepreneurs and women leaders secures the enduring relevance and influence of the Forbes brand.

RESOURCES:

Brian Tierney - LinkedIn

Sherry Phillips - Forbes | LinkedIn

Forbes - Website

What inspires you to make a difference in your community? How can you turn faith into action? In this episode of Withology, host Brian Tierney dives into the remarkable journey of Reverend Luis Cortes, founder of Esperanza, a leading faith-based organization. He built a $111 million dollar organization with 800 employees that helps 35,000 people a year in the Hunting Park neighborhood of Philadelphia, all through his relentless work ethic and mission. From his roots in Spanish Harlem to creating a Latino community powerhouse in Philadelphia, his story of social justice, economic development, and community empowerment through education, affordable housing, and healthcare access will leave you inspired.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (01:51) - Rev. Cortes shares how growing up in Spanish Harlem shaped his worldview

• (03:47) - Discussion of work ethic, education, community empowerment, and understanding cultural diversity

• (09:15) - Moving to Black Harlem, navigating cross-cultural opportunities, cultural clashes and diversity

• (15:57) - A pivotal decision to enter the ministry, discussions on social justice

• (26:01) - Moving to Philadelphia to lead a faith-based organization and the role his family played

• (31:53) - Meeting with presidents, sharing the truth, creating Esperanza and the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast

• (38:33) How the Latino influenced the history of America and how to change the culture

• (47:57) - The importance of Hispanic institutional development, enabling the Latino community to compete with top institutions.

BIOGRAPHY:

The Reverend Luis Cortés, Jr. is the Founder, President and CEO of Esperanza, the premier Hispanic faith-based Evangelical network in the United States. Driven by the biblical mandate to serve and advocate for "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40), Rev. Cortés founded Esperanza in 1986, with support from the Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia. Today, with an extensive national network of Hispanic faith and community-based organizations, Esperanza is one of the leading voices for Latinos in America. Leading what began as a local initiative, with programs targeted to address the unmet needs of Philadelphia's Latino community, Rev. Cortés is now sought by national and international leaders alike on issues of economic and workforce development, housing, immigration, and education. Under his leadership, Esperanza has grown from a small, 20-person operation to more than 800 employees that impact 35,000 people and have a $43 million annual operating budget.

RESOURCES:

Brian Tierney - LinkedIn Reverend Louis Cortes - LinkedIn Esperanza - Website

In this episode, Brian Tierney welcomes David Baiada, CEO of BAYADA Home Health Care, one of the world's largest and most trusted home healthcare providers. Together, they explore the family values that have shaped BAYADA's legacy, the company's transition to a nonprofit organization, and its bold global growth vision. David shares insights on balancing purpose with results, the role of mentorship (including lessons inspired by Kermit the Frog), and his predictions for how AI and robotics will transform the home health care industry by 2025. This conversation offers a deep dive into the universal need for care at home and Bayada's unwavering commitment to delivering compassionate and reliable service. Don't miss this inspiring family legacy.

In this episode of Withology, Brian speakers with former city leaders from the 90s and 2000s on how we can all work together to bolster Philadelphia.

On this special live recording of Withology, Brian engages in insightful conversations with Angela Val, President and CEO of Visit Philadelphia; Sue Perrotty, President and CEO of Tower Health; Lisa Hughes, Publisher and CEO of Philadelphia Inquirer; and Stacey Robertson, President of Widener University.

In this episode, each of these leaders generously shares their expertise, offering valuable insights into what it truly means to be an effective leader, especially in times of change.

Get the full show notes and more resources at Briancom.com/about.

On this episode of Withology, Steve Collis, Chairman, President and CEO of Cencora sits down with Brian for an insightful and wide-ranging conversation. Together, they discuss Steve's journey from growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa to leading Cencora, a Fortune 20 company.

Get the full show notes and more resources at Briancom.com/about.

On this episode of Withology, Brian chats with a very close friend who is an Executive Vice President at Brian Communications, Ed Mahlman. Together, they cover Ed's time as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Lottery and working as the Chief Marketing Officer for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News and Philly.com. Listen in as old friends catch up and Ed shares his wisdom in the advertising field.

Get the full show notes and more resources at Briancom.com/about.

On episode 9 of Withology, Brian is joined by Sister Mary Scullion, president and executive director of Project H.O.M.E, a nationally recognized organization that aims to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty in Philadelphia. In this episode, Sister Mary shares her journey of spirituality, dedication to service work, and the creation of the first Outreach Coordination Center in the nation.

Get the full show notes and more resources at Briancom.com/about.

On Episode 8, Part 2, Brian sits down with Publisher Emeritus of Modern Healthcare, Fawn Lopez. Modern Healthcare is the healthcare industry's leading source for industry business and policy news, research and information.

In this two-part episode, Fawn unfolds her remarkable journey of overcoming adversity as a teenager and navigating the challenges of adapting to life in a new country. Her unwavering determination and achievements in the publishing realm serve as a testament to the power of resilience and persistence. Against all odds, Fawn defied expectations and emerged as a trailblazing publisher, achieving remarkable success in her career. Her story is a shining example of how tenacity and perseverance can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.

Experience Fawn's incredible narrative in her book, "Unstoppable," which can be found on Barnesandnoble.com, Amazon and Fish Pond. To learn more about Fawn, head to her website fawnlopez.com.

On this two-part episode of Withology, Brian is joined by Publisher Emeritus of Modern Healthcare, Fawn Lopez. During her 17 years of work with Modern Healthcare, the publication has grown to become the leading source of healthcare information, business and policy news, and research. In this episode, Fawn opens about her struggles as an immigrant from South Vietnam at 15 years old and adjusting to a new unfamiliar life.

Get the full show notes and more resources at Briancom.com/about.