Rebels With A Heart

In this exclusive episode, listen in for a deep dive into the unfolding stories of CEOs who navigated the intricate landscape of 2023, unwrapping the triumphs, challenges, and strategic moves that defined their leadership journey.

Discover firsthand insights from visionary leaders as they share the pivotal moments that shaped their companies and set the stage for the future.

Panelists:
Doug Cardon, CEO, The Shield Companies
Jennifer McCollum, CEO, Linkage, Inc
Jeremy Andrus, CEO, Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC

Moderated by: Derek Lundsten, President & Chief Culture Officer, LifeGuides

BIOS

Doug Cardon is currently the co-founder and CEO of EcoShield Pest Solutions, a leading pest management company in the United States. His collaboration with now partner and Co-Founder, Greg Nygren, began with their joint efforts in building Safeguard, a residential pest services company. In 2006, they joined forces to establish EcoShield Pest Solutions.  The company ranks as the 4th largest privately-owned company in its sector and is among the top 10 pest management companies in the US.

Beyond business success, EcoShield, under Doug’s guidance, has become renowned for its commitment to community leadership. The company has initiated impactful programs, including Exterminate Hunger, Shield for Soldiers, and National Day of Service.

Jennifer McCollum is CEO of Linkage, a SHRM company, where she oversees the strategic direction and global operations of this leadership development firm. With a mission to “Change the Face of Leadership,” Linkage has dedicated more than 35 years to improving leadership effectiveness and equity in hundreds of organizations globally. Linkage provides assessments, training, coaching, consulting and conferences, with solutions designed to Accelerate Purposeful Leaders; Advance Women Leaders; and Create Inclusive Organizations.

Jennifer is a highly sought-after consultant and speaker, with deep expertise in Inclusive Leadership and Advancing Women Leaders. In addition, Jennifer is the author of the forthcoming book In Her Own Voice: A Woman’s Rise to CEO: Overcoming Hurdles to Change the Face of Leadership, due in November 2023, as well as a contributing author to Leadership in a Time of Crisis.

Jeremy Andrus is President & CEO of Traeger Grills, the original wood pellet grill brand that has taken the outdoor cooking world by storm. He and a financial partner acquired the company in 2014, transforming it from a small, regional, 26-year-old business into a multi-hundred-million-dollar brand that owns over 50% of the global wood pellet grill market. This was largely achieved by Jeremy leading an overhaul that would result in moving the company’s headquarters from Oregon to Utah and rebuilding its team with an emphasis on the people and culture behind the company. Jeremy took Traeger public on the NYSE in July 2021.

Jeremy was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2016, MountainWestCapital Network Utah Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017, and was inducted into the Utah Technology Council Hall of Fame in 2018.

Follow Doug on LI → https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-cardon-2913206/
Follow Jennifer on LI → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferscherermccollum/
Follow Jeremy on LI → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremybandrus/

In this episode, tune in to discover the dynamic realm of HR leadership amid a backdrop of automation and technological progress.

Our esteemed guests will explore the challenges and opportunities facing HR professionals as they navigate the impact of automation on workforce management and organizational culture. From harnessing AI-powered solutions for enriched employee engagement to nurturing inclusive environments amidst tech transformations, this episode promises valuable insights for effective leadership in the automated age.

Listen in to discover how to …

• Leverage AI for Strategic Talent Management
• Advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Initiatives in an Automated Workforce
• Maximize the use of technology for HR Efficiency and Effectiveness

Panelists:
Deven Downey, VP of HR, Nerd United
Lars Minns, CHRO, Mercedes-Benz USA
William Rolack, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, Kroll

Deven is a seasoned HR professional with over 15 years of experience and a master’s degree in Human Resources. As the founder of Nerd Labs, a company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for early-stage startups, he brings a wealth of expertise in HR management and organizational development. Deven’s leadership style is centered on best practices rather than a rote list of policies and procedures. Believing that teaching managers how to lead their teams effectively is key, he fosters an environment where performance naturally follows. Beyond the boardroom, Deven finds joy in staying active through workouts, cherishing moments with family, and sharing playful moments with their mini schnauzer. Above all, Deven values the connections with loved ones as the cornerstone of a fulfilling life.

Lars N. Minns is currently the Chief HR Officer for Mercedes-Benz, North America with responsibility for the US and Canada serving the organization since March 2015. He currently leads the organization in designing, implementing, and executing HR strategies that directly align with the company’s strategic objectives for the Sales, Marketing, and Distribution of Passenger Cars, Vans and parts in the United States and Canada. Under his leadership, the organization is undergoing one of the largest transformations in the automotive industry in its pursuit to be the most desired electric luxury brand in North America. Prior to joining Mercedes-Benz, he served as the Sr. Mgr. of Talent Acquisition for The Home Depot.

William Rolack Sr. is Kroll’s Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, based in New York. He has over 20 years of experience leading diversity and inclusion strategies, human capital management and mobility management. William works closely with the Kroll leadership team and other stakeholders to develop strategic programs aimed at accelerating inclusion and diversity in the workplace and the commercial impact those programs have on high performing teams that drive economic value, innovation and business integration. William has been named Savoy Magazine’s 2023 Most Influential Executives in Diversity & Inclusion, the National Association of African Americans in Human Resource’s Human Resource Trailblazer of the Year for 2021 and he is listed in the Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) 2021 inaugural list of DE&I influencers. He has received a proclamation from the New York City Council for his work as a mentor and professional coach and for his contributions in the human resources field.

Follow Deven on LI → https://www.linkedin.com/in/deven-downey-0694891a3/
Follow Lars on LI → https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsnminns/
Follow William on LI → https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-t-rolack-sr-8a59062/

In this episode, join us to talk about about navigating challenging conversations with radical candor and respect. Hear our panelists’ stories about building trust through real talk, tackling bias, and balancing work with life for true happiness. Get inspired by their journeys of overcoming obstacles, staying authentic, and leading with empathy. This chat is packed with insights to help you create a more inclusive and heartfelt workplace!

Panelists:
Tamla Oates-Forney, CEO of Linkage, a SHRM Company
Kim Scott, Author of Radical Respect and Radical Candor
Dean Carter, CXO, Modern Exec Solutions

Tamla Oates-Forney is an innovative thought leader and speaker, women’s advocate, wellness champion, philanthropist and investor. She serves as CEO of Linkage, a SHRM company, a global leadership development firm committed to advancing women and accelerating inclusion in leaders and organizations.

Tamla previously served as EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for USAA, where as a member of the Executive Council she led USAA’s team of more than 500 HR professionals spanning talent development, talent acquisition, pay and benefits, culture and employee services for 37,000 teammates. She spent the majority of her career (20 years) at General Electric, where she held multiple leadership roles, including HR Leader for GE Africa, Chief Diversity Officer for GE Appliances and Lighting, and Vice President of HR for GE Energy Connections. She serves as a member of the Board of Advisors for her alma mater, UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, and is a sought-after speaker, advisor and thought leader for several HR-related technology startups.

Kim Scott is the author of Radical Respect: How to Work Together Better and Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity and co-founder of the company Radical Candor. Kim was a CEO coach at Dropbox, Qualtrics, Twitter, and other tech companies. She was a member of the faculty at Apple University and before that led AdSense, YouTube, and DoubleClick teams at Google. Prior to that Kim managed a pediatric clinic in Kosovo and started a diamond-cutting factory in Moscow.

She co-hosts the podcasts Radical Candor and Radical Respect. She lives with her family in Silicon Valley.

Dean Carter is widely known as an innovative and industry-recognized leader of People and Culture for over 20 years as a 4-time CHRO across Fortune 50, rapid growth, and culture-driven organizations. Prior to Modern, Dean served in the role of Chief People Officer for Guild, Sears Holdings, Fossil. Inc. and Patagonia, where his 10-year chief administrator role spanned across People, Culture, Finance, and Legal functions. He launched his HR career through a variety of progressive leadership roles at Procter&Gamble, Pier 1 Imports, and Pearle Vision.

Follow Tamla on LI → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamla-oates-forney-3723238/
Follow Kim on LI → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimm4/
Follow Dean on LI → https://www.linkedin.com/in/deancarter/

00:00 Introductions
04:25 How are you doing as a person?
13:20 Radical Respect
26:35 Tough conversations
33:43 Building culture as a CEO
37:23 Being true to your purpose
43:14 Transforming expectations of what work gives back to you
45:01 How do we truly ensure good work and life for all?
54:02 Bias, prejudice, and bullying
56:50 Diversity as a strength

In this recording of last April’s live panel, we dive into the dynamic world of education and its ever-evolving landscape, fueled by the transformative power of AI and other innovations.

Our esteemed guests will discuss innovative approaches and insights on empowering minds for positive change in education.

Listen in to discover…

• Rethinking Traditional Models: Delve into how educational paradigms are embracing AI and other advancements to adapt to the needs of a rapidly changing world.
• Empowering Learners: Hear firsthand accounts of initiatives and strategies that empower students and educators alike to thrive amidst evolving educational environments.
• Driving Impact: Learn how individuals and organizations are leveraging AI and other tools to drive positive impact in education, inspiring change and shaping the future of learning.

Panelists:
Angie Walker, VP Human Resources, Spring Education Group
Kevin Salcido, Retired HR Executive, Arizona State University
Yuvay Ferguson, CEO, Yuvay Ferguson, LLC

Angie Walker has 20+ years experience in strategic HR initiatives, merger & acquisition, talent acquisition and onboarding, compensation, and employee relations at mid-sized and Fortune 100 companies. The past 12 years has been in education, higher education and most recently, k-12.

Angie was previously the Chief Human Capital Officer at the Austin Centers as well as Vice President of Human Resources for National University and Northcentral University. In this role, she developed and implemented human capital strategies that included M&A transactions, organizational transformation initiatives, the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff, engagement and culture strategies, leadership development, and HR systems.

Kevin Salcido is a retired human resources executive. His most recent role was as the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Arizona State University.
Kevin was an HR leader for over 35 years.

Early in his career, Kevin had a senior personnel role with a major retail chain in Phoenix and spent time as the Southwest Region HR Manager for the PepsiCola Company. Salcido then became the Vice President of Human Resources at Central Newspapers, Inc., a national media and information company that operated seven newspapers including The Arizona Republic and the Indianapolis Star News. Salcido was then the Senior Director of Labor and Employee Relations and Workforce Development at Arizona Public Service before joining ASU in 2007.

A lifelong lover of education and a fierce champion for activities that impact the professional growth of business leaders, Dr. Yuvay Meyers Ferguson has a proven track record of consulting with global corporations to provide strategy around activities that prepare the workforce of today and tomorrow. Her academic research, which centers on generational cohorts and their behavior in the marketplace, has given her insight into how the general characteristics of the groups impacts workplace culture and dynamics.

With over 20 years of professional and academic experience, Dr. Ferguson has a unique understanding of adult education, leadership coaching, business strategy and planning that she uses in collaboration with evidence-based training techniques to help companies successfully strategize and implement people forward initiatives in today’s new labor environment.

Follow Angie on LI → https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-walker-phr-shrm-cp-ccp-mba-a62446/
Follow Kevin on LI → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinsalcido/
Follow Yuvay on LI → https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuvay-meyers-ferguson/

In this episode, we’ll hear from three guests in hospitality about how empathy not only enhances relationships with customers but also fosters a sense of belonging among employees, creating a ripple effect that positively impacts business.

Join the discussion to explore:

• Cultivating Genuine Connections: Discover how empathy serves as the cornerstone of exceptional customer service, leading to deeper connections and trust between customers and staff. Learn practical strategies for fostering authentic relationships with customers, resulting in memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression and foster a sense of belonging.
• Embracing Empathetic Leadership: Explore the importance of empathic leadership in hospitality, including how leaders can model empathy, inspire their teams, and create a culture of care and compassion that resonates throughout the organization.

Panelists:

• Arte Nathan, Previously served as the CHRO for Golden Nugget, Mirage Resorts, and Wynn Resorts
• Lindsey Garito, People & Culture Leader
• Susana Guerra, Regional Human Resources Manager, KSL Resorts

https://www.linkedin.com/in/arte-nathan/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-garito/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susana-guerra-49504343/

Arthur “Arte” Nathan served as Chief Human Resources Officer for Golden Nugget, Mirage Resorts, and Wynn Resorts from 1983 – 2006: he opened and helped operate all of their casinos in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Mississippi and China. Arte retired from the gaming industry in 2006 and helped develop and open the Resort at Pelican Hill. Throughout his career, Arte oversaw all aspects of HR including talent acquisition, training and development, compensation, workplace safety, labor and employee relations, employee communications, human resource information systems, and employee engagement. He currently serves on the Board of several companies, consults with hospitality and service companies worldwide, and writes a daily motivational blog.

Lindsey Garito is a senior HR/People leader with 20 years of progressive experience in the field of human resources. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in HR Management from Pace University and will graduate in May 2024 with her MBA. Lindsey holds SHRM-SCP and SPHR certifications. Lindsey is the proud recipient of the 2023 Susan R. Meisinger Fellowship Award through SHRM Foundation. Throughout her career, Lindsey has worked in various disciplines of HR including talent acquisition, total rewards, performance management, compensation, HR technology, employee relations, and general HR. Her industry experience includes consumer services, healthcare, and hospitality. Lindsey actively serves on the board of Westchester Human Resource Management Association as Emerging Professionals Chair. She also volunteers in SHRM’s national career mentoring program. Lindsey is a thought leader and regularly shares her insights and experiences in various publications and media and is a member of the Forbes Human Resources Council.

Susana is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience in various HR functions. Her expertise lies in Employee Relations, planning and organizing recruiting and staffing efforts, Benefits and Compensation, Training, and working in both union and non-union environments. She is currently Regional Human Resources Manager at KSL Resorts. Previously, she served as the Corporate Director of Talent and Purpose at Legacy Vacation Resorts. One of Susana’s notable accomplishments is her contribution to Legacy Vacation Resorts becoming a B Certified company, demonstrating her commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability.