You, Me, and Your Top Three

PLACING BETS | Chris Ball, a multi-time CEO and serial entrepreneur, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss how bravery is often enabled by having the right perspective. Of course, Chris speaks about his Top 3, including his competitor turned business partner who helped him to scale, his father who set a platform from a young age, and his COO and life partner who supports and pushes him. And you have to hear what he has to say about comparing his time as a professional poker player to being a business leader. About Chris Ball A Michigan State University graduate, Chris is an eCommerce Retail Aficionado, Serial Entrepreneur, Investor, and Gambler.  Chris has spent the last decade chasing his dreams, taking chances, and seeking life lessons to make himself a better business leader, and more importantly, a better person.  Chris is the owner of Ball Equipment, which has been family-owned and operated since 1944.  Currently, Chris' main focus is BW Retail Solutions, of which he is the Co-Founder and CEO. As a fu

A Floral Disruptor| Kalin Sheick, owner of Sweetwater Floral, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the $57B floral industry and how she breaks all the rules of the industry. Kalin highlights how she brings her knowledge from the media and entertainment industry to florals. Of course, Kalin speaks about her Top 3, including her husband, Matt, who has taught her about the long game of transformation, her father, Rick, who has instilled the entrepreneurial spirit in her, and her kids, George and May, who keep her humble as her business continues to expand. And you have to hear what she has to say about the future of the flower industry as part of the gig economy and how brides will one day create their own floral arrangements. About KALIN Sheick Kalin Sheick is a former television reporter turned flower entrepreneur. Owner of Sweetwater Floral, the Michigan based event studio has three locations and flowers for nearly 100 weddings annually. On top of a blooming event side, Kalin focuses a major part of her time i

Guided Journeys | Scott Schoeneberger, Managing Partner of Bluewater Technologies Group, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss his guided journey through his multi-faceted events and technology integration business. Of course, Scott speaks about his Top 3, including his parents and uncle who encouraged different world views, perspectives, and a sense of innovative thinking, his first mentor, Sandy Corrigan, who took him on a journey of learning and self-discovery, his wife Chanel Schoeneberger who is an ultimate sounding board, and his friend Josh Linkner who helps him reflect on his industry and the firm’s role in it. And you have to hear what he has to say about putting yourself out of business. About Scott Schoeneberger  Scott Schoeneberger is the Managing Partner and Chief Creative Officer at Bluewater, an agency that operates four industry-leading business units to support sensory storytelling across digital & physical canvases. He is the founder of the immersive night walk experience, Glenlore Trails.

Understanding Yourself | Michael McFall, Co-CEO of Biggby Coffee, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the importance of knowing thyself and understanding your purpose in order to leave a legacy. Of course, Mike speaks about his Top 3, which range from Bob Fish, his business partner, who holds him accountable, to his mother, who created a solid foundation in his life, to his YPO forum members and his very successful friend. And you have to hear what he has to say about protecting time to remain productive. About Michael McFall Michael McFall’s journey within BIGGBY® COFFEE began in 1997 when he and his business partner, Bob Fish went on the now-infamous walk around Michigan State University’s campus. They were meant to discuss opening a second store with Mike as the manager. A couple of hours later, the walk ended with a handshake on the agreement of becoming equal partners to grow the brand, BIGGBY® COFFEE. Mike’s story within the company originally kicked off in 1996, at the very first store, when he took

Finding the Potential in Your Network | Lisa Katz, Senior Program Officer for Economic Vitality & Entrepreneurship at the William Davidson Foundation, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss her storied career in public policy across many communities. Lisa speaks about her Top 3, including Mary Lynn Noah, who hired Lisa for her first job as a legislative assistant, Mike Gilroy, who taught her the social network theory, and Dr. Yugal Sharma, a dear friend, and biochemist, who shared in Lisa’s struggle in understanding impact. And you have to hear what she has to say about understanding your impact on the world. About Lisa Katz Lisa Baragar Katz is the senior program officer for Economic Vitality and Entrepreneurship at the William Davidson Foundation. Her efforts help guide the Foundation’s philanthropic investments to stimulate new business creation and job growth in Southeast Michigan and Israel. Prior to joining William Davidson, Lisa founded and served for six years as the executive director of the

Clearing the Whiteboard | Join Gregg Garrett, host and CGS Advisors CEO, during this solocast as he discusses and celebrates ten years of CGS, the traditions that got him there, and the challenge to get started on your own. Gregg explores a yearly process to “clear the whiteboard”; a process focused on wrapping up the previous year’s thoughts and ideas and creating space for new ones. 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 industr

Hitting the Reset Button | Luis Cabrera, CEO of Budget Travel, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss his storied career in digital across many industries. Luis highlights how he applies digital skills across senior roles, companies, and continents. Of course, Luis speaks about his Top 3, including Scott Galloway, a storied NYU professor, who helps him take a no-nonsense tone as he considers new opportunities, to Rich Lesser, the former CEO of BCG, who acts as his moral compass, to his wife who drives clarity in his life. And you have to hear what he has to say about having a cool head and hot feet. About Luis Cabrera Luis is an investor, operator, and consultant. He is currently CEO of Budget Travel and previously CEO of Lonely Planet, which he sold to Red Ventures in late 2020. His experience includes being a Partner at BCGDV, the Digital Ventures division at Boston Consulting Group, a co-founder of an enterprise mobility startup, and a Managing Director at WPP and other digital marketing companies. Luis was

Finding the Fit | Kevin Browett, CEO of the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss his career journey from being a pharmacist, to controlling over an $18 billion business at the largest retailer in the world, to a multi-time entrepreneur and scale-up leader, to CEO. Of course, Kevin speaks about his top three from the former CEO of CVS who helped him focus on the future, to the owner of the largest Dale Carnegie franchise who taught him to be brave, to a successful Silicon Valley entrepreneur who taught him to take the leap on new opportunities, to his grandfather who taught him the value of listening. And you have to hear what he has to say about the role of failure and what that means in driving to the next level. Show Highlights During this episode: Transferring skills in the connecting world [1:20] Welcoming, Kevin Browett [5:14] The “Top Three” Larry Merlo, who helped him stay focused on the future [11:52] Systemic problem solving [17:05] Kevin’s Grandfather

The Future of Work | Join Gregg Garrett, host and CGS Advisors CEO, during this solocast as he discusses the future of work. Gregg explores three basic pieces: thinking of how automated work might be for you in the future, deciding if you’re going to have a freelance or W2 automated workforce, and just how satisfied will your workers and non-workers be in this future era. 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 &am

Turning Hardship Into Differentiation | John Katona, Industrial Engineer at General Motors and CEO JKNK Studios, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss his unique journey in life that includes a paralyzing car accident that re-rerouted, and in some ways accelerated, his journey. Of course, John speaks about his top three ranging from his father who taught him a unique business model, to his pastor who introduce him to making music with others, to an advisor who fostered a passion for engineering. And you have to hear what he says about the intimate nature of creating music with a team. About John Katona John Katona is a human factors engineer at GM, with a bachelors and masters degree in industrial and systems engineering from Oakland University.  He is also a record producer, runs JK (Not Kidding) Studios, and founded Bird Fight Records.  His other passion besides engineering and music is accessibility, both for the future of mobility and in his studio, which is completely wheelchair accessible. Show Highlig

State of Risk and Trust | Steve Fleischmann, Preempt Risk, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on managing risk in complex ecosystems in support of profitable growth. Of course, Steve shares his Top Three who include an academic mentor who recruited him to study why civil wars occur, especially in the light of global terrorism, a direct report who is an expert diplomat who understands scale and the power of controlling the narrative, and the former CFO of a major U.S.-based energy company who understands the linkages of risk and trust. And you have to hear what he has to say about truly being brave. About Steve Fleischmann Dr. Steven Fleischmann - Strategic Advisor: International Security; Risk and Development Dr. Fleischmann has over twenty years of experience as a global expert in risk across a broad range of areas including: global energy markets, national and international intelligence and security strategy and diplomacy, and strategic technologies.    Dr. Fleischmann has been a principal in seve

Finding Your Passion | Dane Mathews, Vice President of Precision Marketing at Conagra Brands, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on transforming organizations and brands. Of course, Dane shares his Top Three who include his wife and children who have been core to establishing a professional shift in his approach, a former Amazon executive who taught him how to work backward, a former boss who helped him change his perspective to accomplish goals, and a former podcast guest who helped him humanize leadership. And you have to hear what he has to say about the democratization of leadership. About Dane Mathews Dane Mathews is Vice President of Precision Marketing at Conagra Brands. He leads Conagra’s marketing transformation leveraging enterprise agility, personalization, technological enablement, and advanced analytics. With a focus on the digital consumer experience, Dane is responsible for enterprise consumer marketing efforts including brand design, media & advertising, eCommerce, CRM, and direct

Building the Backstop of Innovation | Emmett Romine, VP, Customer Solutions & Innovation at Xcel Energy, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on customer and channel innovation in the energy industry. Of course, Emmett shares his Top Three who include an executive who pushed him to create and be true to his personal brand, to a marketing industry executive who helped him to respect and grow the brand promise, to the vice chairman of a publicly traded company who made space for him to succeed in innovation. And you have to hear what Emmett has to say about coupling persistence with patience to be a better, braver leader About Emmett Romine Emmett Romine is the Vice President of Customer Solutions & Innovation at Xcel Energy. In his role Emmet leads corporate economic development, energy efficiency and the creation of innovative solutions that exceed the unique needs of residential and commercial customers. Before joining Xcel Energy in 2019 Emmett previously held a leadership role at Powerley, a

Letting a Tiger Out of Her Cage: Renée Rouleau, CEO and President of Renee Rouleau Skin Care, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on successfully pivoting and scaling a company from a brick-and-mortar service model to a direct-to-consumer product delivery model. Of course, she speaks about her top three including her late husband who she learned business and life lessons from before and after his passing, a daredevil who challenges her to enjoy the fruits of her labor, her EO buddy who helps her reflect on decision making, and her COO who helps her solve complex problems. And you have to hear what she has to say about scrutinizing every opportunity and her “3am test”. About Renée Rouleau Beauty entrepreneur, Renée Rouleau established her namesake brand 25 years ago as an extension to her lifelong passion for skin care. From her early days starting as a celebrity esthetician, up to today where she leads the Austin-based, 100% Founder-owned Renée Rouleau Skin Care brand, Renée has always had an excep

Genuinely Curious: Tammy Hahn, Chief Product Officer at Groundswell, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on how to approach product management as well as how her new firm is looking to disrupt the non-profit industry. Of course, Tammy shares her Top Three who include her father who shows her how to drive rediscovery, her coworker turned spouse who is the yin to her yang and pushes her to be brave, and her product management teams that give her the 360-degree view of leadership she needs. And you have to hear what she has to say about using scheduling reminders to make you a better leader. About Tammy Hahn Tammy Hahn is known as many things: Mother, Wife, Product leader, Technologist, First-generation Chinese American. She is a vision-led, experimentation-driven Product leader & strategist that's passionate about building delightful products that solve real-world problems for customers and users. Tammy is currently Chief Product Officer and Founding Team Member at Groundswell, a new start-up sit

Join Gregg Garrett, host and CGS Advisors CEO, during this solocast as he discusses the importance of building a mesh network of relationships to help hold up your career, and personal goals. He shares how cross-industry collaboratives may be necessary to build these meshes as the world continues to connect. Gregg also highlights how CGS Advisors has launched two networks in the recent past; one bringing together enterprise innovators and another building unlikely bridges between manufacturers and supply chain leaders to orchestrate I4.0. 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

Becoming the First: Sunayna Tuteja, Chief Innovation Officer for the Federal Reserve System joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on the importance of passion when you are making your own journey. Sunayna speaks about coordinating decentralized innovation inside and beyond the Federal Reserve, a 100+ year old entity. And of course, she shares her Top Three who include her parents who taught her that regret is a wasted emotion, a former boss who helped her bridge the passion of avionics to that of corporate finance, a group of classmates who help her to see the horizon even when her flight plan is changing, and a virtual community that educates her whenever she is ready to listen. And you have to hear what she has to say about creating the routine on-ramp each and every day. About Sunayna Tuteja Sunayna Tuteja joined as the Chief Innovation Officer for the Federal Reserve System in 2021. She brings 10+ years of global experience leading change and innovation at the nexus of finance, technology and policy

Industries blurring in the talent war: Gil Gur Arie, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Ford Motor Company, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on his career journey including his life before Ford as a commanding officer in the Israeli Intelligence Agency. He highlights how the mission of an organization (no matter if it is public or private) is at the heart of motivating employees, and how communication and trust is the absolute lynchpin of success. All the while he comments on the future of data as the underpinning capability for the information revolution. And of course, he shares his Top Three who include a fellow ex-Colonel in the Israeli armed forces who was his communication refinement partner, his deputy who could “complete his sentences”, and his humble mentor who helped him shape his own empathetic bravery. And you have to hear what Gil says about double clicking deep into the language your team uses to guarantee proper interpretation and building the “virtual and living glossary.”     About

Power of Disruption: Gail Davis, a leader in the international keynote speaker industry, joins host Gregg Garrett for a discussion on the changes occurring in her industry as well as how she’s driven her firm to emerge as a stable leader post-COVID. She of course shares her Top Three who include individuals that help her not sweat the small stuff, remind her that clear is kind, how to manage the tension between work and other facets of life, and those who help to fill a capability void. And you have to hear what she has to say about keeping focused on the future as “it only gets better.” About Gail Davis Davis’ decades of corporate marketing and events management were the launch pad for GDA in 1999. Before founding the company, she spent two decades with the global technology conglomerate Electronic Data Systems (EDS, which became part of Hewlett Packard Enterprise and now operates as MicroFocus and DXC Technology) in Dallas. While at EDS, she discovered Nando Parrado, a heroic survivor of the 1972 Andes