Resilient Leader's Journey

Navigating Challenging Currents in Growth & Change

153. Vinu Malik - President, Super Seltzer 01/21/2026

153. Vinu Malik - President, Super Seltzer In this episode of the Resilient Leaders Journey, Trent interviews Vinu Malik, founder of Fuel Belt and Super Seltzer. Vinu shares his journey of building a successful brand in the endurance sports market, the challenges of leadership and team management, and the importance of resilience in both business and personal life. He discusses the significance of networking, storytelling, and maintaining character and integrity as a leader. The conversation also touches on Vinu's latest venture, Super Seltzer, and how he aims to differentiate it in a crowded market. Takeaways -Vinu Malik emphasizes the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship. -Building a brand requires persistence and the ability to handle rejection. -Effective leadership involves understanding team dynamics and communication. -Empathy is crucial in motivating and managing a team. -Networking is a long-term investment that pays off over time. Chapters Building a Brand Through Personal Experience The Balance of Confidence and Humility Resilience Through Personal Trials The Journey of Entrepreneurship Introducing Super Seltzer /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/39811130

152. Deb Honor, CSRO Women's Fund of Rhode Island 01/12/2026

152. Deb Honor, CSRO Women's Fund of Rhode Island In this episode of the Resilient Leaders Journey, Trent interviews Deb Honor, the Development Director of the Women's Fund of Rhode Island. They discuss the importance of networking, building connections, and the role of self-confidence in leadership. Deb shares her journey of growing her LinkedIn connections from 30 to over 26,000 and how these connections have helped her in her role. The conversation also covers the mission of the Women's Fund, the significance of advocacy, and tips for young professionals on effective networking and follow-up strategies. Takeaways: *Networking is essential for personal and professional growth. *Follow-up after networking events is crucial for building relationships. Finding the right networking events can enhance your experience. *Building relationships is more important than immediate sponsorships. Chapters: Building a Powerful Network Leadership and Self-Confidence Networking Tips for Young Professionals The Importance of Follow-Up /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/39688465

151. Jim Fleet, Director - Phoenix Management 12/30/2025

151. Jim Fleet, Director - Phoenix Management In this episode Trent speaks with Jim Fleet, a director at Phoenix Management, about the complexities of leadership in business growth and transition. They discuss the importance of humility, the challenges of scaling a business, the significance of customer acquisition, and the necessity of authentic communication. Jim shares insights on the hero complex that leaders often face, the value of storytelling, and the traits of ineffective leaders. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to recognize their limitations and the importance of fostering a collaborative environment for success. Highlights The Importance of Humility in Leadership Challenges of Scaling a Business Ceding Control: Trust and Leadership Dynamics The Hero Complex in Leadership Authenticity in Leadership Communication Traits of Ineffective Leaders /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/39565190

150. Damien Cabral, President - Tribal Vision 12/04/2025

150. Damien Cabral, President - Tribal Vision In this episode of the Resilient Leaders Journey, Trent speaks with Damien Cabral, founder of Tribal Vision, about the evolving landscape of marketing. They discuss the importance of understanding marketing strategies, the shift towards digital platforms, and the challenges of client retention versus acquisition. Damien emphasizes the need for marketers to be both analytical and creative, adapting to new technologies and consumer behaviors. The conversation also touches on leadership qualities and the significance of fostering a strong organizational culture. Takeaways -Marketing is about meeting businesses where they are. -Direct mail is still effective when done correctly. -Understanding customer lifetime value is crucial for marketing success. -Marketers need to be data-driven and tech-savvy today. - Client retention is often more challenging than acquisition. -Leadership is about inspiring and guiding teams, not just managing tasks. Chapters The Evolution of Marketing in the Digital Age Client Relationships: Acquisition vs. Retention Leadership and Culture in Marketing Organizations /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/39269245

149. Craig Gordon, CEO - Communities For People 11/24/2025

149. Craig Gordon, CEO - Communities For People In this episode of The Resilient Leader's Journey, Craig Gordon, President and CEO of Communities for People, discusses the challenges and rewards of working in child welfare. He explains the organization's focus on child welfare programs, primarily funded through government contracts, and the complexities of managing a decentralized workforce. Craig highlights the high turnover rates in the industry and the importance of effective screening during the hiring process. He emphasizes the intrinsic rewards of working in this field and the career development opportunities available for staff. As a CEO, Craig shares his insights on leadership, collaboration, and the evolving nature of his role in addressing systemic challenges in child welfare. Communities for People focuses on child welfare programs. Most funding comes from government contracts. High turnover rates are a challenge in the industry. Effective screening is crucial for hiring staff. Intrinsic rewards are key to retaining staff. Challenges in Staff Retention The Role of a CEO in Child Welfare Collaboration in the Nonprofit Sector /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/39147685

148. Scott Trumpolt, Compensation Expert 07/23/2025

148. Scott Trumpolt, Compensation Expert In this episode of the Resilient Leaders Journey, Trent speaks with compensation consultant Scott Trumpolt (www.hrcompensationconsulting.com) about the evolving landscape of compensation in the workplace. They discuss the role of compensation consultants, the impact of remote work on compensation strategies, and the importance of employee engagement. Scott shares insights on generational differences in compensation expectations, the significance of pay transparency, and the need for effective communication of career development opportunities. Takeaways *Compensation is essential for attracting and retaining talent. *Remote work has transformed compensation strategies. *Employee engagement is crucial for organizational success. *Younger generations prioritize pay transparency and career growth. *Companies must communicate clear career paths to employees. *Benefits beyond cash compensation are increasingly valued. Chapters Remote Work and Compensation Dynamics The Importance of Pay Transparency Communicating Employee Value /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/37524515

146. Doug Frey, Board Member - SCI Boston 07/16/2025

146. Doug Frey, Board Member - SCI Boston The Resilient Leader's Journey Podcast focuses on navigating challenging currents of growth & change. In this episode, Doug Fry shares his journey from a successful career in finance to his personal experience with a spinal cord injury and his subsequent involvement with SCI Boston. He discusses the importance of mental resilience, the lessons learned from his recovery, and how these experiences translate into valuable insights for entrepreneurs and leaders. Doug emphasizes the significance of character, teamwork, and the ability to adapt in both personal and professional settings. Key takeaways: Mental resilience is crucial in overcoming personal challenges and setbacks. Keeping a journal can help track progress and maintain motivation during recovery. Learning from failures is as important as celebrating successes. Entrepreneurs should evaluate their strengths and seek external help when needed. Leadership involves supporting team members and recognizing their contributions. Character assessment in interviews can reveal a lot about a candidate's honesty and fit. Community support is vital for individuals facing life-altering challenges. Personal growth often comes from navigating difficult experiences. Chapters Mental Resilience and Recovery from Injury Lessons for Entrepreneurs from Personal Experience Measuring Character and Leadership in Teams /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/37427975

147. Vince Burks - Senior Vice President of Communications, Amica Insurance 06/10/2025

147. Vince Burks - Senior Vice President of Communications, Amica Insurance In this episode of the Resilient Leaders Journey, Trent speaks with Vince Burks, former Senior Vice President of Communication for Amica Insurance. They discuss the importance of communication in the insurance industry, the role of performance reviews in employee development, and the significance of character in hiring. Vince emphasizes the value of listening as a leadership skill, the necessity of self-confidence, and the dangers of overconfidence in leadership roles. The conversation concludes with reflections on humility and the impact of leadership on company culture. Takeaways: Character is a vital component in the hiring process. Listening is a powerful skill for effective leadership. Self-confidence is essential for leaders to inspire their teams. Collaboration is key to getting things right in leadership. Overconfidence can lead to significant pitfalls in leadership. Understanding company culture is important for effective leadership. Forgiveness and understanding are important traits in leadership. Chapters Hiring Practices and the Importance of Character Listening and Leadership Styles The Role of Trust and Collaboration Reflections on Leadership and Personal Growth /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/36942625

145. April Willers - Chief Operating Officer - Claim Deck 06/04/2025

145. April Willers - Chief Operating Officer - Claim Deck The Resilient Leader's Journey Podcast focuses on navigating challenging currents of growth & change. In this episode, April Willers, Chief Operating Officer of www.claim-deck.com, discusses the innovative claims management platform Claim Deck, its impact on the insurance industry, and the importance of metrics in measuring success. April shares insights on the challenges of recruiting and retaining talent in a changing workforce, the significance of personal development, and strategies for enhancing employee engagement. The conversation also touches on the importance of listening to employees and fostering a supportive company culture. Highlights: Challenges in Employee Recruitment and Retention Fostering a Positive Company Culture Engagement and Listening to Employees /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/36854100

144. James Hagerty - Chief Lending Officer - Washington Trust 05/15/2025

144. James Hagerty - Chief Lending Officer - Washington Trust The Resilient Leader's Journey Podcast focuses on navigating challenging currents of growth & change. In this episode, Jim Hagerty shares his insights on leadership, community service, and the importance of empathy in guiding organizations. He discusses his experiences in banking, the challenges faced during the Great Recession, and the significance of communication and trust in leadership roles. Jim emphasizes that self-confidence is a learned trait developed through experience and reflection, and he draws parallels between leadership lessons and fictional characters, highlighting the impact of storytelling in understanding leadership dynamics. Chapters The Importance of Community Involvement Empathy in Leadership Building Self-Confidence in Leadership Navigating Change and Risk Management Leading Through Uncertainty /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/36578185

143. Brian Bishop - Maj. Gen USAF - Leader of the Thunderbirds 05/07/2025

143. Brian Bishop - Maj. Gen USAF - Leader of the Thunderbirds The Resilient Leader's Journey Podcast focuses on navigating challenging currents of growth & change. In this episode, Major General Brian Bishop shares insights from his extensive military career and how they apply to leadership in business. He discusses the concept of 9G Teams, emphasizing the importance of a common mission, resource allocation, and individual contributions to team success. Bishop also highlights the significance of trust, continuous learning, and the balance between confidence and humility in leadership. Through anecdotes from his time with the Air Force Thunderbirds, he illustrates how effective training and communication foster trust and commitment within teams. Chapters: Navigating the 9G Environment in Business Building Trust in High-Pressure Situations Confidence vs. Overconfidence in Leadership /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/36477955

142. Tony Fonseca, Owner Packaging & More 04/15/2025

142. Tony Fonseca, Owner Packaging & More This week's guest is Tony Fonseca, owner of Packaging & More and youth swim coach. Tony discusses the dynamics of running a family business, and the importance of building strong relationships in business. Tony shares insights on client satisfaction versus acquisition, his coaching philosophy, and the life lessons he imparts to young swimmers. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/36152650

141. Tyler Wentworth, Founder of The Hire 04/03/2025

141. Tyler Wentworth, Founder of The Hire This week's guest is Tyler Wentworth, the president and founder of The Hire, a talent acquisition partner. Tyler shares his journey from studying kinesiology to becoming a successful recruiter, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, confidence building, and the balance between character and competency in hiring. He discusses the challenges of cold calling and the significance of networking in the business world. The conversation highlights the need for resilience in navigating the complexities of business and recruitment. Chapters: Transitioning from Recruiting to Entrepreneurship Building Confidence and Mentorship in Recruitment Assessing Character vs. Competency in Candidates Notable Sound Bites "The art of cold calling is a beautiful thing." "I had to double the pipeline to get results." "I try to remain calm under pressure." /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/35995155

140. Shawn Carmody, Fire Chief at Bedford (NY) Fire Department 03/14/2025

140. Shawn Carmody, Fire Chief at Bedford (NY) Fire Department , Bedford (NY) Fire Chief, discusses his transition from a finance career to community service in the fire department, the dynamics of a volunteer fire organization, the importance of hiring for character and leadership potential, and the challenges of projecting confidence in emergency situations. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/35698200

139. Gregory Tumolo, Shareholder at Littler 03/11/2025

139. Gregory Tumolo, Shareholder at Littler Gregory Tumolo, Shareholder at Littler discusses how performance management should be an ongoing conversatio, that employers need to communicate expectations clearly to employees, giving back to the community is essential for personal fulfillment and how a Fellowship can accomplish the most challenging tasks together. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/35640700

138. Greg Scorpio, CFO at G-Form 02/25/2025

138. Greg Scorpio, CFO at G-Form The Resilient Leader's Journey Podcast focuses on navigating challenging leadership currents through character, confidence and commitment. This week's guest is Greg Scorpio, CFO at www.G-Form.com. Greg discusses decisiveness in leadership, the CFO's role as steward, protector & translator, and why he admires the qualities of a certain Godfather. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/35417070

137. Kelley McShane - Granny McSquibb's Organic Iced Tea 02/11/2025

137. Kelley McShane - Granny McSquibb's Organic Iced Tea Kelley discusses drawing talent into her organization, how a large percentage of decisions are made in a group and one particular sleuth that helps with problem solving skills. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/35232895

136. Peter Tarmey - Hilb Group 02/04/2025

136. Peter Tarmey - Hilb Group Peter discusses integrating employees following a merger & acquisition, building trust through honest dialogue and answers the Barbara Walters question. If Peter were a tree, what kind of tree would he be? /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/35141335

135. Frank Somma - Sales Expert 01/28/2025

135. Frank Somma - Sales Expert Frank Somma discusses the chasm in exceptional leadership, whether you are "in" or "into" sales and the honorable Atticus Finch. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/35045705

134. Tim McCandless - Scouting America 01/22/2025

134. Tim McCandless - Scouting America , of Scouting America discusses the value of setting examples, how Scouting America trains young managers and why James Tiberius Kirk is intergalactic role model. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/34954800

133. Kurt Harrington - Something Fishy 01/14/2025

133. Kurt Harrington - Something Fishy Kurt Harrington, CEO of Something Fishy, discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of character in the hiring process and why Sebastian the Crab is his favorite fictional character. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/34844410

132. Declare Your Independence 07/16/2024

132. Declare Your Independence This episode discusses the courage of entrepreneurs, July 1776 in Philadelphia and a daughter's college decision making process. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/32161207

131. Click For A Treat 06/21/2024

131. Click For A Treat This episode discusses positive emlpoyee reinforcement, Linda Pryor's animal training technique and Cookie Monster's sole motivation. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/31836282

130. Complacency Breeds Extinction 06/14/2024

130. Complacency Breeds Extinction This episode discusses generational wealth transfers, business innovations and Rat Utopia /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/31742362

129. Airm Small Miss Small 05/16/2024

129. Airm Small Miss Small This 10-minute episode discusses variability in expectations, a precise NASA mission and Ben Hogan's pure golf swing. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/31334442

128. Streamline Your Process 04/18/2024

128. Streamline Your Process This episode discusses Motorola's Six Sigma Process, Navage and the Berkoff Blast. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/30878093

127. Never Into The Net 03/21/2024

127. Never Into The Net This episode discusses setting lofty goals, Andre Agassi's dragon and wasting a good leg shaving. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/30469263

126. Trust Your Rigger 02/29/2024

126. Trust Your Rigger This episode discusses D-Day paratroopers, organizational trust and stage jumping. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/30161038

125. Don't Sign The Petition 02/15/2024

125. Don't Sign The Petition This episode discusses investments in sales training, interrogation techniques and delicious Girl Scout cookies. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/29963018

124. Create A Frenzy 02/08/2024

124. Create A Frenzy This episode discusses marketing development, iPhone distribution lines and Superbowl pre-game singers. /episode/index/show/swimmingintheflood/id/29852138

Resilient Leader's Journey

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