Executive Decisions by SYM Financial Advisors
Hosted by Sarah Delahanty, Executive Decisions is a podcast for business leaders. One thing we all know is that successful executives are in a constant state of learning. Our guests share how their professional and personal roles have evolved over the years, what challenges they have overcome on their path to success, and how they manage the increasing financial complexity of life and work. Sarah Delahanty works for SYM Financial Advisors. All opinions expressed by Sarah or any podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinions of SYM Financial Advisors. This podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for financial advice.
info_outline
From Airplanes to Orthopedics: Leadership Lessons Learned Along the Journey with Todd Davis
04/23/2024
From Airplanes to Orthopedics: Leadership Lessons Learned Along the Journey with Todd Davis
In today's episode of Executive Decisions, host Sarah Delahanty sits down with Todd Davis who shares his rich career history from building airplanes to his executive career in the orthopedic industry. Todd reflects on his journey from managing older union workers while still in his 20’s to his transition into executive leadership roles. He emphasizes the importance of work ethic, persistence, and building relationships, sharing valuable insights from his experiences. Todd also discusses his post-executive life, engaging in mentorship, fundraising efforts for his community, and continuous personal development through reading diverse materials. Through his story, listeners gain valuable lessons in leadership, adaptability, and the importance of work-life integration. About our guest, Todd Davis: Todd is a seasoned leader with over three decades of experience in the orthopedic industry, particularly in driving the success of major knee franchises for some of the world's largest companies. From Sales and Marketing to Product Development, Strategy, and M&A, Todd has demonstrated his visionary leadership skills by accelerating growth opportunities and fostering world-class teams and cultures. After retiring from his role as President and General Manager of the Global Knee Business at Zimmer Biomet in July 2019, Todd has redirected his focus towards the startup landscape within the Medtech sector. He currently serves as an Independent Board Director for PeekMed Health, a Board Observer for Enhanced Medical Nutrition, and a Board Director for JointVue, while also providing consulting expertise for companies like Smith+Nephew, Canary Medical, Maxx Ortho, Kinamed, Kneevoice, and various other OEMs. Summary and highlights from the show: Todd Davis had a formative experience working full-time at Rockwell International while still going to school. He was promoted into a managerial role in his mid to late 20’s, leading teams of older aircraft mechanics. Davis learned to lead by example and develop a strong work ethic during this time, working 70 hours a week while pursuing his education at night. His transition to orthopedics involved leading a team of older individuals in the customer service group at Zimmer Biomet, where he applied his leadership skills and learned to be persistent in pursuing his goals. Todd emphasizes the importance of not chasing money but rather finding something you enjoy and working hard at it, as advised by his father. He shares his experience of persistence in pursuing opportunities, such as transitioning into marketing at Zimmer Biomet despite initial rejection from the vice president of marketing. Building relationships is crucial in the orthopedic industry, and Todd highlights the impact of handwritten thank-you notes in making lasting connections. Todd reflects on the importance of work-life balance, which he prioritized by scheduling family events and delegating responsibilities as he advanced in his career. Transitioning to board roles and mentoring startups has been rewarding for Todd, allowing him to leverage his experience and make a meaningful impact. He discusses his involvement in community initiatives, such as leading a capital campaign for a school expansion, and his interest in personal development through reading. Todd finds inspiration and leadership insights from various sources, including spiritual books, business literature, and perspectives from different industries like the restaurant business. Connect with Todd Davis: About SYM Financial and the Executive Decisions Podcast: Executive Decisions is a podcast designed for current and aspiring business leaders, offering an in-depth look at the evolving nature of executive roles. Hosted by , the show delves into the personal and professional journeys of its guests, exploring the challenges they've overcome and the learning experiences that have shaped their paths to success. The podcast provides insights into how executives manage the increasing complexity of both their professional and personal lives. Featuring a range of guests from diverse industries, each episode aims to enlighten listeners on the continuous state of learning and adaptation necessary for effective leadership. Whether discussing career progression, leadership strategies, or personal growth, Executive Decisions is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the multifaceted world of executive leadership. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation (“SYM”). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/30686673
info_outline
A Holistic Approach to Professional and Personal Development with Dr. Drew Flamm
02/27/2024
A Holistic Approach to Professional and Personal Development with Dr. Drew Flamm
In today's episode of Executive Decisions, host Sarah Delahanty sits down with Dr. Drew Flamm, President of Grace College & Seminary, to explore the formative experiences that shaped his leadership path and the value of embracing a spectrum of opportunities. Dr. Flamm shares personal stories of early financial discipline, the impact of mentorship on his career, and the significance of lifelong learning in both personal and professional realms. Through anecdotes and advice, the conversation delves into the integration of personal interests with family life, highlighting the holistic approach Dr. Flamm takes to leadership and the importance of each day's potential. About our guest, Dr. Drew Flamm: Dr. Drew Flamm is the distinguished seventh president of Grace College & Seminary. Dr. Flamm is a seasoned professional in the sphere of higher education, with over sixteen years of experience across multiple institutions. He is an alumnus of Cedarville University, holding a B.A. in Comprehensive Communications, and has further honed his leadership and communication skills with an M.A. from Gonzaga University. His academic journey culminated in earning a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University. Since joining Grace in 2013, Dr. Flamm has made a significant impact through his direction of the Aspire Campaign, a historic fundraising initiative for the college that successfully garnered $39.8 million, enabling the construction and renovation of five facilities, and substantially growing the endowment. His role expanded to supervising marketing, enrollment, and the prestigious Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams. Known for his strategic planning prowess, Dr. Flamm has been instrumental in steering the college through several strategic cycles with remarkable proficiency. Join us as we delve into the insights and experiences of Dr. Flamm's illustrious career in educational leadership. Summary and highlights from the show: Introduction of Dr. Drew Flamm: Sarah introduces Dr. Flamm, the seventh president of Grace College & Seminary, highlighting his extensive background in higher education and leadership roles. The Aspire Campaign: Dr. Flamm's notable achievement includes directing the Aspire Campaign, raising $39.8 million, contributing significantly to the institution's growth and endowment. Value of Hard Work: Dr. Flamm shares personal anecdotes from his first job as a paperboy, emphasizing the early lessons he learned about financial responsibility and hard work. Advice for Aspiring Leaders: He advises students and young professionals to embrace a breadth of experiences and not fear failure, emphasizing the importance of trying new things. Importance of Lifelong Learning: The conversation underscores the importance of continual learning and personal development, both personally and professionally. Navigating Risks and Opportunities: Dr. Flamm discusses pivotal moments in his career, addressing how he assessed risks and seized opportunities that led to growth and advancement. Holistic Approach to Personal Growth: He stresses the need for maintaining balance in life by taking care of one's physical, mental, and emotional health alongside professional responsibilities. Personal Interests and Family Time: Dr. Flamm talks about his love for mountain biking, music, and spending quality time with his family, including how they integrate with campus life at Grace College. Connect with Dr. Drew Flamm: Website: LinkedIn: About SYM Financial and the Executive Decisions Podcast: Executive Decisions is a podcast designed for current and aspiring business leaders, offering an in-depth look at the evolving nature of executive roles. Hosted by , the show delves into the personal and professional journeys of its guests, exploring the challenges they've overcome and the learning experiences that have shaped their paths to success. The podcast provides insights into how executives manage the increasing complexity of both their professional and personal lives. Featuring a range of guests from diverse industries, each episode aims to enlighten listeners on the continuous state of learning and adaptation necessary for effective leadership. Whether discussing career progression, leadership strategies, or personal growth, Executive Decisions is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the multifaceted world of executive leadership. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation (“SYM”). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/29846308
info_outline
From Pacemakers to Entrepreneurship: Navigating the Medical Device Industry with Tim Early
01/30/2024
From Pacemakers to Entrepreneurship: Navigating the Medical Device Industry with Tim Early
In this episode of Executive Decisions, guest hosted by Seth Whicker, guest Tim Early, CEO of DreamOn Group, shares his insightful journey from an early career decision to move from New York to Florida, leading to a pivotal role in the medical device industry with Cordis Corporation. Tim reflects on his educational transitions, notably from West Point to Rochester Institute of Technology, and his shift from accounting to packaging engineering, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's strengths with career choices. The episode delves into Tim's experiences with changing industry regulations and the challenges they presented, highlighting his adaptability and growth in various roles, including quality engineering at companies like CR Bard Corporation and Johnson & Johnson. Tim discusses the nuances of different corporate cultures, and the significance of effective communication and diverse skill sets in executive leadership. The narrative also touches on his venture into entrepreneurship, offering valuable lessons on risk-taking, resilience, and the critical balance of opportunity and decision-making in an executive's journey. About our guest, Tim Early: Tim Early, the CEO of DreamOn Group is known by many as the Founder and former CEO of Network Partners Group and a visionary in the life sciences industry. Tim brings with him a rich history of innovation, evidenced by his contributions to medical technology and packaging. He holds patents for advancements in laparoscopic packaging. His leadership in companies like Network Partners, Zimmer, and Johnson & Johnson has centered around building teams of passionate professionals and developing solutions that emphasize client and colleague needs. With a Master's in Packaging from RIT, Tim continues to shape the industry with forward-thinking approaches and a commitment to excellence. Summary and highlights from the show: • Early Career Decisions: Tim Early shares his journey of moving from New York to Florida without a job and how he seized an opportunity in the medical device industry with Cordis Corporation, reflecting the importance of adaptability and initiative in leadership. • Educational Shift and Career Relevance: Discussing his transition from West Point to Rochester Institute of Technology, Tim highlights the significance of recognizing one's strengths and interests, as he shifted from accounting to packaging engineering. • On-the-Job Learning and Growth: Tim talks about his early career experiences in medical device packaging, emphasizing the value of learning on the job and adapting to roles beyond formal education, a key skill for successful executive leadership. • Facing Industry Regulations and Challenges: Tim's experience with FDA regulations at Cordis Corporation illustrates the importance of compliance and adaptability in executive roles, especially when navigating changing industry standards. • Career Development at CR Bard Corporation and Johnson & Johnson: Tim recounts his roles at these companies, focusing on the impact of corporate culture on his professional growth. His experiences underline the importance of aligning with a company's culture and values for effective leadership. • Quality Engineering and Interdisciplinary Skills: Tim's transition from packaging to quality engineering demonstrates the need for executives to possess diverse skill sets and the ability to handle various aspects of a business. • Leadership and Communication Skills: Discussing his role at Johnson & Johnson, Tim emphasizes the importance of effective communication with both peers and executives, a crucial skill for leadership, especially when delivering challenging news. • Insights on Corporate Culture: Reflecting on his time at different companies, Tim shares insights into various corporate cultures (technology-driven, sales and marketing-driven, financially-driven) and how understanding these cultures is vital for effective leadership and decision-making. • Professional Risks and Learning from Mistakes: Tim's story of starting ISO Pack and the challenges faced provides insights into risk-taking and learning from failures, highlighting resilience as a key attribute of executive leadership. • Final Reflections on Career and Leadership: In his closing remarks, Tim reflects on his career, emphasizing the importance of understanding the full breadth of business operations and the challenges of transitioning from a corporate executive to a business owner. He also shares his regret of not starting his entrepreneurial venture earlier, illustrating the balance of risk and opportunity in executive decision-making. Connect with Tim Early: About SYM Financial Advisors and the Executive Decisions Podcast: Executive Decisions is a podcast designed for current and aspiring business leaders, offering an in-depth look at the evolving nature of executive roles. Hosted by , the show delves into the personal and professional journeys of its guests, exploring the challenges they've overcome and the learning experiences that have shaped their paths to success. The podcast provides insights into how executives manage the increasing complexity of both their professional and personal lives. Featuring a range of guests from diverse industries, each episode aims to enlighten listeners on the continuous state of learning and adaptation necessary for effective leadership. Whether discussing career progression, leadership strategies, or personal growth, Executive Decisions is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the multifaceted world of executive leadership. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation (“SYM”). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/29666218
info_outline
Cultivating Diverse Leaders and Inclusive Culture with Dionna Topps James
10/10/2023
Cultivating Diverse Leaders and Inclusive Culture with Dionna Topps James
Dionna has been with Whirlpool Corporation for 15 years and currently leads the Whirlpool Sales Enablement Team as well as being the Chief of Staff for the Sales SVP. She is responsible for creating strategies and experiences to enable profitable sales growth for both Whirlpool and its Trade Customers. Dionna has held various positions with escalating responsibility within training, operations, sales and merchandising. As an accomplished sales leader she has been awarded National Sales Manager of the year and has delivered record breaking profitable growth in each of her respective role scopes . An active leader within inclusion and diversity, Dionna has also led FOCUS, the African American Resource Group, through strategic shifts that helped influence Whirlpool Corporation's first ever Pledge to Black Colleagues in 2020. Dionna is a native of South Bend, IN. She graduated with a B.S. from Purdue University and received her Masters of Business Administration from The University of Notre Dame (Go Irish)! This podcast shines light on Dionna's career journey and experience as an African American woman in leadership. Dionna shares with the audience her early career, mentors who helped her develop confidence, navigating being underrepresented in her roles, and her work advancing diversity and inclusion at Whirlpool. She also discussed her approach to developing leaders on her team and work-life balance. Sarah and Dionna covered a range of personal and professional topics in this thought provoking discussion about Dionna's pathbreaking career. “You can be anything you want to be. And no one told me that I couldn't. But no one had said that I could.” - Dionna Topps James This week on Executive Decisions: Self-doubt and leadership growth. Leadership evolution and encouraging younger professionals to speak up. Diversity and representation in the workplace. Diversity and inclusion in leadership roles. Leadership development and team building. Hiring and evaluating leaders based on character and work ethic. Career advancement and mentorship in a corporate setting. Mentorship and personal branding. Work-life balance and personal interests with a busy woman leader. Our Favorite Quotes: "I want to be a business leader. Yes, I'm a black woman. But you don't have to be the black woman business leader." - Dionna Topps James "I believe it's my responsibility, given the opportunity that I have now, to make sure that I'm clearing the path, and enabling others that look like me to be in rooms that they're not in." - Dionna Topps James “Hire the person and the core values of that person because you can teach the job, you can teach the nuances inside the organization. But you can't teach people to be good humans." - Sarah Delahanty “You sort of have to go first and be vulnerable, which can be a heavy burden. But in my experience, it's all been worth it." - Dionna Topps James Connect with Dionna: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionna-topps-james-she-her-228519b/ Email: [email protected] About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation (“SYM”). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/28203440
info_outline
From a Service Station Garage to Financial Advisory: Insights on Risks, Rewards, and the True Measure of Wealth with Dennis McKeever
09/12/2023
From a Service Station Garage to Financial Advisory: Insights on Risks, Rewards, and the True Measure of Wealth with Dennis McKeever
Dennis McKeever has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh along with a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of California, Irvine. Dennis retired from Dow Chemical after a thirty year career where he primarily served as a senior manager in Research and Development. However, he also had two business management experiences – first as the manager of the Chemicals business for Latin America and subsequently as the VP for the Polyolefins and Elastomers business unit for Dow North America. After retiring from Dow, he served for six years as the Chairman of the Board for SYM Financial and saw the company through a major strategic redirection and a subsequent leveraged buyout to the current principals. Following SYM, Dennis moved on to a large variety of positions in the biomedical sciences, including angel investing. Dive into the rich tapestry of Dennis McKeever's life - from service station garages in the '50s to boardrooms of major corporations. Through decades of risks, learning, and immense personal growth, Dennis shares the true measure of wealth, the balance of emotions, and the joy of traveling with loved ones. “I learned to be willing to take a risk on people, give them a break, but nurture them as much as you can along the way. Focus on investing in the success of your people.” - Dennis McKeever This week on Executive Decisions: Dennis’ first job. The importance of getting to know your customers. Pursuing a career change. The importance of mentors in your career. Taking risks and learning from mistakes. Transition from executive life to board and consulting role. The true measure of wealth. Our Favorite Quotes: "It really doesn't matter how big the business is, the same basic principles of business management and management people are there no matter what the size. Get to know your customers and take good care of them” - Dennis McKeever “Pick yourself up and you learn from your mistakes, whether they be people mistakes, or investment mistakes, or the lack of the best of judgment in making a business decision. Learn from those mistakes, keep them in mind as you move forward.” - Dennis McKeever “The true measure of a man's wealth is what he has left after you take all of his money away. So, treasure your family, treasure your friends, spend quality time with them. Doing this will be your enduring reward for a successful career, and a successful life. “ - Dennis McKeever Connect with Dennis McKeever: Email Dennis: [email protected] About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation (“SYM”). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/27764703
info_outline
From Frogman to CEO: How Special Ops Skills Translate to Corporate Success with Matt Stevens
08/08/2023
From Frogman to CEO: How Special Ops Skills Translate to Corporate Success with Matt Stevens
Matt Stevens transitioned from the U.S. Navy in July 2017 after serving for 26 years as a SEAL. He attended The Honor Foundation’s (THF) inaugural East Coast class in the Spring of 2016, joined the THF SOF Advisory Board in the Spring of 2017, and then joined THF’s Board of Directors in February 2018. Throughout his career, Matt served as a Special Operations Executive leading high-performing teams conducting our nation’s most sensitive operations, cultivating interagency relationships and executing plans in dynamic environments. Matt served on the leadership team of an emerging technology company from 2017-2019 before assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer of THF. In this engaging conversation, Sarah interviews Matt Stevens, a former US Navy SEAL with 26 years of service. Matt's career journey is highlighted, including his transition from the Navy, involvement with the Honor Foundation, and his experiences as a SEAL team leader. Matt emphasizes the importance of trust and credibility in leadership, earned through tactical proficiency, keeping promises, and vulnerability. He also discusses the influence of mentors and the need to adapt leadership styles to different situations. Matt shares how the Honor Foundation has been instrumental in helping Special Operations veterans find fulfilling post-military careers through personalized coaching, networking opportunities, and support. Matt's passion for helping his fellow veterans shines through as he shares success stories of program participants who have found meaningful careers and the joy of giving back by becoming coaches and instructors for the foundation. The conversation also touches on the organization's future goals, including expanding its reach to more transitioning veterans across the country. “In my work now at the Honor Foundation, I see that a lot of folks think that every single person who was in the military probably has PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and they were like in gunfights every day of every month of every year for 20 years. And it's just not the case.” - Matt Stevens This week on Executive Decisions: Introduction to Matt Steven’s background. Where did Matt find his start as a leader? How to become an effective leader. Mentors and leadership style. Managing risk and saying no. Making the decision to retire from the military. The importance of educating veterans about the business world. The first class at the Honor Foundation. How the Honor Foundation has evolved under Matt’s leadership. Traveling as a family. Staying on top of life outside of work. Our Favorite Quotes: "We don't charge transitioning veterans anything; we go out and hustle and raise the money. So they don't have a financial burden while they're getting out of the military and losing that steady income stream." - Matt Stevens “I always just find it fascinating to hear as people have successful careers as leaders, where they found their start. And it could be something as basic as a paper route” - Sarah Delahanty "Success for us is somebody finding fulfillment as defined by them. It's not about how much money they're going to make or what school they're going to get into." - Matt Stevens “Title and the rank are just one component, then you have to earn the trust of the people behind you and they have to earn yours. A trust transfer in the relationship where they then follow you because they believe in you and you believe in them.” - Sarah Delahanty "We will never degrade the quality of what we're doing. It's a platinum standard, and we want to give that to any special operator who wants it." - Matt Stevens "It's not just all about 'help the veterans'; it's like, hey, how do you want to help your own business? You might consider hiring some of these rock stars who are probably gonna run circles around some of your other folks." - Matt Stevens "Scaling that jump in scale, at some point, is going to be huge. We're always thinking about how to grow what we're doing without degrading quality at all." - Matt Stevens Connect with Matt Stevens: Email Matt: [email protected] About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation (“SYM”). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/27595284
info_outline
Balancing Growth and Experience with Ed Mohr
07/11/2023
Balancing Growth and Experience with Ed Mohr
Ed Mohr is the retired Vice President of Total Rewards at Whirlpool Corporation, a Fortune 200 company specializing in home appliances. With a background in HR, manufacturing, and logistics, Ed has accumulated 29 years of experience in various roles. In his current position, he is accountable for executive compensation, broad-based compensation, global mobility, benefits, health, wellness pensions, and 401 k plans globally. As a member of the Global Senior HR Leadership Team, he plays a crucial role in shaping the company's human resources strategies. Ed holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration from Western Michigan University. Today, Ed and I discuss his early career experiences and the path he took to become a leader. He emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and shares lessons he learned from his diverse career. He outlines the benefits of diverse backgrounds in a team. Ed suggests focusing on experiences that contribute to personal growth, exploring different roles, and developing leadership skills. He describes his career transitions and the importance of continuous learning, challenges, and making meaningful contributions. He details why it’s crucial to care about people, build relationships, and have a positive influence on others. He explains the balance between career planning and being present in the current role and how to take career risks. Ed also encourages curiosity, learning from experiences, and finding enjoyment in all situations and shares his upcoming travel plans. “Instead of always concentrating on the actual function, concentrate more on the experiences and what the experiences are going to get you.” - Ed Mohr This week on Executive Decisions: How Ed’s early career experiences helped him on his journey to leadership Work-life balance and the lessons he learned from his diverse career The benefits of diverse backgrounds in teams How experiences contribute to personal growth more than specific jobs The importance of continuous learning and challenges How to foster genuine relationships The importance of caring about people and their work experience How to balance career planning and being present in the current role Traits that can harm a leader's career The importance of finding enjoyment in all situations Why you should enjoy the journey rather than solely focusing on the destination. Our Favorite Quotes: “ When you’re having fun and enjoying what you do, the rest of it falls into place—enjoying the work, having meaningful relationships, and having a good time.” - Sarah Delahanty “Always learn things from people no matter who they are. It's shocking what people teach you. ” - Ed Mohr “To be an effective leader, you have to have fellowship and followers.” - Sarah Delahanty Connect with Ed Mohr: About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation (“SYM”). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/27216528
info_outline
Blazing Trails and Giving Back with Jenée Velasquez
06/13/2023
Blazing Trails and Giving Back with Jenée Velasquez
Jenée Velasquez is the Executive Director of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, a prestigious organization dedicated to philanthropy and community development. Velasquez began her professional journey as the Chief Executive Officer of Midland County's Economic Development Corporation, Midland Tomorrow, where she played a pivotal role in driving economic growth and prosperity. Prior to that, she served as the Manager of Economic Development Services and the first Downtown Development Authority Coordinator in Midland. She also worked for the Manhattan, Kansas Convention, and Visitors Bureau, gaining valuable experience in promoting tourism and enhancing the local economy. Jenée is active in her community and serves on the Huntington Bank Community Advisory Board, the MidMichigan Health Board, the Midland City and County Joint Building Authority, the Council of Michigan Foundations Board, the Michigan Municipal League Foundation Board, and the Greater Midland Community Center’s Trustees Board. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Kansas State University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Michigan State University, and completion of an executive education course at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. Today Jenée and I discuss her career and how she’s been able to give back to her community. She explains how she blazed trails and opened doors for other women to serve in leadership positions, and how it’s both a pressure and an honor to be the first. She recounts her experiences as a leader of Midland Tomorrow, the unique challenges in representing the opinions of the other women in the room, and how the relationships she formed supported her. She details her involvement in the Senior Olympics and her love for volleyball. Jenée also describes being the first in her family to go to college, reveals how her husband helped her achieve her educational goals, and highlights the importance of having a sense of humor. “Its looking for people that inspire you to be better and learn new things.” - Jenée Velasquez This week on Executive Decisions: The mission of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation Jenée’s accomplishments as a first-time leader How Jenée broke ground for women in leadership The challenges of being a first-generation college student Jenée’s journey to leadership How networking paved the way for Jenée’s career path The importance of learning to accept help from others How to balance work and life as a parent The importance of integrity, kindness, and humility in leadership The necessity of taking risks in your personal and professional lives How philanthropy affects communities Our Favorite Quotes: “It’s about accepting help from others, learning from others, and reaching back to make sure that all the things that were given to you, you’re sharing with others too.” - Jenée Velasquez “Be thankful for the little things. Sometimes, those other things, they can wait.” - Sarah Delahanty “When you are in a leadership role, be easy to follow.” - Jenée Velasquez Connect with Jenée Velasquez: About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: Certain links above are to third-party sites and are not affiliated with SYM Financial Corporation (“SYM”). SYM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/26940357
info_outline
TACTICAL | Executive Compensation
06/06/2023
TACTICAL | Executive Compensation
In this episode of Executive Decisions Podcast, host Sarah Delahanty, a certified financial planner, talks about how her firm, SYM Financial Advisors, helps executives understand and maximize their executive compensation and benefits. She emphasizes the importance of diversifying risks and making sure clients have a game plan for the year, including determining what may be beneficial to exercise relating to stock options, selling or retaining restricted stock units, participating in employee stock purchase plans, and deferred compensation plans. Sarah also explains the complexities around tax implications and how to divide your paycheck to maximize benefits while mitigating company risk. SYM Financial Advisors has deep expertise in this area, working with dozens of different companies globally, and welcomes anyone seeking help with their executive compensation and benefits. "Being able to understand, what I would call, the dollar Olympics, we only earn so much paycheck." - Sarah Delahanty This week on Executive Decisions: Understanding and maximizing executive compensation and benefits The equity component of executive compensation Our Favorite Quotes: "Executives have different benefits relating to long-term incentive compensation, usually tied to company stock." - Sarah Delahanty "For an executive, they'll have base pay, they may have a bonus cash bonus compensation." - Sarah Delahanty "Being able to understand, what I would call, the dollar Olympics, we only earn so much paycheck." - Sarah Delahanty "How do we divide your paycheck up to maximize the different benefits, but also capture any value that comes from equity compensation, that is part of your total compensation." - Sarah Delahanty "We really just say, make sure you have eyes on everything." - Sarah Delahanty "If we just let the stock component of our portfolio as it relates to that single exposure to our company that we work for get bigger and bigger then all of a sudden that could create an imbalance and a potential or undue risk for us with our overall investment strategy." - Sarah Delahanty About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time-sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees, and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/26938587
info_outline
Embracing Change and Taking Risks With David Floyd
05/09/2023
Embracing Change and Taking Risks With David Floyd
David Floyd is an “actively retired” medical technology executive, now serving as a board member and advisor in healthcare and life sciences. During his 33-year career as a medical technology executive, David has served as a President and CEO, board member, advisor, and consultant for organizations like OrthoWorx, Abbott Spine, and AxioMed Spine Corporation. He has a background in finance, marketing, and technology, and has helped develop transformational strategies and initiatives that have delivered accelerated top-line growth and robust operating results. Currently, David focuses on advising several private equity firms as well as a hedge fund on medical technology and life science investments, and serves as a board member of three companies, including Healthcare Outcomes Performance Co. and Merit Medical Systems, Inc., and as well as serves as an external advisor at Bain & Company,. Today, David joins me to discuss what he’s learned during his many years in business and how mentorship helped guide his decisions along the way. He describes how he began his career in the medical device industry straight out of college and how the many positions he’s held have allowed him to advance his career quickly. He tells us about how his retirement is going so far and why he prefers the term “active retirement.” We discuss how his support systems at home and with his mentors allowed him to take risks in his career. He provides insight on building great teams, being a leader, and his predictions on how businesses will have to adapt to a post-COVID world. David also reveals how his love for dogs helps him achieve a balance between his personal and professional lives and how dogs led him to some of his most important philanthropic work with the charity, K9s For Warriors. “Forcing yourself to develop a skill set that's both mental and physical is a really good challenge to sort of keep those learning instincts sharp.” - David Floyd This week on Executive Decisions: The most important lessons David learned in 33 years in business Why David prefers the term “actively retired” What David learned from taking risks How a strong support system helped David advance his career quickly How mentorship has helped David learn to make decisions How David balanced profitability with doing what’s right How to build great teams The traits that every great leader needs to succeed The art and skill of hiring quality candidates for leadership roles The challenges of business in the post-COVID era The importance of work/life balance The value of the love of a dog The significance of a clear mission and written goals David’s insights into achieving life goals and gaining clarity of purpose Resources Mentioned: Our Favorite Quotes: “Younger professionals might be more about the title and the prestige or the money, but sometimes it's really not about that role. It's about what you are building for the future and the next role.” - Sarah Delahanty “Mentoring keeps me focused and engaged because I know what's on people's minds—what their real problems are on a daily basis.” - David Floyd “A lot of good has come from many of these large corporations that have advanced things in quality of life.” - Sarah Delahanty Connect with David Floyd: About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/26586504
info_outline
Facing Issues in The Community Head-on with Rich Haddad
04/11/2023
Facing Issues in The Community Head-on with Rich Haddad
Rich Haddad is the former COO of SYM Financial Advisors and the current President and CEO at K21, overseeing all aspects of the foundation's operations. With his expertise in financial reporting, he ensures the prudent management of the foundation's funds and maintains healthy investment relationships. Apart from his professional duties, Rich is actively engaged with local community leaders and organizations to identify the best opportunities for grant-making and community participation that align with K21's mission. He graduated from Grace College with a Business and Accounting degree and also holds a Master of Science degree in Non-Profit Management. Rich lives in Warsaw, Indiana with his wife, Kathy, and together they enjoy living near the lake, various water sports, golf, and running. Rich is the proud father of two children and a doting grandfather to two grandchildren. Today, Rich joins me to explain how to be a mentor and a leader in your community. He shares his career journey and tells us what he’s been up to since leaving SYM in 2000. We discuss the value of self-discovery and how Rich learned to reflect on his own life to become a better employee, boss, leader, and father. He outlines how to be an effective mentor and why he’s chosen to focus on other people to find fulfillment. Rich emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and addressing conflicts head-on. We also discuss some of the most pressing problems Rich sees in his community and how he can help to solve these issues through the K12 Health Foundation. “I don't have to be at a church or some sort of ministry to make a difference in people's lives—I can do that anywhere” - Rich Haddad This week on Executive Decisions: What Rich has been up to since his time at SYM Financial How Rich’s love of community helped him in his career How self-discovery guided Rich throughout his career Rich’s recipe for success How getting married and having kids helped Rich learn how to make better decisions Why relationship building is a priority for Rich Why focusing on others is more fulfilling than focusing on your own needs What it takes to be a mentor How Rich helps people find the right work roles to capitalize on their strengths The difference between analytical decision-making and emotional intelligence and why they’re both needed when dealing with people The value of conflict resolution The challenges kids face in their community today How K12 Health Foundation allocates resources to support the community The people Rich thinks can make the most difference Our Favorite Quotes: “I think sometimes when priorities shift, or when priorities aren't aligned with the family or professional health or whatever, then all of a sudden, you know, we come up empty.” - Sarah Delahanty “The key to leadership and opportunities and success is really understanding how you're skilled and created.” - Rich Haddad “A global pandemic surely made a crossroads where people's mental and physical health and so many things kind of crossed over in many, many ways, which brought to light some significant gaps we have never addressed.” - Sarah Delahanty Connect with Rich Haddad: About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/26391870
info_outline
Community Leadership in Times of Turmoil with Holly
03/14/2023
Community Leadership in Times of Turmoil with Holly
Holly Miller is the CEO of United Way of Midland County in Midland, Michigan. She is an integral part of the community and is in leadership positions for many teams and collaborative groups. Her work with the Rotary Contemporary View Club, Midland Business Alliance, Health and Services Council, and Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition helps improve lives and bring people together. She is a graduate of Lansing Community College at Kendall and Kendall School of Design where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. Holly lives in Midland with her husband and enjoys spending time with her two children and four grandchildren. Today, Holly recounts her journey to becoming a community leader and how a health scare helped her reorganize her priorities. She discusses how her mindset about community work has allowed her to work in the face of criticism and how that’s helped her keep her team motivated. She tells us some stories about the historic flooding in 2020 and how she helped her community during the local upheaval and a global pandemic. Holly also shares her vision for the future of her community and reveals how aspiring community leaders can get involved. “It's in the struggle or the change or the unknown that you really learn more about yourself.” - Holly Miller This week on Executive Decisions: How Holly got her start as a community leader How a health scare helped Holly realize her true passion The people who inspired Holly to challenge herself How Holly ignores the naysayers The role of integrity in nonprofit work How United Way brings volunteers together after a crisis United Way gives a voice to the voiceless How Holly views leadership How the pandemic and devastating floods influenced programming and collaboration How to make every dollar help the most people What Holly is most excited about for the future of her community Debunking myths about people in need Where Holly draws her strength as a leader How Holly balances her work life and personal life Holly’s advice for aspiring community leaders Resources Mentioned: Book: by Brené Brown Book: by Brené Brown Book: by Patrick M. Lencioni Our Favorite Quotes: “As a leader, it can be a little tough to try to collaborate and positively move all these resources in a very emotional time for the community.” - Sarah Delahanty “I am continuously impressed with the ability of people to just lean into change, raise their hand and say, how can I help?.” - Holly Miller “If you've ever had to ask for help, whether it's through an organization or a family member or a friend, it's a humbling experience.” - Sarah Delahanty Connect with Holly Miller: Email: [email protected] About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/26012169
info_outline
TACTICAL | Stock Options: Where Should You Invest in the Coming Year
03/07/2023
TACTICAL | Stock Options: Where Should You Invest in the Coming Year
Stock season is upon us, but what does that mean? It’s the time of year when many executives receive compensation in the form of stock options, incentive stock, restricted stock, or performance stock. Here at SYM Financial, we work with some of the best executives and we have a quick word of advice we want to share in preparing for stock season. You’ve spent the previous year making decisions for your company’s bottom line, and you’re seeing the results of your leadership. Just like you make sound financial decisions for your company, you want to use your stock options as wisely as possible. In this episode, I discuss how your team at SYM can customize a plan for you. I share how your SYM advisor can help you get the most value from your stock options. I review what your SYM advisor can do to help you during the first and second quarters of the year and how they can help you look even further into the future. I let you know how your advisor can ensure you’re transacting in the most tax-efficient way, complying with holding requirements, and avoiding tax complications. I also remind you how easy it is to contact your SYM advisor. “There's value to having a game plan and an SYM advisor is going to not only assist with the strategy, but also help with the big picture of holding requirements.” - Sarah Delahanty This week on Executive Decisions: Stock season is here and what that means for executives who receive stock options How far ahead to look with your investments How your SYM advisor can help you get the most value from your stock options How your SYM advisor can help you with tax complications How to ensure you transact in the most tax-efficient way Reaching out to your SYM advisor Our Favorite Quotes: “It's very valuable to look out over the horizon for the next 12 to 18 months and analyze the stock trajectory and set some targets to help capture the most value from these programs” - Sarah Delahanty “As an executive, you can expect from your SYM team to get a custom recommendation for how to exercise your stock options for the year, and a game plan to liquidate any restricted or performance shares that you might receive as a result of some of the programs that are coming.” - Sarah Delahanty About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/26106792
info_outline
The Secret to a Successful Business Culture with Mauro Gregorio
01/12/2023
The Secret to a Successful Business Culture with Mauro Gregorio
Mauro Gregorio is the President of Performance Materials & Coatings at Dow, a chemical manufacturing company operating since 1897. Dow runs the Performance Materials & Coatings group—one of the three key businesses—with annual sales of over $9 billion. Mauro has been with Dow for almost four decades and has held various executive positions. As President, Mauro specializes in business strategy, international markets, and executive management. Mauro joins me to describe Dow’s business culture, diversity and inclusion program, and welcoming atmosphere. He recounts his first job and responsibilities at Dow and what he learned while holding an entry-level position. He explains the importance of humility, asking for help, and ensuring someone is there to help. Mauro also discusses how the pandemic initiated changes in the workplace—particularly in how we work—and how it disrupted the way we value work relationships. “Having the humility to ask for help is important and having somebody on the other side willing to help is critical.”- Mauro Gregorio This week on Executive Decisions: How Mauro got started with Dow and what his first job was like The best part about being in an entry-level job How Mauro developed his customer-centric mindset The critical learning moments that build values and objectives internally How Dow developed a flourishing culture of diversity and inclusion Dow’s diversity program and how it stems from management How Covid-19 changed the way we connect and relate to each other Why social media makes succeeding in a career intimidating Mauro’s hobbies outside of work and his passion for astronomy Mauro’s thoughts on learning every day and being motivated Our Favorite Quotes: “People don’t tolerate an environment not conducive to fun and being welcoming.”- Mauro Gregorio “We need to embrace the feedback and change if the feedback points us to an issue that needs adjusting.” - Sarah Delahanty “Successful effort is creating great frameworks for people.” - Sarah Delahanty Connect with Mauro Gregorio: About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace to managing company politics to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time-sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees, and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/25515918
info_outline
What It Takes to Lead a Team with Greg Marken
12/13/2022
What It Takes to Lead a Team with Greg Marken
Greg Marken is the President, CEO, and Treasurer at Advanced Emissions Solutions (ADES). ADES works with municipal water, coal-fired power generation clients, and other industries by providing emissions control and water purification solutions. Greg has been at the helm of ADES since July 2020. He also serves as a manager on the Board of Managers of Tinuum Group and as a manager and officer of other ADES subsidiaries. He has over 15 years of experience in leadership roles, finance, and accounting. Greg joins me today to describe the qualities that elevate a leader’s skills, especially when leading various teams. He shares what he learned from his first job experience and what it was like doing manual labor at a ranch. He explains how a person becomes a leader and highlights the knowledge necessary to hone those leadership skills. Greg also discusses his personal life, including hobbies, his family, and what his Ted Talk would be about. "It's not about immediate rewards per se, but continuing to make yourself better on a day-to-day basis." - Greg Marken This week on Executive Decisions: Greg's first job and what he learned from it Greg's experience working on the ranch The athletic influence that shaped Greg's personality and passion How a person develops their inner leadership traits What leaders can learn from their teams Making decisions for the betterment of the organization Greg's life outside work What a good team looks like for a leader What Greg would do if he could start over again Our Favorite Quotes: "You have to be strong enough to be okay with being questioned." - Greg Marken "People are not giving you more opportunity if you're not delivering." - Sarah Delahanty "I don't think everybody shows up on day one of leadership 101 class and lets their leadership skills out." - Sarah Delahanty Connect with Greg Marken: About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/25201815
info_outline
Finding Your Brand with Julie Fasone Holder
11/08/2022
Finding Your Brand with Julie Fasone Holder
Julie Fasone Holder is the woman behind JFH Insights, an executive coaching business that supports leaders and influencers in developing advanced leadership strengths and bringing more value to the companies they represent. Before founding JFH Insights, Julie was the former Senior Vice President of Dow Chemical. With Dow, Julie accumulated extensive experience running multi-billion dollar business portfolios. She also spent a few years running public and government affairs for them. Julie joins me today to describe her professional experience and the challenges she encountered by being a woman in the corporate world. She explains the critical differences between mentors and sponsors and how they can elevate your career. She shares actionable advice with those just getting started and those looking to climb the corporate ladder. Julie also discusses the unwritten rules in corporate, how to balance family and work as a woman, and her hobbies outside of work. “You can’t change your brand if you don’t know what that is.” - Julie Fasone Holder This week on Executive Decisions: Who Julie Fasone Holder is and the various executive positions she’s held Where Julie got started and her first job in San Francisco Why sales is a great entry point for most professions Julie’s advice to someone just getting started Learning the difference between a mentor and a sponsor The benefits of partnering with a sponsor What women need to help them reach higher in the corporate world Why women need to think in shades of gray The unwritten rules in business most people don’t understand What women can do to enhance their brand Why committing to diversity, inclusion, and equity is good for companies in the long-run What Jolie does outside of work and her passion for traveling Our Favorite Quotes: “Find people you can go to for professional advice.” - Julie Fasone Holder “Being a mom and having family responsibilities and trying to balance it a little differently, you’re kind of few and far between as a female.” - Sarah Delahanty “So many parents feel a certain obligation to be there for all the things. It can be challenging when there’s a large responsibility on someone’s plate professionally.” - Sarah Delahanty Connect with Julie Fasone Holder: About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time-sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/24935547
info_outline
What It Truly Takes to Rise to the Top With Sebastian Soria
10/11/2022
What It Truly Takes to Rise to the Top With Sebastian Soria
Sebastian Soria is the Vice President and Total Rewards Officer at Newmont Corporation—one of the world’s leading gold, copper, silver, lead, and zinc producers. The company is notably the only gold producer in the S&P 500 Index and is recognized as a champion for ESG practices. Sebastian has over 28 years of experience in the financial industry, spending over 26 years with Dow in various leadership roles, including human resources and compensation. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from IAE Business School and a degree in Labor Relations/HR from the University of Buenos Aires. Sebastian joins me today to describe his humble beginnings and the events that led him to pursue a career in human resources in the financial industry. He shares some of his learnings from his first few years as a professional. He discusses the differences in working cultures in Argentina and the US. He explains what he looks for in future leaders and what sets them apart from the average high-performer. He highlights the importance of feedback and cultivating a culture that lets anyone give their opinion of someone else’s performance. Sebastian also reveals the best skills to work on if you want to move up the corporate ladder. "Make sure you're generating an environment where people at all levels are comfortable sharing feedback." - Sebastian Soria This week on Executive Decisions: Experiences that shaped Sebastian's career path What Sebastian learned from his first job Sebastian's advice to someone who feels their first job is thankless What it was like being a full-time student and a professional at the same time The differences between Argentinian and American work culture Why he pursued a career in human resources What Sebastian would have done differently early in his career The difference between high-performers and future leaders What Sebastian looks for when hiring for management positions How Sebastian continues to learn at this stage of his career How Sebastian learns from others The best things to invest in for career growth Finding opportunities we may not initially see Sebastian's hobbies outside of work The essential financial principles that helped Sebastian achieve his goals Our Favorite Quotes: "You have to be great in what you're doing every day in your current role to be the CEO." - Sarah Delahanty "Always keep an open door on feedback." - Sarah Delahanty "It's hard to love every single moment of every job you have." - Sebastian Soria Connect with Sebastian Soria: About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/24612171
info_outline
Having Intentionality With Each Contribution with Jimmy Greene
09/13/2022
Having Intentionality With Each Contribution with Jimmy Greene
Jimmy Greene is the President & CEO of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Michigan, a trade association representing Michigan’s commercial and industrial construction industries. He is the first Black CEO in the organization’s 60-year history. Jimmy is also the founder of Total Solutions Group in Saginaw, a firm specializing in technology project consulting and telecommunications. Before becoming the President of the ABC of Michigan, he served as president and CEO of Associated Builders & Contractors, Greater Michigan Chapter and the Greater Michigan Construction Academy. Jimmy joins me to share his journey from a rocky childhood to becoming the first Black CEO of ABC of Michigan. He explains why he never wanted to be like his parents growing up and how a family tragedy became a turning point in his life, ultimately making him pursue greatness. He highlights why every contribution to your community is essential to at least one person. He discusses why leadership programs should be reviewed and why he believes there are too many leadership books. Jimmy also shares why he believes life is all about doorknobs and why your community is like a bank. "We have to treat the community like a bank. You can't withdraw more than you deposit." - Jimmy Greene This week on Executive Decisions: Jimmy's accomplishments across various industries Jimmy's first professional experience Why Jimmy didn't want to be like his parents How a tragedy became a turning point for Jimmy Jimmy's advice to those who are rushing at life How you can have intentional contributions The experiences that contributed to Jimmy’s current leadership role Leadership programs and why Jimmy believes we should ‘scrap them’ Why life is all doorknobs Jimmy's interests outside of work Our Favorite Quotes: "Every single contribution, every single moment of my time meant some difference to one person." - Jimmy Greene "The social contract we all need to understand is we’re making deposits and withdrawals, and we want to make sure we don’t outweigh our withdrawals against our deposits." - Sarah Delahanty "Influences shape your decisions and shape your founding principles of who you are." - Sarah Delahanty Connect with Jimmy Greene: About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/24301359
info_outline
Building A Company Culture from Scratch with Paul Barbeau
08/09/2022
Building A Company Culture from Scratch with Paul Barbeau
Paul Barbeau is the Senior Global Director at Dow, a material science company that provides innovative and sustainable solutions for consumer care, infrastructure, and packaging businesses. Paul collaborates with various business leaders to improve existing workplace strategies with employee experience, asset optimization, and sustainability in mind. He is also the Director at 1st State Bank, a banking company that focuses on helping businesses grow in the Great Lakes Bay area. Paul joins me to explain the importance of establishing a company culture where every voice is represented. He shares his experience with being part of the family business and where his entrepreneurial passion started. He describes his love for baseball and what it was like to serve as the President of the Michigan Baseball Foundation. He discusses how Dow impressed him the most from a cultural perspective. Paul also explains how businesses will shift beyond the pandemic, especially regarding flexible work setups. "When you're starting, every voice has an impact on the culture." - Paul Barbeau This week on Executive Decisions: What Paul learned from the family business from an entrepreneurial perspective Why Paul avoided the traditional career route How vital the culture was in Paul's career choices Paul's passion for both baseball and business Navigating the risks of moving locations for your career Getting the team to be part of the culture you want to grow What Paul believes is a good sign to choose a new career Why Dow's culture impressed Paul How our working environments will shift in the future The cultural bedrocks Dow cultivates Paul's passion and hobbies outside of baseball Resources Mentioned: Our Favorite Quotes: "The freedom to learn and grow is important and formative." - Paul Barbeau "Anytime you find a good culture, you just want to bottle it and never let it go." - Sarah Delahanty "It's exciting to have a blank slate and build something from the ground up." - Sarah Delahanty Connect with Paul Barbeau: About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace to managing company politics to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time-sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees, and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/23877966
info_outline
Networking Beyond Your Role As Leader with Fernando Signorini
07/12/2022
Networking Beyond Your Role As Leader with Fernando Signorini
Fernando Signorini is the Vice President of Operations US Gulf Coast and Site Director of Texas Operations at Dow, a chemical manufacturing company that’s been around for over 125 years. They’re currently spearheading programs for a more sustainable future. Fernando has been with Dow for almost 28 years, and his vast experience made him an expert in business processes, planning, plant operations, and strategic sourcing. Fernando joins me to discuss what it means to be more than a leader to your team and explains why leaders often find themselves brooding over criticism. He shares the traits all leaders must have and how to apply them to their team members. Fernando also describes why having a balanced mind is essential in decision-making and discusses the best way to find higher-level insight into your chosen industry. "The role doesn't matter. It's all about connecting with the people." - Fernando Signorini This week on Executive Decisions: Where Fernando's passion for leadership stemmed from The leaders who influenced Fernando's career Keeping in touch with your team despite being an in-demand persona The one mistake leaders frequently make How to find high-level insight as a leader The responsibility of a leader to their team and the traits leaders need to have Why having a balanced mind is the key to making critical decisions Why strategy is good, but you shouldn't spend too much time on it Having your team retain your self-awareness Fernando's expertise outside of his industry Our Favorite Quotes: "You're not going to have insight if your mind is not balanced." - Fernando Signorini "Building that self-awareness for leaders can be a big blindspot." - Sarah Delahanty "Being present is a skill." - Sarah Delahanty Connect with Fernando Signorini: About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/23587418
info_outline
Connecting with Clients Through Our People with Dave Youngstrom
06/15/2022
Connecting with Clients Through Our People with Dave Youngstrom
Dave Youngstrom is the CEO of Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants. Yeo & Yeo is one of the country’s leading tax, technology, accounting, wealth management, and medical billing advisory firms. Dave has been part of the Yeo & Yeo family for over 28 years, where he served as Principal, Director, and Board of Directors before becoming its CEO. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration at Saginaw Valley State University - College of Business Management. Dave joins me to discuss how Yeo & Yeo waded the pandemic and his key takeaways from running a business through a global health crisis. He shares his passion for baseball, his first job, and the critical leadership skills he learned in his youth. Dave explains why remote work was a big disruptor in their industry and how leaders connect with clients through their people. Dave also discusses what leaders should do if they want to succeed in any industry and why you’re never too young to think about retirement. "Our people are our direct connection to our clients." - Dave Youngstrom This week on Executive Decisions: Dave's first job and where he is today The importance of developing a routine mindset The business skills Dave learned in his youth How Dave's firm navigated the pandemic Dave's advice to future leaders in any industry What future leaders should look for in a mentor Taking the pandemic into account and how to move forward The challenges of remote work How Dave stays on top of his game What Dave wishes he did more in his youth When kids should learn how money works Dave's passion for baseball and his other hobbies Our Favorite Quotes: "Build a good team and trust in the team you built." - Dave Youngstrom "You shouldn't wait until you're on the doorstep of retirement to start thinking about taxes and money." - Sarah Delahanty "Building a relationship is not only with your clients, but also deep relationships with your team." - Sarah Delahanty Connect with Dave Youngstrom: About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/23441693
info_outline
Finding Contentment As A Retired Financial Advisor with Fred Helfrich
05/10/2022
Finding Contentment As A Retired Financial Advisor with Fred Helfrich
Fred Helfrich is a retired Certified Financial Planner who formerly worked for SYM Financial Advisors. He worked for the financial advisory firm for over an impressive 41 years. As a financial planning expert, Fred has mastered the art of wealth management, investments, estate planning, and financial advice. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Hanover College and earned his CFP in 1986 from the College for Financial Planning. Since retiring in 2021, Fred has discovered a passion for riding a bicycle over long distances and has pedaled hundreds of miles since. Fred joins me to discuss the state of the financial industry, his career at SYM Financial Advisors, and what life has been like after retirement. He shares the experiences that shaped his youth and describes how technology has changed the financial landscape over the last decade. He shares his takeaways from working with a wide variety of clients, especially those going through tough times. Fred also discusses other skills he’s cultivated beyond financial advising — and his passion for long-distance cycling. "There were situations where I wasn't the answer. You have to be willing to man up and admit to the client that they can be better off somewhere else." - Fred Helfrich This week on Executive Decisions: The experiences that shaped Fred's younger years Why Fred prefers to work with people over computers The challenges Fred faced in his career and how the industry has changed since he started Fred's advice to his younger self Handling demanding clients and tough conversations as a business leader Lessons learned from working with different people Working with clients who are going through a terrible life event The qualities and traits Fred has observed from the many clients he's worked with Fred’s thoughts on teaching kids about money early Common financial problems Fred wishes more people were prepared for Other skills Fred is known for, beyond financial advising How retirement has changed Fred's perspective on life Resources Mentioned: Our Favorite Quotes: "Body language adds up. It's going to impact the way clients react with you in the long haul." - Fred Helfrich "You don't get to be a high level executive without having strong people skills." - Sarah Delahanty "Sometimes, staying cool and collected in stressful moments is important." - Sarah Delahanty Connect with Fred Helfrich: About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time-sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees, and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/22467974
info_outline
Moving Forward In Business Amidst the Pandemic with Jenni Wendt
04/12/2022
Moving Forward In Business Amidst the Pandemic with Jenni Wendt
Jennifer “Jenni” Wendt is the Global Director of Strategic Planning and Business Analysis at Dow, a sustainable materials science company that sells products in the packaging, mobility, infrastructure, and consumer care industries. Jenni is responsible for generating strategic plans that support the company’s capital planning and corporate strategy. Jenni also has oversight of Enterprise Working Capital, with a special focus on managing the risks related to $5-billion investments in trade account receivables. Jenni joins me today to discuss her role and core responsibilities at Dow. She describes her early work experience and what she learned from working with a variety of finance companies. She explains why she preferred to pursue a career in finance over legal and the risks she took to get to where she is today. Jenni also shares her thoughts on financial advisors, her favorite authors and books, and what she enjoys doing when she’s not working. "It's okay to be uncomfortable. Learning to be uncomfortable can be really powerful and can open a lot of doors." - Jenni Wendt This week on Executive Decisions: Jenni's role at Dow and her strategic expertise Jenni's professional experience and the time she worked on a farm Jenni’s key takeaways from her first job as an executive What it means to know how to use your voice How Jenni identified her passion for finance Why Jenni made the change from legal to finance The life-changing risks Jenni took in her career Jenni's advice to young professionals that are afraid to take risks Jenni's most significant takeaway from 2020 and other life lessons What Jenni finds rejuvenating outside of the office Jenni's favorite books and authors Jenni's thoughts on hiring financial advisors Resources Mentioned: Book: Book: Our Favorite Quotes: "Keep your eyes open to everything, don't come in with preconceived notions. You're not too good to do anything." - Jenni Wendt "That 'can do' attitude usually produces great opportunities for people." - Sarah Delahanty "You enjoy what you do because you enjoy the people you're doing it with." - Sarah Delahanty Connect with Jenni Wendt: Email: [email protected] Phone: (989) 636-2473 About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: Apple Podcast Spotify Google Podcasts Stitcher Audible And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time-sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees, and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/21739778
info_outline
Addressing Your Team's Individual Needs with Amy Wilson
03/08/2022
Addressing Your Team's Individual Needs with Amy Wilson
Amy Wilson is the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Dow Corporate, which aims to become the most innovative, inclusive, customer-centric, and sustainable materials science company. They provide science-based products and solutions to their customers in spheres as diverse as packaging, consumer care, mobility, and infrastructure. Amy’s responsibilities with Dow include leading and providing counsel in corporate governance, as well as managing compliance matters. She is also the executive sponsor for Dow’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and allies’ employee resource group, GLAD. Amy joins me today to discuss some of the silver linings she saw amidst the pandemic and what the last year has taught her about people. She describes her experience as a lifeguard and how it made her want to double her efforts to pursue her education. She explains why some questions are too personal for employees, especially with so many of them working from home. She also shares the traits she looks for in a potential leader and why you can learn a lot about a person when you play golf with them. "The world you're in is always changing, so it's your obligation and responsibility to keep up with that." - Amy Wilson This week on Executive Decisions: What Amy has learned from her first job as a lifeguard The real value of continuous learning Amy's advice to young professionals in any industry The advice Amy learned from mentors on what not to do as a professional What the pandemic made Amy realize about people Why you shouldn't ask people about their families Amy's thoughts on the significant events that transpired in 2020 What Amy would tell a leader about making impactful decisions The biggest risks Amy took in the past (and what happened next) The traits Amy looks for in a potential leader Debunking myths within the legal industry What golf can teach you about people and life Looking for the “culture carriers” on your team Our Favorite Quotes: "You can take away something from every style. There are times where one style may even work better than the other, depending on the situation." - Sarah Delahanty "As you lead people, they may need different things from you. People may need the carrot or the stick depending on their work styles." - Sarah Delahanty "The more you can paint a story for people to know how they can contribute to the situation, the better it is." - Amy Wilson Resources Mentioned: Book: Connect with Amy Wilson: About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Follow Sarah on LinkedIn Follow SYM Financial on Facebook Subscribe here: iTunes Android Google Play Stitcher Spotify And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast. Disclosure: The information contained in this message (including any attachments) is confidential and may be privileged. It is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify SYM Financial Advisors (“SYM”) immediately and destroy the material in its entirety. All communications requiring immediate attention or action, such as trade requests or other time sensitive matters should not be sent to SYM via email. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information may arrive later than intended, be intercepted, be corrupted, or contain viruses. This material is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any product. The opinions expressed herein are those of SYM and are subject to change without notice. To the extent that performance information is contained in this email, past performance is not indicative of future results. SYM is an independent registered investment adviser. More information about SYM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/21115790
info_outline
Discerning Good Professional Advice from Bad with Tom Schwyn
02/15/2022
Discerning Good Professional Advice from Bad with Tom Schwyn
Tom Schwyn is the Vice President of Global Legal Operations and GPO General Counsel at Whirlpool, one of the world’s leading kitchen and laundry appliances brands. Tom has an incredible career story, having joined Whirlpool as an electrical engineer back in 1987. As Vice President of the Legal Operations department, today Tom is tasked with mitigating risks, optimizing value, and promoting global collaboration across legal departments. He is planning to retire by the end of 2021. Tom joins me today to share the many pieces of advice he followed that helped him get to where he is today. He describes what his first job was like and the lessons it taught him that he still carries to this day. He explains how young people can plan ahead without feeling stressed out or burned out. He shares some of the reasons why great leaders stumble and how they can correct themselves to prevent those experiences again. Tom also describes some of his fondest moments in the industry, his favorite taco recipe, and his advice for young professionals who have no idea how to manage their finances. "Have a plan, but be open to opportunities that present themselves to you." - Tom Schwyn This week on Executive Decisions: Tom's first job and what the experience taught him Tom's advice to those who are about to embark on their professional journey What Tom considers to be terrible advice that is frequently given to young professionals What it takes to enjoy a long career Some of the decisions Tom would want to revisit The four qualities that define success for someone in Tom's position Why Tom believes many good leaders fail as they climb the ranks Some of the most significant risks Tom took in his career The tough experiences Tom encountered and his key takeaways from them The best way to mentally recover from a loss Debunking some of the common myths in the industry Separating good advice from bad advice as a young professional Tom’s fondest moments, his Ted Talk topic, and financial advice Our Favorite Quotes: "We can't be everything to everybody." - Sarah Delahanty "Sometimes, it's not important to be the loudest voice in the room. Zsometimes, it’s better to listen and treat everyone with respect." - Sarah Delahanty "Failures of integrity are hard to come back from." - Tom Schwyn Resources Mentioned: Book: Connect with Tom Schwyn: About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: iTunes Android Google Play Stitcher Spotify And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/20983418
info_outline
Making The Tough Decisions For Your Business with Sharon Mortensen
01/18/2022
Making The Tough Decisions For Your Business with Sharon Mortensen
Sharon Mortensen is the President and CEO of Midland Area Community Foundation, an organization that promotes philanthropic leadership to help the local community through scholarships, charity funding, and donations to Midland area nonprofits every year. As a leader, Sharon is responsible for overseeing all operations, from proposal to execution. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Defiance College and a Master’s in Counseling from the University of Texas. Sharon joins me today to discuss the qualities a leader must possess to make the right calls for their business. She shares her professional experience, her first real job, and why a service mentality is vital in good leadership. She explains the processes involved in making leadership decisions and how to be objective with each one. Sharon also describes how the Foundation supported its local community during the pandemic and what it takes for leaders to stay at the top of their game. "Leadership ultimately is about service." - Sharon Mortensen This week on Executive Decisions: Why leaders should be more curious than judgmental Having a service mentality as a leader The great qualities that distinguish leaders of successful businesses The most important advice Sharon has received as a young leader How Sharon finds success when faced with a tough decision What it takes to be objective in making decisions - even if those decisions are unpopular The risks Sharon deemed were worth taking How the Foundation helped the local community during the height of the pandemic What Sharon believes leaders should do to be at the top of their game Why being a "non-profit" doesn't mean you're not supposed to make money The myths in the world of philanthropy The financial obstacles Sharon wishes people knew more about Sharon’s favorite vacation spot and words of wisdom Our Favorite Quotes: "In decision making, you need to find the information, come to your decision, and be solid with your decision." - Sarah Delahanty "Money doesn't necessarily solve the problem. There has to be some action behind that to move things into a positive conclusion." - Sarah Delahanty "Curiosity carries you a long way as a leader." - Sharon Mortensen Connect with Sharon Mortensen: Email: [email protected] About SYM Financial and Executive Decisions Podcast Executive Decisions is a show for business leaders. In each episode, host and financial advisor Sarah Delahanty sits down with executives and local experts who serve them. Together, they tackle some of the harder questions that business leaders face today. From inspiring creativity in the workplace, to managing company politics, to making the best choices with executive compensation, taxes, and lifestyle — our show delivers stories and lessons learned across many industries and lifetimes. Email Sarah at with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation. Subscribe here: iTunes Android Google Play Stitcher Spotify And, if you enjoy the show, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the podcast.
/episode/index/show/executivedecisions/id/20973380