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C Suite and Sour

C Suite and Sour

By Align

C-suite life is not always sweet. We invite c-suite executives to speak candidly about the ups and downs of leading a business and the most impactful parts of their jobs. Hear advice from top business leaders about how they’ve overcome the most common obstacles that leaders face and how you can leverage the resources around you to succeed.
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EP 14: Rich Armstrong

C Suite and Sour May 12, 2023

00:00
40:36
EP 32 - Samuel Moses - From socks to riches.

EP 32 - Samuel Moses - From socks to riches.

🔥 Dive into Sam Moses' Sock Journey!

👔 From a high-end necktie store in Toronto... 🧦 ...to introducing the crowd-favorite Happy Socks... ✨ ...and then launching Sockrates, an international custom sock sensation.

Behind the scenes: 🌐 A global pivot during COVID, with a boost from online sales. 🚀 Wife’s ad genius + challenges like shipping & quality control = Growth. 🛠️ Their mantra? Invest in tech and always be prepared for change.

A must-listen for those riding the entrepreneurial wave! 🎧

#SockratesSaga #EntrepreneurialSpirit #BusinessPivot

Sep 15, 202344:59
EP 31: Val Grubb

EP 31: Val Grubb

Are great leaders born or made? Our guest in this episode gives her take on this age-old question.

We’re joined by Val Grubb, a seasoned Keynote Speaker, Author, Executive Coach, and Trainer, who’s held leadership roles at powerhouses like Oxygen Media and NBC Universal.

Listen along as Val dives into the transformative shift from tactical thinking to strategic leadership, exploring the notion of who can—and should—be a leader. We also discuss the fundamental role of education in molding competent leaders and share insider tips on how CEOs can cascade effective leadership down through every layer of their organization.

Sep 08, 202350:36
Ep 29: Kourtney Rincon - Diversity and Breaking through

Ep 29: Kourtney Rincon - Diversity and Breaking through

This episode is a little different. We dive deep into the life of Kourtney Rincon and see how from a very difficult childhood she has become successful, not only in life but in business.

We then dive into diversity in the workplace, specifically diversity of thought and how to act in the workplace with people who think differently than us because of their genetics. The answer will shock you. Or maybe it won't. ;)

Sep 01, 202344:52
Ep 29: Erica Salm Rench - AI and Parenthood

Ep 29: Erica Salm Rench - AI and Parenthood

In the latest episode of "C Suite and Sour," Philip sits down with Erica, the CEO of Rasa.io, a company specializing in AI-driven newsletter solutions. Erica shares her journey from her early days in Tulane's undergraduate admission office, where she was introduced to the world of marketing automation, to her current role at Rasa. The conversation delves into the evolution of AI in the email industry, the challenges of leadership, and the balance between personal and professional life.

Erica emphasizes the importance of embracing change, especially in the rapidly advancing world of AI, and discusses the challenges of managing feedback as a company grows. The episode also touches on the blurred lines between work and personal life in the age of remote work, with both Philip and Erica sharing their experiences and strategies for navigating these challenges.

Aug 25, 202331:21
EP 28: Ali Schwanke

EP 28: Ali Schwanke

Ever wondered why even the best strategies sometimes fall flat in execution? Ali Schwanke has helped countless companies pinpoint what they’re missing and steer them in the direction of growth.

Ali is the CEO & Founder of Simple Strat, which helps businesses leverage HubSpot and scale. With her consulting background, Ali reveals the two main culprits behind most business problems, and the pivotal importance of identifying the root issue.

Listen along as we discuss:

  • The great divide between strategy understanding and execution prowess.
  • The future of AI and how it will impact modern businesses.
  • The ongoing debate: Hybrid vs. Remote vs. In-person. Which reigns supreme in 2023?
  • Tips and tricks to leverage social media in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Aug 18, 202352:05
EP 27: Rand Fishkin

EP 27: Rand Fishkin

Most business success journeys are not as glamorous as we are often led to believe. The truth is that you need a lot more than just a great idea, money, and luck to build an industry leading brand.

Our guest this week knows a thing or two about turning trials into triumphs and creating tangible success out of experience, learning, and commitment.

Listen along as we sit down with Rand Fishkin, CEO of Sparktoro, creator of Moz, and author of the praised Lost and Founder: A Painfully Honest Field Guide to the Startup World.

Sparktoro, a free audience research platform, is proof that you don’t need a large team to grow a business. Rand shares how his mighty team of 3 have created success with a nontraditional model that has worked wonders.

He explains his take on modern business structure and profitability, and discusses how the way companies design their teams and cultures might be the most telling factor of their success.

Aug 11, 202356:59
EP 26: Claudia Chan
Aug 04, 202344:16
EP 25: Andrea Sampson

EP 25: Andrea Sampson

Fill in the blank. In terms of leadership, “Every company needs a ___________.”

Hint: It’s not a CEO.

Listen to our in-depth discussion with Andrea Sampson, master storyteller and CEO of Talk Boutique. Andrea explains which role in a business is easily overlooked but essential to establishing a strong presence, and how to identify who it should be within your team. With a background in marketing and advertising, she shares how individuals can unleash their storytelling capabilities to create meaningful change. We explore the evolution of advertising and how companies can use it today in a way that works for them specifically.

As a neurodiverse leader, Andrea shares how individuals can embrace their unique mindset and use it to be thought leaders who drive impactful transformation.

Jul 28, 202343:35
EP 24: Alina Vandenberghe

EP 24: Alina Vandenberghe

There are many answers to the question, "What sets successful businesses apart from the rest?" But two of the most evident are a company’s values and its leadership.

Alina Vandenberghe reveals the #1 Core Value of her company, Chili Piper, and how she empowers her team to bring it to life each day. From the age of 9, Alina’s entrepreneurial spirit has inspired her to drive impact and provide benefit to people’s lives. She explains how she grew Chili Piper and the tools she finds most useful to run the show. Leaders, listen up. This is how you grow an idea into a powerhouse business.

Jul 21, 202326:05
EP 23: Lindsey Fine

EP 23: Lindsey Fine

We’re gonna let you in on a little secret: All great business leaders have doubted themselves at some point along the way…even this week’s guest who has industry giants like Salesforce, Meta, and Amazon on her resumé.

Lindsey Fine, B2B SaaS and Sales Expert, reflects on her transformative journey and reveals how early-career influences inspired her to become a leader herself. She shares insights around overcoming imposter syndrome, and how leading with transparency might be the secret ingredient to a thriving team.

Jul 14, 202337:51
EP 22: Em Kintner

EP 22: Em Kintner

Whatever business you’re in, you’re in the business of people. 

Em Kintner, People Ops & Talent Acquisition Leader, joins us to share her take on the ever-evolving landscape of hiring and firing, exploring the current trends shaping the employment market. 

Em reveals the most common challenges that come with building and retaining a team of A-Players, and provides actionable tips for CEOs and managers to cultivate fruitful relationships with employees.

Jul 07, 202346:02
EP 21: Danielle Aime

EP 21: Danielle Aime

Emotional intelligence is a vital trait for CEOs, but how big of a role do emotions actually play in the workplace?

In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Aime, CEO and intuitive mentor for high-achieving executives. Danielle dives into the several ways that emotions affect our working relationships, from facing the reality of gender biases to the necessity of creating a safe space where employees feel valued. Danielle provides tips for enhancing team morale and fostering healthy communication by connecting with your people on a human level.

Jun 30, 202351:03
EP 20: Amy Looper - Boss Mommy

EP 20: Amy Looper - Boss Mommy

When you’re the CEO of a growing organization, work/life balance can seem like a myth. But our guest in this episode has some advice for you.

Turns out, you don’t have to sacrifice work for family, or vice versa.

This week, we sit down with Amy Looper - CEO, High Performance Coach, and Author of Leading Motherhood: Surrendering To Faith Over Fear From The Delivery Room To Board Room. Amy reveals some of the most common challenges among working parents, tips to combat burnout, and why finding the right balance can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll do for yourself.

You just have to do it right.

Jun 23, 202336:26
EP 19: Jeff Tetz

EP 19: Jeff Tetz

Sure, CEOs lead organizations. But our guest in this episode believes that leaders have a special ability to create impact through authority that goes beyond business success.

Join us as we talk with Jeff Tetz, CEO of Results, a business consulting company. Jeff delves into the bigger-picture role of leaders outside of driving revenue – the responsibility to grow others, empower and initiate change, and create a legacy that will influence the world in ways you might not think of.

Jun 16, 202341:17
EP 18: Warner Moore

EP 18: Warner Moore

When you think of a tech expert, you probably think of some genius working behind the scenes buried in a computer 24/7. But being a CEO in the tech space requires a rare combination of skills that most people don’t have – encompassing both the technical side and the business acumen side.

In this episode, we are joined by Warner Moore, Founder of Gamma Force. Warner shares his insights on everything from managing development teams to AI, exploring the unique mindset required to be a leader in tech, where innovation is paramount.

Jun 09, 202338:54
EP 17: Buddy Teaster
Jun 02, 202350:38
EP 16: Beck Sydow

EP 16: Beck Sydow

Anyone with the right skills can lead a team. But what separates good leaders from great leaders is the ability to combine interpersonal and intrapersonal skills to develop meaningful business acumen.

Beck Sydow, business coach and former CEO, shares what it takes to strike the perfect balance between people-oriented and task-oriented leadership. From embracing diversity to adopting habits that support team members, Beck explains how your approach makes all the difference in your organizational performance.

May 26, 202339:59
EP 15: Herb Cogliano

EP 15: Herb Cogliano

One thing that all great business methodologies have in common is that they are based on proven results.

Herb Cogliano, Scaling Up Certified Coach, drills down on the most important assets of the proven Scaling Up methodology and how businesses around the world use it to create long-term success. He explains the most common challenges he’s seen in his 35 years of experience, from understanding the key levers that impact business profitability to why you might be hiring candidates based on the wrong checklist.

May 19, 202338:32
EP 14: Rich Armstrong

EP 14: Rich Armstrong

Many thriving businesses credit their success to effective leadership and proper coaching. Our guest in this episode is an expert in both.

Rich Armstrong, President of The Great Game of Business, reveals the strategies and insights behind the Great Game methodology that have helped him bring teams to success throughout his 30 years of experience as a coach and executive.

May 12, 202340:36
EP 13: Jeff Wadholm

EP 13: Jeff Wadholm

We know hybrid work is here to stay, but are businesses doing it right?

Join us for lucky #13 as we sit down with Jeff Wadholm, Senior VP of Revenue Operations at MeridianLink. Jeff shares his favorite leadership word and its impact, tips to achieve the perfect blend of hybrid work, and why diversity could be the key to a happier, more productive team.

May 05, 202346:02
EP 12: Dr. Chitra Anand

EP 12: Dr. Chitra Anand

Could intrapreneurship be the answer to success after the pandemic? Dr. Chitra Anand is here to break it down. In great businesses, you don’t have to be a CEO to feel and act like an owner within your company. In EP 12, Dr. Anand (Award-Winning Marketing & Communications Executive) discusses her take on developing an entrepreneurial mindset and the impact it can have on any individual’s success.

Apr 28, 202352:16
EP 11: Kevin Nolan

EP 11: Kevin Nolan

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a one-person marketing team for a half-billion dollar company? Kevin Nolan tells all. As the former VP of Marketing at Sagility (previously part of Hinduja Global Solutions Healthcare), Kevin discusses the perks and challenges (or the sweet and sour, if you will) of marketing healthcare in 2023.

Apr 21, 202332:26
EP 10: David Meltzer

EP 10: David Meltzer

There are three simple words that will change your life, according to David Meltzer. In this mini episode, David discusses how he was able to defy the odds and bounce back after going bankrupt. As a founder, 3X bestselling author, and renowned keynote, David knows what it takes to be a great leader and create a legacy that will set up any team for success.

Apr 14, 202321:17
EP 9: Vaughn Sigmon

EP 9: Vaughn Sigmon

Do you know what the single most important leadership trait is? Vaughn Sigmon has an idea or two. Join us for EP 9 as we sit down with Vaughn, Co-Founder of Results Driven Leadership. We discuss all-things leadership – from how leaders can get hiring right by focusing on candidates’ competencies rather than experience, to the importance of balancing management with leadership in running a team.

Mar 31, 202348:47
EP 8: Dan Kelsall

EP 8: Dan Kelsall

In EP 8, we are joined by Dan Kelsall, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Offended. Offended puts a twist on the world of marketing by defying social norms, taking risks, and embracing the uncomfortable. Dan discusses his journey in marketing and reveals how he was able to write and publish a bestselling book within 20 hours. This episode is edgier than the ones before it (complete with a few F-bombs), and delves into creating success in the unlikeliest of ways while maintaining strong professional relationships and growing a powerhouse team.

Mar 24, 202338:09
EP 7: Anne Pao

EP 7: Anne Pao

In EP 7, we are joined by Anne Pao, Fractional Operations Executive for High Growth Startups. Anne discusses her “empowerment and enablement” leadership style and how businesses can build team cohesion by optimizing the strengths of individual employees. She discusses being a people-driven leader by promoting employee autonomy, overcoming team conflict, and identifying top performers as early as the hiring process.

Mar 17, 202343:32
EP 6: Sam Jacobs

EP 6: Sam Jacobs

In EP 6, we are joined by Sam Jacobs, CEO & Founder of Pavilion, a community and career development platform for high-growth leaders and their teams. Sam discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and bouncing back after failure, explaining how business leaders can best navigate the modern workforce. He expands on how to combat the challenges that come with hiring in 2023 to ensure businesses can build strong teams and sustainable organizations.

Mar 10, 202338:28
EP 5: Karen Mangia

EP 5: Karen Mangia

In EP 5, we sit down with Karen Mangia, WSJ Bestselling Author, Salesforce Executive, and TEDx speaker. Karen delves into her non-traditional approach to leadership and discusses how old playbooks only limit people from reaching their full potential. She encourages c-suite leaders to create meaningful change instead of imposing mandates through less traditional means. She advises how business leaders can use available resources to supercharge their teams and accelerate during times of crisis.

Mar 03, 202341:25
EP 4: Kirk Barnes

EP 4: Kirk Barnes

In Episode 4, we sit down with Kirk Barnes, CEO & Co-Founder of TransPharMed. We delve into networking as a vital skill that is often overlooked, but has become increasingly more important amid mass layoffs and uncertainty in the workplace. Kirk explains how technological advancements have helped drive effective networking, and how professionals can utilize these resources to navigate their lives and careers. He also discusses how business leaders can accept and embrace diverse work styles and drive alignment among a team of both introverts and extroverts.

Feb 24, 202359:08
EP 3: Joe Martin

EP 3: Joe Martin

In Episode 3, we are joined by Joe Martin, VP of Marketing at Scorpion. Joe discusses how his years of management experience at Adobe helped shape his creative approach to marketing and leadership and provides strategic guidance on building the right stack to prompt growth.

Feb 17, 202355:06
EP 2: Gord Smith

EP 2: Gord Smith

In the second episode of "C Suite and Sour," we interviewed Gord Smith, CEO of Alta Consulting. Gord has extensive experience working with North American organizations and has trained and empowered countless sales teams. He also coaches business leaders on driving profitable growth.

Gord believes the next generation of leaders should inspire their team members instead of relying on outdated command and control methods. The pandemic has led to a significant people problem in many businesses, with staff feeling disconnected and uninspired by traditional management techniques. To scale up post-pandemic, Gord suggests prioritizing a strong culture focused on learning and development opportunities, coaching skills, building relationships between employees, and focusing on core competencies and strategies aligned with priorities. Join us as we delve into Gord's insights and learn how to become a better leader in the post-pandemic world.

Feb 03, 202352:23
EP 1: Barrett King

EP 1: Barrett King

In our first episode, guest Barrett King discusses how his winding career journey and early-stage struggles motivated him to pursue success in the sales industry, eventually landing him a senior role leading HubSpot’s GTM Strategy. Barrett reflects on his experiences and advises how up-and-coming sales executives can take advantage of continuous learning, capitalize on understanding customers and human behavior, and develop strategic communication skills.

Jan 06, 202354:01