Best Adam Contos Podcasts (2025)

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Quick Win - Overcoming Procrastination: How to Get Things Done Now 0:35

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7h ago0:35

0:35

Boost your productivity by prioritizing critical tasks and projects! Instead of merely checking boxes, focus on meaningful activities that make a real impact. Identify and prioritize tasks that contribute most to personal and organizational success. By concentrating on what truly matters, you'll achieve more and make a lasting difference. That's th…

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47 - Culture as a Competitive Edge: The Power of People in Business Success with World Wide Metric's George Contos 36:14

2h ago36:14

36:14

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO at World Wide Metric, George Contos. George shares his journey as a second-generation leader, discussing the company’s evolution from a family-run marine supplier to a diversified, resilient B2B business. He reflects on lessons learned from his parents, overcoming setbacks, modernizing …

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46 - Mentorship and Legacy: Transitioning from CEO to Vistage Chair in Business Leadership with Vistage Worldwide's Adam Blecker 45:50

2d ago45:50

45:50

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO Mentor and Strategist, and Vistage Chair at Vistage Worldwide, Adam Blecker. Adam shares his journey growing and exiting a family-run healthcare business, highlighting the importance of clear roles, formal agreements, and honest communication in family enterprises. He discusses the chal…

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Quick Win - Be a Sponge! 0:38

5d ago0:38

0:38

One of the top skills every leader needs: constant learning. Trust me, it's a game-changer. Remember what my mentor once told me? Be a sponge. But here's the kicker: being a leader isn't just about soaking up knowledge, it's about giving back too. Soak up new insights, then share them with others. That's how you level up as a leader. Leaders learn,…

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45 - Humility and Growth: Lessons from a Third-Generation Family Business Leader with Gamer Packaging's Joey Gamer 49:55

7d ago49:55

49:55

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Director of Strategic Growth at Gamer Packaging, Joey Gamer. Joey shares insights on joining the family business, working alongside his mother, brother, and cousin, and balancing tradition with innovation. He discusses the company’s growth, focus on personalized service, and adapting to ind…

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Jim Stevenson: How to Build Team Culture in 2025 27:45

7d ago27:45

27:45

This episode of Start With a Win dives deep into the heart of leadership and culture with Jim Stevenson, founder and CEO of The Bletchley Group. From global brands to scrappy startups, Jim has been in the trenches helping businesses transform, scale, and thrive. Adam and Jim uncover why culture is the true engine of growth, how leaders unknowingly …

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44 - From Kitchen Counter to Corporate Strategy: A Family Legacy in Refractories with FRC Global's Dianne Detwiler 40:06

12d ago40:06

40:06

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Director of Electrode Sales and Product Manager for Alumina Graphit at FRC Global, Dianne Detwiler. Dianne shares her journey from early exposure to her father's international business trips, through her education and career at Corning, to joining the family business alongside her sisters. …

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Quick Win - The Secret to Effective Resource Management 0:39

12d ago0:39

0:39

Enhance your team's productivity through strategic resource management! Assess and allocate time, budget, and personnel effectively to maximize results. Beware of resource creep, which can lead to unnecessary spending and wasted time. Combat business waste by continually evaluating resource utilization, ensuring optimum efficiency, and identifying …

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43 - Generations of Wisdom: Business Lessons from a Family in Packaging with Carolan Packaging's Joe Carolan 41:27

20d ago41:27

41:27

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Vice President of Sales at Carolan Packaging, Joe Carolan. Joe shares the company’s history, the challenges of running a contract packaging firm, and deeply personal stories of family resilience through tragedy and illness. He discusses lessons learned from growing up in the business, the i…

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42 - Navigating Leadership Transitions in Family Businesses: Strategies That Work with EOS Worldwide's Sara Stern 42:25

20d ago42:25

42:25

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Expert EOS Implementer at EOS Worldwide, Sara Stern. Sara discusses the unique challenges of family businesses, the importance of separating family and business roles, and practical tools like the Three Circle Model and Family Business Office Hour. Sara shares insights on leadership transit…

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Quick Win - The Real Secret to Success: Consistency Is Key 0:34

19d ago0:34

0:34

Ever wondered about the real secret to success? Spoiler alert: it's not overnight. It's all about consistent effort, day in and day out. Trust me, there's no such thing as an overnight success story. Success is built on small, actionable steps taken every single day. So, roll up your sleeves, put in the work, and watch those small efforts compound …

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Dr. Alexa Chilcutt: How to Improve Your Executive Presence Instantly 31:30

21d ago31:30

31:30

In this powerful episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos is joined by Dr. Alexa Chilcutt - executive presence expert and faculty lead at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School - for an eye-opening conversation about what it really takes to lead with confidence, credibility, and authenticity. From navigating imposter syndrome to mastering the unspoken…

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41 - Top Innovation Strategies for Family-Owned B2B Manufacturing Companies with Bihler of America's Adam Nordmeyer 45:37

23d ago45:37

45:37

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Sales and Marketing Manager at Bihler of America, Adam Nordmeyer. Adam shares his journey into the family business, the challenges and rewards of working with relatives, and how Bihler delivers advanced automated manufacturing solutions for industries like automotive and medical. He covers …

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40 - Bridging Generations: How to Thrive in a Changing Market with Montrose Molders Corporation's Brendan Wilson 36:26

24d ago36:26

36:26

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President at Montrose Molders Corporation, Brendan Wilson. Brendan discusses the company’s 60-year history, the upcoming generational transition as his father retires and his brother becomes operations manager, and their commitment to innovation and core values. He covers Montrose’s technol…

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Quick Win - The Power of Active Listening 1:03

26d ago1:03

1:03

When somebody's talking, do you listen to respond? Many people wait to talk, not to understand. They're listening to interrupt. Are you one of those people who constantly interrupts? Don't do that. Speak far less. Remember, we have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Use your ears twice as much as your mouth. Sit calmly, listen, take things in, pr…

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39 - The Greatest Challenges and Triumphs of a Family Business in Recycling with Utility Recyclers International's Sam Shine 28:03

1M ago28:03

28:03

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Director of Sales and Business Development at Utility Recyclers International, Sam Shine. Sam shares his journey from working outside the family business to leading its environmentally responsible recycling operations across North America. He discusses the challenges and rewards of joining …

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Quick Win - Respect People's Time 0:59

1M ago0:59

0:59

Positive influence vs. negative influence: Imagine two people—one with a smile, seeking opportunities to excel in business, eager to help and succeed. The other avoids interaction, spreading misery and negativity. The difference is clear: positivity drives growth and success, while negativity hinders progress. Human nature often leans towards negat…

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How Ken Schmidt Saved Harley-Davidson 36:02

1M ago36:02

36:02

This episode of Start With a Win dives into the remarkable story of how a motorcycle brand transformed from the brink of collapse to becoming an iconic global powerhouse. Host Adam Contos sits down with Ken Schmidt, the former head of communications at Harley-Davidson, who reveals how shifting focus from simply selling products to creating authenti…

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Quick Win - Building STRONGER Relationships in your Team 0:20

1M ago0:20

0:20

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Trust starts with consistency. Be predictable in your words and actions to build the foundation of any great team. 🛠️ #Leadership #Trust #TeamBuilding =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 ====================…

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38 - Preparing for Tomorrow: The Importance of Early Succession Planning in Family Businesses with Delaware Valley Family Business Center's Sally Derstine 40:36

1M ago40:36

40:36

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Managing Partner at Delaware Valley Family Business Center, Sally Derstine. Sally shares insights from over 30 years advising multigenerational family businesses, discussing the complexities of leadership, governance, and succession. The conversation explores family dynamics, the importance…

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37 - Succession Planning and Leadership Alignment: Keys to Thriving in Family Businesses with Basil Advisory Group's John Basil 38:58

1M ago38:58

38:58

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President of Basil Advisory Group, John Basil. John shares insights from his experience in companies like Bakkt and Philco, discussing family culture, succession planning, leadership alignment, and strategies for building trust. He discusses how non-family leaders can navigate family dynami…

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Quick Win – Grow Leaders, Keep Talent 0:16

2M ago0:16

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The best leaders don’t just think about their own growth — they think about the growth of the leaders around them. Leadership development is retention strategy. It’s culture strategy. It’s future-proofing. What are you doing right now to grow the leadership capacity of your team? ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamco…

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36 - Building a Future: How Larson Tool Embraces Change While Honoring Its Past with Larson Tool & Stamping Company's Andrew Larson and Kyle Cederberg 41:12

2M ago41:12

41:12

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Production Manager and the System and Specials Project Engineer at Larson Tool & Stamping Company, Andrew Larson and Kyle Cederberg. Andrew and Kyle discuss the company’s 100-year legacy in deep draw metal stamping, the dynamics of working with family, and balancing tradition with innovatio…

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Vijay Pendakur: The #1 Leadership Mistake You're Making That RUINS TRUST 30:46

2M ago30:46

30:46

In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos is joined by leadership strategist and author Dr. Vijay Pendakur to explore what it really takes to lead through disruption. Drawing from his experience at top tech companies and Cornell University, Vijay unpacks the secret to building high-performing teams when the ground is constantly shifting…

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35 - The Three-Tier Franchise Model: Revolutionizing Commercial Cleaning Operations with Anago Cleaning Systems' Adam Povlitz 37:26

2M ago37:26

37:26

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO and President at Anago Cleaning Systems, Adam Povlitz. Adam shares his journey from corporate finance to leading his family’s commercial cleaning franchise, founded by his father in 1989. He discusses Anago’s unique three-tier franchise model, the company’s agile pivot during COVID-19, …

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Quick Win – Growth Doesn’t Start with Strategy. It Starts with Mindset. 0:38

2M ago0:38

0:38

The biggest business shift starts with a mindset shift. Growth stops the moment we stop growing ourselves and our people. You don’t need a radical change — you need a daily one. Grow your mindset. Grow your team. And your business will follow. What’s one way you’re helping your team grow this week? ⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱…

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34 - Embracing AI: A Vision for the Future of Managed IT Services with Data Lab and INVAR Technologies' Vadim Shelomyanov 46:21

2M ago46:21

46:21

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President and CEO at Data Lab and INVAR Technologies, Vadim Shelomyanov. Vadim shares his entrepreneurial journey, from developing a university software project acquired by NYU to leading INVAR’s evolution from a family consulting business into a managed IT services firm. He discusses the i…

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33 - Balancing Tradition and Innovation: The Art of Family Business Leadership with Glen Eagle's Susan Michel and Rob Michel 48:43

2M ago48:43

48:43

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Founder and CEO of Glen Eagle, Susan Michel, and the President and CIO of Glen Eagle, Rob Michel. Susan and Rob discuss building and evolving a family-run wealth management business, focusing on legacy, reinvention, and succession planning. They highlight the firm’s unique family-driven cul…

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Quick Win – The 3 Daily Questions Every Leader Should Ask 0:42

2M ago0:42

0:42

Every day as a leader is a chance to realign. Ask yourself: Did I serve someone today? Did I stretch myself? Did I truly see someone for who they are? Leadership isn’t about having a title — it’s about being a daily touchpoint for impact. Try journaling your answers to those three S’s at the end of each day: Serve. Stretch. See. How do you check in…

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32 - The Evolution of IT Retail: From Local Grocers to a National Tech Solution with IT Retail's Luke Henry 44:23

2M ago44:23

44:23

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the VP of Grocery at IT Retail, Luke Henry. Luke discusses starting in tech support and marketing, leading the development of a cloud-based POS system for small grocers, and navigating the challenges of family business dynamics. He shares insights on scaling the company, the emotional process o…

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Quick Win – Turning Stress Into Strength 0:32

2M ago0:32

0:32

Stress is a signal, not a stop sign. Great leaders don’t ignore tension — they notice it, name it, and guide through it. Try this: when pressure rises, pause and use the “one-two-three” rule. One deep breath. Two clarifying questions. Three focused steps forward. You can’t eliminate stress, but you can lead through it. How do you help your team nav…

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Candy Valentino: Why 91% of Businesses Fail 27:55

2M ago27:55

27:55

In this mastermind episode of Start With a Win, bestselling author and trailblazing entrepreneur Candy Valentino joins Adam Contos in sharing a raw and riveting journey - from humble beginnings in a trailer to building and selling multiple thriving businesses. With hard-earned wisdom and unapologetic honesty, Candy breaks down the myths of modern e…

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Quick Win – Turning Paychecks Into Purpose 0:31

3M ago0:31

0:31

People don’t just want a paycheck — they want purpose. A paycheck gets compliance. But purpose? That gets commitment. Mission-driven workers are 54% more likely to stay long-term. Loyalty like that doesn’t come from perks — it comes from meaning. Connect the task to the impact. Show your team who benefits from their work. How are you helping your t…

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31 - From Printing to Packaging: Navigating the Future of Family Business with The Mid York Press' Kyle Tenney 54:07

3M ago54:07

54:07

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Executive Vice President of The Mid York Press, Kyle Tenney. Kyle shares his journey from production roles to leadership in his nearly 200-year-old family packaging business. He discusses the evolution of company culture, the impact of AI and sustainability trends, and the challenges of tod…

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Quick Win – The Fastest Way to Reduce Stress at Work 0:33

3M ago0:33

0:33

Your team isn’t overworked — they’re overwhelmed. 44% of employees say they feel stressed. But here’s the fix: stress drops fast when expectations are clear and communication is strong. Ask your team one simple question this week: “What’s your number one priority?” Then support them in it. Clarity creates capacity. How are you making sure every per…

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30 - Profit vs. Growth: The Balancing Act Every Family Business Must Face with Fintelligent's Rob Ripp 39:26

3M ago39:26

39:26

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President of Fintelligent, Rob Ripp. Rob discusses the unique financial challenges faced by family-run and founder-led businesses, especially those with $2–$10 million in revenue. Rob shares insights on achieving financial clarity, the emotional side of financial decisions, and the importan…

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Dr. Laura Gallaher: Why Embracing Stress as a Choice CHANGES Everything 27:02

3M ago27:02

27:02

In this powerful episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with organizational psychologist Dr. Laura Gallaher to uncover the surprising root of leadership stress and how radical self-acceptance plays a transformative role in professional growth. With decades of experience helping elite organizations—from NASA to Fortune 500 companies—Dr. …

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29 - From CPA to Entrepreneur: Unlocking the Secrets of Meaningful Wealth with Wealthrive's Noah Rosenfarb 43:04

3M ago43:04

43:04

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Founder of Wealthrive, Noah Rosenfarb. Noah shares how his family background shaped his approach to business, the lessons learned from selling companies, and his philosophy of being "rich beyond money"—aligning wealth with personal values and purpose. He covers family business dynamics, the…

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Quick Win – The 15-Minute Habit That Builds Loyal Teams 0:37

3M ago0:37

0:37

A single 15-minute conversation can be the reason someone stays — or the reason they leave. Weekly, meaningful check-ins aren’t a “nice to have.” They’re the leadership game changer. Gallup found that frequent, intentional conversations drive the highest levels of engagement. Block time this week. Ask. Appreciate. Align. How do you create space for…

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28 - The Best Strategies for Navigating Federal Procurement in Defense Contracting with NOMADICS' Nicholas DAmbrosio 45:54

3M ago45:54

45:54

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO and Founder of NOMADICS, Nicholas DAmbrosio. Nick discusses NOMADICS’ evolution from environmental work to defense contracting, the challenges of federal procurement, and the integration of his father-in-law as company controller. He explores family business dynamics, adapting during CO…

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27 - Leading a Legacy: How a Fifth-Generation Sibling Team Is Shaping the Future of Manufacturing with Brielle Freda and Tom Freda 38:31

3M ago38:31

38:31

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President and Operations Manager, Brielle Freda, and the Vice President of Brewster Washers, Tom Freda. Brielle and Tom Frieda are fifth-generation leaders of Brewster Washers. They discuss the challenges and rewards of running a century-old family business, reflecting on their upbringing, …

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Quick Win – Why People Really Quit (And How to Stop It) 0:36

3M ago0:36

0:36

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com People don’t quit jobs — they quit feeling unseen. Only 1 in 3 employees say they feel like they belong at work. That’s not a retention issue. It’s a culture issue. Recognition is your responsi…

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26 - Scaling Family Businesses: How to Maintain Clarity and Communication for Sustainable Success with Defined Frameworks' David Forster 31:56

3M ago31:56

31:56

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the Founder and COO of Defined Frameworks, David Forster. David shares his journey of building and exiting businesses with his wife, Tabitha, highlighting the importance of communication, clear roles, and systems in family-run ventures. He discusses challenges faced by home service businesses s…

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Tony Martignetti: The Best Way to Build Trust With Your Team 26:11

3M ago26:11

26:11

In this insightful episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos welcomes leadership advisor and author Tony Martignetti for a deeply human conversation on unlocking true leadership potential. With a compelling mix of personal storytelling, artistic reflection, and seasoned business insight, Tony peels back the layers of what makes a leader truly i…

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25 - Family Business Unlocked: Thriving with the Entrepreneurial Operating System with Marc Dispensa 37:53

3M ago37:53

37:53

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the EOS Implementer, Marc Dispensa. Marc discusses his journey founding and exiting tech companies, and his current work coaching family businesses using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Marc shares insights on navigating family dynamics, the importance of clear roles, and the impact…

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Quick Win – Your First Customer Is Your Team 0:42

4M ago0:42

0:42

Your most important customer isn’t external — it’s your team. If your employees don’t feel valued, supported, or seen, it’s only a matter of time before that shows up in your customer experience. Engaged employees are 21% more productive and 22% more profitable. Map their journey just like you would for your clients — from onboarding to ongoing dev…

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24 - Timeless to Trailblazing: How One Family Business Rewrote Its Future with The Carby Corporation's Ken Ruh 35:38

4M ago35:38

35:38

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the President and CEO at The Carby Corporation, Ken Ruh. Ken shares his journey from large multinational corporations to leading Carby, focusing on the cultural and strategic shifts he implemented. He discusses the importance of data-driven decision-making, robust financial planning, and foster…

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23 - Family Feuds and Real Estate Dudes: Navigating Business with Your Siblings with Impact Growth Capital's Jesse Sells 35:34

4M ago35:34

35:34

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the COO of Impact Growth Capital, Jesse Sells. Jesse shares his journey from military intelligence to family entrepreneurship, focusing on real estate investing and affordable housing. He discusses the dynamics of working in a family business, balancing financial returns with social impact, and…

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Quick Win – The Most Overlooked Growth Strategy in Your Company 0:37

4M ago0:37

0:37

Middle managers are often the most underdeveloped layer in your business — and it’s costing you. 42% of employee exits could’ve been prevented with better management. We train the front line. We invest in executives. But we leave managers to figure it out alone. Spend 30 minutes this week mentoring a manager — not to fix them, but to equip them. Ho…

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22 - Building Relationships and Resilience: Lessons from a Second-Generation CEO with T.H.E.M.'s Neil Kozarsky 41:41

4M ago41:41

41:41

In this episode of Growing Up B2B, Ed Delia interviews the CEO of T.H.E.M., Neil Kozarsky. Neil shares his journey as a second-generation leader in the family business, highlighting his early career outside the company and the pivotal moments that shaped T.H.E.M.'s direction. Neil covers the introduction of single-serve stick packaging to North Ame…