You, Me, and Your Top Three

April Clobes, CEO of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the need for top leaders of firms to better understand the basics of technology in order to properly define strategies and transform companies. April shares her Top 3: Pat McPharlin, who demonstrated a relentless drive and employee focus; Mark Zook, who exemplifies credit union collaboration; and April’s MSUFCU Team, who bring courage and new understanding. And you have to hear about how she treats every day like a job interview. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (01:08) Is every company a technology company? (05:32) Meet April The “Top Three”: (12:05) Patrick McPharlin: demonstrated a relentless drive and employee focus (09:13) Mark Zook: exemplifies credit union collaboration (26:59) April’s MSUFCU Team: bring courage and new understanding Other Points of Interest: (33:58) Data and AI in the industry (40:24) MSUFCU fast facts You Have to Hear This: (42:32) Treat every day as a j

SMALL WORDS TO MOONSHOTS | Ben Lamm, a multi-time founder who is currently working on bringing back the woolly mammoth, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss how small words can lead to HUGE ideas. Of course, Ben shares his Top 3 or 4: Thomas Tull, who reminds him to just keep going; John McKinley, who taught him how to live servant leadership; Richard Garriott, who has stoked his passion to explore; and his grandmother, who has taught him that he can do anything. And you have to hear what he has to say about picking a principle and not allowing anything to budge you from it.  About Ben Lamm     Ben Lamm is the co-founder and CEO of Colossal. Ben is a serial technology entrepreneur driven to solve the most complex challenges facing our planet. For over a decade, Ben has built disruptive businesses that future-proof our world. In addition to leading and growing his own companies, he is passionate about emerging technology, science, space and climate change. Active in angel investing, incubators and startup commu

DRIVING UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS | Andrew Stuart, President and CEO of TD Auto Finance, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the need to get uncomfortable in order to have breakthrough moments. Of course, Andrew shares his Top 3 (well, 4): Sandra Moncrief, his wife, who helps him learn to interpret emotions; Marc Womack, who taught him the power of uncomfortable conversations; Peter Cummings, a worldly leader who has shown him the power of outside perspectives; and Allan Ferguson, a collegiate friend who helps him celebrate practicality. And you have to hear what he has to say about creating an environment to drive intellectual curiosity.  About Andrew Stuart   Andrew Stuart is the President & CEO of TD Auto Finance. In this role, he is responsible for the overall leadership and strategic direction of the indirect retail and commercial auto finance business in the U.S.    Andrew joined TD in 2014 and spent six years serving as President and CEO of TD Auto Finance before accepting a role in Corporate Tr

PEOPLE MAKE INNOVATION MATTER | Roopesh Das, Senior VP of Digital Acceleration and Innovation at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the importance of putting the human in the center of your innovation strategy. Of course, Roopesh shares his Top 3: Ritesh Patel, who helped him to learn to connect; Akiko Marusawa, who helped him recognize the importance of people; and Shireen Das, who is his rock and helps him set a montessori approach to his digital innovation program. And you have to hear what he has to say about being passionate but not emotional. About Roopesh Das   Experienced Digital executive with a track record of organizational transformation by applying cutting edge technology to launch innovative products which address new business models and create value, while leading and inspiring technology teams globally across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.  Through his career spanning more than 20 years, Roopesh has launched technology products and solutions global

MAKING ALUMNI| Join Gregg Garrett, host and CGS Advisors CEO, during this solocast as he discusses how to establish an alumni network from your organization; not always an easy thing to do considering some of your best and brightest employees you never want to leave your firm. But, on the flip side, in order to get the best, brightest, and most driven you often need to get talent who want to spread their wings and sometimes it is at a different speed than the pace of your organization. Make an alumnus and you’re probably going to make some incredible employees and friends for life. ABOUT GREGG GARRETT Greggory R. Garrett is the CEO and Managing Director of CGS Advisors, a boutique strategy and innovation advisory firm that works with senior leaders at public companies and select private organizations. He is a dynamic and experienced international keynote speaker, an adjunct professor of business and engineering, the host of the “You, Me, and Your Top Three” podcast, and author of the best-selling business

BUILDING ECOSYTEMS| Chris Lambert, CEO of Life Remodeled, a Detroit non-profit that remodels and revitalizes neighborhoods in an equitable and sustainable way,  joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss how to create and nurture meaningful innovation ecosystems inside of Detroit communities. Of course, Chris speaks about his Top 3: Jesus, who he speaks with and listens to everyday, his friend Dominic Morelli who taught him the value of relationships, Diallo Smith, who can execute on a vision, his wife, who is a lover of all people, and to Dwan Dandridge who is a true visionary.  And you have to hear what he has to say about bold humility.  

PICKING UP THE PACE|Jay Rogers, founder and CEO of haddy- a 3D -printed furniture company,  joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the lessons he learned by 3D printing autonomous vehicles and how the team is now looking to disrupt the complete supply chain of a less regulated industry with a similar product set. Of course, Jay speaks about his Top 3: God, who is part of his life everyday, his boys who help him to learn and reverse mentor him, and 3-star General Mike Dana who specializes in servant leadership. And you have to hear what he has to say about reading by candlelight. ABOUT JAY ROGERS John “Jay” Rogers is CEO and Co-Founder of haddy inc. – a pioneering digital manufacturing company serving the furniture industry and built on revolutionary technology and IP. Haddy is changing the way furniture is designed, built, delivered, and recycled. It is the world’s first micro-manufacturer of furniture produced through a proprietary method of direct digital manufacturing (“DDM”). Through DDM, haddy enables more

JAHON HOBBEHEYDAR | Jahon Hobbeheydar, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at NSF International, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the linkage of strategy and innovation. As someone who lives in the center of these two functions, Jahon leads NSF to the future. Of course, Jahon speaks about his Top 3: his former boss, Thad, who helped him bring out his intellectual best, a persona of colleagues like Sharon, Tom, and Jen who help remove cultural inertia, and his daughter, Sarah, who makes him remember the underlying “why”. And you have to hear what Jahon has to say about shifting from making points to understanding them. 

TAKING RISKS | Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the consumer electronics industry, CTA and the Consumer Electronics Show, and broader societal change. Of course, Gary speaks about his Top 3: his wife, industry advisors and advocates like Robert Ford who help him reflect on how to drive the industry forward, and his entire CTA management team as well as members of the Board. And you have to hear what he has to say about keeping balance in life. ABOUT GARY SHAPIRO Gary Shapiro is an acclaimed author, lobbyist, and president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® which represents over 1,500 consumer technology companies and owns and produces the Consumer Electronics Show (CES)®  — The Global Stage for Innovation. A Georgetown Law graduate, Shapiro began his career as an associate at the Squire Sanders law firm. After an extended tenure in law, he began working on Capitol Hill as an assistant to a prominent member of the U.S

Paul Arnegard, VP of Creative Services at Tweddle, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss how his firm has transformed as the mobility industry continues to be disrupted. Of course, Paul speaks about his Top 3, including Dan Owens who helped him pivot to the creative side of the firm, his father who helped him get Earthy Wisdom, and Grandmaster Kim who helped him bring discipline and calmness to his hectic life, and current and former colleagues like Brian Suszek (former podcast guest, episode 113), Alex Awn (former podcast guest, episode 139), and Amy Simonelli who influenced him to build trust, see the good, slow down, and ask diverse questions. And you have to hear what he has to say about taking the time to meditate every day. About Paul Arnegard Paul is the Vice President of Creative Services at Tweddle Group, a pillar company of the CJK Group portfolio. CJK is a global information provider for multiple industries, and Tweddle’s role is to supply one-stop support for OEMs through content development &a

Erik Walenza, CEO of IoT One and host of The Industrial IoT Spotlight podcast, joins host Gregg Garrett in this special dual podcast to discuss how global and multi-national firms are competing in the Chinese market. Of course, Erik speaks about his Top 3: his wife, his business partners: Chun Liew and Michael Maeder, who taught him how to build relationships and processes, and his community. And you have to hear what he has to say about local for local strategy. About Erik Walenza Erik Walenza has worked in China for 11 years and he is an active member of the Chinese innovation ecosystem. He is passionate about exploring the impact of digitalization in businesses, and through his position as Chair of the Technology and Innovation Committee in China he plays an active role in the exchange of best practices for innovation strategy and tech trends evolution in Asia, but also worldwide. Erik has interviewed over 100 CEOs and venture capitalists while building one of Shanghai’s largest entrepreneur networks. Show

80% OF THE DAY | Craig Vanderburg, COO of Trion Solutions, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the success his firm has had in outsourcing HR for small and mid-sized firms. Of course, Craig speaks about how he spends 80% of his day with his Top 3, including Pathik Mody, Craig Sherman, Don Turowski, and Trion’s operations team. And you have to hear what he has to say about the importance of a routine. ABOUT CRAIG VANDERBURG Craig Vanderburg is among the nation’s most-experienced professionals in the HR-administration industry and is used frequently by local and national media as an expert resource on issues such as workplace policies, compliance issues, health and workers’ compensation insurance, and challenges faced by small to mid-size businesses. He is a former member of the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) board of directors and a former Chairman of its Accounting Practices Committee. He was a former President and CEO of two HR-administration companies and was formerly a

BEING AN INNOVATOR | Thierry Klein, President of Bell Labs Solution Research at Nokia Bell Labs, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the DNA of being an innovator. Of course, Thierry speaks about his Top 3, including his parents who helped him eliminate his fear of failure, his PhD advisor at MIT who taught him the business of innovation, and the aura of previous Bell Lab Presidents who helped set the bar for what leadership in innovation looks like. And you have to hear what he has to say about trusting your instincts. About thierry klein Thierry Klein is President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia Bell Labs. His distinguished global multi-disciplinary team conducts fundamental and applied research focused on new value chains, business opportunities and ecosystems beyond Nokia’s current product and solutions portfolio. His team pursues research and innovation into advanced sensing technologies, AI-based knowledge systems and fundamental algorithms, autonomous software and data systems, novel architect

Cascading Leadership | Lindsay Irrer, co-owner of The Barre Code – Metro Detroit, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss leading a franchise from the franchisee’s perspective. Of course, Lindsay speaks about her Top 3, including her entrepreneurial husband, her parents who balance grit and compassion, and her business partner who entices courage from her. And you have to hear what she has to say about body positivity. About LINDSAY IRRER Lindsay Irrer grew up in Bay City, Michigan, where her many years growing up in a dance studio led to her love of movement and the connections made with people around her while doing so. A Michigan State University alumna, Lindsay earned her degree in Communication and Public Relations while also traveling the country supporting Spartan Athletics as a four-year member of the Michigan State Dance Team. Lindsay left the corporate world in 2013 to follow her dream of owning a business and has since opened The Barre Code studios in Birmingham, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, and Northvi

WHAT A PUNK | Alex Awn, Head of UX for Bosch North America, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss how curiosity and DIY attitudes are what you need to drive innovation as well as how he brings his punk roots to shape corporate culture. Of course, Alex speaks about his Top 3, including his ex-boss, Paul Amegard, who showed him how to extend trust; Wayne Kauffman, a General Counsel who provided him with personal career advice; Oliver Stening, a boss and “gut” checker; and his creative motivators: his wife and members of his band, Temple of Void. And you have to hear what he has to say about responsibility. About ALEX AWN Alex Awn took the road less traveled on his way to becoming a corporate leader and executive. With a background and immersion in punk and heavy metal, Alex initially channeled his creativity into a Bachelor of Fine Art, with a concentration in graphic design. This was a great jumping-off point for his career, and after many years of honing his craft he attained a Creative Director position a

KEVIN SCHNIEDERS | Kevin Schnieders, CEO of EDSI, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss success and why your attitude towards success may be the differentiator. Kevin also admits he has been accidentally successful in his career. Of course, Kevin speaks about his Top 3, including his father, who provided the platform for his success; his wife, Wendy, who reminds him of why he wants to be successful; his colleague, Arlene Jones, with who he has grown with; and two important coaches in his life who taught him to surround himself with people who are ahead of you on the journey. And you have to hear what he has to say about coloring your calendar. About kevin schnieders Kevin Schnieders is the CEO and President of EDSI. Striving to be the solution for companies and people in transition, EDSI is a workforce development, customized training and consulting company. The company focuses on providing innovative solutions to close workforce skills gaps around the country. Kevin started with EDSI as a Training Consultant i

DR. LARA RAMDIN, Chief Innovation Officer at Dole, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the paths to careers in innovation. As a seasoned innovator in multiple industries, Lara also highlights how she has found a passion for tackling innovative solutions to battle food deserts. Of course, Lara speaks about her Top 3, including her former colleagues and bosses who saw things in her that she didn’t recognize herself, a college roommate turned educator that helped her recognize bravery, and a ride-or-die group of women who each instill a different and needed innovation trait. Namely, these women help Lara in Taking Action, Being Pragmatic, and Kicking Glass Ceilings out of the way. And you have to hear what Lara has to say about the relationship between science and innovation. About LARA RAMDIN Dr. Lara Ramdin, Chief Innovation Officer at Dole Sunshine Company, has an extensive global track record in R&D, product development and innovation. Ramdin is a fierce advocate for young women in STEM which she exercis

THE MULTIPLIER EFFECT | Steve Pockross, CEO of Verblio, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss how the multiplier effect has allowed him to scale marketplace businesses. Steve also highlights the intersection between the future of marketing and the future of work. Of course, Steve speaks about his Top 3, including his executive coaches, Mark and Jodi, who help him multiply his efforts, his suite colleagues, Greg and Paul, who model honesty, and his wife, Jen, who helps him through the last 5%. And you have to hear how he hires on traits versus skills. About Steve Pockross Steve Pockross is the CEO of Verblio, a content creation platform that powers modern content marketers and SEO agencies. He brings more than 25 years of startup, Fortune 5000, and nonprofit experience to his role at Verblio. He has a passion for bringing humans and technology together. Steve was part of the early management team at crowdsourcing pioneer, LiveOps, and previously led five SaaS and marketing businesses. Based in Colorado, Steve en

WHY FEAR FAILURE? | Join Gregg Garrett, host and CGS Advisors CEO, during this solocast as he challenges listeners to question how they view failure and discusses how remaining in the fear of failure can prevent you and your business from innovating. Gregg also highlights how breaking free from fear and being a true leader is at the heart of innovation and transformation. About Gregg Garrett Greggory R. Garrett is the CEO and Managing Director of CGS Advisors, a boutique strategy and innovation advisory firm that works with senior leaders at public companies and select private organizations. He is a dynamic and experienced international keynote speaker, an adjunct professor of business and engineering, the host of the “You, Me, and Your Top Three” podcast, and author of the best-selling business leadership book, Competing in the Connecting World. Having addressed audiences from 20 to upwards of 1500 people in public and private/corporate events, Gregg is at his best when he can focus on industry shaping &