Shows
The Unique CPAThe PE PerspectiveRandy Crabtree welcomes Alex Drost, Managing Principal of Connection Builders, to discuss the evolving landscape of private equity in the accounting profession on Episode 223 of The Unique CPA. They delve into Alex's background in investment banking and his insights into how private equity is transforming accounting, and they spend time going over the increasing prevalence of PE-backed firms, the implications of private equity on firm culture and partner roles, and strategies for accounting firms to prepare for potential PE investment. Alex also shares his views on the importance of niche specializations and the future impacts of technology and consolidation...2025-08-0537 min
Streitkräfte und StrategienPutin eskaliert den Krieg (Tag 1189 mit Alex Drost)"Er ist absolut verrückt geworden". Das hat US-Präsident Trump über den russischen Machthaber Putin gesagt, nach den jüngsten, schweren Angriffen auf die Ukraine. Kai Küstner analysiert, was diese Bombardements von Vorherigen unterscheidet, ob die ukrainische Luftverteidigung überfordert ist und wie es an der Front aussieht.
In Deutschland ist eine Diskussion über die Entscheidung von Bundeskanzler Merz entbrannt, die Reichweitenbeschränkung beim Einsatz deutscher Waffen für die Ukraine aufzuheben. Damit könnte sich das Land theoretisch auch mit weitreichenden Waffen auf russischem Gebiet verteidigen, erklärt Kai. Allerdings sei die Frage, welche Waffen die Ukraine dafür einsetzen...2025-05-2737 min
Accounting High245 Pathways to Private Equity Pots of Gold (feat. Alex Drost, CPA)Episode 245FACULTY: Alex Drost, CPACLASS: #AccountingHighJoin us in this insightful episode of Accounting High as we sit down with Alex Drost, a consultant with a background in investment banking and business consulting, and a licensed CPA. Alex shares his unconventional path into the accounting world, discusses the current trends in the accounting and private equity (PE) industries, and offers invaluable advice for both young professionals and established firm owners. Don't miss out on understanding the seismic shifts happening in the industry and how you can be a part of it.2025-01-2949 min
Zehn Minuten WirtschaftTrump wieder Präsident! Partytime für die Wirtschaft?Donald Trump legt sofort los! Kaum ist er wieder US-Präsident, unterschreibt er mehrere Dekrete - und greift durch. Was davon die Wirtschaft betrifft und wie sie darauf reagiert, das bespricht Host Niels Walker mit Alex Drost aus der NDR-Info Wirtschaftsredaktion. Alex kennt die USA sehr gut und hat die ganze Nacht über beobachtet, was Trump macht und analysiert, was das auch für uns in Deutschland bedeuten kann.2025-01-2110 min
CPA Trendlines PodcastsAlex Drost: Firms Must Be Scrappy to Compete with PE-Backed Competitors | Gear Up For GrowthAs private equity gains momentum in the accounting industry, firms face a decision: embrace external investment or double down on independence.Gear Up for GrowthWith Jean CaragherFor CPA TrendlinesIn a recent episode of the Gear Up for Growth podcast, Alex Drost, managing principal of Connection Builders, discusses the growing interest of private equity (PE) in the accounting sector. Hosted by Jean Caragher, president of Capstone Marketing, the conversation delves into the driving forces behind PE investments, the challenges faced by both investors...2024-10-2741 min
Streitkräfte und StrategienTime to say Good-Biden (Tag 968 mit Alex Drost)Im Podcast “Streitkräfte und Strategien” analysieren Carsten Schmiester und Kai Küstner das Treffen von Bundeskanzler Scholz und US-Präsident Biden in Berlin. „Wir stehen an der Seite der Ukraine, so lange wie das nötig ist. Putin hat sich verrechnet, er kann diesen Krieg nicht aussitzen“, sagte Scholz. Die USA und Deutschland setzen sich weiter gemeinsam für die Souveränität und die Integrität der Ukraine ein, damit Russland sie nicht gewaltsam unterjochen kann. Präsident Biden bezeichnete Deutschland als "engsten und wichtigsten Verbündeten" Amerikas. Deutschland sei nach der brutalen Invasion Russlands aufgestanden und habe sich dem Augenblic...2024-10-1833 min
Streitkräfte und StrategienInside Taurus (Tag 825 mit Alex Drost)Nach dem grausamen Gleitbomben-Angriff auf einen ukrainischen Baumarkt in Charkiw kommt neue Bewegung in die Debatte um den Einsatz westlicher Waffen gegen militärische Ziele auch auf russischem Gebiet. Die Ukraine bittet seit langem um die bisher verweigerte Freigabe dafür. Während Kanzler Scholz weiter dagegen ist, berichtet Kai Küstner, hat sich Nato-Generalsekretär Stoltenberg jetzt dafür ausgesprochen. Die Ukraine könne sich mit einer auf den Rücken gebundenen Hand nicht wirklich gegen Angriffe wehren, die von russischem Territorium oder vom russischen Luftraum ausgingen, sagte er. Küstner vermutet, dass diese Stoltenberg-Äußerung ein Umdenken auch in den...2024-05-2830 min
The Hall H Show – The Voice of Independent CreatorsEp. 128: Ryan Drost (Stealth Hammer)On this episode, host, Aaron Nabus welcomes back a previous guest, the writer and creator of the comic book, Stealth Hammer, Ryan Drost! Stealth Hammer is an all ages indie comic book that mixes elements of science and technology with adventure, magic, mythology and has an active Kickstarter campaign going on until May 7, 2024 for the newest issue, Stealth Hammer - The Guardian and The Guide. Welcome back to the show, Ryan!2024-05-021h 13
Streitkräfte und StrategienWer verteidigt Deutschland? (Tag 758 mit Alexander Drost)Keine zwei Flugstunden von Deutschland entfernt ist Krieg. Nur Polen liegt zwischen uns und der Ukraine. Deshalb fragen sich viele: Was passiert, sollten auch wir einmal angegriffen werden? Der Verteidigungsfall hätte weitreichende Konsequenzen für Soldaten und Zivilisten. Was wenige wissen: Selbst Kriegsdienst-Verweigerer wären dann wehrpflichtig! Im Gespräch mit Carsten Schmiester geht Alex Drost der Frage nach, wie sich der Verteidigungsfall auf Bundeswehr und das zivile Leben in Deutschland auswirken würde.
Weiter berichtet Kai Küstner über einen der schwersten russischen Raketenangriffe auf zivile Ziele und die Energieversorgung in der Ukraine seit Kriegsbeginn, neue Milliardenhilfen für das La...2024-03-2235 min
Streitkräfte und StrategienSchneesturm in der Ukraine (Tag 643 mit Burkhard Even)Heftige Schneestürme haben der Ukraine zugesetzt, fast eine halbe Million Menschen sind ohne Strom, zehn bisher gestorben. Welche Auswirkungen das schwere Winterwetter auf den Krieg hat, darum geht es in dieser Folge. Unter anderem sollen meterhohe Wellen russische Schützengräben und andere Verteidigungsstellungen weggespült, der Sturm gefährliche Seeminen rund um die Krim verstreut und Eisenbahnlinien beschädigt haben. Zudem hat Russland den schwersten Drohnenangriff auf die Ukraine seit Beginn des Krieges geflogen. Im Nahost-Krieg ist es unterdessen zu einem vierten Geiselaustausch gekommen – auch darauf blicken wir in dieser Folge. Mit Fachjournalist und Reservist Alex Drost spricht Carsten...2023-11-2838 minThe Hall H Show – The Voice of Independent CreatorsEp. 123: Ryan Drost (Stealth Hammer)Hello fellow nerds, geeks and supporters of indie pop culture creators! Aaron Nabus here and thanks for tuning into the Hall H Show! On this episode, we welcome Ryan Drost, the creator and writer of Stealth Hammer, an all ages indie comic book that mixes elements of science and technology with adventure, magic, mythology.2023-03-191h 34
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersEssential Skills for Business Development Success - Alex EganA big part of business development is communication; selling yourself or someone else, building relationships, making a pitch, and so on. As a professional, you should build up the skillset to truly be able to articulate what value, skills, and experience you (or your group) have. Today, we are joined by Alex Egan, a director at Kaufman Rossin, a full-service public accounting and consulting firm. Alex leads a team of consultants and advisors who specialize in helping broker-dealers, RIAs, FinTech companies, banks, and other financial services firms, address their compliance risk and regulatory challenges. As listeners tune in, they’ll...2023-03-0742 min
The Matt Baxter ShowAlex Drost - Continual Growth Advocate at Connection BuildersAlex Drost is a Founder & CEO who works with growth-minded professionals to help them connect, grow and excel in their careers, believing that true success lies in your ability to foster meaningful connections with those around you with intentional focus and effort.After starting his career in middle-market investment banking, Alex embraced his entrepreneurial spirit, a deep desire for continual growth, and passion for technology to create Connection Builders.Connection Builders is a tech-enabled growth platform purpose-built to accelerate career advancement for individuals and drive sustainable growth for firms.Alex is also the...2023-01-1239 min
What's Your "And"?535: Alex Drost is an Advisor/Consultant & Avid Biker [podcast]Alex Drost, Founder of Connection Builders, talks about his passion for biking, creating better client relationships, culture surveys, and more!2022-10-2627 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersHow to Be Ahead of the Curve - Leon BrujisAre you looking to succeed in business, exceed your goals and ambitions, and advance in your career? Well, you're in the right place, and today, you'll learn how staying ahead of the curve can set you apart, especially early on in your profession! In this episode, we welcome back returning guest Leon Brujis of Palladium Equity Partners, the oldest minority-owned private equity buyout firm in the industry with over $3 billion in assets under management. As you may recall, Leon is a repeat contributor to the Branch Out Podcast, and our conversations are always p...2022-09-0644 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersSubscription Model for Professionals - Ed KlessProfessional firms typically bill by the hour, as any accountant or lawyer knows all too well. But, as you'll discover in this episode, today's guest argues strongly for implementing a subscription-based model. Meta-consultant and business iconoclast, Ed Kless is the Senior Director of Partner Development and Strategy for Sage in North America and a Senior Fellow at the VeraSage Institute, a think tank dedicated to the elimination of the billable hour. He is also an author, speaker, and co-host of The Soul of Enterprise, a business podcast designed to champion the insight that w...2022-08-3030 min
Off the LedgerStanding Out as a Thought LeaderEveryone has unique experiences and perspectives. How do you use your unique experiences and perspectives to influence change or drive innovation as a thought leader? Alex Drost, CPA, Founder and CEO of Connection Builders, sits down with Joe this month to talk about how you can position yourself as a thought leader, how to set expectations and measure your success.2022-08-2518 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersCracking the Code to M&A Growth - John BlyMergers and acquisitions can sometimes feel daunting for entrepreneurs, but they don't have to be. In fact, growth through M&A can yield huge rewards if you are willing to accept some risk and remain open to opportunities. Today, we are joined by John Bly, the South Atlantic Regional Leader for Top 35 CPA firm, Aprio, as he cracks the code to M&A growth with us, sharing some of the lessons he has learned throughout his career journey and offering his advice for anyone considering M&A as a growth strategy. You'll gain i...2022-08-2336 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersThe Human Capital Challenges of M&A - Jennifer FondrevayChange is inherent in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) transactions, making preparation and methods to overcome the challenges associated with the change essential to a successful process. In today’s show, we speak to Jennifer Fondrevay, an M&A expert, speaker, and Founder of Day1 Ready. Her company is on a mission to rediscover the humanity in business and provides services for a wide variety of Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, and small businesses. The human component is the core of the business, such as culture, productivity, and retention. Jennifer advises senior leadership, acts as a liaison to middle ma...2022-07-2637 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersThe Future of How Clients Buy - Eric GreggIt's no secret that the B2B buyer has changed more in the past ten years than in the previous 100. The modern consumer is digitally driven, socially aware, and has all the information they need at their fingertips. So, how can B2B service providers keep up with this rapid evolution and meet the buyers of today where they're at? To help us find the answer to this question, we're joined by Eric Gregg, Founder, and CEO of ClearlyRated, an online client satisfaction survey firm that works with B2B service providers to m...2022-07-1942 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersConsistently Invest in Growth - Maria MossToday on the Branch Out Podcast, we are joined by a passionate people developer and self-described rebel with a cause, Maria Moss! Maria is a training and development consultant and the owner of Phoenix Leadership Solutions, a training consulting firm that utilizes classroom-based learning and development programs to help empower leaders to reach their full potential. By sharing the discoveries, challenges, and lessons she has encountered on her journey towards creating her destiny, Maria helps entrepreneurs and individuals find their 'magic': that special mix of passion and talent that will propel them towards the future of their...2022-07-0643 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersBe Curious and Invest in Yourself - Jeff HenningsenJeff Henningsen has always been curious, creative, and committed to his goals. These are some of the traits that have allowed him to succeed in so many different realms. Jeff’s entrepreneurial career started with mowing lawns to make some extra money while he was still in school; this turned into a business that he was able to sell at the age of 22. After that, he gained experience in the private equity world before becoming the President of Lockton Companies in Texas, where he has worked for the past 26 years. Alongside his day job, Jeff is also th...2022-05-1037 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersMake an Impact and Build a Scalable Life - Brett HickeyToday we speak with accomplished Founder and CEO of Star Mountain Capital, Brett Hickey. Brett shares his personal and professional journey from a small town in Northern Canada to founding one of the leading lower middle-market investment firms in New York City. Brett discusses how his unique background led him to where he is today and why he believes that it is so important to focus on making an impact in building a scalable life. We touch on the benefits of taking a step back rather than charging forward, why it might be more efficient...2022-04-0538 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersHire Smart People and Get Out of The Way - Tyler Fair"Hire smart people and get out of the way." This is the leadership philosophy of today's guest, Tyler Fair. Tyler is the co-founder and CEO of SourceScrub, the leading data service for dealmakers who want to find, research, and connect with founder-owned businesses. Though the company is just seven years old, it has grown into an 8-figure business that works with top private equity and investment banking firms. In this episode, Tyler joins us to share his entrepreneurial journey and explain how instead of getting venture capital backing, SourceScrub bootstrapped its way to success. Tuning...2022-03-2222 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersHuman Connection Catalyst – Thom SingerSome of the many work-life aspects that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted were the opportunities to network and build professional relationships. Talking to us today about his professional journey and how he made it through the pandemic is Thom Singer, professional speaker, coach, podcast host, and networking expert. Thom started his career in marketing and sales; however, he grew into a networking expert through his skill at building relationships. We find out what Thom did to be noticed (it's as simple as being nice!) and how he advises others to make an effort. Intent is not action, and...2022-03-0938 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersCreate Value Through Content - George KhalifeToday we are joined by George Khalife, the Vice President of US Capital Formation with the Toronto Stock Exchange, and the host of the podcast, Let's Grab Coffee. Listeners can expect to get some great insight into how creating content offers direct value to your network and you and why it is so important to show up as your best self for your audience and community. Being a creator, in this sense, is such a rewarding and important role, and it is heavily dependent on your mindset and intentions, and George expands on...2022-02-1747 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersTaking Control of Your Personal Brand - Lydia MichaelOften, we put in so much time and effort to create a brand identity, but we don't realize that there's a huge disconnect between that brand identity and our consumers' perception of our brand image. In this episode, we are joined by Lydia Michael, Founder of Blended Collective, a multicultural marketing firm that helps people and brands reach and engage diverse audiences. We discuss the difference between brand identity and brand image, their importance, and what to do to ensure that they align. Lydia also explains how consumers increasingly support brands that have meaning and...2022-02-0835 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersBring Action and Drive Diversity - Brandon HawkinsSPECIAL EPISODE: Diversity Matters in the Middle Market, brought to you by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and Connection Builders.For today’s conversation, we are joined by Brandon Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at CFO Hub. Brandon shares the story of how he benefits from having a diverse pool of people in his corner, both professionally and in life, and what motivates him to implement diversity within companies. In addition, he shares with us which characteristics he looks for in staff that go...2022-02-0139 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersCreate Opportunities for Nontraditional Talent - Michelle ChaoSPECIAL EPISODE: Diversity Matters in the Middle Market, brought to you by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and Connection Builders.No matter your educational background or where you start out in your career, if you have support, an open mind, and are willing to put in the effort, there is no limit on which direction you can go! Nobody epitomizes this truth better than today’s guest, Michelle Chao. 14 years ago, after receiving a master’s in child education, Michelle started working at Bert...2022-02-0122 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersDon’t Make Assumptions - Ariail BarkerSPECIAL EPISODE: Diversity Matters in the Middle Market, brought to you by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and Connection Builders.In today’s conversation, we are joined by Ariail Barker, Senior Director of Business Development & Sponsor Coverage with 7 Mile Advisors, a boutique middle-market investment banking firm. She is also the host of the Deal Us In Podcast, which promotes the advancement of women in private equity and finance. We talk about the changing landscape of work and life and how th...2022-02-0131 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersFinancial Literacy Is Critical - Karen A ClarkSPECIAL EPISODE: Diversity Matters in the Middle Market, brought to you by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and Connection Builders.Being financially literate does more than help your bottom line: it also improves your mental health. Today’s guest has experienced this firsthand… Join us to hear from Karen A. Clark, SVP Multicultural Strategies with City Nation Bank, a community activist and financial literacy volunteer. Karen talks us through how the positive attitude at the bank that she works at inspired her to make a di...2022-02-0133 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersEveryone’s Path is Different - Charmone AdamsSPECIAL EPISODE: Diversity Matters in the Middle Market, brought to you by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and Connection Builders.Building a career without coming from a background rich in resources can lead to many challenges and struggles. But it can also develop unique qualities that bring perspective and diversity into the workplace and sets you apart as someone with unique value to your team. Today's guest, Charmone Adams, a senior manager with Grant Thornton, is the youngest of seven children and...2022-02-0130 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersDiversity Equals Alpha - Leon BrujisSPECIAL EPISODE: Diversity Matters in the Middle Market, brought to you by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and Connection Builders.Today we are joined by Leon Brujus, a Partner at Palladium Equity Partners. Leon shares his three-pronged approach to diversity that he and his firm use. We discuss the importance of cognitive diversity and how it drives decision-making and creates alpha. Leon also shares his personal experiences of feeling like an outsider and the challenges he overcame to become his authentic self. 2022-02-0143 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersWhy Diversity Matters - Martin Okner & Thomas BohnSPECIAL EPISODE: Diversity Matters in the Middle Market, brought to you by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and Connection Builders.In today's episode, we are joined by Thomas Bohn, President and CEO of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), and Martin Okner, President and COO of dpHUE and past chair of the ACG Global Board of Directors, for a discussion around the key elements that need to be cultivated within an organization in order to attract and retain diverse talent. These include...2022-02-0147 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersDemystifying Diversity - Ernie LylesSPECIAL EPISODE: Diversity Matters in the Middle Market, brought to you by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and Connection Builders.Ernie Lyles was always incredibly ambitious, and at the Howard University School of Law, Ernie gained the confidence which made him realize what he was capable of. Starting his finance career with a summer internship at a bulge-bracket investment banking firm, he excelled. Ernie Lyles is the founder and CEO of The HiGro Group, a New York-based private equity firm focusing on...2022-02-0136 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersCreating an Inclusive Culture - Joshua BerggrunSPECIAL EPISODE: Diversity Matters in the Middle Market, brought to you by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and Connection Builders.Joshua Berggrun joins us today to share his thoughts on how firms can create a more inclusive workplace and why that tends to attract and retain better talent. Josh is an attorney with Calfee, Halter & Griswold, based in Cleveland, Ohio. In this episode, he shares his career experience as a member of the LGBT community and the steps that professional services firms...2022-02-0125 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersLook For the Next Generation - Marcia NelsonSPECIAL EPISODE: Diversity Matters in the Middle Market, brought to you by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and Connection Builders.One of the easiest ways to drive diversity equity and inclusion is to reach out to the youth, show them that they can do it too, or give them the opportunities to enter the field. Talking to us today about how to inspire the next generation is Marcia Nelson, co-founder of Triple C Advisory. Marcia has had an eclectic career, from fashion publishing to...2022-02-0127 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersMake Time for Growth - Ryan CutterMany of us could not readily answer if you asked us what we had for lunch yesterday or how we spent our time last week. Talking to us today about making time for growth is Ryan Cutter, senior associate with CID Capital and positive intentions and actions enthusiast. Ryan tells us how he manages a full-time job yet still gives himself time to read books, exercise, and meditate. He breaks down the benefits of taking time to do the things you love, including being more productive and less resentful of those taking up your time...2022-01-3126 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersNetworking and a Growth Mindset - Carrie SchochetIt can be daunting to put yourself out there to network and meet new people, but it helps to bear in mind the opportunities for growth and support that come with being part of a community. This week on Branch Out we welcome back Carrie Schochet, Founder, and CEO of Purple Squirrel Advisors, a boutique executive search firm based in Troy, Michigan. In our conversation with Carrie, we discuss the lifelong journey of personal growth and how feedback networking and seeking out peer groups can support it. She shares how she has fostered a working...2022-01-2525 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersAlways Look for Opportunities to Learn and Grow - Elliott HollandOne of the most vital characteristics of a successful entrepreneur is the ability and desire to continue learning. This growth mindset can be the determining factor in the longevity of your business, and to help us unpack this important subject, we welcome back popular guest Elliott Holland, Founder and Managing Director of Guardian Due Diligence. In this conversation, we talk about how staying open to new paths and strategies is what can bring you closest to future successes, with Elliott strongly underlining the need to invest your time and money in personal development. There are...2022-01-1738 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersDo What You Are Good At and Take Risks - Ken MarblestoneBeing an entrepreneur might seem risky in some ways, but what if, instead of thinking about the risks, you thought about all the opportunities that come with taking the leap? Ken Marblestone is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Ten:34 Partners; a private investment firm focused on family-owned and entrepreneurial businesses. In this episode, Ken shares his passion for family businesses and how he became so interested in them. We find out more about what it takes to be an entrepreneur; the journey is not easy, but as they say, nothing worth it ever is. Ken talks about finding...2021-11-0847 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersStanding Out from the Crowd - Emily AckermanIn the world of business, one of the biggest favors that you can do for yourself and your firm is to stand out and differentiate what you do from others. Today we are joined by Emily Ackerman, who takes that idea very seriously and who has leveraged it to attain success over the years. Emily is a business development executive at Lane Gorman Trubitt, and she shares her expertise and wisdom in this fascinating conversation! Emily talks about being memorable and why focusing her energy on her own strengths has enabled her to build a...2021-11-0135 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersThe Art & Science of Business Development - Stephen MadsenBusiness Development is a broad concept that can sometimes be difficult to pin down. It encompasses not only hard data, systems, and figures but also networking, relationship building, and deal acquisition. Joining us this week to help us explore the art and science of business development is Stephen Madsen, Director of Business Development, Deal Origination, and Capital Markets at Monomoy Capital Partners. In our conversation with Stephen, we hear how he has spent his career focusing on adding value to others without expecting anything in return and how actively facilitating introductions creates goodwill and positively...2021-10-2754 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersBe Resourceful & Build Your Network - Corrie MenaryMost of us have heard the importance of networking at some point in our career, but why is it so critical, and why should we invest time into building our network? Today's episode is a deep dive into why networking matters and the hidden benefits from private equity investor and master connector Corrie Menary. Corrie is a Partner at Kirtland Capital Partners, and she shares examples of how the relationships she has formed through her authentic approach to networking have added value to the company. Corrie also shares the various ways in which networking can...2021-10-2035 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersUse Your Platform to Add Value to Others - Paul GrayAs building relationships is integral to achieving success in your career, today, we talk about how we can do this by using our platforms to add value to others. In this episode, we are joined by Paul Gray, the co-founder and managing partner of Ironhold Capital, the chairman of Leaders in Business and Investing, and the president of the Capital Allocators Roundtable. We discuss how meaningful building relationships come from adding value to someone else and how to go about this in a genuine way. Paul started a podcast two years ago, and he shares...2021-10-1138 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersStoicism and Private Equity - Leon BrujisThere is so much more to success than making money. In today’s episode, we are joined by Leon Brujis, partner at Palladium Equity Partners and an expert in the field of private equity and a striving stoic, who explains why a curiosity mindset, acceptance of failure, having a positive impact on others, and a commitment to continuous learning, are far more critical than the number of deals you do or the amount of money you have. Leon explains the core foundations of the stoic philosophy and shares some personal stories that highlight how he uses these pr...2021-09-2040 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersHelp Your Clients Solve Their "Unknown Unknowns" - Sheon KarolBecause of the ever-changing, consistently increasing level of complexity that exists in our modern business environment today, as an entrepreneur or a business owner, it’s often hard to foresee the ‘unknown unknowns’ that could ultimately cause the demise of your business altogether. Today’s guest is Sheon Karol, a partner at Paladin, a middle-market advisory firm. Sheon authored an article for Entrepreneur Magazine stating that as a business owner, in light of the current climate, it’s really important to find advisors and professional service providers that have a broad set of experiences and a broader understanding, rather than niche prov...2021-09-0930 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersBuilding Value-Added Connections In Today's World - Adam KleinIn an ever-changing world, one thing that remains constant is the power and importance of relationships. On today's episode, we speak with Adam Klein, Chief Growth Officer with Bennett Thrasher, a full-service, CPA advisory business advisory firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, about his perspective on the ins and outs of building value-added connections. We kick off our conversation with an overview of what has changed since the pandemic and what has stayed the same. This introduces us to today's theme: relationships as the core of business-building. Adam gives us his predictions for the future of communication, encourages...2021-08-3045 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersProfessional Services Concierge - Lori GleemanWorking with the right service providers is at the heart of every successful business. Today’s guest, Lori Gleeman, Founder and CEO of Soul Equity Solutions, combines her two superpowers in business development and recruitment to connect private equity firms to service providers at the top of their game. In today’s episode, she tells us how she developed this niche for herself and her role as a professional services concierge. She shares her two priorities when pairing providers with firms: industry-aligned experience and excellent references, and we discuss the role of building strong relationships and...2021-08-1829 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersMindsets That Drive Success in Business Development - Jim RiesSuccessful business development and networking require a multitude of skills and daily practices, but the foundation for all of these is mindset. Today we are joined on the show by Jim Ries, who is the Director of Business Development at Offit Kurman, a full-service law firm with 14 offices in seven different states. Jim is also the host of the Java with Jim and is truly a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. In our conversation, we drill down into Jim's wisdom, unpacking the approaches and mindset that have served him so well over the years. We talk about...2021-08-0946 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersThinking Bigger Than Yourself - Charmone AdamsThinking Bigger Than Yourself can be so impactful, yet so challenging at times. It requires a conscious effort to step out of our default myopic view and consider another viewpoint. In today's episode, we speak about diversity inclusion with Charmone Adams, an advisory service senior manager with Grant Thornton. We discuss what diversity and inclusion mean to us and how thinking bigger than ourselves is the key to building a more diverse and inclusive life. Charmone kicks us off by defining what diversity means to him and how inclusion complements this. He talks about different perspectives as the vital component...2021-07-2834 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersLeading Your Team In Professional Services - Howie SiegalLeading your team through a project is like building a house. You need a good understanding of the house you want to build, sturdy foundations, and a variety of contractors, each with their own set of expertise. Today we sit down with Howie Siegal, an audit partner at RSM, to find out how he leads his teams through projects. To open our conversation, Howie tells us about the first steps he takes when a project commences. Regardless of the project, Howie says it's imperative to build the right kind of team. Yet, the path to curating a team is always...2021-07-1939 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersNo One Size Fits All Approach – Mike AlbertsSo much of our success relates to the habits and systems that we are able to implement in our lives. It is a huge theme for us here on the Branch Out podcast, and to continue our exploration of this critical part of personal and professional development, we are joined by Mike Alberts from Cohere Capital to share his experience and learnings. Mike's central message is around finding what works for you; he believes strongly that there is no one size fits all strategy, and the best framework will be found through a curious and adaptive approach. He argues for c...2021-07-0740 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersLeading Through Change - Mark WalztoniToday's guest on the Branch Out Podcast is Mark Walztoni, Managing Director with Crowe, based in their Grand Rapids, Michigan office. He provides human capital and culture due diligence and integration support services that include change management, employee communication, culture alignment, and HR infrastructure transition. He also serves turnaround, restructuring, performance improvement, and high-growth clients across a broad array of industry verticals. With over 25 years of industry and consulting experience as an integration project manager, planner, advisor, and interim "roll-up-the-sleeves" team member, Mark has plenty of wisdom and insight to share in today's episode! Tuning in, you'll hear our discussion...2021-06-2345 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersAdapting to Change - Tom BonifaceAs much as humans hate the unknown, the fact is that circumstances always change, so the better we get at adapting, the more chance we have of surviving and thriving. Tom Boniface is Vice President of Business Development with Hilco Global, and he joins us on the show to share the challenges the pandemic posed to his routines and the lessons he learned about adaptation. At the height of the pandemic and a time where social distancing was in full effect, Tom was assigned two new markets to develop and had to figure out how he was going to do...2021-06-1437 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersLeveraging Systems & Automations – Max FriarAutomated systems free your team up to focus on the best uses of their time, but these systems could not be developed if one did not take the time to reflect on how to improve. Today we invite Max Friar onto the show to speak about the reflections he made about his industry, how they allowed him to automate the mundane sides of his business, and the huge benefits this has offered. Max is the Managing Partner at Calder Capital, a full-service M&A firm focused on lower middle-market companies within the Midwest. Calder was successful in closing 40 transactions...2021-06-0341 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersPersonal Balanced Scorecard – Doug LaLoneProgress is what we all drive for, but achieving it can be tricky. Without proper processes in place, you could be headed down a bumpy road filled and unseen dangers. But if you could boil this journey down to a few simple tenets, then you can soar beyond what you originally thought was possible. Today we sit with Doug LaLone, who is a partner and patent attorney at Fishman Stewart, a premier specialty law firm dedicated to the practice of intellectual property law. In this episode, Doug shares the genesis of his balance scorecard practices and unpacks...2021-05-2438 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersAuthentic Leadership - Ben VanceWhile it is easy to associate leadership with perfection, there is a lot to be said for leaders who show up as authentic human beings that still have a lot to learn. Today's guest is Ben Vance, and he joins us to talk about how this approach to leadership informs his role as Director of Business Valuation and Transaction Advisory with Postlethwaite & Netterville. Our conversation starts on the difference between management and leadership, and Ben makes some critical distinctions. For Ben, management is all about ensuring a project is perfect and delivering it on time. In contrast, leadership is...2021-05-1345 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersDisruptive Leadership - Thomas BohnChange takes on many shapes and forms and can be daunting for many people. Creating big change in an organization oftentimes requires a well-considered approach based on disruptive leadership. Today’s guest is Tom Bohn, President and CEO of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG). In this episode, he talks to us about disruptive leadership and driving change in uncertain environments to take organizations to new heights. We ask Tom to expand on disruptive leadership as he walks us through its central pillars to kick things off. Following this, we unpack why change can be so unsettling for organizations and ho...2021-05-0554 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersAn Open Discussion on Diversity – Christine Nowaczyk & Rich GrantCreating an inclusive environment is key to a more equal society as well as success in our business and personal lives too. Here on the show today to discuss the important subject of diversity are Christine Nowaczyk, Arizona Corporate Banking Executive for BOK Financial, and Rich Grant, Director of Business Development at Northlane Capital Partners. Rich and Christine bring their experiences of being minorities in their work environments to bear and share the ways that they are pushing the conversation about diversity and inclusion forward. We talk about the need for everybody in a team to work together to c...2021-04-2646 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersAuthenticity & Diversity Part #2 – Jamil SandersToday we welcome back returning guest Jamil Sanders, Vice President and Relationship Manager of Key Private Bank in Cleveland, Ohio. In this episode, we shine a light on how accepting ourselves is the first step to accepting others. Jamil offers a wealth of wisdom and helps kick off our conversation by defining the importance of accepting yourself. He touches on the interconnectedness of acceptance and self-love, as well as why we should try not to take on the role of being our own harshest critic. Jamil then takes a moment to explain how he balances the dichotomy of being...2021-04-1538 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersAuthenticity & Diversity Part #1 – Jamil SandersToday we open a multi-episode conversation into what diversity means in our personal and professional lives. For this episode, we welcome back Key Bank VP and Relationship Manager Jamil Sanders to hear his insights on authenticity and diversity. Early in the show, we chat about authentically presenting yourself within public and private spaces. We then dive into the challenges faced by minorities in predominantly white industries. As Jamil answers our questions, he highlights the importance of mental coaching, knowing your value, and learning from failure as key in helping minorities to navigate the workplace. After opening up about his...2021-04-0644 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersShift Your Mindset and Embrace Your Authentic Self - Dan LeeFor years, Dan Lee (Partner with Comvest Partners) was striving for results and results only. On every call, he was looking to make a quick win to add to his tally of success. Yet, Dan realized he was chasing success in the wrong ways. In this vulnerable and honest episode, Dan shares his biggest lessons in business so far and tells us the major mindset shifts he’s made in an effort to gain knowledge and provide more value. We begin our conversation with Dan by hearing about how the COVID pandemic was an ‘aha’ moment that lit a fire u...2021-03-3038 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersDon’t Let Fear Get in the Way of an Authentic You – Stephanie GaffinBeing true to our authentic selves is no easy task. However, we can use simple strategies to overcome the fears and barriers that hinder our ability to find our own voices and align our actions with those voices. Stephanie Gaffin, Co-Founder & Managing Partner with SLS Capital Advisors and The Gaffin Group joins us on the show today to discuss the power of meditation and journaling with regard to reaching a state of authenticity in the way we live our lives, the problem with social media and why it degrades authenticity, and the fact that our...2021-03-2339 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersFind Passion to Fuel Authenticity – Amy WhipplePassion fuels authenticity, and authenticity drives change for the better. Everybody can find their passion, but sometimes it just takes a little fuel to ignite this process. As the Director of Business Development for BDO and the co-founder of 503(c)s 100 Women Who Care and 100 Businesses Who Care, Amy Whipple has made caring for others as well as connecting people her passion. She joins us today to weigh in on how to find this powerful emotion, the effects it can have, and a whole lot more. We kick things off by hearing about what passion means to Amy, and...2021-03-1640 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersAuthenticity and Business Development - Jeremy Holland & Grant MarcksToday we introduce Branch Out's new mini-series theme: the power of authenticity. As one of the most essential success skills in business, its value should never be underestimated. We also welcome today's special guests, Jeremy Holland and Grant Marcks, who speak to us about how authenticity has impacted their careers and personal lives. The show kicks off with Jeremy defining authenticity, as listeners discover how this trait is defined by consistency of behavior and transparency. After hearing about the difference between consistency and frequency, we talk to Grant about the challenges associated with authenticity, especially when you're involved in...2021-03-0941 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersSet the Right Expectations with Clients & Prospects – Rob MeyersIn today's episode, we sit with Rob Meyers, President and Managing Member of Republic Business Credit, to discuss key factors that drive business development success. We cover topics including clear communication, setting expectations, and following tried and tested processes. Rob kicks off the episode by guiding listeners through the steps of a qualification call before talking in detail about how you can develop trust with clients. Listeners will learn that simple strategies like setting realistic expectations and consistent updates can benefit even the laziest salespeople, provided they follow the correct steps. Rob then takes a closer look at how...2021-03-0239 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersAccidently Landing in a Business Development Role – Ryan GrandToday we sit with Ryan Grand, Principal with HKW, an Indianapolis-based middle-market private equity firm. In this episode, Ryan shares his story and tells us how he landed a business development role by accident before finding that he unexpectedly loved it. We kick off the show with a breakdown of Ryan's professional history. After hearing about his transition into the field, Ryan fills listeners in on some of the challenges he faced early on before sharing his daily responsibilities, like nurturing relationships with thoughtful conversation and creating a pipeline of unmissable deals. But this is business, and some deals...2021-02-2341 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersDefining Business Development - Polly Mack & Heather MadlandWe all talk about business development, but what does “business development” even mean? To explore this topic, we have a special two guest episode with Heather Madland, Partner and Head of Business Development with Huron Capital along with Polly Mack Director of Business Development for Gryphon Investors. We open the show by listening to our guests’ thoughts on business development and what it means to them. After hearing about creating and maintaining credibility and building your brand both internally and externally, Polly and Heather expand on the balance between being an expert and nurturing your brand...2021-02-1656 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersYour Personal Brand Gap Analysis - Kyle LindenboomBranding is not just about what makes you unique but about how you portray that to the world. Your personal brand is the sum of how people perceive you, and understanding how to influence these perceptions is key to branding success. As the Founder and CEO of InTandem Marketing, Kyle Lindenboom helps businesses drill down on their brands by narrowing the gap between how they want to be perceived and how they present themselves. Kyle joins us today on the show to explore how to assess a personal brand and craft a vision for a...2021-02-0939 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersLong-Term Business Development Success – Mark BoberIn today's business world, it's all about quick wins and immediate gratification. But this isn't what it should be about. If you want to create an impactful business that will generate consistent revenue and success, you need to go focus on relationships. In today's show, we talk with Bober Markey Fedorovich ("BMF") partner Mark Bober, who has 35-plus years in transactions, mergers, acquisitions, and litigation serving as a state witness. We open the episode by hearing Mark's thoughts on what business growth is and how to create it. After discussing his ethos on achieving long-term growth, Mark shares valuable...2021-02-0235 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersGrowth Habits For Success - Bob DoyleWhile personal growth is incredibly important for moving our careers and ourselves forward, it is not something that happens on its own. We need to set time aside to be intentional about our growth! Today's guest is Bob Doyle, President and CEO of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA), and he joins us on the show to talk about how he is investing in his personal growth. We begin our conversation with the idea that everybody wants to grow and get better and our intention to discuss how we can actually accomplish that...2021-01-2639 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersStaying Focused On Growth - Mike WitzkeContinuing the discussion on investing in your professional growth, today, we have Mike Witzke, a partner with McDonald Hopkins, a Cleveland-based law firm with more than 140 professionals. Mike is the Chair of the Estate Planning and Probate Practice Group and practices in numerous areas. He focuses on helping clients protect and transfer wealth efficiently, and he works with high net worth families, primarily business owners, physicians, and athletes. In this episode, Mike shares his thoughts on what growth means to him, and we discuss ways to stay focused on continual growth and self-improvement. Tune in...2021-01-1933 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersContinually Seek Growth Opportunities - Elliott HollandStepping out of your comfort zone is a difficult thing to do, but it is absolutely essential for growth, in both a business and personal capacity. The world is changing at a rapid rate and if you aren't continuously growing, you are going to get left behind. Our guest on today's show, Elliott Holland, Managing Director of Guardian Due Diligence, believes that your most frustrating experiences will often be your biggest learning opportunities, so you shouldn't shy away from situations that are difficult or stressful. Elliott also shares why and how he maintains a practice...2021-01-1335 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersMindset: The Key to Professional Growth - Dustin HillDustin Hill, today’s guest, is a Director at FINNEA Group, a middle-market investment banking firm. He joins us to talk about how mindset is a driving force for our success (or lack thereof). We kick off the conversation with a look at soft skills, their importance, and how they contribute to success. We also discuss having a ‘why’ and the role this plays in motivating us. Growth is not easy. In fact, we are hardwired to shy away from change, so how do we lean into it and accept it as par for the course if we are...2021-01-0840 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersInvesting in People - Jeremy HollandToday’s guest is Jeremy Holland, Managing Partner of Origination at The Riverside Company, and he understands that building relationships is the key to creating long term value. Jeremy joins us today to share the secrets he’s learned from the world of deals about why investing your time in people can help you achieve more than you ever thought possible. Jeremy explains that while hardly anybody is willing to invest their time in something that does not present an immediate benefit, the fact remains that the more you help others, the more they will want to help you later...2020-11-1729 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersThe Power of Resiliency – Kurt WilkinPart of being in a leadership position is that you cannot take a “woe is me, hide in the closet mentality”; you have to take a “we are going to get through this mentality” or you may ultimately struggle to be successful. The winners in life are not the ones who never get defeated or never fall on their face. It’s how you respond afterward — it’s about resiliency and persistence and bouncing back off of the mat. Today on the show, we welcome Kurt Wilkin, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of HireBetter, your strategic talent partner. During this episode, Kurt...2020-11-1025 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersThe Art of Managing Up, Down & Sideways - Michelle AcciavattiThe Art of Managing Up, Down, and Sideways with Michelle AcciavattiIt doesn’t matter where you are in the corporate hierarchy. Nearly all jobs require working with people and managing up, down, or sideways. Today we speak with Willis Towers Watson market leader Michelle Acciavatti about the art of managing. Starting at the entry-level, Michelle gives tips on managing up and impressing the bosses by creating ‘presentation-ready’ work. A recurring theme throughout our conversation, Michelle emphasizes the importance of developing an empathetic viewpoint, thinking one step ahead, and trying to unders...2020-11-0325 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersPersonal and Professional Benefits of Networking - Dillon ZwickNetworking has its challenges; it’s not comfortable at first, you are not always going to be good at it, and you are certainly not always going to enjoy it. It is important to keep in mind that you are not always going to be the perfect fit for every room you go into, but if you don’t go out and do it you are never going to get better at it. When it comes down to it, you have to learn to develop your soft skills to help your career advance. Today’s guest is Dillon Zwick, from M...2020-10-2726 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersYour Professional Brand Development - Steve AdamjeeEveryone wants to work smarter not harder, and when it comes to building your professional brand, networking offers that exact opportunity. Networking allows you to establish yourself as a helpful resource to others, not only professionally but also personally. Networking is good for meeting potential clients but it is just as effective for building key mutually beneficial connections that might serve you well in the future. And even if someone cannot offer you anything in return, it is in the best interest of your brand to help them anyway since it contributes to a positive reputation. Talking to strangers...2020-10-2022 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersThe Power of a Positive Mindset - Carrie SchochetThe Power of a Positive Mindset with Carrie Schochet In the society we live in today, we’re being bombarded with negativity from many different directions — whether it be the news, social media, friends, family or our workplace. It is crucial that if you want to establish and maintain a positive mindset you have to choose to do so on a daily basis. We have to intentionally sift through all the negativity and consistently choose to focus on the positive. Our discussion today is around the power of a positive mindset, but not only...2020-10-1328 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersAchieving Authenticity - Jamil SandersAchieving Authenticity with Jamil Sanders Authenticity is something that is often discussed on our podcast and we often talk about in the sense of professional development and professional growth. Authenticity, by definition, will mean something different to every single person and ultimately we all pursue it differently. However, the key is that you simply have to be authentic in what you are doing. Today’s guest is Jamil Sanders, a Vice President with Key Private Bank. In this episode, Jamil shares his thoughts on what it means to achieve authenticity and we discuss ste...2020-10-0625 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersLeveraging Social Media to Enact Positive Change - George KhalifeLeveraging Social Media to Enact Positive Change with George KhalifeNot every professional needs to go out and create a blog, start a podcast, or build a platform, but we all have the opportunity to leverage the technology available to us in order to accelerate our careers. This is why social media can be so powerful! Today’s guest is George Khalife of the Toronto Stock Exchange. George is based in Chicago, where he helps Midwest-based companies access the Canadian public markets, and he is also the host of a podcast Let’s Grab...2020-09-2931 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersBringing People Together and Being a Connector - Benny MathewAt the end of the day, community is at the center of personal and professional growth, and life is so much more fun with friends anyway! Today's guest is Benny Mathew, the founder of the Orion3 network. Our conversation with Benny is all about the power of bringing people together and his gift of being a connector! Benny tells the story of his difficulty making genuine connections in Chicago initially and how he solved this by putting his gift for connecting people to good use and founded Orion3. He takes us through the growth of this amazing network which...2020-09-2221 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersImportance of Mental Health as a Professional - Erik DalyFinding yourself in a state of poor mental health not only affects your personal life but also infringes on your work productivity. Often our stresses as professionals are sourced from high demands at work and inadequate methods of managing them. It is important that you begin to implement steps towards changing the way you deal with your mental health. If you find yourself in a poor space of mental health, being able to talk openly about your struggles goes a long way in helping you process and work through your challenges. It is key for you, as a professional...2020-09-1536 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersHuman Bandwidth: Expanding Your Life - Leon LaBrecqueHuman Bandwidth: Expanding Your Life with Leon LaBrecqueBurnout, stress, and anxiety are increasingly common in our society. With a never-ending plateful of things to get through, it can often feel like you are just trying to make it through each day. By merely surviving, we are not living up to our full potential. One way to change this and expand our lives is to work on our human bandwidth, and today’s guest, Leon LaBrecque, is here to provide insights on how to do just that. As the Chief Growth Officer at Se...2020-09-0830 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersLessons Learned from Working Remotely - Brendan McKayMost of us are in some form of remote working position right now and this brings about a whole host of new challenges. Brendan McKay is a Principal with Falcon Investment Advisors who has been working remotely for the last few years and today we have him on the show to talk about the lessons he has learned! Our conversation with Brendan is all about creating a productive remote working environment and the value of maintaining social connections between employees for the firms they are a part of. We kick things off with Brendan hearing about his transition from...2020-09-0135 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersRelationship & Responsiveness Matter - Jessica GinsbergRelationships matter and we need to get to know people, for people. Especially if you’re working in business development for private equity, which is by nature, a highly transactional environment and it can be very easy to forget the people side of things. Today’s guest is Jessica Ginsberg, the Director of Business Development for LFM Capital out of Nashville, TN. Jessica is responsible for LFM’s business development activities such as overseeing the firm’s direct sourcing and outreach to intermediaries. Jessica has served in many different roles including business development, transaction diligence, credit analysis, and investor communic...2020-08-2525 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersInvesting in Your Growth & Development - Lenny DacanayInvesting in Your Growth and Development with Lenny Dacanay.The link between business development and leadership may not be evident straight away, but it’s one today’s guest, Lenny Dacanay, has paid a great deal of attention to. In this episode, Lenny talks about how his idea of business development has evolved from a sales-focused one to a problem-solving one, and why this shift showed him that leadership skills were non-negotiable. Lenny also shares how he went from the speaker to the listener. He realized that to help his clients in t...2020-08-1822 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersCommunication is Key - Christopher LettsCommunication is Key with Christopher LettsBeing able to communicate effectively is perhaps the most important of all life skills. Today’s guest is Christopher Letts, Chairman and past President of ACG Detroit. In this episode, we discuss the importance of communication as a professional. Chris shares some thoughts on how to improve this critical skill set, firstly from the perspective of public speaking, and then in the context of interpersonal communication and the written word. Prepare, practice, learn from your mistakes, learn from others, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable! Vuln...2020-08-1128 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersGetting Comfortable in Uncomfortable Situations - Rich GrantGetting Comfortable in Uncomfortable Situations with Rich Grant.In an ever-changing world, where we are all increasingly confronted with difficult conversations, it would be easy to retreat and go back to our comfort zones. But growth does not happen here; it happens when you are uncomfortable, and you are pushed to find a way through. Being in uncomfortable situations has contributed enormously to today’s guest, Rich Grant’s, professional and personal growth. As the Director of Business Development for GO, Growth Operators, Rich’s path to the role was not a conv...2020-08-0434 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersServe on a Board, Follow-Up is Critical & Identify Good Mentors - Karin KovacicServe on a Board, Grow Your Network, Follow-Up is Critical & Identify Good Mentors with Karin Kovacic. When you are in the process of business development there are several key factors to remember including the importance of being authentic, being reliable, focusing on genuine connections to build your network, and seeking advice from the right mentors. These can be daunting if you find yourself not sure of where to start with the whole process. Today we continue our series of conversations with professionals and discuss some of these basic points with our g...2020-07-2828 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersBuild Your Community & Pay It Forward - Eric FischerBuild Your Community and Pay It Forward with Eric Fischer.We know that a successful career begins with meaningful connections. Everyone you connect with intentionally will have something of value to give and offer a different angle to the same problem. The reality is that doing things by yourself is tough! We need to focus on becoming the best for our community, to learn to truly listen to what’s going on out there, to hone our public speaking skills, and to build effective teams! Today’s guest is Eric Fischer, a ta...2020-07-2123 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersLeadership is a Behavior Not a Title - Howie SiegalWe’re no longer in the era where bosses say, “You work for me.” People want to own their careers and personal growth. To thrive in the modern workplace, where collaboration is the new norm, team leaders need to sharpen their leadership abilities. Our conversation with today’s guest, RSM Audit Partner Howie Siegal, reveals what qualities excellent leaders need along with the tools that can help you become a better one. Howie talks about why embracing feedback and being a good communicator is the foundation of successful leadership. Based on his own experience, Howie shares how the ‘lead by example...2020-07-1426 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersGrow Your Relationships and Serve Your Clients - James ReidAs rising professionals, it’s important to learn that both building relationships and serving your clients are major parts of growing your business. On the show today we welcome James Reid, a partner with Dinsmore & Shohl, a national law firm based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. James is based out of metro Detroit, and his practice focuses on labor law and dispute. Throughout his career, James has done a phenomenal job of not only going above and beyond for his clients and providing that superior service that is needed as a professional but has also built up his network along th...2020-07-0723 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersPeople Are Interesting & The Power of Trust - Kim Easterle MattesThe business world has both personal and professional aspects; it’s not binary, it’s both. Being kind in a competitive world is important because you are not just looking for a contact, you are looking to broaden your world. You need to adopt the mindset that every person you encounter is of value and has something of substance to share, whether it’s business-related or everyday life. Today on the podcast we welcome Kim Easterle Mattes. Kim has been a friend for many years and we have had the opportunity to work on multiple transactions together. Kim is a VP a...2020-06-3018 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersIntentionality and a Positive Mental Attitude - Tom BonifaceTom Boniface is the Vice President of Business Development at Hilco Global and someone who lives out the practices of intentionality, awareness, and a positive mental attitude in his daily life and career. We chat with Tom today about what these concepts mean to him and how he approaches them in a purposeful and specific manner each day. Tom is a firm believer in focussing on the smaller, controllable things in one's life, arguing that when we do what is in front of us, we can affect greater change and broader achievements over time. We chat about the idea...2020-06-1129 min
Branch Out - A Podcast from Connection BuildersBuilding Connections & Taking Ownership - Gary LewisWelcome to the Branch Out Podcast, where we focus on the vital professional skills of building connections and networking! Joining us for our first episode is Gary Lewis, founder and managing partner at Aquila Equity Partners in Detroit. We are so excited to share this great conversation with all of our new listeners, as Gary unpacks the foundational nature of this part of his work and why it should not be an occasional pursuit, but rather a daily attitude and exercise. We also get into how to balance the immediate requirements of work with the long-term strategy of networking...2020-06-1035 min
Business Power Lunch#6: Networking from Home (Guest: Alex Drost, CEO and Founder of Connection Builders)Whether you are a business owner or a professional, we are all facing a "new normal". Coffee meetings and after-work happy hours have come to a halt. How do we think about networking when we can't physically leave our homes? In this episode we discuss with Alex Drost, CEO, and Founder of Connection Builders, how to continue building your network and brand during these challenging times. We discuss ways to connect with your existing network in a genuine way and creative ways to continue to add value to friends, clients, and new prospects alike. Get inspired with new ideas...2020-05-0141 min
Blau Sein...Sofa-Edition: Oliver DrostAlex begrüßt Olli Drost, Vorstand Kreation bei deepblue, bei Blau Sein. Anders als sonst begegnen sich die beiden nicht in der Bar, sondern digital. Weder der metallische Klang der Audioübertragung noch die durchs Office tanzenden Kinder und Hunde können die beiden stoppen. Olli zieht mit Alex Bilanz über seine erste Woche im Home Office, digitale Tools und das deepblue/S&F-Projekt zusammengegencorona.de für das Bundesministerium für Gesundheit.
Am Ende bleibt der Wunsch, dass Agenturen aus der Corona-Zeit lernen mögen. Dass sie in Zukunft vielleicht auf die eine oder andere Reise verzichten, digitale...2020-03-2524 min