Into The Storm Leaders

Dave Skorepa from Aztek | Into the Storm Leaders Podcast | Season 2 Episode 3

Want to rethink your digital marketing? Connect with Dave Skorepa and the Aztek team for a Help First Micro Assessment to uncover quick wins and identify where your marketing strategy may be holding you back. – https://www.aztekweb.com/ Connect with Dave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveskorepa/ In this episode of the Into the Storm Leaders Podcast, host Ron Kaminski sits down with Dave Skorepa, Chief Creative Officer and COO at Aztek, a Cleveland-based digital marketing agency and proud strategic partner of The Herd. Dave reflects on his 25-year journey with Aztek, from starting as a graphic designer with dreams of making comic books to leading an agency that helps B2B businesses embrace digital transformation. He shares how Aztek’s core values—helping others, taking ownership, and “getting stuff done”—have shaped their culture, and how practices like “Innovation Day” keep the team curious and adaptable. The conversation dives deep into: - Navigating the constant storms of technological change—from the early days of web design to the rise of AI. - How AI is both a powerful tool and a potential risk—and why businesses must start with real problems, not just shiny technology. - Lessons from helping clients untangle digital marketing chaos, from lost logins to leaky funnels. - Why accessibility, empathy, and human creativity remain non-negotiable in a fast-changing digital landscape.

Scott Lundy from Eubel Brady & Suttman (“EBS”) | Into the Storm Leaders Podcast | Season 2 Episode 2

Learn more about EBS - https://www.ebsinvests.com/ [https://www.ebsinvests.com/] In this episode of the Into The Storm Leaders Podcast, host Ron Kaminski sits down with Scott Lundy of Eubel Brady & Suttman (EBS) Investment & Wealth Management, and a proud strategic partner in the CultureShoc Herd. Scott shares how EBS’s core values guide everything from portfolio management to succession planning. You’ll also hear how EBS weathered a pivotal storm by shifting their business model toward direct relationships with business owners, and the emotions, challenges, and breakthroughs that came with it. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How EBS strives to build trust and peace of mind for high-net-worth families and business owners. - Why “zeros don’t compound too well” and how margin of safety can help reduce the risk of a permanent loss of capital. - What entrepreneurs should expect before, during, and after selling their business. - Why succession planning, risk management, and estate planning are essential long before a transaction. - A special Help First offer from EBS: a 90-minute complimentary session for portfolio and succession planning considerations. 📚 Resources mentioned: Entrusted: Building a Legacy That Lasts - https://a.co/d/biiL1Yo [https://a.co/d/biiL1Yo] Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks - https://a.co/d/aaxx1vO [https://a.co/d/aaxx1vO] If you’re a business owner preparing for transition—or simply a leader facing your own storm—you’ll walk away with practical wisdom and a courageous mindset to face the future. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice. The views expressed are those of the participants as of the date of the recording and may not reflect current market developments. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and all investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Eubel Brady & Suttman is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Listeners should not rely solely on the information presented and should consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.  As a strategic partner of CultureShoc. EBS provides cash compensation (a flat, annual fee) to help support the Herd’s operations. In consideration of that support, EBS receives certain benefits, which include co-branded marketing initiatives, event participation, and introductions to CultureShoc’s clients. This creates a conflict of interest as CultureShoc has a financial incentive to promote EBS’s services. CultureShoc is not an advisory client of EBS.

Grant Menard from Lazorpoint | Into the Storm Leaders Podcast | Season 2 Episode 1

🎯 Want to rethink your approach to IT? Connect with Grant Manard and the LaserPoint team for a Help First Think Session to identify where your tech strategy may be holding you back. - https://www.lazorpoint.com/ Connect with Grant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-menard-14411b113/ What does it mean to own it when it matters most—and why do so many companies get it wrong when it comes to IT? In this episode, Ron Kaminski sits down with Grant Manard, Head of Growth at LaserPoint, a strategic partner in the CultureShoc Herd, to explore how courageous leadership and proactive ownership are reshaping how businesses think about technology. From firefighting client outages to building rock-solid systems, Grant shares real-world stories of charging into chaos—and why LaserPoint thrives in the storm rather than avoiding it. You’ll hear how their EOS-driven culture, core values like “Get Better” and “Passion to Serve,” and a mindset of help first have built them into a trusted IT partner for businesses across Northeast Ohio and beyond. Whether you’re a visionary, integrator, or emerging leader, this episode will challenge your assumptions about IT—and offer clarity on how to make technology a strategic advantage, not a black box.

S1E19 Seeing the Invisible Disabilities at Work w/ ADHD Coach Ryan Mayer

Advocating for oneself in the workplace is crucial for success, satisfaction, and can even lead to a better workplace culture, especially for individuals with ADHD or other invisible disabilities. In this episode we meet with friend, client, and ADHD coach, Ryan Mayer, who highlights the importance of neurodiversity and empathy in professional settings. As an ADHD coach, Ryan brings a wealth of strategies and personal insights that speak to anyone aiming to enhance their personal and professional life, regardless of an ADHD diagnosis. We touch on the idea of "walk and talk" meetings, Total Unconditional Acceptance (T.U.A.), and more. Whether you have an invisible disability you're challenged with or have never even heard the term until now, this episode if guaranteed to give you some perspective, some practical tips, and plenty of motivation to take better care of yourself in order to better care for others. Our guest caps this one of with a heartfelt message: "your worth is not measured by your work performance, and you're never alone on your journey to personal growth and fulfillment." Links & Resources: * https://ryanmayercoaching.com/ [https://ryanmayercoaching.com/]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmayerpeopleconnector/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmayerpeopleconnector/]  https://www.instagram.com/adhd_coach_ryanmayer/ [https://www.instagram.com/adhd_coach_ryanmayer/] * https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_coach_ryan?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_coach_ryan?lang=en] * www.cultureshoc.com [http://www.cultureshoc.com] Quoteworthy Moments: * 00:02:29 - "We're exactly where we are meant to be." * 00:04:17 - "I say to navigate the storms caused in their life by in this case, ADHD." * 00:08:21 - "Say it in a way of setting expectations. Not that I'm asking for anything different, but that as you put it all the time, I can advocate for myself." * 00:14:48-00:14:59 - "ADHD should be treated with the same respect and accommodations as someone with a physical disability." * 00:21:11 - "I like to say little hinges swing big doors. So once I was able to be turned around and I had noise-canceling headphones, it was way easier for me to concentrate." * 00:25:48 - "If I can do my job better by making the slight adjustment, why would we not do that?" * 00:28:36 - "Which often could be just better use of your superpower, of your ideal working environment that you can now commit to this level of performance because you're helping me create that space and opportunity for me to be my best." * 00:39:47-00:39:58 - "I try too hard. I, I'm too committed. I give 110% all that. Yeah. And that extra 10%, you know, it's hard, but I make it happen." * 00:42:32-00:42:42 - "I'll help you identify and set you up for success, give you opportunities to help you advocate. I feel like that's something that isn't necessarily talked about enough as the critical role of a leader." * 00:48:06-00:48:16 - "If you can make things better in the workplace, that's going to spread to every other aspect of the person's life." 00:53:25 - "I am a firm believer that you're supposed to be doing this because you're helping people." * 00:55:16 - "ADHD isn't an excuse, but it is a fact that it's real." 00:57:37 - 00:57:48 "What if we just had what I call T-U-A, total unconditional acceptance of like, This is just how we are?" * 01:00:39-01:00:49 - "I want to become the help that I needed, but couldn't find." * 01:02:47-01:02:57 - "One of my favorite quotes is money is an echo of value." * 01:06:27-01:06:37 - "If you're watching this and you're currently in a dark place, I want to let you know, you're not alone. You're not broken." Subscribe & turn on notifications for other inspiring stories and tips to grow your leadership skills and your business faster.

S1E18 Building Winning Cultures in Dynamic Business Environments w/ Kevin McDougal of Vistage

Navigating the complex journey of leadership and corporate culture is no easy feat, but with Kevin McDougal, a Vistage Chair with a storied career, we unlock the doors to a treasure trove of wisdom. From the early days at Airgas to the strategic maneuvers during economic downturns, Kevin's insights span the gamut of professional transitions, prioritization, and the art of building a resilient sales force.   As we converse with Kevin, a narrative unfolds that spotlights the nuances of mentorship, trust, and the personal touch that can transform a workplace. The significance of one-to-one interactions comes to the fore, illustrating how leaders can foster a culture of continuous improvement. He also delves into the challenges of personnel management, sharing the delicate balance between swift action with underperforming employees and the compassionate communication that acknowledges the impact of tough decisions on teams and individuals alike.   From discussing the EOS in aligning team efforts to the nuances of nurturing passion in potential hires, this episode speaks to leaders seeking to refine their approach and foster environments where innovation and satisfaction thrive.    Links & Resources:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-mcdougal/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-mcdougal/] https://www.vistage.com/ [https://www.vistage.com/] www.cultureshoc.com [http://www.cultureshoc.com/]  Quoteworthy Moments:  00:06:44-00:06:55 - "Could you imagine an account that uses nitrogen to freeze the things and they get a liquid argon instead? That was the kind of stuff that I ran into when I, when I took this position. Yikes." 00:17:45-00:17:55 - "Isn't it crazy how the relationship, the trust level with one human can play such a huge factor when you know there's that mutual respect, that belief, that mentorship." 00:29:08-00:29:19 - "The biggest thing for me was execution, if you don't have somebody in the right seat, that's the most important thing and you move on it." 00:43:51-00:44:01 - "Culture is one of the biggest things from a retention standpoint." 00:45:44-00:45:54 - "It was almost frustrating for me to see how elegantly packaged these simple things were that I inherently knew but still struggled with sometimes in articulating them to others or getting everyone else on the same page aligned." 00:50:19-00:50:29 - "A lot of people don't understand if somebody has a really good friend at work, that's a big thing that companies don't even think about." 01:01:42-01:01:52 - "Do things you believe in, right? If you're going to do something, put in the work. show that you want it, that you're hungry, it gets recognized." 01:10:34-01:10:44 - "That sidestep mentioned about 2% customer retention can equate to a 10% reduction in cost." 01:12:45-01:12:55 - "My first question when I sit down at a table is what is the most important thing we need to talk about today?"