You, Me, and Your Top Three

During this mini episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with Lesley Ma, CIO and Continuous Improvement Officer of NSF, who is actively leading during this time of disruption at a global, public health and safety organization. She speaks about the role of the CIO during these times and what leaders should be thinking about when it comes to technology; where digital innovation is taking a front-seat to surviving and thriving in the future.  Lesley gives hints that other leaders may be able to borrow that can make a difference in these challenge times. And you have to hear what she has to say about turning on your fog lamps. About Lesley Ma Lesley Ma is the VP, Chief Information and Continuous Improvement Officer; Global Managing Director - TraQtion at NSF International. In her role, Ma leads NSF’s information technology and continuous improvement efforts globally, including the systems and processes that power NSF’s public health services in more than 175 countri

During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, discusses beginning to see the good that can come out of a crisis; the silver lining if you will. He then speaks with Sarah Craft, Director of Detroit Venture for America. Sarah discusses the power of a network and how VFA uniquely positions young, top talent around the United States to help spur economic-type growth. Of course, Sarah shares her ‘Top Three’ – from members of the community that help her stay connected to her past and the bigger picture, to a team who keeps her connected to today’s ecosystem, to close friends who are experts in the commercial venture space and who challenge her to stretch for tomorrow. And you have to hear what Sarah has to say about connecting ‘grassroot’ efforts with ‘grasstop’ efforts. About Sarah Craft Sarah Craft was born and raised in Southeast Michigan and has lived in Detroit for the last 10 years. Sarah started her career as a community organizer working with Detroit students a

During this mini episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with Ben Bratt, a global expert in developing organizations and teams. He speaks about how Maslow’s Hierarchy may be updated during this pandemic. He also speaks about how we may need to consider the waves of this pandemic washing through our teams, our organization, and society in general. Finally, he speaks about how we all have to understand the grief curve to lead effectively in these times. Show Highlights 0:46        No one has been here before – facing the global pandemic together. 1:49        Ben Brett – The Team Effectiveness Project 4:15        Technology enabling community – How bandwidth may end up near the bottom of Maslow’s Hierarchy. 10:06      The impact of COVID-19 ‘waves’ on the global supply chain. 15:23      COVID-19 and the grief curve – being empathetic leaders. (Elisabeth Kübler-Ross) 23:21      Hope is as contagious as the virus. Additional Information Contact Ben Bratt: Ben’s Li

During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with Sheryl Connelly, Head of Global Trends and Futuring at Ford Motor Company. She discusses what it’s like to consider situations much like the COVID-19 pandemic way before it even occurs and how leaders should consider scenario planning as a must-have capability in the future. Of course, Sheryl speaks about her ‘Top Three’  - from her family who helps her bring empathy, to remarkable professionals from all over the world, to her breakfast club that helps her stay true to and take care of herself. And you have to hear what she has to say about simply listening to be able to think about tomorrow. About Sheryl Connelly Sheryl Connelly has served as Ford Motor Company’s futurist for more than a decade. She is responsible for identifying global trends, exploring potential implications and cascading these insights on futuring to organizations throughout the company, including design, product development and corpor

During this mini episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with CGS Fellow Angie Tuglus about leading in times of sudden disruption. They speak about Angie’s experience during disruptions in 2006 when she was part of the restructuring of one of the largest companies in the world. She also talks about leading at a financial lending company during the 2008 mortgage crisis. She speaks about the differences between those times and this time of a pandemic and she gives a couple quick takeaways that might be useful to you. Show Highlights 0:51        No one has been here before – facing the global pandemic together. 1:53        Assessing patterns from the mortgage crisis of 2008. 4:55        Leading people in the midst of crisis. 5:13 – 5:31 6:43        Hints for leaders to survive: Make it relative to people. Be candid but have a specific ‘and’ after that. 8:14        “Don’t be afraid to talk to other leaders who have led through crisis.” Additional Information Conta

During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, discusses how CEOs may be able to take a lesson from government during this pandemic. He then welcomes Brenda Meller, Chief Engagement Officer at Meller Marketing. Brenda is a social media marketing expert who shares how to unlock the power of LinkedIn to grow your network. Of course, Brenda speaks about her ‘Top Three’ ranging from her closest family members who keep her true to herself and cheer her along the way, to vendors who go beyond being just vendors, to a services company she leans on to help her find efficiencies to scale. And you have to hear what she has to say about being brave and putting yourself out there to succeed in social media. About BRENDA MELLER Once upon a time, I hated speaking in front of people. Then, I realized I needed to figure out how to get comfortable with it to move up in my career.  In 2006, I joined LinkedIn and developed a knack for helping others unlock the power of this amazing

During this mini episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with CGS Fellow Dr. Warren Ritchie about leading in times of sudden disruption. They explore three questions: 1) Why do some companies fail? 2) What might our industries look like after this global pandemic? and 3) How do you prepare? Show Highlights 0:40        No one has been here before – facing the global pandemic together. 2:17        Failure vs survival: Dealing with environmental shift and environmental shock. 4:35        What helps you survive –  capabilities or resources? 6:26        Preparing for the new normal. 11:00      Focus on your restart plan to reestablish customer relationships. 14:40      Is managing a pandemic going to be a new capability? 20:12      Gaining perspective on some catalysts. (Spillover) Additional Information Contact Warren Ritchie: Warren’s LinkedIn Contact Gregg Garrett: Gregg’s LinkedIn Gregg’s Twitter Gregg’s Bio Contact CGS Advisors:

During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with Randy Urban, Global CIO at Martin Brower. Randy is responsible for keeping quick service restaurants stocked and operating during this time of disruption. He speaks about trends in the global QSR industry and transformations that are taking place in his firm. And, of course, he speaks about his top three – from his first boss who instilled customer centricity into his system, to a systems thinker who taught him to not accept mediocracy, to a modern-day transformation artist. And you have to hear what Randy has to say about the need to find your catalyst. About Randy Urban Randy Urban is a transformation leader that incorporates innovative leadership techniques to drive high performing teams and engaged team members. Randy is the Global CIO for Martin Brower. In his role, Randy leads the progressive adoption of information and digital technology to lead the rapid expansion of the QSR business capabilitie

During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with CGS Fellow and Former COO of Ally Financial, Angie Tuglus. Gregg begins the episode by speaking about the realities of dealing with the global health pandemic and financial meltdown that is disrupting our world. He then turns to Angie to discuss innovating, leading and transforming cultures. Angie shares her experience leading a portion of the transformation from GMAC to Ally and speaks about what it is like to move from the IT department to operations of a digital services firm. And, of course, Angie shares her top three – from an early career leader, to a senior leader who helped her build her approach for transformation, to another great woman leader who, no matter what executive seat she is sitting in, does it her own way. And you have to hear what she has to say about ‘finding the value’.  About Angie Tuglus Angie Tuglus began her career in technology startups, building new businesses, and then lat

During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with LeeAnn Mallorie, Founder and CEO of Leading In Motion and Program Founder and Author of Guts & Grace. Through her work, LeeAnn helps leaders align their body, their mind, and their soul. She explains that her approach can apply to all leaders, but why she specifically finds it so critical for women to lean into the process. Of course, LeeAnn speaks about her top three – ranging from business coaches who have been there before, to spiritual leaders who align the soul, to here and now peers that help her be brave and break through all the normal patterns. And you have to hear what she says about dismantling the patriarchy or any system that holds you back. About LeeAnn Mallorie LeeAnn Mallorie, CEO of Leading in Motion, is a transformational leadership coach and facilitator over fifteen years of experience helping leaders and organizations achieve great results by truly walking their talk. Her background

During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with Kripa Krishnan, Director, Cloud Product Operations at Google, Inc. Kripa speaks about her journey that took her from India and the Middle East to Silicon Valley. She reflects on her unique career that spans art, music, medicine, finance, and now technology. And, of course, she speaks about her ‘Top Three’ – from path-nudgers who helped her try new things even when she didn’t see them, to reverse mentors who helped her recognize new patters, to friends who just listen. And, you have to hear what she has to say about having empathy as a leader. About Kripa Krishnan Kripa Krishnan was born in Chennai, India. Attending a university in India with the idea she would someday be a doctor, Krishnan changed course midstream and decided to follow her real passion — playing in a rock band. She moved on to theater and the performing arts, until she accidentally took a Computer Science course at the University of Massac

During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with Char Hu, CEO for The Helper Bees. Char and Gregg talk about The Helper Bee’s focus of tacking inefficiencies in the home healthcare market. Char speaks about how this problem is both very personal to him due to an elderly family member and how the United States’ aging population is forcing new approaches to support the ‘aging in place’ concept. Char speaks about his ‘Top Three’ – from his hard-working, immigrant parents, to his cofounding team of experts, to the Austin-based company that helps push him even further. And, you have to hear what he has to say about always tackling problems as a learner. About Char Hu Char received his Doctorate in molecular biophysics from Baylor College of Medicine where he researched the underlying mechanisms for diseases like Alzheimer’s. He went on to co-found Georgetown Living, a certified Alzheimer's and dementia facility known for its evidence-based design building and

During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with Brandon Curry, Vice President of Human Resources for DRiV Incorporated. Brandon and Gregg talk about transformation techniques and discuss the major disruptions taking over the HR and mobility industries. Brandon’s ‘Top Three’ gives us a glimpse into the origins of his “do something” attitude  – from his dad who instilled his inner drive, to his church community who helped him keep grounded in the ‘why’, to his c-level coworkers who let him fill the whitespace that he desperately needed. And you have to hear what Brandon has to say about how you have to learn to lean into relationships to drive forward and to lead. About Brandon Curry Brandon Curry is Vice President of Human Resources for DRiV Incorporated, a $6 billion division of Tenneco, expected to spin-off. Currently, he leads global HR for the DRiV Motorparts segment which sells and distributes a broad portfolio of products in the global vehicle afte

During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with Chris Uhl, Executive Director of the Eastern Region at IFF – a nonprofit mission driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Chris and Gregg spend time discussing the importance of becoming a multiplier within the industry. Chris shares his ‘Top Three’ – from those he was inspired by to give back to the community, to likeminded individuals, to those who helped him understand the value of both sustainability and the triple bottom line. And, you have to hear what Chris has to say about the Appraisal Bias. About Chris uhl Chris Uhl joined IFF as the Executive Director – Eastern Region in 2017. Located in IFF’s Detroit office, Uhl oversees IFF’s full-range of services in Michigan and Ohio, including lending, real estate consulting, and community strategies program operations. Prior to joining IFF, Uhl served in leadership roles at Rock Venutres LLC, The Skillman Foundati

During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with Seun Phillips former Managing Director of PlanetM & Founder of STEMNETICS. Seun and Gregg talk about mobility and how the roles of safety, accessibility, and electric and autonomous vehicles are playing a major role within the automotive industry. Seun’s ‘Top Three’ gives us a broader look into who he leans on for inspiration – from those who give him the drive to have an entrepreneurial spirit, to business groups who gave him first-hand experience that allowed him to excel today’s world. Seun shares his thoughts on the challenges facing the automotive industry and shares hints on what makes a good leader and how leaders can not only preach inclusivity, but also live it. Finally, Seun highlights the My Dream Big Club which focuses on bringing like-minded individuals together to discuss transformative topics, motivate each other and support big dreams. About Seun Phillips Seun Phillips is the co-foun

During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with Michael Healander, Co-Founder, President and CEO, Airspace Link – a company that is building highways for the autonomous drone industry. Michael and Gregg spend time discussing the importance of ingenuity and the patterns of disrupting an industry. Michael shares his ‘Top Three’ – from coaches that helped him recognize that you don’t need to be cut from the same cloth to succeed, to those that taught him that intentionally applying oneself increases the chances for success and greatness, to those who believed him before he even did, to the teammates who made the team stronger than the individual. And, you have to hear what Michael has to say about the magical power of passion. About Michael Healander As President & CEO of Airspace Link, Inc. Michael Healander is responsible for running all facets of the business. Michael has a proven executive management track record and 15 years of experience driving

During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with Alisyn Malek, COO and Co-Founder, May Mobility. Alisyn talks about how her company is helping to define a totally new transportation system and what it is like transitioning from being an engineer to corporate innovator to founder and industry disruptor. Alisyn and Gregg discuss large macro systems and the delicate balance between simplicity and complexity. Of course, Alisyn speaks about her Top 3, a group of strong women who helped her find empathy, bravery, and to reflect on her own future career path. And, you have to hear what she says about “badass women” who support one another.   About Alisyn Malek Alisyn Malek is the COO and Co-Founder of May Mobility, Inc. May Mobility’s vision is to transform cities through autonomous technology, creating a safer, greener, more accessible world. They have made it their mission to reimagine transportation by developing and deploying autonomous shuttles that get pe

During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with Marcus Heitmann, General Manager and Vice President Digitalization & Connected Car, SAIC Volkswagen. Marcus is a global expert in connected automotive and mobility and is one of the few people who have spent time on both the ‘internet’ and ‘things’ sides of the IoT business. Marcus is a global IT expert and speaks to the similarities and differences of connected industries across the globe. And, of course, he speaks about his Top 3 – ranging from outside of industry experts who have helped him to think different, to seasoned company executives who teach him how to navigate strategies to increase transformation success, to close family members who keep his feet planted while his brain may be up in the sky. And you have to hear what Marcus has to say about competing in the Chinese market. About Marcus Heitmann Dr. Marcus Heitmann is General Manager for Digitalization and Connected Car at SAIC Volkswagen

During this episode, You Me and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, takes a short pause from interviewing guests to reflect on 2019 and the evolution of IoT. Gregg speaks about three main topics: 1) observations from working in IoT and the ever-connecting world, 2) how this year has been a tipping point for the connecting world and the mindset many leaders have as they drive their companies through this disruptive potential, and 3) doubling down on integration and how 2020 will really require some different types of development skills. Show Highlights Segment 1: IoT Overview 1:04        The evolving IoT industry. (Kevin Ashton.) 3:32        The past: IoT was mostly driven by technology integrators. 5:04        “I started to see the difficulty of the connected product....it wasn’t only a promise, it was now a cost.” 5:43        The present: Can anything not be ‘connected’? Segment 2: The Evolving World 10:00      “We’ve reached this tipping point.” 11:21      It is no longer about the co

During this episode, You Me and Your Top Three host and CEO, CGS Advisors, Gregg Garrett, speaks with Jane Sydlowski, President and CEO AMI Strategies. Jane, a self-made entrepreneur, discusses the process of leaving the stable situation of working for an established company and entering the unknown of her own venture. She speaks about the decades of ups and downs she has experienced during market corrections and the realities of being a female founder in a tech-centered industry. As the recent president of one of the country’s largest professional organizations for women in technology (MCWT), Jane shares the two-way nature of board work and hints for women in the technology industry. And, of course, Jane speaks about her top three – from her mother who always pushed her to be comfortable to put herself out there, to her spiritual copilot who steered her through the loneliness of being an entrepreneur, to her colleagues who help her stretch into new adventures. And, you have to hear what Jane says about the p