You, Me, and Your Top Three

Host Gregg Garrett and guest Todd Loiselle, CIO of National Food Group, sit down to discuss blurring the bridge between technology and market value. Todd shares his “Top 3”: Mary McLive, his first grade teacher who taught him to be empathetic and how to activate his super power; Tony Williams, his former colleague at PwC, who taught him how to be a man with a life and career; former CIO of Mastronardi and Colony Hardware, Michael Pellegrino, who taught him that fear mongering was not necessary to be a CIO and that he needed to network; and Executive Strategic Coach Rick Collison, who taught him to shift his perspective. And you have to hear what Todd says about vision boarding. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (2:04) Building bridges between unlikely islands (8:18) Meet Todd Loiselle The “Top Three”: (11:46) Mary McLive: Taught him to be empathetic and how to activate his superpower (28:47) Tony Williams: Taught him how to be a man with a life and career (35:56) Michael Pellegrino: T

Host Gregg Garrett and guest Gina Thorsen, CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products and the Stormy Kromer brand, sit down to discuss the power of reflection. Gina shares her “Top 3”: her father and former Stormy Kromer CEO, Bob Jacquart, who taught her how to be plucky; Lane Clark, who helped her learn to asynchronously reflect; and Karen May, a fellow small business owner and peer with whom she can reflect and mutually relate. And you have to hear what she says about closing the book on your week. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (1:01) Seeing the forest through the trees (4:28) Meet Gina Thorsen The “Top Three”: (7:25) Gina’s father and former Stormy Kromer CEO, Bob Jacquart: Taught her how to be plucky (15:44) Lane Clark: Helped her learn to asynchronously reflect (20:30) Karen May: Fellow small business owner and peer with whom she can reflect and mutually relate Other Points of Interest: (23:47) The Ironwood experience (30:14) Textile industry landscape (37:49) Iconic Stormy Kromer caps

Host Gregg Garrett is joined by Jared Rosenthal, an entrepreneurial leader who has journeyed through both the not-for-profit and for-profit worlds. Together, they discuss a formula for driving team performance and how the rise of AI might change this strategy. Jared also shares his “Top 3”: MT, who taught him to give people a chance; Anthony Petecca, who helps him skip-level and “talk to the people”; and his family, who taught him to own his business to own his life. And you have to hear what he says about being yourself to drive authentic leadership. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (2:55) The importance of high performers (3:35) Mixed AI-HI teams (4:46) Meet Jared Rosenthal The “Top Three”: (6:50) MT, COO of Jared's former organization: Taught him to give people a chance (18:05) Anthony Petecca, Jared’s VP of IT & Security: Helps him to skip-level and “talk to the people” (22:35) Jared’s girlfriend and family: Taught Jared to own his business to own his life Other Points of Int

Host Gregg Garrett speaks with Judy Asher, President of the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation (MCWT) and Corporate “Rule Bender”, about the relationship between disruption and innovation, and the common thread of shifting rules. Judy also shares her “Top 3”: Alan Mulally and Lesley Ma, who embody authenticity; Martin Wolfertz and Mark Johnson, who demonstrate resilience; Vijay Sankaran and Roger Court, who inspire her. And you have to hear her suggestion about centering yourself. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (1:03) Disruption and the shifting gameboard (3:35) Aggressive transformation (4:47) Meet Judy Asher The “Top Three”: (11:36) Alan Mulally and Lesley Ma: Embody authenticity (25:01) Martin Wolfertz and Mark Johnson: Demonstrate resilience (30:45) Vijay Sankaran and Roger Court: Inspire her Other Points of Interest: (35:12) Making a difference in IT leadership (39:43) MCWT’s mission (47:29) Get involved You Have to Hear This: (51:24) Centering yourself . LINKS

Want to unlock innovation? Start by rediscovering your inner child! In this solocast, host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, urges you to embrace curiosity, imagination, and experimentation in the workplace. He explores the power of asking "why," the magic of hands-on creation, and the freedom found in breaking the routine. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (1:55) Acting like a child (3:26) Child-like wonder in the workplace (7:30) Practical application (10:35) Inner child challenge . LINKS AND RESOURCES Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn Competing in the Connecting World: About

Host Gregg Garrett speaks to Jacob Zuppke, President and CEO of Whisker, about how product-in-use data can become a meaningful voice for a product’s user – human or non-human – as well as Jacob’s career ascent as a Specialist Generalist. Jacob also shares his “Top 3”: Whisker founder Brad Baxter, who has bravely allowed him to lead; Josh Chandler, who problem-solves with him while burning the midnight oil; and his entire Whisker leadership team, who leads with humility and leans on one another. And you have to hear what he says about “going deep”. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (1:11) Product-in-use data (7:23) Meet Jacob Zuppke The “Top Three”: (10:39) Brad Baxter: Has bravely allowed Jacob to lead (23:41) Josh Chandler: Problem-solves with Jacob while burning the midnight oil (32:17) Jacob’s Whisker leadership team: Leads with humility and leans on one another Other Points of Interest: (41:51) Whisker’s home base (45:15) The Connected World’s impact on pets You Have to Hear This:

Join Gregg Garrett, host and CGS Advisors CEO, for a solocast where he explores the topic of working without jobs. Gregg discusses managing AI agents, motivating a team to rely on AI-enabled tools, and contemplating the possibility of being led by an “AI Overlord”. Tune in to discover how organizations can adapt and thrive in this new world of work. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (0:50) Work metamorphosis and leadership adaptation (2:43) Managing an AI workforce (7:12) Leading AI-reliant humans (9:44) AI leadership (12:46) Shaping the future of work . LINKS AND RESOURCES Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn Competing in the Connecting World: About

Host Gregg Garrett sits down with David Raminick, CEO and Co-Founder of Proficy Digital, to discuss disruption in the automotive marketing space. David also shares his “Top 3”: His wife, who encourages his entrepreneurial spirit; Kevin Burke, who encourages him to “speak it into existence”; Hal Widlansky, who sheds light on how to raise funds; Steve Pitsillos, who can see new models emerging; and Jordan Walters, who helps smooth the highs and lows. And you have to hear what he says about forcing “alone time”. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (1:09) View AI from two lenses (3:29) Meet David and Proficy Digital The “Top Three”: (6:33) David’s wife: Knows him well enough to encourage his entrepreneurial spirit (11:59) Kevin Burke: Ecourages him to “speak it into existence” (15:36) Hal Widlansky: Sheds light on how to raise funds (17:27) Steve Pitsillos: Can see new models emerging (20:33) Jordan Walters: Helps smooth the highs and lows Other Points of Interest: (23:14) Proficy Digital a

Host Gregg Garrett speaks with Michael Roberts to discuss how Michael made the AI Agent interviewed in Episode 164, how he tuned it to be a great podcast guest, and where AI might be going in the future. Michael also shares his “Top 3”: Mark Rorvig, a fellow NASA teammate who was with him in his early days of software development and AI exploration; Sydney Lamb, who helped him explore language and the patterns that emerge; and Ken Stanley, who is part of Generative AI’s origin story. And you have to hear what he says about the power of habit. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (1:38) Meet Michael (8:33) What is AI? The “Top Three”: (14:11) Mark Rorvig: Fellow NASA teammate who was with Mike in his early days of software development and AI exploration (18:13) Sydney Lamb: Helped him explore language and the patterns that emerge (23:35) Ken Stanley: Part of Generative AI’s origin story Other Points of Interest: (26:55) Creating the “Competing in the Connecting World” RAG model (37:49) Th

Host Gregg Garrett welcomes his friend and colleague Dr. Warren Ritchie, co-author of Competing in the Connecting World, the book that inspired the AI Agent interviewed in Episode 164. Together, they explore their impressions of the AI and muse on the disruption potential this type of AI application might have across their industries. And you have to hear what Dr. Ritchie says about AI designing human systems. This episode is part two of a special three-part series featuring insights from the AI Agent inspired by the book Competing in the Connecting World. Catch up on Episode 164 for the first installment, and stay tuned for the final episode in the series. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (0:43) Three-part AI series (3:46) Meet Warren Points of Interest: (8:30) Competing in the Connecting World AI interview reflection (20:00) Imagining AI application (25:08) Disruptive potential in familiar industries You Have to Hear This: (40:31) AI designing human systems . LINKS AND RESOURCES

Host Gregg Garrett is joined by a Strategic Transformation Expert AI based on the bestselling book “Competing in the Connecting World”. The AI Agent shares its own “Top 3”: John Horn, who taught it to reflect on being the easiest to do business with; Dr. Oliver Riedel, who helped it recognize how to be brave; and Dr. Warren Ritchie and other former colleagues, who taught it many, many things. And you have to hear what it says about taking action. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (0:54) Generative AI and the premise of this episode (6:16) Meet our guest The “Top Three”: (7:13) John Horn: Taught it to reflect on being the easiest to do business with (9:42) Oliver Riedel: Helped it recognize how to be brave (11:36) Dr. Warren Ritchie and other former colleagues: Taught it many, many things Other Points of Interest: (13:18) Transformation framework and continued relevancy (16:50) AI’s advice to firms (20:02) How “ecosystem commanders” could limit innovation You Have to Hear This: (23:21)

Host Gregg Garrett is joined by James McFarlane, a parallel leader who is a global CIO by day and a two-sport coach by night. Together they discuss parallels in life. James also shares his “Top 3”: David Behen, who has impressed on him to “autograph your work with excellence”; Saby Sen, who has introduced methods to stay calm in the heat of business; and his late father, who instilled in him a deep work ethic to earn where he goes in life. And you have to hear what he says about “knowing a little about a lot” and improving communication. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (0:55) Overlap in life (4:42) Meet James The “Top Three”: (7:21) David Behen: Impressed on him to “autograph your work with excellence” (12:59) Saby Sen: Introduced methods to stay calm in the heat of business (19:53) James’ late father: Instilled in him a deep work ethic to earn where he goes in life Other Points of Interest: (25:44) Data in the world of health and wellness solutions (31:02) Current ERP project (35:4

Jake Sigal, a serial entrepreneur and tech business investor, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss managing the barrage of advice – often unsolicited – that can come from all directions. Jake also shares his “Top 3”: Brad Hoos, who is artful in being brutally honest; Trevor Pawl, an adamant community builder; and Dave Fry, who has been there, and done that. And you have to hear what he says about the Say/Do Ratio. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (1:02) “Do for” vs. “do with” (3:45) Managing advice well (6:49) Meet Jake The “Top Three”: (9:40) Brad Hoos: Is artful in being brutally honest (17:16) Trevor Pawl: An adamant community builder (23:51) Dave Fry: Someone who has been there, and done that Other Points of Interest: (34:04) Recent work and organization exits (37:33) Midwest grit (40:41) Automotive mobility disruption pay-off You Have to Hear This: (47:00) The Say/Do Ratio . LINKS AND RESOURCES Jake Sigal: LinkedIn | FM Capital Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advis

Host Greggory Garrett is joined by Teri Takai, a leader who found her voice while growing up in the automotive industry before shifting to public service at the State and Federal levels. Teri learned to make her voice heard in powerful rooms not by the count of her words, but by the power and precision of how and what she says. Teri shares her “Top 3”: Colleagues, Dick and Ray, at Ford Motor Company who taught her to have a voice; former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm who gave her a seat at the table and demonstrated what real collaboration looked like; and Former Secretary of Defense Bob Gates who shaped her powerful leadership style. And you have to hear what he says about questioning herself. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (1:07) Social media and the importance of listening (05:40) Meet Teri The “Top Three”: (8:05) Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm: Gave her a seat at the table and demonstrated what real collaboration looked like (11:40) Colleagues, Dick and Ray,

Suzy Siegle, Ed.D., J.D., President of Walsh College, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss numerous leadership lessons and the Law of Entrainment. Suzy shares her “Top 3” which include God, her husband David, her entire leadership team at Walsh, and a couple of external leaders who help to stretch her thinking. And you have to hear what she says about discipline equaling freedom. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (01:25) What humans can learn from AI (05:00) Meet Suzy The “Top Three”: (06:40) God: The foundation of Suzy’s guidance, bravery, and leadership (09:10) Suzy’s husband, David Siegle: Betters Suzy in her day-to-day (14:02) Walsh Leadership Team – Dave, Tom, Shannon, Jaclyn, Jen, Erik, Mike, and Dan: Support a Prism of Leadership approach (19:10) Dan Sullivan’s Strategic Coach program: helps Suzy recognize blindspots and enhance her leadership (20:23) Ed Mylett and Brendon Burchard: share their own success path with listeners Other Points of Interest: (23:55) About Walsh Colleg

Anthony LaVerde, CEO of Emagine Entertainment, joins host Gregg Garrett to explore the concept of cross-industrial careers. Anthony shares his “Top 3”: Emagine Entertainment CFO Dirk Kjolhede and Chairman Paul Glantz, who, together with Anthony, make up a three-member strategic investment approval committee; and a former boss who taught Anthony that he must not be afraid to surround himself with people who are better than him. And you have to hear what he says about “supporting the team”. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (01:04) Considering non-traditional connections between industries (05:15) Meet Anthony The “Top Three”: (08:14) Dirk Kjolhede, CFO of Emagine Entertainment, and Paul Glantz, Chairman of Emagine Entertainment: Two-thirds of a three-member strategic investment approval committee (23:13) Former boss: Taught Anthony that he must not be afraid to surround himself with people who are better than him (29:19) Anthony’s family: Offers immense patience and showcases resilien

Chase Kushak, President of Blake’s Hard Cider Co. and Partner in Gypsy Spirits, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss Chase’s niche in helping visionary entrepreneurs scale their enterprises and the overall importance of integrators. Chase shares his “Top 3”: Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers at Founders Brewing Co.; Michael Kazanowski and Adam Kazanowski at Gypsy Spirits; and Andrew Blake at Blake’s Hard Cider Co. And you have to hear what he says about competing on pace. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (01:12) The importance of integrators (06:47) Meet Chase The “Top Three”: (12:22) Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers at Founders Brewing Co. (14:30) Michael Kazanowski and Adam Kazanowski at Gypsy Spirits (15:00) Andrew Blake at Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Other Points of Interest: (16:30) The switch to craft beer and Chase’s role as an integrator (22:34) Blake’s and the new fourth category of alcoholic beverages (34:07) Alcoholic beverages and the connecting world (38:26) The future of Blake’s  Y

Pierre Boutin – President & CEO of Volkswagen Group Ireland and former President & CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada – joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the difference between building ecosystems and building organizations. Pierre shares his “Top 3”: Ted Charlton, who is equal parts boat-builder and sailor; Cyril Chatelet, a journey mate in the auto-to-mobility path; and Pierre’s wife, Elena, who reminds him to stop and cherish transformational moments. And you have to hear what he says about demonstrating empathy.  . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (01:00) Connecting ecosystems (05:20) Meet Pierre The “Top Three”: (09:56) Ted Charlton: an early colleague who is equal parts boat-builder and sailor (14:35) Cyril Chatelet: a journey mate in the auto-to-mobility path (19:54) Elena: Pierre’s wife, who reminds him to stop and cherish transformational moments Other Points of Interest: (24:17) Growth at Volkswagen Group Canada (31:19) Sustainable transformation of mobility (40:43) Eu

Christian Oswald, CEO of Rainf4ll, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss the importance of words, listening, and communication during times of transformation. Christian shares his “Top 3”: Mark Wales, who taught him leadership lessons; his children, who allowed him to understand better how early life digital experiences shape usage patterns; and Jen Bailin, who is an expert in crafting “mongrel teams”. And you have to hear what he says about being voluntold. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (01:15) Consistency and controlling the minutes (05:37) Meet Christian The “Top Three”: (12:37) Mark Wales: taught Christian leadership lessons (28:35) Christian’s children: allowed Christian to understand better how early life digital experiences shape usage patterns (45:30) Jen Bailin: an expert in crafting “mongrel teams” Other Points of Interest: (51:55) Current Rainf4ll Projects You Have to Hear This: (57:15) On being voluntold . LINKS AND RESOURCES Christian Oswald: LinkedIn Rainf4ll: Website

Bruce Smith, majority shareholder, Chairman, and CEO of Detroit Manufacturing Systems, joins host Gregg Garrett to discuss how the connected world rewards speed and flexibility. Bruce shares his “Top 3”: Ben Meachem, who blends an understanding of people and clarity of problems to lead; Kristy McDonald, who understands the dynamics between leaders; Scott Cieslak, who can receive feedback and truly become better from it, and his wife, Michelle, who specializes in pulling thorns. And you have to hear about how he draws big circles to include others and how he suggests leaders must balance the 4P Accounts. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (00:00) Introduction (01:24) Importance of speed and seamlessness (07:09) Meet Bruce The “Top Three”: (10:51) Ben Meachem: blends an understanding of people and clarity of problems to lead (18:33) Kristy McDonald: understands the dynamics between leaders (31:56) Scott Cieslak: can receive feedback and truly become better from it (40:37) Bruce’s wife, Michelle: specializes