R.O.G. Return on Generosity

249. Building Your Leadership Legacy with Kate Paine

“I think Legacy is, did you positively impact someone’s life?” “Listen deeply and listen with various parts of you.” “There’s no failing, there’s just learning.”   Episode summary | In this conversation, Shannon Cassidy interviews Kate Paine, the Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Saint-Gobain North America. They discuss the principles of generous leadership, the importance of context and listening in marketing, and the value of collaboration as illustrated by the Stone Soup fable. Kate shares her insights on embracing imperfection, fostering mindfulness in leadership, and the significance of making a positive impact on others' lives. The conversation also touches on navigating personal challenges, purpose-driven marketing, and the legacy of leadership.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | * Generosity is a mindset that drives effective marketing. * Listening deeply is crucial for understanding customer needs. * Collaboration can lead to innovative solutions, as shown in the Stone Soup fable. * Progress over perfection encourages creativity and risk-taking. * Mindfulness practices can enhance leadership effectiveness. * Turning outward to help others can improve personal well-being. * Navigating personal challenges with grace can inspire others. * Purpose-driven marketing connects employees to a larger mission. * Empowerment and trust are essential for effective leadership. * A leader's legacy is measured by the positive impact on others.   Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Generous Leadership 02:50 The Role of Generosity in Marketing 06:49 The Importance of Context and Listening 10:40 The Stone Soup Fable: Collaboration in Action 14:35 Progress Over Perfection: Embracing Imperfection 16:43 Conscious Leadership in High-Stakes Environments 20:01 Turning Outward: Making Others' Lives Better 22:15 Mindset and Resilience Through Hardship 23:06 Navigating Personal Challenges and Community Support 26:12 Purpose-Driven Leadership in Marketing 28:30 Empowering Teams Through Trust and Collaboration 33:00 Legacy and Personal Impact in Leadership 35:26 Rapid Fire Insights on Leadership Values   Guest Bio | Kate Paine is the Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Saint-Gobain North America, a leading global manufacturer of sustainable building materials. In this role, she leads brand strategy, growth marketing, digital transformation, and customer experience initiatives for North America. With a career of twenty-five years spanning companies such as Ben & Jerry's, The Hershey Company, and Land O'Lakes, Kate's core passion has been building meaningful change through people-first design, curiosity, and mindful leadership. She has led innovation, technology, design, and growth strategy, and is a proponent of design thinking. She is a mother of two, runner, artist, gardener, and loves to escape into a DIY home project that involves building something. She and her husband now reside in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, after spending much of the last two decades in Vermont and New Hampshire.    Guest Resources: Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Fear-Observations-Rewards-Artmaking/dp/0961454733   Bridge Between Resources: * 5 Degree Change Course [https://bridgebetween.thinkific.com/] * Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  [https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/] * Free Generosity Quiz [https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/]    Credits: Kate Paine, Host Shannon Cassidy, [https://bridgebetween.com/coaches/shannon-cassidy] Bridge Between, Inc.   Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 250, Special Guest, Mark Moroz.

248. One for All: The Power of Trust with Bill Straub

When there's a high degree of trust, especially in teams, the sky's the limit.   Flexibility, community, excellence, collaboration and growth, and then proximity to leadership. All those things kind of to me have an underpinning on gratitude.   We need to continue to grow and have the culture evolve.   Episode summary | In this week's conversation, Shannon Cassidy interviews Bill Straub, the founding principal and CEO of All4, an award-winning environmental consulting firm. Bill shares his journey from an environmental engineer to a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of generosity, trust, and culture in leadership. He discusses the significance of partnerships, the meaning behind the name All4, and how employee ownership has shaped the company. Bill also highlights the role of mentorship and the unique cross-coaching program at All4, which fosters personal growth and collaboration among employees. Throughout the discussion, Bill's humility and commitment to generosity shine through, making for an inspiring dialogue about leadership and community.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | * Generosity is the ultimate form of business trust. * Building a company with trusted partners is crucial. * Trust and transparency foster a positive company culture. * Employee ownership enhances commitment and accountability. * Feedback should be ongoing, not just annual reviews. * Mentorship plays a vital role in personal and professional growth. * A culture of collaboration leads to greater success. * Generosity should extend beyond the workplace. * Curiosity and humility are key traits of effective leaders.   Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Bill Straub and All4 02:51 Early Career and Overcoming Fears 05:31 The Meaning Behind All4's Name 08:42 Lessons in Partnership and Trust 11:32 Generosity in Leadership 13:16 The Importance of Company Culture 16:14 Cross Coaching Program and Personal Growth 19:22 Building a Collaborative Community 21:12 The Power of Generosity in Business 23:28 Building Trust and Psychological Safety 25:05 Cultivating Leadership Through Feedback 26:21 Employee Ownership and Collective Success 29:07 Generosity Beyond the Workplace 30:40 Rapid Fire Insights on Generosity   Guest Bio | Bill Straub is a founding Principal of ALL4 and a registered Professional Engineer with over 35 years of experience in environmental consulting. An accomplished entrepreneur, he has successfully launched and grown two environmental services companies, blending deep technical expertise with strategic business leadership. Bill has guided ALL4 through significant growth milestones, including the company’s 2018 partnership with a private equity firm and a successful recapitalization in 2025. He oversees the firm’s vision and day-to-day direction, leads mergers and acquisitions activities, and mentors the leadership team to foster the next generation of industry leaders. Passionate about creating an environment where seasoned professionals can grow, share knowledge, and deliver exceptional client service, Bill is recognized for his ability to combine technical rigor with sustainable business strategy. Outside of work, he enjoys time at the beach, on the golf course, and with his wife and three adult children.   Bridge Between Resources: * 5 Degree Change Course [https://bridgebetween.thinkific.com/] * Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  [https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/] * Free Generosity Quiz [https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/]    Credits: Bill Straub, Host Shannon Cassidy, [https://bridgebetween.com/coaches/shannon-cassidy] Bridge Between, Inc.   Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 249, Special Guest, Kate Paine.

247. Reframing Luxury: Creating Transformative Client Experiences with Neen James

“Luxury is about experiences, not things. We all have the opportunity to give someone a luxury experience.” “Personalization requires information, customization requires connection.” “Listen with your eyes.”   Episode summary | In this episode of ROG, Shannon Cassidy interviews Neen James, a leadership strategist known for her insights on generosity and luxury. Neen shares her background, emphasizing the influence of her mother’s generosity on her life. The conversation explores how generosity can elevate experiences in leadership and the importance of attention in making people feel valued. Neen discusses her research on luxury mindsets, revealing that luxury is a mindset that varies among individuals. The episode concludes with Neen's insights on creating exceptional experiences and the launch of her new book, 'Exceptional Experiences.'   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | * Generosity transforms leadership and relationships. * Attention is a powerful form of generosity. * Luxury is a mindset, not just about money. * There are four luxury mindsets: reluctant, pro prioritizer, confident, and luxury lover. * Creating exceptional experiences requires understanding individual needs. * Champagne moments can elevate everyday life. * Listening with your eyes enhances communication. * Personalization in leadership fosters connection. * Generosity can be practiced in small, everyday actions. * Luxury experiences can be created without high costs.   Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Generosity and Leadership 01:54 Neen James: A Journey from Australia to Leadership 06:22 The Role of Generosity in Elevating Experiences 12:33 Redefining Luxury: A Mindset Shift 17:13 Exploring Luxury Mindsets 22:07 Insights from Luxury Research 23:55 The Power of the A Outfit 25:08 Creating Champagne Moments 27:33 The Ripple Effect of Self-Care 30:04 Leading with Intention and Attention 32:52 Understanding Team Mindsets 34:43 Elevating Experiences through Generosity 36:00 Rapid Fire Insights and Reflections   Guest Bio | Neen James is a leadership strategist, dynamic keynote speaker, and the author of Folding Time, Attention Plays, and the upcoming Exceptional Experiences. With boundless energy, quick wit, and actionable insights, she serves as a confidante to C-suite leaders to help them elevate experiences and achieve greater focus, communication, and influence. Recently appointed to the board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, James has been named one of the Top 30 Leadership Speakers by Global Gurus multiple years in a row for her work with some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Viacom, Comcast, Virtuoso Travel, Four Seasons, and the FBI. She empowers individuals to prioritize what matters most so they can create exceptional experiences that drive results and foster lasting connections. Originally from Australia, James is living her best life in Tampa, Florida.   Guest Resources:  * ExceptionalBook.com  [https://exceptionalbook.com/] * NeenJames.com [http://neenjames.com]   Bridge Between Resources: * 5 Degree Change Course [https://bridgebetween.thinkific.com/] * Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  [https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/] * Free Generosity Quiz [https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/]    Credits: Bill Straub, Host Shannon Cassidy, [https://bridgebetween.com/coaches/shannon-cassidy] Bridge Between, Inc. Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 248, Special Guest, Bill Straub.

246. Leadership that Listens: Giving Your Team a Voice with Jon Sichel

“If you give credit to people who deserve it, you will be recognized as a great leader giving your team members the ability to have a voice.” “Trusting your team leads to better outcomes.” “Being able to read a room, understand an audience, disarm when you need to, and uplift when you can is the best gift I can give or offer.”   Episode summary | In this episode of Return on Generosity, host Shannon Cassidy speaks with Jon Sichel, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Hallmark Media Family Networks. They explore the themes of generosity in leadership, the importance of humor, the value of mentoring, and the balance between compliance and innovation in high-stakes environments. Jon shares personal anecdotes about his upbringing, the influence of his parents, and the lessons learned from both good and bad leadership experiences. The conversation emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive workplace culture where individuals feel valued, their voices heard, and empowered to contribute their best.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | * Humor can change the dynamic in stressful situations. * Generosity in leadership fosters a positive workplace culture. * Mentoring relationships are mutually beneficial. * Learning from both good and bad experiences shapes effective leaders. * Navigating change requires empathy and support for colleagues. * Generosity can manifest in small acts of kindness at work. * Listening and understanding are key to effective leadership. * Creating a safe environment encourages innovation and collaboration. * Generosity in the workplace leads to happier employees. * Most challenges in business are solvable with the right mindset.   Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Generosity in Leadership 02:49 The Role of Humor in Leadership 05:40 Navigating Personal Loss and Growth 07:57 Empowering Teams Through Trust 10:14 Creating a Positive Work Culture 11:19 The Importance of Mentoring 14:23 Learning from Good and Bad Leadership 19:23 Embracing Change and Unexpected Opportunities 22:33 Choosing Positivity in Adversity 25:04 Generosity in High-Stakes Environments 29:50 Navigating Change and Supporting Colleagues 30:07 Balancing Compliance and Innovation 37:19 The Longest Banana Split: A Leadership Feat 41:08 Rapid Fire Insights on Leadership Guest Bio | Jon Sichel is executive vice president, general counsel and head of Business Affairs for Hallmark Media Family Networks, home of three linear networks, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama; and subscription video-on-demand streaming service, Hallmark+. Sichel is based in New York and reports to Hallmark General Counsel Erin Kobler and President John Matts. In this role, Sichel leads all business and legal affairs matters associated with Hallmark Media, while also providing strategic guidance to the senior leadership team on issues impacting ad sales, marketing, digital, strategic alliances, production, international, and distribution. His oversight includes negotiating content rights, production and distribution agreements, talent deals, entertainment content acquisition, and development-related activities. Sichel serves as the primary legal liaison for the legal team at parent company Hallmark Cards, Inc. Sichel also consults on matters of corporate litigation, intellectual property, employment law, and compliance. Prior to joining Hallmark Media, Sichel was executive vice president of distribution sales and strategy at AMC Networks. Previously, he held various ascending roles at Discovery Inc. and Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI), including general manager of content acquisitions and operations at Discovery. His tenure with SNI also included the international role as managing director of global commercial affairs and managing director of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Sichel earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Princeton University and graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School.   Bridge Between Resources: * 5 Degree Change Course [https://bridgebetween.thinkific.com/] * Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  [https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/] * Free Generosity Quiz [https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/]    Credits: Jon Sichel, Host Shannon Cassidy, [https://bridgebetween.com/coaches/shannon-cassidy] Bridge Between, Inc.   Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 247, Special Guest, Neen James.

245. Putting the "Mate" Back in Teammate with Shayna Goodworth

“Mateship is essentially a code of conduct that embodies friendship, equality, solidarity, and it's often forged in adversity.” “We all have something to give one another.” “Be generous with your time when you can.”   Episode summary | In this episode of the Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy speaks with Shayna Goodworth, a yoga teacher and community builder, about the importance of generosity in both personal and professional settings. Shayna shares her journey from Australia to the United States, her understanding of mateship, and how she fosters community through her initiative, Seagulls. The conversation delves into the healing power of the ocean, the significance of connection, and practical ways to be generous in our daily lives. Shayna emphasizes that generosity is not just about financial giving but about investing time and creating meaningful relationships.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | * We grow when we give. * Generosity is about being of service. * Mateship is a code of conduct that embodies friendship and equality. * Creating community is essential for combating loneliness. * Time is the most precious resource we have. * The ocean has profound healing effects on our well-being. * Mindfulness is about being aware of what's going on around us. * We all have something to give one another. * Home is where you make it, and it's in your heart. * Meditation is a crucial part of personal wellness.  Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Generosity and Community 02:53 Shayna's Journey: From Australia to North Carolina 06:02 Understanding Mateship: Building Connections at Work 09:01 The Mateship Pyramid: Social Connections and Loneliness 12:13 Practical Ways to Be a Good Mate 14:53 Generosity in the Workplace: Personal Experiences 17:47 Seagulls Community: Women, Ocean, and Connection 22:06 Space Holding as Generous Leadership 24:52 Balancing Care for Others and Self-Care 28:05 Lessons from the Ocean: Healing and Growth 31:00 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Reflections   Guest Bio | Shayna Goodworth has been a student of yoga since 2012 and to deepen her practice, she took part in a RYT200 hour program in the United Kingdom in 2021 and is passionate about Vinyasa, Yin & Trauma Informed styles of yoga along with meditation as a way to heal the body. Yoga is integral in her daily life and she is currently Longwave’s Yoga resident SeaGal facilitator, devoted to fostering community through a shared connection with the ocean.    Raised on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, her spiritual path began early through learning about the local environment and waterways. This instilled in Shayna a profound respect for nature and the power of place-based connection. Her vision for SeaGals at Longwave and Wrightsville Beach is rooted in this philosophy: to cultivate meaningful bonds among women and create space to ground, reflect, and honor ourselves in unity. Or simply, her mission is centered around Ocean, Women & Community. These three pillars have helped Shayna inform and hone her leadership styles of inclusion, authenticity and humility and she enters her first year as a 30 year old.   Guest Resources:  * Find Seagals at https://longwaveyoga.com/schedule [https://longwaveyoga.com/schedule]  * Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/longwaveyoga/ [https://www.instagram.com/longwaveyoga/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plasticoceanproject.inc/ [https://www.instagram.com/plasticoceanproject.inc/] * A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/744301/a-different-kind-of-power-by-jacinda-ardern/] * Figuring out Thirty by Bridget Hustwaite [https://www.penguin.com.au/books/figuring-out-thirty-9781761344862] * Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols [https://www.wallacejnichols.org/122/the-blue-mind-movement.html]   Bridge Between Resources: * 5 Degree Change Course [https://bridgebetween.thinkific.com/] * Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  [https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/] * Free Generosity Quiz [https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/]    Credits: Shayna Goodworth, Host Shannon Cassidy, [https://bridgebetween.com/coaches/shannon-cassidy] Bridge Between, Inc. Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 246, Special Guest, Jon Sichel.