Episode 082 – Pivot with Purpose: The Courage to Change with Jeanne Sparrow, Author & Keynote Speaker
The Executives' Exchange
Careers are shaped as much by unexpected change as by growth. The most accomplished professionals share one skill: recognizing when it's time to pivot, and having the confidence to follow through. In this episode of Executives’ Exchange, Jeanne Sparrow, Author and Keynote Speaker, reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her career, the mentors who challenged her to think beyond her current path, and the mindset it takes to embrace change. Discover how embracing change could bring opportunities you never expected. Subscribe on , , , or wherever you listen to...
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Beyond The Loop | Episode 003 - The Fractional Advantage With Joe Fontana and John Frank
The Executives' Exchange
In this episode of Beyond the Loop, Joe Fontana, Founder of Fry the Coop, and John Frank, CEO of Third Road Management, discuss how businesses can scale strategically without overextending resources. Through the lens of fractional leadership, they explore how companies can access specialized expertise at pivotal moments, strengthen financial operations, and build the infrastructure needed for long-term success. The conversation examines how the right talent and operational continuity can help growing businesses navigate change with...
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Beyond The Loop | Episode 002 - Culture Check: What Employees Expect Now, with Kristen Prinz and Christina Mesco
The Executives' Exchange
Employee expectations are changing — and workplace culture is changing with them. As organizations navigate growing demands for transparency, accountability, and trust, culture has become a defining factor in leadership effectiveness, talent retention, and long-term business performance. In this episode of Beyond the Loop, Kristen Prinz, Founder and Managing Partner of Prinz Law Firm, and Christina Hynes Mesco, Of Counsel at Prinz Law Firm, explore how leaders can build stronger workplace cultures in an increasingly complex environment. Drawing from their experience advising...
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Episode 081 – Economic Indicators & Mid-Year Pulse Check with Dr. Bob Froehlich, Former Vice Chairman, Deutsche Asset Management
The Executives' Exchange
Dr. Bob joins Dorri for a mid-year pulse check, approximately six months after the Club’s most recent Annual Economic & Market Outlook. The stakes are high and the signals are mixed. In a moment defined by shifting economic indicators, geopolitical tension, and evolving market confidence, business leaders are looking for clarity they can trust. This podcast episode features Dr. Bob Froehlich, Former Vice Chairman, Deutsche Asset Management, and a long-time speaker for The Executives’ Club of Chicago’s Annual Economic Outlook. Dr. Bob shares insights on key economic indicators from...
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Beyond The Loop | Episode 001 - Chicago 2050: Innovation in Action
The Executives' Exchange
World Business Chicago’s outlines a bold vision for a region that thrives on sustainable growth, inclusive opportunity, and global competitiveness. But realizing that vision depends on one critical factor: innovation. In this episode of Beyond the Loop, Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago and Luke Tanen, President and CEO of Chicago Innovation, explore the long-term strategy on Chicago’s future. The discussion reframes regional planning through the lens of technological advancement, data-enabled decision-making, and cross-sector collaboration. From smart...
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Episode 080 – Workplace Culture with Jason Zimmerman, Founder, 3Fold Collective
The Executives' Exchange
Jason Zimmerman, Founder of 3Fold Collective, joins The Executives’ Exchange for a candid conversation on what it truly takes to drive meaningful organizational change. Drawing on more than two decades of experience spanning behavioral economics, corporate strategy, and large-scale transformation, Jason shares how leaders can align people, systems, and purpose to unlock lasting impact. Hosted by Dorri McWhorter, this episode explores the intersection of research and execution — from the innovations that reshaped modern retirement programs to the cultural and operational challenges...
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Episode 079 – Suzy Welch, Best-Selling Author, Tech Entrepreneur, & Professor
The Executives' Exchange
Suzy Welch—best-selling author, professor, and tech entrepreneur—joins The Executives’ Exchange for a candid conversation with guest host Kristen Prinz. This isn’t just about her latest book, Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career—it’s about rewriting the rules of success. Drawing from her hit NYU course, Suzy breaks down a framework for finding your core values, leading with purpose, and building a career that actually fits the life you want. No buzzwords. No one-size-fits-all formulas. Just the clarity and tools you need to shape your next...
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Episode 078 – Katrina Markoff, Founder, Violet Flames Chocolate
The Executives' Exchange
On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, Katrina Markoff, Founder of Violet Flame Chocolate, joins Julie Smolansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods and Exec Club Board Member, to discuss her nearly three decades of innovation in the world of gourmet chocolate and what it means to lead with creativity and purpose. 00:00 – Intro 02:30 – Katrina's Childhood and Background 06:19 – Why Chocolate? 11:32 – Navigating Challenges 13:12 – Violet Flame 17:45 – Creating a Balanced Company Culture 23:30 – What Makes Chicago Special 30:35 – Balancing Taking Risks ...
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Episode 077 – Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, Author and Executive Coach
The Executives' Exchange
In this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, world-renowned executive coach and bestselling author, Marshall Goldsmith, joins Harry Kraemer of Northwestern University to share timeless advice on career and life success. Learn proven strategies that can help participants successfully balance being present, while simultaneously planning for your future in a world that is ever changing. This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience in February 2025. 00:00 – Intro 01:50 – Key to Being a Great Coach 6:35 – Common...
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Episode 076 – Dr. Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO, National Geographic Society
The Executives' Exchange
On this episode of the Executives’ Exchange, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society. Under her leadership, National Geographic is achieving remarkable advancements in exploration and conservation. In this episode, Dr. Tiefenthaler speaks with Dr. Bridget Coughlin, President and CEO of Shedd Aquarium. This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience on October 1, 2024. 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – Growing Up Midwest 03:42 – Time At St Mary’s 05:21 – Fast Facts About NatGeo 07:26 – How It Came Together ...
info_outlineEpisode 064 – Ari Levy, Founder and CEO, SHIFT
In today's episode of The Executives’ Exchange, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ari Levy, Founder and CEO of SHIFT. Ari delves into his life and career, discussing the profound influence of his childhood values on his passion for advocacy and health. He also shares insights from his early career experiences that fueled his journey into the business world, ultimately leading to the creation of SHIFT, a concierge primary care practice in River North.
00:00 - Intro
00:45 - Early Background
3:05 - How did his childhood values shape him as a business owner?
4:59 - Education/career background and how it weaves together with his current career
12:15 – Childhood health issues
14:50 – Power of advocacy
18:19 – Working with athletes
23:03 – Developing your skills and wellth
24:06 – Approach on educating people on wellth
27:31 - How do you get the disciplines in your business to collaborate and deliver results
30:22 – Patients’ mental health importance
35:53 - AI and technology with patient impact/outcome
40:14 – Learning/using AI for improving human thinking
42:30 - What significant/changes do you see around the health ecosystem?
47:02 – Sharing values with his children and family
49:30 – Rapid fire questions
52:44 - Ari flips the script and interviews Travis
55:18 – Outro
Episode Link: SHIFT
Guest Host: Travis C. Hunter Jr., Chicago Office Managing Partner, KPMG
Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago
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