Épisodes

  • Steve Valentor: Building, Scaling, and Starting Over in the Age of Computing and AI

    Steve Valentor: Building, Scaling, and Starting Over in the Age of Computing and AI
    Jan 28 2026
    Steve Valentor began his career at the dawn of the personal computer era, leveraging a mathematics degree and deep expertise in assembly language to develop computers for Zenith, LG, and his own laptop startup, Airis. As system-on-chip technology emerged, he transitioned into semiconductor R&D at NXP for a decade, followed by three years in senior management at Wind River (now Intel). Steve later became a major shareholder and CEO of RightHand Technologies, where he led the design and manufacturing of embedded computers for aerospace and defense applications and helped scale the company before stepping out of day-to-day operations. He then returned to school to earn an MBA with a strong concentration in finance and now runs his own venture capital fund while teaching entrepreneurship and technical AI courses at DePaul University.In this episode, Brad and Steve discuss:Steve’s early career at the dawn of personal computing and how low-level programming shaped his thinkingWhat it really means to bootstrap a company, and the unexpected challenges of building without capitalHow Steve transitioned from founder and CEO to board member, investor, and educatorWhy small companies are often undervalued compared to large corporations, and how financial literacy changes thatThe importance of lifelong learning, reinvention, and stepping back at the right time as a leaderKey Takeaways: Building a company without a safety net forces creativity, resilience, and problem-solving at every level. Steve’s early startup experience showed that progress often comes from improvisation rather than perfect planning.Stepping away from day-to-day leadership can be a strategic move, not a failure. Steve’s decision allowed the company to reduce costs, stabilize operations, and open the door for his next chapter of growth.Financial literacy is a critical leadership skill, especially when it comes to valuation and long-term strategy. Steve’s deep dive into finance revealed why large companies command higher multiples and how smaller companies can close that gap.There is no such thing as a true career safety net, whether in startups or large corporations. The most reliable protection comes from adaptability, confidence, and a willingness to keep learning.Education is not limited by age or career stage. Steve’s return to school later in life reshaped his perspective and ultimately led him into venture capital and teaching.“We never really have a safety net. And the only real safety net is your own strength, your own vision, your confidence in yourself, and your willingness to go as far as you need to to make your business successful. ” - Steve ValentorConnect with Steve Valentor: Website: https://polynomial-vc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenrvalentor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stevevalentor4804?app=desktop Connect with Brad Foley:Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ Email: brad@hrvaluepartners.com Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine PobleteAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    1 h et 5 min
  • William Salvi: Inside the CEO Mindset and the Loneliness of Leadership

    William Salvi: Inside the CEO Mindset and the Loneliness of Leadership
    Jan 21 2026

    William Salvi is the co-founder and host of Executive House, a global business media platform that spotlights prominent business executives through in-depth, authentic conversations. He is also the creator and host of The CEO Series, an Emmy-winning, YouTube-based interview show focused exclusively on CEOs, where he explores not just what leaders build, but how and why they lead.


    In this episode, Brad and William discuss:

    • How Executive House and The CEO Series were built to spotlight real, human conversations with business leaders
    • Why filming CEOs in their own environments creates more honest and vulnerable interviews
    • The tension between authenticity and corporate communications in executive leadership
    • The hidden loneliness, pressure, and moral weight CEOs carry behind closed doors
    • Hiring mistakes, painful business iterations, and lessons learned from building a media company


    Key Takeaways:

    • CEOs are often misunderstood because the public narrative focuses only on the loudest, wealthiest outliers. William emphasizes that thousands of ethical, thoughtful leaders quietly run strong companies that deserve more attention and recognition.
    • Authentic leadership requires striking a balance between vulnerability and responsibility. CEOs cannot share everything, but selective honesty builds trust far more effectively than polished corporate language.
    • Corporate speak often exists to reduce risk, but it can strip leaders of credibility. When leaders say everything “perfectly,” they often say nothing meaningful at all.
    • Building a business through multiple iterations is painful but clarifying. Each failed hire, pivot, and setback helped William and his team define what truly mattered and what didn’t.
    • Hiring too early or without clarity is one of the most costly mistakes founders make. Clear vision and structure are prerequisites to effective leadership and team management.


    “Honesty doesn't mean share everything. Honesty means, you know, be real.” - William Salvi


    Connect with William Salvi:

    Website: http://www.ceoseries.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-salvi/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveHouse



    Connect with Brad Foley:

    Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/

    Email: brad@hrvaluepartners.com



    Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

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    54 min
  • Andrew Sykes: From Fear-Based Leadership to Trust-Driven Growth

    Andrew Sykes: From Fear-Based Leadership to Trust-Driven Growth
    Jan 14 2026

    Andrew Sykes grew up in South Africa and built one of the country’s largest healthcare consulting businesses. With 25 years of experience in sales, he has lived, worked, and run businesses across six continents, giving him a global perspective on leadership, trust, and human behavior. Andrew is the author of The 11th Habit, a TEDx speaker, and a lecturer at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He is also the founder of Habits at Work, where he helps customer-facing teams build stronger relationships, leverage trust, and uncover their customers’ deeper needs beyond what’s on the surface.


    In this episode, Brad and Andrew discuss:

    • Andrew’s unconventional journey from actuarial science to entrepreneurship and leadership development
    • How fear-based, command-and-control leadership can drive profits but destroy trust and retention
    • Trust is a judgment others make, not a personal trait leaders can assume they possess
    • The research behind habit formation and why most training programs fail to create real behavior change
    • Why first impressions matter more than most leaders realize and how to build trust in minutes, not months


    Key Takeaways:

    • Trust is not something leaders inherently have; it is a judgment others make, often within the first five minutes of interaction. Leaders who ignore this reality unintentionally operate from a trust deficit.
    • Fear-based leadership can produce short-term financial results, but it guarantees high turnover, cultural damage, and long-term instability.
    • Knowledge alone does not drive behavior change. Skills must be deliberately practiced and turned into habits to create lasting performance improvement.
    • Trust accelerates everything in business; sales cycles shorten, employees stay longer, mistakes are forgiven more easily, and innovation increases.
    • Rebuilding trust requires humility and intention. Small promises kept consistently are far more effective than grand gestures after trust has been broken.


    “Mere experience gained on automatic is the enemy of mastery.” - Andrew Sykes


    Connect with Andrew Sykes:

    Website: https://www.habitsatwork.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewsykes1/

    Other Resources: Cohort on Trust for 2026 - https://www.habitsatwork.com/trust-advantage

    Book: https://cerene.squarespace.com/woof-book-store/p/the-book



    Connect with Brad Foley:

    Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/

    Email: brad@hrvaluepartners.com



    Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

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    1 h et 1 min
  • Christine Toson: Leadership Lessons from the Intersection of Business and Humanity

    Christine Toson: Leadership Lessons from the Intersection of Business and Humanity
    Jan 7 2026

    Christine Toson is the President and CEO of The Tribute Companies, Inc., based in Hartland, Wisconsin. Tribute owns and manages four prominent, family-owned and operated cemeteries across Wisconsin, located in Milwaukee, Hartland, Wausau, and Green Bay, each offering full-service cemetery products and services. In addition to cemetery ownership and management, The Tribute Companies includes an architectural firm and two precast concrete manufacturing facilities in Illinois and Indiana that serve the death care profession. Christine represents the fourth generation of her family in the cemetery industry and has worked within The Tribute Companies for nearly 30 years. Her expertise spans cemetery ownership, management, design, and development, as well as the manufacturing of precast concrete products for the cemetery industry.


    In this episode, Brad and Christine discuss:

    • Why compassion is a non-negotiable trait when hiring and leading teams
    • Balancing hard business facts with empathy when serving grieving families
    • The stigma and talent challenges facing the cemetery and funeral profession
    • Why pre-planning and honest conversations about death matter for families
    • Leading innovation while honoring tradition in a highly emotional industry


    Key Takeaways:

    • Compassion is not optional in Christine’s business. It is the foundation of everything they do. Even in manufacturing and B2B relationships, respect for grieving families must come first.
    • Leadership in emotionally charged industries requires both empathy and realism. Christine emphasizes using facts, statistics, and real stories rather than “soft” messaging when discussing difficult topics.
    • Recruiting and retaining talent is challenging due to stigma around death care, but creative recruiting and clear expectations help attract the right people.
    • Pre-planning is not about the person who passes away; it’s about protecting the family left behind. Avoiding these conversations often leads to conflict, stress, and regret.
    • Family businesses require long-term thinking. Christine credits prior generations for over-funding trust accounts and prioritizing stewardship over short-term gain.


    “At the core of everything is compassion. And so they need to be compassionate, because that's what our business is all about.” - Christine Toson


    Connect with Christine Toson:

    Website: http://www.tributeinc.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-toson-cce-5489882/



    Connect with Brad Foley:

    Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/

    Email: brad@hrvaluepartners.com



    Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

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    58 min
  • Alex Samoylovich: Building Vertically Integrated Real Estate Businesses in a Changing Market

    Alex Samoylovich: Building Vertically Integrated Real Estate Businesses in a Changing Market
    Dec 31 2025

    Alex Samoylovich is the Co-Founding Partner and Managing Partner of CEDARst Companies, a nationally recognized multifamily real estate development and operating firm with more than $4 billion in assets developed or acquired across the United States. Over the past 18 years, Alex has built and scaled vertically integrated businesses spanning real estate development, construction, operations, property management, and technology. He is also the founder of Livly, a resident engagement and property technology platform designed to create frictionless experiences for owners and residents. Alex’s career reflects a deep commitment to innovation, long-term value creation, and building strong teams capable of navigating market cycles, distressed assets, and rapid growth.


    In this episode, Brad and Alex discuss:

    • Alex’s transition from equity and options trading into real estate investing and development
    • How early mentorship and syndication shaped his long-term approach to building wealth
    • The role of vertical integration in controlling costs, improving quality, and scaling sustainably
    • Why micro-unit and unit square-foot optimization created a competitive advantage in multifamily housing
    • The importance of team alignment, culture, and hiring A-players in scaling complex organizations


    Key Takeaways:

    • Building a durable business takes time, experience, and repeated exposure to market cycles. Alex notes that it took over a decade before the business truly felt sustainable and dialed in.
    • Vertical integration can provide a powerful competitive advantage when it allows leaders to control outcomes, reduce friction, and improve execution across the entire value chain.
    • Innovation often comes from choosing the harder path. By pursuing unconventional strategies like micro-unit development, Alex and his partners created a moat that competitors struggled to replicate.
    • High-performing teams are built through complementary skill sets, trust, and shared accountability. One strong contributor can multiply the effectiveness of others when aligned around a common goal.
    • Entrepreneurship rarely starts with a clear vision. Momentum is created by taking the first step, learning quickly, and allowing clarity to emerge over time.


    “We've continued to add a growth mindset, which really allowed us to continue to improve and get better.” - Alex Samoylovich


    Connect with Alex Samoylovich:

    Website: http://www.cedarst.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-samoylovich-129b524/



    Connect with Brad Foley:

    Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/

    Email: brad@hrvaluepartners.com



    Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

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    54 min
  • Bror David Johnson: Recruiting, Retention, and the Producer Mindset in Insurance

    Bror David Johnson: Recruiting, Retention, and the Producer Mindset in Insurance
    Dec 24 2025
    Bror David Johnson is the founder of Retention Search and a seasoned insurance and recruiting professional with more than 25 years of industry experience, as well as a benefits broker with Van Wyk Risk Solutions. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Indiana University, he built a diverse career spanning business development, underwriting, consulting, product development, and executive recruiting at organizations including RR Donnelly, AT&T, Willis Towers Watson, and SunLife Financial. Today, Bror helps employers, brokerages, and candidates navigate complex staffing and employee benefits challenges by combining deep insurance expertise with a relationship-driven recruiting approach, specializing in placing top talent in critical roles and helping organizations optimize compensation, benefits, and retention strategies for long-term success.In this episode, Brad and Bror David discuss:Bror’s unconventional career path from recruiting into insurance brokerage and executive searchThe difference between proactive and reactive recruiting, and why most companies struggle with hiringHow a producer mindset applies to recruiting, sales, and employee engagementWhy employee benefits strategies often fail to drive retention and satisfactionThe connection between compensation clarity, career progression, and successful hiresKey Takeaways: Proactive recruiting consistently outperforms reactive hiring methods. Bror explains that posting jobs and waiting for applicants rarely attracts top talent, while direct outreach to passive candidates delivers stronger long-term results.Deep industry knowledge creates credibility in recruiting. Bror’s experience across carriers, brokerages, and executive search allows him to understand roles at a technical level and speak the same language as candidates and hiring leaders.A producer mindset applies beyond sales. Doing research, having something meaningful to say, and consistently adding value are critical whether you’re selling insurance, recruiting talent, or consulting on benefits.Benefits strategies must be intentional and aligned with employee needs. Simply offering insurance isn’t enough; leaders must understand their workforce demographics and design benefits that truly drive engagement and retention.Clear compensation and career paths separate successful hires from failed ones. Employees perform best when they understand exactly how their efforts connect to rewards, advancement, and long-term growth opportunities.“It's how you're made to feel, right? And that, I think, is the core of, you know, employee retention at the end of the day.” - Bror David JohnsonConnect with Bror David Johnson: Website: https://www.retentionsearch.com/ and https://www.vanwykcorp.com/ Phone: 773-573-5942Connect with Brad Foley:Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ Email: brad@hrvaluepartners.com Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine PobleteAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    47 min
  • Steve Greenspon: What Entrepreneurs Need to Know About Risk, Relationships & Selling a Business

    Steve Greenspon: What Entrepreneurs Need to Know About Risk, Relationships & Selling a Business
    Dec 17 2025
    Steve Greenspon is a three-time entrepreneur who has built and sold companies across the consumer goods and building materials industries. His expertise spans retail, logistics, warehousing, finance, product development, executive leadership, and team building, skills honed over decades of running and scaling businesses, including his most recent company, which he successfully exited earlier this year. Steve has led organizations through rapid growth, global expansion, and major industry shifts, earning a reputation for transparent leadership and strong operational discipline. Outside the boardroom, Steve is an avid marathon runner and triathlete, and he occasionally takes the stage as an open-mic stand-up comedian.In this episode, Brad and Steve discuss:Steve’s early exposure to entrepreneurship through his family business and the lessons he learned working for his fatherHow he scaled LDR Industries from $30M to $85M in revenue in just five yearsWhy entrepreneurs need to understand risk, diversification, value creation, and what buyers truly look forThe realities of owning a business, including burnout, risk, leadership challenges, and knowing when it’s time to exitHow relationships, transparency, and treating people well shaped his leadership philosophyKey Takeaways: Entrepreneurship is fueled by relationships. Steve credits much of his success to treating people respectfully, vendors, customers, employees, and delivery drivers, and explains how seemingly small interactions compound over time into business-changing opportunities.Scaling a business requires relentless learning. Even after decades of building companies, Steve repeatedly found that “every time I thought that I had made every single mistake… I found a way to make more mistakes.” Continuous learning is part of the journey.Future buyers want stability, scalability, and low risk. Whether strategic or private equity, buyers evaluate customer concentration, product diversification, strong management teams, and the sustainability of future growth.Entrepreneurship demands sacrifice and realism. Steve shares candidly about the personal toll of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of balancing ambition with family and personal well-being.Success is not linear. Even with three exits, Steve stresses that luck, timing, preparation, and resilience all matter: “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.”“And sometimes, if you take a minute to really evaluate your surroundings and to refocus by maybe reaching out to your support group and help having people help you think things through, you can discover that it's not quite as bad as you think it is.” - Steve GreensponConnect with Steve Greenspon: Website: https://www.newair.com/, https://adhomegoods.com/, https://www.keelerbrasscompany.com/belwithkeeler, https://roq-innovation.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greenspon/ Connect with Brad Foley:Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/ Email: brad@hrvaluepartners.com Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine PobleteAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    1 h et 2 min
  • Jenny Weeden: Leadership Lessons from Scaling a Modern Marketing Agency

    Jenny Weeden: Leadership Lessons from Scaling a Modern Marketing Agency
    Dec 10 2025

    Jenny Weeden is the President and Partner at Accelity, a Milwaukee-based marketing agency that helps scaling companies across North America accelerate growth through clear messaging, strong operations, and strategic marketing execution. With nearly a decade at Accelity, Jenny’s expertise spans operations, people/HR, and building high-performing teams, all with a focus on creating a culture where employees can thrive and businesses can scale sustainably. She is also a co-founder of Women’s Entrepreneurship Week (2019 & 2020), championing women leaders and founders in her community. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys public speaking, supporting local food pantries, traveling with her husband, and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams.


    In this episode, Brad and Jenny discuss:

    • Jenny’s unique path from corporate sales to becoming a partner and president of a growing agency
    • How Accelity transformed its culture and reduced turnover through transparency and anonymous feedback systems
    • How Jenny shifted from doing the work to building systems, leading people, and shaping long-term strategy
    • Why clarity, consistent marketing, and realistic expectations are essential for small business growth
    • The importance of mindset, feedback, and accountability in leadership development


    Key Takeaways:

    • Leadership growth often happens when someone transitions from doing day-to-day work to thinking in terms of strategy, operations, and organizational health. Jenny’s shift toward “50% working on the business” marked a turning point in her career.
    • A culture of transparency requires safe spaces for honest feedback. Accelity’s anonymous annual survey revealed tough truths that inspired meaningful leadership changes and a dramatic improvement in retention.
    • Marketing is not instant; it’s an engine that compounds over time. Businesses that delay brand, website, and digital strategy often struggle later to meet growth goals.
    • Clear messaging beats clever messaging. Most websites fail because visitors can’t understand what a company actually does or what to do next.
    • Leadership begins with personal growth. Jenny’s transformation, especially around receiving feedback and embracing change, directly influenced Accelity’s success, culture, and stability.


    “When we give space for people to own their mistakes instead of being defensive, we get things done a lot faster.” - Jenny Weeden


    Connect with Jenny Weeden:

    Website: https://accelitymarketing.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifernweeden/



    Connect with Brad Foley:

    Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/

    Email: brad@hrvaluepartners.com



    Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

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    57 min