Why Strategic Planning Is Essential for Business Growth
Chicago Business Leaders Podcast
Release Date: 06/16/2025
Why Strategic Planning Is Essential for Business Growth
Chicago Business Leaders Podcast
In this episode of the Chicago Business Leaders Podcast, presented by Sutker Moran and hosted by Scott Moran, we sit down with Andy Hartlieb, CEO of American Community Bank & Trust, to discuss leadership, strategy, and the evolving banking landscape. Celebrating the bank’s 25th anniversary, Andy reflects on its journey from a 10-founder startup to a trusted, independent commercial bank serving entrepreneurs across Chicago. Andy shares how his leadership style—rooted in a “player-coach” mindset—has evolved, emphasizing team culture, accountability, and continuous improvement. He...
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From Startup to 100+ Lawyers: How Patrick Croke is Redefining Big Law with Servant Leadership
Chicago Business Leaders Podcast
In this episode of the Chicago Business Leaders Podcast, host Scott Moran sits down with Patrick Croke, founding partner at Croke Fairchild Duarte and Beres, to explore how one of Chicago’s fastest-growing law firms is rewriting the rules of legal leadership. Patrick shares the firm’s incredible growth story — from 7 lawyers at launch to over 100 across 13 states — and dives into the principles of servant leadership, client partnership, and entrepreneurial thinking that drive their success. He offers insights on scaling a law firm, standing out in a crowded legal market, and why...
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Leadership That Lasts: How Wintrust’s Bob Shanahan Built a Team That Stays and Clients That Trust
Chicago Business Leaders Podcast
In this wide-ranging conversation, veteran banking leader Bob Shanahan shares hard-earned wisdom from over 20 years of running a successful asset-based lending group at Wintrust. With a people-first mindset and a leadership style rooted in collaboration, Bob explains how hiring talented individuals has laid the foundation for a high-performing, loyal team. Nearly all team leaders under his guidance have risen through the ranks internally, proving the long-term power of promoting from within and fostering growth through mentorship and trust. But leadership doesn’t stop at staffing. Bob...
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The Chicago Business Leaders Podcast - Coming Soon
Chicago Business Leaders Podcast
Welcome to the Chicago Business Leaders Podcast. Each month we bring you insights from Leaders throughout the Chicago Middle-Market Business Community. Listen in as we discuss leadership styles, industry trends and topics, and other key items affecting the Business community.
info_outlineIn this episode of the Chicago Business Leaders Podcast, presented by Sutker Moran and hosted by Scott Moran, we sit down with Andy Hartlieb, CEO of American Community Bank & Trust, to discuss leadership, strategy, and the evolving banking landscape. Celebrating the bank’s 25th anniversary, Andy reflects on its journey from a 10-founder startup to a trusted, independent commercial bank serving entrepreneurs across Chicago.
Andy shares how his leadership style—rooted in a “player-coach” mindset—has evolved, emphasizing team culture, accountability, and continuous improvement. He highlights the power of personalized service in a consolidating industry and how staying agile and values-driven allows smaller firms to stand out amid large-scale competitors.
The conversation dives into strategic planning, the critical role of advisory teams, and the importance of articulating and aligning business goals across an organization. Andy also offers a refreshing sense of optimism about the future of Chicago’s business environment and opportunities for growth.
Whether you're a CEO, business owner, or aspiring leader, this episode offers timely, tactical insights on building lasting client relationships, creating team alignment, and leading with purpose in today’s fast-changing market.
Learn more at www.amcombank.com or connect with Andy Hartlieb at (815) 334-3564.