10 Min CxO Clip- Doug Gattuso
CXO Conversations
In “C-Suite Perspective in Leading with Authenticity,” shares why true leadership is about focusing on opportunities and outcomes—not titles or ego. A veteran of the Naval Academy and Marine Corps, Doug reflects on a career spanning executive roles including President and Chief Customer Officer. He explains why burning bridges is never wise, the lessons gained from international work experiences in Prague and India, and how patience, teamwork, and humility shape long-term success. Doug’s story is a reminder that authentic leadership and continuous contribution create lasting impact in...
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2 Min CxO Clip- Casey Woo
CXO Conversations
What does it take to admit a prestigious path isn’t for you—and have the courage to pivot? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Casey Woo, CFO of Landing.com, discusses his journey from West Point to Harvard, from Wall Street hedge funds to executive leadership roles at startups like WeWork and Zozi. Casey shares how he found fulfillment in finance by building teams, driving strategy, and embracing the operational challenges of scaling businesses. Along the way, he offers candid advice on following passion over prestige, understanding the differences between CFO and COO roles, and...
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10 Min CxO Clip- Casey Woo
CXO Conversations
In “Making the Hardest Call – Admitting it’s Not for You,” , former CFO forLanding.com, shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career journey—from starting at West Point and pivoting to Harvard, to walking away from Wall Street to pursue his passion for building and leading companies. With CFO and COO roles at firms including WeWork and Zozi, Casey reflects on following your own path instead of others’ expectations, the lessons he’s learned on his way to the C-suite, and why choosing finance allowed him to combine strategy with impact. His story is a powerful reminder...
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2 Min CxO Clip- John Oechsle
CXO Conversations
What does it take to plan a career all the way to the CEO chair? In this episode of CXO Conversations, John Oechsle discusses the strategic decisions that helped him rise from technology leadership at J&J and IHS to CEO of Derive Systems. He reflects on how international assignments shaped his leadership style, why embracing “crackpot projects” at Kellogg’s accelerated his growth, and the importance of taking roles for the right reasons—not just for compensation. For aspiring executives, John’s story is a roadmap on career planning, resilience, and the values that define strong...
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10 Min CxO Clip- John Oechsle
CXO Conversations
In “Career Planning and Strategic Decisions to Become CEO,” was CEO of Derive Systems and now Bolt On Technology, shares how purposeful choices shaped his path from CIO roles at Johnson & Johnson and IHS to leading multiple organizations, including Swiftpage and now Derive. John explains how he set a goal early to become a CEO, took on challenging assignments others avoided, and leveraged international experiences across Europe, Latin America, and Asia to expand his leadership perspective. He also offers candid insights on why money is the wrong reason to pursue the C-suite and why...
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2 Min CxO Clip- Craig Cummings
CXO Conversations
What does it take to transition from the battlefield to the boardroom? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Craig Cummings—Army veteran, Bronze Star recipient, and co-founder of Moonshots Capital—discusses the lessons he’s carried from 17 years of military service into the world of startups and venture capital. He shares practical advice on creating a career-defining elevator pitch, supporting veteran entrepreneurs, and building strong networks that accelerate growth. From deploying with Special Operations to scaling tech startups and investing in extraordinary leaders, Craig’s...
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10 Min CxO Clip- Craig Cummings
CXO Conversations
In “Building Your Career Transition Elevator Pitch,” shares how his journey from Army Intelligence Officer in Afghanistan to General Partner at Moonshots Capital shaped his approach to leadership, entrepreneurship, and investing. A Bronze Star recipient and West Point graduate with a Ph.D. from Columbia, Craig explains how veterans can craft an elevator pitch that opens doors, the importance of building strong entrepreneurship communities like Austin’s, and why investing in talented veteran founders is a mission for him. His story is a powerful reminder that clarity, curiosity, and...
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2 Min CxO Clip- Chris Younger
CXO Conversations
What can hundreds of transactions and decades of leadership teach us about CEOs? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Chris Younger, CEO of Class VI Partners, reflects on buying, selling, and leading companies across industries. He shares candid insights on managing the stress of leadership, why presence and transparency matter, and how servant leadership builds lasting teams. From his experience acquiring 27 companies to guiding CEOs through exits and growth strategies, Chris highlights both the rewards and the realities of C-suite life—and why prioritizing self-care is as important as...
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10 Min CxO Clip- Chris Younger
CXO Conversations
In “CEO Insights & Self Care with Chris Younger,” shares lessons from a career spanning telecom, private equity, and advisory leadership. As President of Expanets, he acquired 27 companies in just 3 years before selling to Avaya, and today, as CEO of Class VI Partners, he advises middle-market businesses and family offices on transactions and growth. Chris opens up about the physical toll of overwork, the importance of managing stress, and why diet, sleep, and exercise are critical for executives. He also explains his “Dinner Test” for CEOs and why executive presence sets the tone...
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2 Min CxO Clip- Christine Gagnon
CXO Conversations
What does it mean to be truly intellectually curious as a leader? In this episode of CXO Conversations, Christine Gagnon, CFO of African Asset Finance Company at time of interview, discusses the value of continuous learning and the global perspective she’s gained from international assignments and advanced education at top institutions. From her early career at PwC and EY to her current role financing critical sectors across Africa, Christine shares how ongoing education enriches her work, enhances strategic planning, and opens new angles of business she would have never seen otherwise. Her...
info_outlineAs the leader of a large public university and former undersecretary of the U.S. Navy, Dr. Janine Davidson has dedicated 30 years of her career to academic, civilian, and military service.
Since 2017, she has been the President of Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she has been a staunch advocate for underrepresented students, DACA recipients, and military and veteran students.
Prior to her work in higher education, she was appointed by former President Barack Obama as the 32nd undersecretary of the U.S. Navy. She's also a trailblazing pilot, being the first woman to fly the Air Force's tactical C-130.
In today’s episode, Janine reflects on her career:
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The interview process to become undersecretary of the U.S. Navy
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Engaging with the local community as President of MSU Denver
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Becoming one of the first female pilots in the air force
Janine has been awarded many accolades, including the HillVets Top 100 Most Influential Veterans and the Secretary of the Navy Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
At the national level, she is chair of the Department of Defense Policy Board and serves on the State Department Foreign Affairs Policy Board. Locally in Denver, Janine serves on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Colorado Concern, Downtown Denver Partnership, and the Rose Community Foundation.
Thank you to ACG Denver for being a sponsor of CXO Conversations Podcast. Association for Corporate Growth in its role as the hub of the middle market business community for quality networking, education and events. Connections are made, deals are formed and thought leadership is exchanged.
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Thank you Jalan Crossland for lending your award-winning banjo skills to CXO Conversations.