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Jeff 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 the host of the Private Equity Fast Pitch podcast, which is about to reach its 100th episode! In our conversation today, Jeff and I discuss the value of coaching, the importance of finding your “why,” the benefits of being an introvert, and why doing is better than dreaming!    Key Points From This Episode:  The key factor which differentiates “idea men” from successful entrepreneurs. Why Jeff is so passionate about the value of coaching. Jeff explains what motivated him to start his podcast. And the unexpected things that have come out of Jeff’s podcast. The importance of committing to your goals. Why Jeff thinks of himself as a (figurative) orchestra conductor.  Jeff Henningsen on LinkedInLocktonPrivate Equity Fast Pitch WebsitePrivate Equity Fast Pitch on SpotifyPrivate Equity Fast Pitch on AppleAlex Drost LinkedInBranch Out Podcast LinkedInConnection Builders LinkedIn ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

Today 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 to manage your energy over managing your time, and the key roles that exercise, nutrition, and sleep have played in Brett's success.   Key Points From This Episode:  From speed skater to CEO, how Brett's unique background led him to where he is today. The role that fun and engagement have played in his entrepreneurial journey. What sparked his passion for finance and his focus on making an impact. How to make an impact in a scalable way by starting with a proper game plan. Why the Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School was transformational for Brett. The benefits of taking a purposeful step back sometimes rather than charging forward. Why managing your energy is arguably more important than managing your time. Why Brett believes that proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep are critical to his success. The challenges that come with bringing differentiated products and services to the market and what they taught Brett about aligning with investors. What entrepreneurs can learn about relatability and transfer of trust from the film industry. Brett's advice for young entrepreneurs: remember the value of relationships! Why he suggests looking 10 years ahead before making strategic decisions. Brett Hickey on LinkedInStar Mountain CapitalStar Mountain Capital on LinkedInStar Mountain Capital on YouTubeBarbarians at the GateRay DalioHarvard Business School Owner/President Management ProgramEat That Frog!What it TakesAlex Drost LinkedInBranch Out Podcast LinkedInConnection Builders LinkedInHave thoughts or comments? We want to hear from you. growth@connection.builders ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

"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 in, you'll hear how Tyler first identified the need for a product like SourceScrub and realized that he could create a tech-enabled solution to solve this pain point. You'll also discover how he developed his leadership philosophy and how Tyler has grown his company to include hundreds of employees from around the globe. Finally, hear how Tyler has learned through this process, how he uses his time to the highest level, and what advice he would give his former self.  Key Points From This Episode:  An introduction to Tyler Fair and how he first saw the need for a product like SourceScrub. The struggles of trying to hire interns to scrub through Google.  How Tyler realized that he could figure out a tech-enabled solution to solve this pain point. Insight into the current size of SourceScrub and the number and location of its employees. What Tyler has learned through the process of growing this company.  How SourceScrub is supporting employees in the Philippines and Ukraine.  How Tyler learned the value of hiring smart people and getting out of the way.  What Tyler has learned in this process and why he is trying to get as many things off his plate as possible  How Tyler is prioritizing and using his time to the highest level and for the best use. The advice that Tyler would give his former self. Tyler Fair on LinkedInSourceScrubAlex Drost LinkedInBranch Out Podcast LinkedInConnection Builders LinkedInHave thoughts or comments? We want to hear from you. growth@connection.builders ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

Some 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 the two minutes it takes to connect people can pay dividends exponentially. We dive into why a "link, like, and share" is not enough to build meaningful relationships and what you can do instead to ensure a shared experience. Tune in to discover the unexpected benefits of referring business to your competitors and how Thom has continued to grow his own network using this very technique. Thom also breaks down how to use associations to their full potential, why asking questions is the key to an elevator pitch, and where he sees networking going in a post-COVID- world.  Key Points From This Episode:  How Thom grew into a networking expert, from marketing and sales to public speaking.  Why being good at networking ensured Thom was never unemployed for long.  Intent is not action: how taking two minutes to connect people will make all the difference.  Why it's important not to get caught up in your own busyness.  How a shared experience makes all the difference in building a relationship.  Thom's advice on why being nice to everyone (regardless of whether they are "useful") is crucial.  Why referring to your competitors is so beneficial: building relationships, keeping abreast of developments, and gaining business.  The benefits of associations and conferences in building your network.  How Thom makes associations work for him. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on networking and Thom's business.  Why you should start conversations with those around you. How to do elevator pitches well: ask questions! Where networking is going in a post-COVID world.  The benefits of altruism and where you can get hold of Thom.  Thom SingerThom Singer on LinkedInSpeakernomicsSwim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive: Outsell, Outmanage, Outmotivate, and Outnegotiate Your CompetitionDig Your Well Before You're Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You'll Ever NeedAlex Drost LinkedInBranch Out Podcast LinkedInConnection Builders LinkedInHave thoughts or comments? We want to hear from you. growth@connection.builders ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

Today 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 some of his ideas to help point you in the right direction. Towards the end of our chat, we also cover the positive sides of social media and the importance of giving back. So, to hear it all and get started on your next steps in content creation, listen in with us today!  Key Points From This Episode:  Creating value for your network; the questions that can clarify your mission. Surprising areas of exploration that open up through conversation.  Chipping away at your work and slowly improving your content over time as your audience grows.  Getting comfortable on camera and on record and moving past the anxiety that is so often there.  A few simple tips from George for better conversations and presentation.  George explains his interpretation of good energy and why it can be so powerful.  How to show up with the best energy possible to important meetings and events.     The positive sides of social media; George weighs in on the constant debate.  Putting in the reps in order to up your game and the common results of practice  Let's Grab CoffeeGeorge KhalifeGeorge Khalife on LinkedInGeorge Khalife on InstagramGeorge Khalife on YouTubeGeorge Khalife on TwitterAlex Drost LinkedInBranch Out Podcast LinkedInConnection Builders LinkedInHave thoughts or comments? We want to hear from you. growth@connection.builders ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

Often, 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 are purpose-driven and the importance of picking values and brand pillars that you know you can live out as a brand. We then discuss the Blended Collective's multicultural and diversity work, how it intersects with brand, and how to build brand love through authenticity, humanizing, personalizing experiences, and storytelling.   Key Points From This Episode:  How there is often a disconnect between who a brand says they are and who they are perceived to be. Brand identity versus brand image and the importance of them aligning.  What brands need to consider to ensure that their brand identity aligns with brand image.  What to do about the brand pillars that you associate with your brand that consumers are not perceiving. How Blended Collective ensures that brand identity and brand image align.   The importance of picking values and brand pillars that you know you can live out as a brand. How to build brand love through authenticity, humanizing, personalizing experiences, and storytelling.  The importance of brand love to a successful business.  Lydia Michael Lydia Michael on LinkedInLydia Michael on InstagramBlended CollectiveAlex Drost LinkedInBranch Out Podcast LinkedInConnection Builders LinkedInHave thoughts or comments? We want to hear from you. growth@connection.builders ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

SPECIAL 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 beyond technical skills, and why ultimately, he is just looking to work with good people. Brandon’s message around diversity is a hopeful one, but he also shares the struggles he faces in the form of finding buy-in from companies and finding the right messaging to implement effective change. Key Points From This Episode: Why Brandon is committed to hiring, recommending, and referring diverse employees. How having multiple sets of eyes on a problem can eliminate some of your blind spots. What they are learning as a result of their hiring practices and why diversity creates magic. The effect of having a diverse pool of people in all aspects of your life. Which characteristics he looks for in staff that goes beyond technical skillsets. Why, ultimately, he’s just looking to work with good people. What we can do to get organizations thinking more about diversity. The struggle of finding the right messaging around diversity for effective change. Why putting in the time is such a powerful tool to improve who you are as a person. Why it is so important to choose to keep up with the new ever-evolving generation. How every time you leave the house, you’re on stage, and why you should make the most of it. Brandon Hawkins on LinkedInCFO HubACG DEI Committee Mission and ResourcesConnection BuildersAlex Drost on LinkedIn  ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

SPECIAL 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 Bertram Capital as an Executive Assistant and today she is the Senior Vice President of Business Development and the head of Investor Relations at the firm. In this episode Michelle shares what this journey of hers has looked like, and how Bertram creates an environment that facilitates these kinds of growth opportunities. You’ll hear about the importance of advocating for people who you see potential in, and the value of putting out into the universe what you hope to get back.  Key Points From This Episode:  What Michelle’s 14-year journey with Bertram has looked like. How Michelle learned about business development.  Some of the key lessons that Michelle has learned through her time at Bertram. Examples of the different facets that exist within a private equity firm. Bertram Capital’s approach to exposing people to opportunities. How Bertram’s recruiting strategy has changed over the years.  Characteristics that Michelle looks for in potential hires. The value of advocating for people whom you see potential in.  How Michelle learned to balance work and family life. Advice for leaders who are eager to build a more diverse team. Michelle Chao on LinkedInBertram CapitalPeninsula Bridge ACG DEI Committee Mission and ResourcesConnection BuildersAlex Drost on LinkedIn ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

SPECIAL 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 the pandemic has helped people realize that ‘butt in seat’ time is not as necessary as they once believed. You’ll hear about the importance of empathy and advocating for your own group’s needs, and we unpack some of the main misconceptions about women in the workplace and why they are damaging. Ariail shares how she believes having a child can be a huge catalyst for a woman’s career and urges listeners to ignore feedback outside of their chosen circle.   Key Points From This Episode:  Ariail shares what she has learned hosting the Deal Us In podcast. Her observation that work-life is normalizing, but home life is still in a pandemic situation. Why there has always been a sense of flexibility built into 7 Mile’s way of doing things. How the pandemic helped them to realize that butt-in-seat time is not necessary. The importance of empathy and advocating for your own group’s needs. Misconceptions about women in the workplace and why they are damaging. How having a child can be a huge catalyst for someone’s career. The myth of ‘having it all’ and why you have to understand there are trade-offs. How the mindset of not internalizing people’s feedback helped her. How being happy is the most important thing to bring to your work and family life.  Ariail Barker on LinkedIn Deal Us In Podcast7 Mile AdvisorsACG DEI Committee Mission and ResourcesConnection BuildersAlex Drost on LinkedIn ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

SPECIAL 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 difference in those around her and what her first experience educating kids about savings was like. Find out about the obstacles throughout history that black and brown Americans have had to overcome to gain wealth and how financial literacy is linked to societal turmoil. Tune in to learn how, where, and why you should be volunteering your financial expertise and so much more in this inspirational episode.  Key Points From This Episode:  How Karen got to where she is now. How black and brown Americans have historically been left out of financial education and savings and investment opportunities.  Redlining and the collapse of the Freedman’s Bank: how the wealth gap has widened throughout history.  How financial literacy improves emotional wellness and subsequently reduces turmoil in the world.  The link between mental health and sound financial decisions. How Karen’s experience of bankruptcy showed her the impact of financial stress on her mental health. How you can contribute to improving financial literacy: who to volunteer with, and what makes you qualified.  Karen’s experience with kindergartners and how she started her volunteering journey.  Karen A. Clark on LinkedInOperation HopeACG DEI Committee Mission and ResourcesConnection BuildersAlex Drost on LinkedIn ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

SPECIAL 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 the first person in his family to have pursued tertiary education. During our conversation, Charmone gets candid about feeling like he was behind and how lacking resources can hold people back from reaching success. We also discuss why diversity is a tool to grow your perspective and can often strengthen your team.   Key Points From This Episode:  Some of the challenges that came with being the first person in his family to complete higher education. How having a lack of resources prevents people from being successful. The gratitude and appreciation he has as someone who did not come from resources. How the mentality of working harder and smarter has enabled him to be successful. Why diversity is an essential tool to grow your perspective.  The importance of understanding that everyone comes from a different background. Why Charmone believes it is not sustainable to be traditional in your approach. Why it is vital to create a welcoming environment. Where you should look for talent outside of the conventional pathways. Why Charmone would recommend that young students study accounting to understand business. Why Charmone believes resilience is the most important quality to create success.  Charmone Adams on LinkedIn Charmone Adams on EmailGrant ThorntonACG DEI Committee Mission and ResourcesConnection BuildersAlex Drost on LinkedIn ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

SPECIAL 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 a family office to serving on the board of ACG. Her early career placed her in female-dominated teams, and so it wasn't until she entered the world of finance that she realized the impact of the lack of diversity on company culture and value. She talks us through her experiences and how having role models made a world of difference.   Key Points From This Episode:  Marcia's eclectic career path: from fashion to family office.  How starting her career in a female-dominated team inspired Marcia to get involved in DEI. The surprising question Marcia was asked on entering the world of finance and how it showed her the impact of a lack of diversity.  Why creating opportunities for ourselves creates value.  How diversity within corporations increases their value.  Marcia's tips on how to make a change to incorporate more diversity.  How you can do simple things like helping your alma mater with interviews allows you to share your expertise and inspire the next generation.  Why we need to educate communities about the important work of private equity.  Marcia's advice to people early in their career: get smarter about what you're interested in.  The importance of networking in getting a foot in the door.  Marcia Nelson on LinkedInACG DEI Committee Mission and ResourcesConnection BuildersAlex Drost on LinkedIn ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

SPECIAL 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.   Key Points From This Episode:  Value that lies in cognitive diversity. The problem with the way diversity is viewed by many organizations. Findings from studies which highlight the value of diversity.  Leon’s personal experience as an outsider. Limitations of homogeneity within organizations. Benefits that come from being your authentic self. Leon runs through the three-pronged approach to diversity that he has developed. One step that everyone can and should take in the direction of enhanced diversity. Some of the diversity-focused organizations that Palladium Equity Partners supports.  The importance of understanding that finding diverse talent is a challenging task because it takes you out of your comfort zone. Leon Brujis on LinkedInPalladium Equity PartnersACG DEI Committee Mission and ResourcesConnection BuildersAlex Drost on LinkedIn ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

SPECIAL 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 mitigating biases in the hiring process, facilitating open conversations, and maintaining accountability at all levels. Diverse talent is out there if you're willing to put in the work to find it.  Key Points From This Episode:  Some key statistics which highlight the benefits of a diverse workforce. The trajectory of diversity in the consumer goods industry. Why our society is far behind where it should be in terms of diversity within organizations. How executives need to change their thinking in order to ensure they build a more diverse team. Examples of how to create an inclusive company culture. How inherent bias exists in the hiring process, and the tool ACG uses to mitigate some of that bias. What Marty and Tom see as the most important elements of company culture. Tom shares the life lessons he and his family have learned through sharing their home with a person of color. Why empathy is a prerequisite for being a good leader. Martin Okner on LinkedIndpHUEThomas Bohn on LinkedIn Association for Corporate GrowthParity.orgACG DEI Committee Mission and ResourcesConnection BuildersAlex Drost on LinkedIn ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

SPECIAL 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 middle-market companies. Ernie shares his view on how diversity offers organizations a competitive advantage and why properly understanding and embracing this complex concept is the best way to optimize success. Key Points From This Episode: What Ernie's path to investment banking looked like, and the success his company, The HiGro Group, has experienced over the past five years. The complexity of the concept of diversity, and the importance of having a universal understanding of it. Why having diversity in your organization gives you a competitive advantage. Limits of having a homogenous workforce. The history of Howard University, and what Ernie gained through being educated there. Disadvantages of not being exposed to the achievements of people who look like you.  The summer internship that changed the course of Ernie's life. Examples of the many different layers of diversity. Advice for leaders who want to enhance diversity within their organizations. The HiGro GroupErnie Lyles on LinkedInACG DEI Committee Mission and ResourcesConnection Builders Alex Drost on LinkedIn ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

SPECIAL 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 can take to create a more inclusive and diverse culture. Josh talks about the committees in place at Calfee that drew him to the firm and the benefits of making people feel welcome in the workplace. Furthermore, we find out what could be done at a base level in law schools to foster diversity and inclusion and set the industry standard. Tune in to discover why it’s so important to have an inclusive workplace, bring different voices to the table, and why allies should take the initiative to effect change.  Key Points From This Episode: Why it’s important to have an inclusive workplace and bring different voices to the table. How having an inclusive culture fosters better interactions, internally and externally. Josh’s experience at Calfee, Halter & Griswold as a member of the LGBT community. How to foster diversity and inclusion by allocating resources and forming committees. How law schools can promote more diversity and inclusion and why it’s essential to do so. What organizations can do to make people feel more welcomed. How male-dominated industries can benefit from hiring LGBT candidates. What Calfee, specifically, is doing to foster diversity and inclusion. The importance of taking the initiative to effect change as an ally. Joshua Berggrun on LinkedInCalfee, Halter & GriswoldACG DEI Committee Mission and ResourcesConnection BuildersAlex Drost on LinkedIn ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

Many 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. We find out why we should have the work ethic of a lion (short bursts of intense concentration) compared to that of a cow (prolonged, less intense effort) and why you owe it to yourself to make time to grow. We discover the creative benefits of relaxing and how looking back at previous journal entries can show you how much you've grown.   Key Points From This Episode:  The importance of finding time to yourself in being intentional in your daily life.  How meditating for as little as 10 minutes a day can set you up for success.  Looking back at previous journaling and observing how you've grown. Owing it to yourself: giving yourself space to do the things you love. The Lion vs Cow work ethic: why being highly productive for a shorter period is better than being less productive over a longer period.  Taking ownership of your time to avoid resentment.  How spending time in your thoughts can help you grow.  Ryan Cutter on LinkedInAlex Drost LinkedInBranch Out Podcast LinkedInConnection Builders LinkedInHave thoughts or comments? We want to hear from you. growth@connection.builders ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

It 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 culture that welcomes feedback in her business and the benefits of soliciting feedback internally. We also discuss the benefits of building and maintaining relationships with your peers and how to grow by surrounding yourself with other leaders.   Key Points From This Episode:  Carrie's definition of growth and why she believes it's so important. How Carrie creates the right environment for better feedback. The benefits of soliciting feedback internally. How to create a work culture where feedback is welcomed. How soliciting feedback has helped Carrie grow. How Carrie has benefited from surrounding herself with leaders and good people. How being part of a community has helped Carrie in challenging situations. The value of building and maintaining relationships with others in your industry. Why most of Carrie's networking is about exchanging ideas, rather than a sales pitch. How to learn and evolve through your peers. Why Carrie is a big proponent of peer groups. How Carrie was inspired by her peers at a fire walking event. How your energy and mindset affect those around you, especially as a leader. Carrie Schochet on LinkedinCarrie Schochet EmailPurple Squirrel AdvisorsAlex Drost LinkedInBranch Out Podcast LinkedInConnection Builders LinkedInHave thoughts or comments? We want to hear from you. growth@connection.builders ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

One 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 habits and methods for continuing to grow, but that foundation of open-mindedness and a willingness to change and adapt is the most critical aspect, in our opinion.   Key Points From This Episode:  Elliott's general thinking about a growth mindset.  Staying open to the possibility of improvement. Reframing wins and losses can change your whole perspective on learning.  Setting the appropriate expectations and how these can determine your results.   How experiences of failure and loss can propel innovation and different kinds of success. Finding time and energy to invest in learning within a busy schedule.   Investing your money in your learning; why Elliott values this trait so highly.  Getting creative and opening your mind to innovation and new possibilities.  Drawing on the experience and intelligence of older professionals.  Elliott Holland on LinkedInGuardian Due DiligenceThroughlineHidden BrainAlex Drost LinkedInBranch Out Podcast LinkedInConnection Builders LinkedInHave thoughts or comments? We want to hear from you. growth@connection.builders ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team

Being 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 out where your strengths are and the power of knowing what you are not good at. Our conversation also touches on the importance of introspection, relationship-building, and the value of referrals.   Key Points From This Episode: Ken’s work with family business owners and why he is so passionate about them. Hear about where the name Ten:34 comes from. The misconceptions that many people hold about what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Ken’s perspective of risk and why it’s about more than just finance. Some of Ken’s tips on how to figure out what you are good at. A key to success is not trying to master everything. You can gain clarity from taking steps back during your day. Ken’s approach to building relationships; it’s not about generating business. You will build a good reputation over time, so be patient. Whatever you are thinking of doing, start now. What Ken would say to himself if he could go back 20 years. Ken Marblestone on LinkedInTen:34 PartnersStrengthsFinderAlex Drost LinkedInBranch Out Podcast LinkedInConnection Builders LinkedInHave thoughts or comments? We want to hear from you. growth@connection.builders ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER GROWTH Career success comes from having a strong professional network. Take your career to the next level by jumpstarting your networking.I am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for MyselfI am Interested in the Networking Bootcamp for my Firm or Team