Shows
Thinc AheadBalancing Empathy and Strategy in Leadership With Michael MesnardWhat happens when a leader listens first—but still makes the tough calls when it counts? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Michael Mesnard, President of Klein Design, shares his journey from intern to company president, and how his inclusive leadership style is fueling both cultural strength and strategic growth. How do you transition from peer to leader while keeping respect and collaboration intact? Throughout this episode, Michael offers honest insights on guiding a multigenerational team, empowering emerging leaders, and balancing emotional intelligence with decisiveness. From embracing diverse leadership styles to planning for sustainable expansion, Michael’s story...2025-05-2019 minThinc AheadPlanning the Perfect Exit: Deana Labriola on Selling Smart and Thinking AheadWhat does it take to sell your business successfully—and feel good about it afterward? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, corporate attorney Deana Labriola shares expert advice on preparing for a sale, from building the right advisory team to aligning deal terms with your long-term goals. She explains why sellers need to think beyond the transaction and consider what they want life to look like the day after closing. With practical tips for both buyers and sellers, Deana offers a clear, strategic approach to navigating business transitions in today’s balanced M&A market.Thinc Ahead is h...2025-04-2826 minThinc AheadScaling with Strategy: Monty Hagler on Growth, Acquisitions, and LeadershipWhat does it take to scale a business successfully while maintaining a strong culture and vision? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Monty Hagler, President and CEO of RLF Communications, shares key lessons on strategic growth, acquisitions, and leadership. Looking to gain insights into how to align company culture during mergers, build scalable processes, and leverage technology without losing a personal touch? Tune in as Monty offers practical advice on making smart business decisions, fostering strong teams, and positioning a company for long-term success while growing with purpose. Thinc Ahead is hosted by Thinc Strategy's Cindy Anderson...2025-03-2036 minThinc AheadFuture-Proofing Your Business: Strategic Technology Insights with Karen WiltgenHow can businesses ensure their technology investments align with long-term goals rather than chasing the latest trends? And what does it take to create a secure, scalable tech foundation that supports growth? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Cindy Anderson and Karen Albritton sit down with Karen Wiltgen, computer science and software development consultant, to explore these pressing questions.From leveraging AI responsibly to managing dynamic workforces and integrating acquisitions effectively, Karen offers actionable advice for business leaders ready to navigate the complexities of today’s technology landscape. Tune in to discover how curiosity, strategic thinking, and ad...2025-02-1340 minThinc AheadThe Intersection of Design, Strategy, and Leadership in Business with Timothy HawkWhat sets an inspirational leader apart, and how can creative thinking drive business growth? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, Timothy Hawk, president of WSA Studio, shares the strategies that have propelled his firm forward. From hiring for attitude over skill to fostering collaboration and embracing diverse perspectives, Timothy reveals how he’s built a culture that inspires creativity and innovation. By drawing insights from art, literature, and cultural trends, Timothy reimagines how spaces can empower teams and drive organizational success. Tune in to learn how this visionary leader continuously thinks ahead to shape the future of architecture and le...2025-01-1526 minThinc AheadTurning Ideas Into Impact with The Diversity Movement CEO Donald ThompsonHow do you build a business that not only survives but thrives in an ever-changing world? And what does it take to make diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) more than just a buzzword in your organization? In this episode of Thinc Ahead, hosts Cindy Anderson and Karen Albritton are joined by Donald Thompson, CEO of The Diversity Movement, to tackle these questions and more. Tune in to hear Thompson share his journey from a single presentation on multicultural marketing to creating a scalable, technology-driven DEI platform. He shares tips on the importance of customer feedback, self-awareness, and strategic acquisitions...2024-12-1235 minThinc AheadScaling Through Setbacks with Simpson Scarborough's Elizabeth JohnsonWhat does it take to build and grow a successful business, especially when faced with unexpected challenges? In this episode of the Thinc Ahead, hosts Cindy Anderson and Karen Albritton welcome Elizabeth Johnson, founder of Simpson Scarborough, who shares her unique journey of scaling a firm in higher education marketing. Elizabeth discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her path, including how she transformed her company after the untimely passing of her business partner, Christopher Simpson. Tune in to learn about the strategies she used to grow the company, her approach to building strong partnerships, how she navigates decisions around...2024-11-1236 minThinc AheadFrom Hands-On Engineering to Global Business Growth with Richard WellsWhat are the critical foundations for building a successful and sustainable business? In this episode, Richard Wells, a distinguished leader with over 50 years of experience in the engineering sector, shares some key lessons from his experiences in governance, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management. From his early days on a farm in central Ohio to becoming a celebrated civil engineer, Wells breaks down the importance of standardization, accountability, and clear leadership roles in driving organizational growth. How does having a strong work ethic and unwavering integrity factor into the equation for long-term business success? Tune in to find out...2024-10-1629 minThinc AheadThe Power of Continuous Learning in Entrepreneurship with Giles ShihHow can a family legacy be transformed into a thriving global enterprise? This question set the stage for Giles Shih's entrepreneurial journey when he co-founded Bioresource International alongside his father. How did he manage to address global challenges through science using patented technology? With over 25 years of experience, Shih shares useful tips he learned along the way about the importance of leadership, having a continuous learning mindset, and value creation in sustaining a business that supports jobs and livelihoods. Viewing entrepreneurship as a pathway for creating abundance for oneself, family, and the community, Shih explains the need for the...2024-09-1024 minThinc AheadWelcome To Thinc AheadWelcome to Thinc Ahead, the podcast that helps owners and leaders intentionally create the value they want for themselves, their team, and their business through every life cycle of their business. Hosted by Cindy Anderson, CEO of Thinc Strategy, and Karen Albritton, Thinc Strategy Consultant. Designed for business owners and leaders, the show offers insights on how to intentionally create value throughout every stage of a business's life cycle. Whether you're aiming to grow, enhance performance, or plan for a transition, Cindy and Karen provide practical strategies to help you define and achieve success on your terms. They feature...2024-09-1001 min