Deborah Fell reflects on her powerful conversation with Jeff Ostenso, CEO of Ironmark, and her chance encounter with another second-generation CEO during an extended train delay. These interactions highlight a crucial reality: family-owned businesses form the backbone of the American economy, representing 87% of U.S. businesses and employing 60% of American workers. From Jeff’s transparent leadership style to his profound realization at a company picnic that Ironmark supports 500 family members, these insights reveal how second-generation leaders are transforming their family legacies while prioritizing employee growth.
Responsible AI use isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. In this episode of Leader Generation, Monica Richter, Mod Op’s strategic advisor and former Chief Data Officer, talks about how a strong AI policy helps protect brands, builds client trust and encourages innovation. Monica uses real-world insights to explain why responsible AI matters, how to define ethical standards for your organization and the steps every leader should take to ensure AI is used wisely.
Lany and Susan are giving away the store with these tips. Please listen or go to the post to get the full list. Today, we’re challenging you to conduct a Professional Presence Audit—a critical look at how you appear across the digital landscape to ensure your professional image remains consistent, current, and compelling. This is Part 2 of our Digital Brand Checkup series on Rooted in Revenue. Our last episode covered the essentials of managing your digital real estate—domains and infrastructure.
In this segment, Area Coordinators who participated in the MrBallen Bink-a-Thon event share strategies for volunteer recruitment. Caitlin Peterson-Woolard discusses challenges with community outreach, while experienced coordinators Susan Finch, Terrie Madruga, Kathy Taylor, and Jeanne Malgioglio offer proven solutions, including:
- Leveraging church bulletins and service organizations
- Engaging high school sports teams and clubs
- Utilizing corporate volunteer programs
- Maintaining relationships with past volunteers
- Strategic use of social media and local publications
Deacon Brett reminds us that Stephen Covey talks about being reactive or proactive. Right now, it’s far more helpful – emotionally, psychologically, relationally – to be proactive and focus on the things over which we have some influence rather than to send ourselves into tailspins reacting to what we can’t control. Today, concretely, what can you influence? Who can you help?
We hope you enjoy these and the rest of this week’s playlist.
