C-suite Radio

Today, the number one motivating factor in the workplace is praise and recognition. To keep employees engaged, leaders must create environments that allow their teams to fulfill their true potential. When asked where we see ourselves in five, 10 or 20 years, most of us visualize a future where we advance in our careers, earn more money and buy more things. Rather than imagining what we will have someday or what titles we will be given, we should shift our focus to who we will be as individuals at different stages in our lives. Money, fame and glory aren’t the goals we should be working toward. Our careers are stepping stones that make up the path we travel along to achieve success.  Our guest this week is Bob Urichuck, an internationally recognized expert in Velocity Selling. Bob is sought out around the world for his inspiring speeches and insight on the changing world of sales. A true innovator and selling master, Bob has been ranked in the World’s Top 30 Sales Gurus since 2008 and is a go-to expert for m

Building a positive, thriving culture is a top priority for C-Suite leaders, but many may not immediately consider the cultural challenges that occur outside the office walls. Each organization has a culture unique to its geographical location. No matter where or when business is conducted, building a culture that strongly supports our team to innovate and inspire is essential. Our first guest, Jorge Mata, Chairman and CEO of Clippingbook, has served in leadership roles all across the globe. His advice to C-Suite executives and entrepreneurs is to look to competitors as examples of how you’d like your organization to function. Observing and understanding the unique cultures and business models of similar organizations can help gain loyal customers and set the foundation for a strong internal structure. Those who embark upon the journey of entrepreneurship enter a world full of unknowns. It’s impossible to foresee exactly what the future holds and how successful this new venture will be. The C-Suite can, how

As we navigate the journey through the business world, we may find ourselves on unforeseen paths — often more than once. Our plans may change as time and technology evolve, but as leaders we must develop strong agility skills. We learn to be flexible and adaptable by taking action and becoming agents for change. Leading teams through changing times starts with establishing a culture that supports collaboration, empowerment and transparency.  Our first guest is Elisa Steele, President of Jive Software. Elisa has served in leadership roles with top technology companies, including Yahoo!, Skype and Microsoft, and has learned firsthand how a company’s culture can, and should, evolve during times of rapid innovation and disruption. As C-Suite leaders, it’s not just about quick decision making — it’s about agility, flexibility and a focus on the future. This is what ensures the endurance and longevity of a brand. In developing a culture of values as leaders and ensuring their brands are reflective of those values

To succeed in today’s ever-changing business climate, it’s imperative that C-Suite leaders become keenly aware of their customers and the changing face of the consumer. As the United States grows more diverse, we must be equipped with the tools and skills to be constantly changing and evolving to keep up with the modern consumer. Our first guest, Glenn Llopis, is a noted entrepreneur, author and speaker, as well as the founder and CEO of the Center for Hispanic Leadership. Glenn stresses the importance of having an “immigrant perspective” on leadership and becoming keenly aware of the disconnect between the changing cultural demographics in the U.S. to better understand how they are reached and represented by brands. Leaders, he says, must be willing to adapt and develop new strategies for the evolving marketplace and rise of multicultural groups not only in the consumer role, but in the workforce as well. Our second guest, Tony Alessandra, is a prolific author, entrepreneur and speaker who specializes in s

As executives move their way up the ranks and into the C-Suite, they must not forget the journey that brought them there. Many C-level leaders start out with humble beginnings, and their drive and determination to achieve greatness have gotten them to where they are today. From manning the cash register, to taking the leap and starting your own business, anyone can develop the leadership skills required to move into an executive role. Our first guest, Paul Carbone, is a living example of an entrepreneur who worked his way up to the C-Suite. Paul serves as Chief Financial Officer at Dunkin’ Brands, and his journey to this role was certainly not that of a traditional CFO. Paul says his experiences working in the produce industry, and later founding his own businesses, have given him a unique perspective on running a business. Entrepreneurs, he said, have a certain “get it done” mindset that C-Suite leaders can adopt in their own positions of leadership. No matter the titles of those you work with, a culture o

When we think of this definition of success, we tend to leave out an essential component: Happiness. If we do not truly enjoy the process toward our goals, we fall into habits that only breed negativity and deplete our energy. As C-Suite leaders, it’s common to become reserved and put your happiness on hold while waiting for results. Taking control of your own happiness, and viewing the future as a place full of possibility and innovation, give executives the power to lead better and become prolific in their impact on others. On this encore episode of Business Matters, we welcome Jaycen Thorgeirson and Steve Rizzo to the program. Jaycen Thorgeirson is the Founder and Chief Stand Out Expert at UviaUs, where he helps the biggest and brightest brands cut through the “clutter” to ensure their brand message is delivered and remembered with their proprietary offering, Uvideo. Jaycen started UviaUs in 2006 with the vision to deliver online and offline solutions that would stand out and get noticed. He’s led efforts

C-Suite leaders today are struggling with an issue that has put many organizations out of business their employees out of work. They accept what is average instead of pushing their teams to take risks and disrupt their industries. The current state of our economy is enough to worry anyone, and many business leaders are willing to settle with what is comfortable because they are afraid to rock the boat and possibly lost it all. But it’s these uncertain times throughout history that have allowed the greatest achievements to blossom. Our guest this week is Grant Cardone, a noted entrepreneur, speaker, subject matter expert in the C-Suite Academy and best-selling author. Grant’s no-nonsense approach to motivating leaders to get out of their comfort zones has earned him top honors and a loyal following. Grant believes the middle class is a myth with such a large majority of people in the United States working paycheck to paycheck. The reality is, there are many people struggling in this country, and it’s up to ea

C-Suite leaders hear a lot about work-life balance, and there’s no shortage of advice available on the topic. Rather than balancing the many roles that define who we are, it’s important to embrace each of them and decide what we want to focus on at any given moment in our lives. As we travel along the journey of success, making deliberate decisions about who we are, and what we want to do, will give us the courage to move forward. Determining where priorities are during each new beginning will allow us to seize new opportunities. Breakthroughs happen when we let go of our old ways of thinking, embrace changes happening in the world around us and adjust our focus accordingly. Our guest this week is Lisa Stone, co-founder and CEO of BlogHer. Lisa has had an impressive career as a journalist before establishing BlogHer, Inc. with Elisa Camahort Page and Jory Des Jardins in 2005. The company was recently purchased by SheKnows, a digital media company, to become the No. 1 women’s lifestyle community. Lisa has ris

It’s no secret that the ways in which we conduct business have evolved drastically thanks to rapid technological advancements and new ways of communicating. As discussed previously on the program, the fundamentals of selling our ideas, our products and our services really haven’t changed; what we have now are new tools that can help us transform how we deliver solutions to customers and how we sell our ideas to board members and our employees. The key to successfully expressing our thoughts is having a clear structure of how we will communicate our message,and understanding that it is always, ultimately, about the person receiving those messages. When we share stories and ask questions, we open the door for an emotional connection with others that helps us effectively sell what we have to offer. Our guest this week is Patricia Fripp, executive speech coach and subject matter expert in the C-Suite Academy. Patricia is a noted Hall of Fame speaker with more than 25 years of experience guiding business leaders

C-Suite leaders today are looking for new ways to bring the spirit of entrepreneurship into their businesses. We’ve learned that playing by the same old rules isn’t going to lead to revolutionary disruption and long-term success. Having the courage to take risks, fail and start again is what allows entrepreneurs to fulfill their dreams, and that same perspective can help all business leaders get ahead of trends, discover challenges early on and clearly define the opportunities that lie ahead. What used to be safe is now risky, and establishing a culture that supports entrepreneurship will ensure the entire organization is prepared for the exciting changes and breakthroughs that are happening in the blink of an eye. Our guest this week is Randy Gage, a Hall of Fame speaker and author whose life has been full of risk-taking as a means of survival. A high school dropout and former dish washer, Randy became a self-made millionaire by honing his critical thinking skills and setting clearly defined goals for himse

Many C-Suite leaders grew up playing sports and have applied the principles learned in athletics to their careers. Athletes know that while each game will result in a win or loss, it doesn’t determine the outcome of their entire career. They strategize, practice and train for each game, working as a team toward a common goal every time. When we apply these principles to our businesses, we ensure each employee is working just as hard as their colleagues to reach the desired outcome. Winning is a big reward and a payoff for hard work and sacrifice, but it’s ultimately the lessons learned along the way that lead us to each new victory. Our guest this week is Michael Williams, Chief Marketing Officer at Grand Prix of America, Formula 1. Michael is known throughout the industry as a passionate marketer and enthusiastic brand storyteller. Throughout his career, he has succeeded in helping sports brands, like the New Jersey Devils and the San Francisco 49ers, pinpoint their focus, expand their footprint and emotion

Consultants often advise C-Suite executives on the best ways to navigate and simplify the complexities of their organizations and industries. Many leaders are convinced they need help sifting through the complicated details of business in order to untangle the web and get back to basics. The fact of the matter is, complexity means cost, and there are many companies dealing with unnecessary spending that can be avoided with the right processes in place.  Our guest this week is Peter Philippi, CEO and founder of Strategex, Inc, a Chicago-based research and consulting firm that focuses on supporting businesses toward sustainable and profitable growth. Peter has more than 30 years experience working with leaders to drive change and focus in their organizations. At the C-Suite Network Conference in Marina del Rey, Peter will join host Jeffrey Hayzlett on stage to uncover the keys to true profitability using the 80/20 Rule. He says most businesses treat all customers equally and strive to deliver an exceptional ex

In business and in life, we must understand the reality that most people put their own needs and desires ahead of others. As we advance in our careers, it’s important that we let go of the notion that our worth is determined by how much money we make or our job security at that present time. What we must instead focus on is the value we bring as individuals at every stage of our lives. When we begin to view ourselves as a business that provides solutions and services to others, we become one step closer to fulfilling our dreams and never letting great opportunities pass us by. Our guest this week is Geoffrey James, award-winning blogger, contributing editor for Inc and author of “Business Without the Bullsh*t: 49 Secrets and Shortcuts that You Need to Know." In his latest release, Geoffrey educates readers on the true simplicity of business and the idea of a so-called “complexification industry” that tries to make leadership more complicated than it actually is. Geoffrey says good business boils down to the

When we think of the world’s most innovative companies, tech giants and social media trailblazers are at the forefront of our minds. These businesses are revered not only for their world-changing products and services, but also for their unique and flourishing company cultures. A company like Facebook nourishes its top talent by building its extraordinarily special culture around a core mission. When all employees deeply support their company’s goals and feel that what they do makes a true impact on society, groundbreaking ideas will surface. And as consumer expectations grow and habits rapidly change, the importance of a strong, accountable team is essential for delivering outstanding customer experiences. This week’s guest has had a remarkable career serving in leadership positions at some of the world’s most successful companies, including Disney, MTV and Microsoft. Carolyn Everson now works as the Vice President of Global Marketing Solutions at Facebook where she is known as the ad chief who has played a

Competition is a natural part of life and business, and it can have positive or negative outcomes depending on the situation and the actions we take as it occurs. Younger generations, especially, enter the workforce with a fiercely competitive attitude that stems from the guidance of parents who encourage them to be the very best at what they do. A rugged, individualistic spirit can certainly drive employees to get ahead and soar up the ladder of success, but there is an essential component missing. As leaders, we must establish a culture of collaboration and teach our teams the lessons of teamwork. This week’s guest is Margaret Heffernan, entrepreneur, five-time CEO, keynote speaker and author of noted works such as “Willful Blindness” and “Women On Top.” Her most recent book, “A Bigger Prize Why Competition Isn’t Everything and How We Do Better,” explores the all-consuming desire to win and why competition so often breeds corruption, lies and cheating. Margaret explains the alternatives to competition in b

Each of us has a unique vision of the future we hope to create for ourselves. What we wish to aspire to and create in our lives is structured around specific goals and the steps we must take to achieve them. Many of us, especially in leadership roles, see success as the final stop – a place where we can pause to reflect on the years of hard work we put in to get there. The truth is, success itself is a journey, and we are constantly readjusting our actions and beliefs to accomplish what we set out to do. Adapting to the changes in society is essential on this path to a successful life. Perseverance is the key element for leaders to remain resilient and agile while facing the challenges of the modern age. This week on Business Matters, Founder and CEO of Selling Power Gerhard Gschwandtner challenges C-Suite leaders to reexamine how they view success and focus their attention on adapting to the “giant avalanche” of technology and accept that our world, and the way in which we conduct business, is changing eve

To succeed in today’s ever-changing business climate, it’s imperative that C-Suite leaders become keenly aware of their customers and the changing face of the consumer. As the United States grows more diverse, we must be equipped with the tools and skills to be constantly changing and evolving to keep up with the modern consumer. Our first guest, Glenn Llopis, is a noted entrepreneur, author and speaker, as well as the founder and CEO of the Center for Hispanic Leadership. Glenn stresses the importance of having an “immigrant perspective” on leadership and becoming keenly aware of the disconnect between the changing cultural demographics in the U.S. to better understand how they are reached and represented by brands. Leaders, he says, must be willing to adapt and develop new strategies for the evolving marketplace and rise of multicultural groups not only in the consumer role, but in the workforce as well. Our second guest, Tony Alessandra, is a prolific author, entrepreneur and speaker who specializes in s

To effectively navigate and succeed in today’s business landscape, every employee on your team must perfect the art of selling. These days, C-Suite leaders, especially, must have stellar selling skills. Selling isn’t about convincing customers to buy a product or service – it’s about guiding them through purchase decision-making and gaining deep knowledge into their wants and needs. Our first guest, Doug Traxler, is the Chief Development Officer and Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at WebbMason. Doug says one of the key lessons he learned about selling is that every customer has something to say, and sometimes they’re just waiting to be asked. Salespeople can’t solve a problem without listening to and understanding the individual they’re talking to. Taking time to plan out every interaction with customers is key to a memorable experience and sales success. Highly skilled salespeople have the ability to listen to customers’ needs and help them cut through clutter to find a solution – fast. We

As executives move their way up the ranks and into the C-Suite, they must not forget the journey that brought them there. Many C-level leaders start out with humble beginnings, and their drive and determination to achieve greatness have gotten them to where they are today. From manning the cash register, to taking the leap and starting your own business, anyone can develop the leadership skills required to move into an executive role. Our first guest, Paul Carbone, is a living example of an entrepreneur who worked his way up to the C-Suite. Paul serves as Chief Financial Officer at Dunkin’ Brands, and his journey to this role was certainly not that of a traditional CFO. Paul says his experiences working in the produce industry, and later founding his own businesses, have given him a unique perspective on running a business. Entrepreneurs, he said, have a certain “get it done” mindset that C-Suite leaders can adopt in their own positions of leadership. No matter the titles of those you work with, a culture o

Building a positive, thriving culture is a top priority for C-Suite leaders, but many may not immediately consider the cultural challenges that occur outside the office walls. Each organization has a culture unique to its geographical location. No matter where or when business is conducted, building a culture that strongly supports our team to innovate and inspire is essential. Our first guest, Jorge Mata, Chairman and CEO of Clippingbook, has served in leadership roles all across the globe. His advice to C-Suite executives and entrepreneurs is to look to competitors as examples of how you’d like your organization to function. Observing and understanding the unique cultures and business models of similar organizations can help gain loyal customers and set the foundation for a strong internal structure. Those who embark upon the journey of entrepreneurship enter a world full of unknowns. It’s impossible to foresee exactly what the future holds and how successful this new venture will be. The C-Suite can, how