Timeout With Leaders

S3:E21 ”The Power of Action in the Now” Timeout with Heather Smith

Join this week's episode with Heather Smith, CEO of Velocitii. Heather's leadership during the pandemic embraced remote work, emphasizing trust, collaboration, and resilience. Focusing on communication, trust, transparency, and actionable insights, Heather's approach pioneers a culture of innovation harnessing the power of action, NOW. Discover the keys to a leadership turnaround and how to create a safe space for continuous improvement.

S3:E20 ”Should Never Be Just Me” Timeout with Rusty Meeks

In this week's episode of Timeout with Leaders, we sit down with Rusty Meeks, CEO of the Arkansas Travelers Baseball Club. From his early days as a bat boy to becoming the CEO, Rusty shares insights on leadership learned from the game. He redefines minor league baseball, emphasizing that they don't just host games but create events. Rusty's diverse approach to managing his internal team mirrors the diversity of his fanbase. He emphasizes the power of small gestures, simplifying the common goal to "take pride in what you do." Rebuilding trust was key, and Rusty's infectious "can do" attitude transformed the culture. Leveraging data and trusting his team's ideas, they enhanced both fan experiences and workplace flexibility. Rusty's scouting background taught him the importance of identifying potential, fostering belief, and watching individuals flourish. Tune in for valuable leadership lessons from the diamond to the boardroom!

S3:E19 ”Proceed as if Success is Inevitable” Timeout with Nikisha Ridgeway

Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici sit down with Nikisha Ridgeway, the President and CEO of Starbridge, a transformative organization that partners with individuals with disabilities, their families, and their supporters to create opportunities in education, employment, and healthy living.  Nikisha is a remarkable leader who embodies the spirit of curiosity, perseverance, and collaboration. She believes that success is inevitable when you approach life with the right attitude and a passion for what you do.

Nikisha Ridgeway's insights on leadership, inclusion, and the power of curiosity are invaluable. She reminds us that when we approach challenges with the mindset that success is inevitable and that everyone has the potential to contribute, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous world

S3:E18 ”Intrapreneurial Leadership” Timeout with Mike Ognenovski

Join us as we sit down with Michael Ognenovski, the current President of Sydor Optics Inc. in Rochester, NY. Mike's story is a testament to the power of personal growth, resilience, and effective leadership.

Mike shares invaluable insights that have shaped his journey as a leader, providing a roadmap for success and personal growth.

Tune in to hear Mike's inspiring journey, gain valuable leadership insights, and learn how to make each day count on your path toward Intrapreneurial leadership.

S3:E17 ”Take the Time” Timeout with Patrick Luckett

This week we take a TIMEOUT with Patrick Luckett, the CEO of Best Day Ever. Patrick's unique journey from being a head manager for Syracuse men's basketball under Coach Jim Boeheim to becoming a successful entrepreneur offered profound insights into leadership, consistency, and motivation.

Patrick Luckett's journey is a testament to the power of leadership, consistency, and personal growth. His experiences with Coach Boeheim have left an indelible mark on his approach to motivating and inspiring other individuals. Pat realized early on it is all about the experiences and feelings a person has that will appropriately motivate them to become their best selves.

As leaders, we can learn valuable lessons from Patrick's story, emphasizing the importance of connecting with and nurturing the potential of our team members to achieve greatness through an individualized approach.

S3:E16 ”Make Tomorrow Better” Timeout with Dale Sedgwick

Join us on an inspiring journey with Dale Sedgwick as she shares her powerful message: 'Do something today that makes tomorrow better.' As a faith-based leader, Dale focuses on providing hope to those society and the business community may have forgotten about.

In this enlightening podcast, Dale reminds us that the Bible's practical wisdom is rooted in stories that connect us all. She emphasizes the importance of offering resources, training, financial support, and safety nets that empower individuals to reskill and upskill, not just for a job but for a career they're truly passionate about.

Dale encourages us to pause and reflect on our personal journeys, acknowledging our achievements and experiences. While reflection is valuable, she reminds us not to be prisoners of our past but to use it as a textbook to shape our future.

S3:E15 ”Everyone is a Leader” Timeout with Michael Backus

TIMEOUT with Michael Backus, a part-time basketball referee, and President & Chief Executive Officer of Oswego Health, an independent community-based health system. He brings a whole new meaning to leadership in healthcare and a potential blueprint for others to learn from.

"Find the best people to get on the bus with you"

Transparency, vulnerability, and communication are how Mike has spread passion and purpose throughout all levels of the organization. In turn, their patients are saying, "You cared for my loved one as if they were a part of your family."

If you take care of the community, the community will take care of you. Finding ways to engage and challenge his team to find solutions while modeling his workforce off of the community in which they live and work, makes all the difference in the quality of care and positive health outcomes. 

S3:E14 Timeout with Gwen Van Laeken ”Equity of Voice”

This week we take a timeout with Gwen Van Laeken, Executive Director of Leadership Rochester, a personal and professional program dedicated to bringing leaders together to solve our community challenges. 

When we are able to present the challenge and effectively communicate with one another we can grow our perspective while achieving positive outcomes when we value each voice along the way.

Gwen shares that asking more questions today is better than attempting the have all the answers in leadership. 

S3:E13 Timeout with Kardell Sims ”Any Dream is Obtainable for Anyone”

Are we providing enough empowerment, encouragement, and enablement to those currently or previously incarcerated to become successful contributing members of our community?

We sit down with Kardell Sims, who shares his journey with us which serves as his motivation to do more for others! 

His story, passion, and compassion is a lesson for all of us.

S3:E12 Timeout with Ryan Carrier ”Can AI and Humanity Co-exist?”

Do you believe that humans and AI can co-exist? Tyler and Kevyn sit down to separate fact from fiction as it relates to AI with Ryan Carrier, Executive Director of ForHumanity.

His non-profit is focused on ensuring the safety and equity of AI, machine learning, and analytics to protect all our human interests. AI has been talked about feverishly since the release of ChatGPT but Ryan shares that this is only the tip of the iceberg.