The Future Fit Edge With Cindy Montgenie

Ep 8. Future-Fit Boards: Rethinking Value Creation with Mauro Rodrigues da Cunha

In this episode of The Future Fit Edge, Cindy Montgenie sits down with Mauro Rodrigues da Cunha, veteran independent board director with 20+ years of experience, Founder of Engage.MC, and Council Member at the Nasdaq Center for Board Excellence, for a candid conversation on what future-fit governance truly demands in the age of AI.   Together, they explore: * Why traditional board evaluations no longer reflect real value creation * How AI amplifies weak governance instead of fixing it * The hidden risks of safety, comfort, and “clubbiness” in today’s boardrooms * Why continuous director education is now essential * What boards must do differently to remain relevant, effective, and trusted This episode is a must-listen for board members, CEOs, investors, and senior executives who want to strengthen governance, sharpen strategic oversight, and lead with greater impact in a fast-changing world.   If this episode challenged the way you think about governance, follow The Future Fit Edge and share it with a board member who needs to hear this   Chapter list: 00:01:17 – 00:02:00:  Guest Introduction: Mauro Rodriguez da Cunha 00:02:02 – 00:03:26 : What Makes a Board Future Fit  00:03:27 – 00:06:06 : AI’s Role in Board Governance 00:06:07 – 00:08:31: AI Challenges – Director Mindset and Education  00:08:40 – 00:12:49:  Is Board Governance Broken? Rethinking the Model  00:13:15 – 00:14:49  : Why Board Reinvention is So Hard 00:15:04 – 00:16:29: Global Best Practices & Board Agility  00:17:03 – 00:18:54:  The Corporate Secretary’s Critical Role 00:19:07 – 00:20: Mauro’s Role with NASDAQ Center for Board Excellence*  00:20:10 – 00:22:17: Strengthening C-Suite/Board Relationships 00:22:19 – 00:24:15 Fireside Q&A with Mauro  00:24:16 – 00:25:26:   Key Takeaways and Closing

Balancing Innovation & Regulation in Banking with Jeffrey Martinez (PNC)

How do banks innovate while staying compliant?  In this episode of the Future Fit Edge Podcast, Cindy Montgenie sits down with Jeffrey Martinez, EVP and Head of Branch Banking at PNC Bank, to explore how leaders in highly regulated industries can drive digital growth without losing trust. You’ll discover: * Why PNC invests in both digital tools and branch expansion * How to humanize technology for clients and employees * Leadership lessons Jeff brought from the U.S. Army to corporate America * Practical strategies for psychological safety and honest feedback loops * Why avoiding hype and staying true to strategy is essential for innovation This episode is packed with insights for executives and innovators balancing disruption, compliance, and client value. Subscribe, rate, and share the Future Fit Edge Podcast for more leadership and growth insights.

Ep 6. Reimagining Plants with Tech, with Mari Carrasquillo

Can AI and augmented reality really revolutionize the plant industry? In this bold and insightful episode of The Future Fit Edge, we sit down with Mari Carrasquillo, VP of Marketing at Costa Farms, to explore how she’s infusing cutting-edge tech into one of the most traditional industries—horticulture.   With over 25 years of global marketing experience, Mari shares: * How AI and AR are helping her team enhance customer experience and optimize costs * Why consumer expectations for online vs. in-store plant shopping are dramatically different * The structure she uses to balance strategy and execution without losing sight of vision * The 3 H’s she hires for—and how humility and agility beat hard skills in a fast-paced world * Why Martech literacy is now mandatory for marketing execs—and how she prioritizes certifications to stay ahead She also opens up in a fun fireside round—from her dream superpower to the best leadership advice she ever received. Whether you're in tech, retail, or navigating transformation in any industry, this episode is a masterclass in staying relevant, customer-centric, and future fit—no matter your field. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more episodes packed with future-fit-insights!   Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Intro 01:45 – Meet Mari Carrasquillo 03:20 – How AI is Transforming the Plant Industry 06:55 – Augmented Reality & the Future of Plant Shopping 09:35 – The Online vs. In-Store Consumer Mindset 14:00 – Balancing Strategy and Execution as a Marketing Leader 17:30 – The 3H Hiring Framework: Humble, Hustle, Hungry 21:05 – Traits of a Future-Fit Team 23:30 – Why Martech Is Now Mandatory for Executives 27:20 – How Executives Can Prioritize Learning & Stay Relevant 30:25 – Fireside Fun Round

Ep 5. Curiosity Fuels Reinvention with Tonya Jackson

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Tonya Jackson, Chief People Officer at Lexmark and a driving force in tech industry transformation. With an impressive journey spanning over three decades in R&D, supply chain, and HR, Tonya shares her unique approach to leading large-scale organizational change and building impactful HR-business partnerships. What you’ll discover in this episode: * Tonya’s transition from supply chain and R&D to HR leadership * The evolving role of HR as a strategic business partner * How Lexmark is building an AI-ready workforce—and winning the AI talent war from within * Practical frameworks for overcoming change fatigue and engaging teams during transformation * The importance of trust, authenticity, and listening in leading cultural shifts Whether you're an HR leader, executive, or future-focused professional, this conversation offers tangible lessons you can apply to your transformation journey. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe for more episodes packed with future-fit-insights! Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome & introduction to the episode 01:16 - Meet Tonya Jackson & her career journey 04:00 - Navigating the transition to HR leadership 08:45 - The balance of data and empathy in HR 14:30 - Leading transformation: strategy, culture & trust 19:15 - Building AI capabilities at Lexmark 24:47 - Overcoming change fatigue & driving real impact 29:25 - The evolving role of HR in the age of AI 33:23 - Rapid-fire: Personal side of Tonya Jackson 36:59 - Closing & next steps

Ep 4. Leading Through Complexity with Rashad D Thomas

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Future Fit Edge Podcast!  Join host Cindy Montgenie as she sits down with Rashad Thomas, Regional Director for AT&T Florida and community champion, to dive deep into Miami’s transformation, strategic leadership, and empowering the next generation. Episode Highlights: • How Miami is rapidly evolving into a tech and financial hub • Key trends in community development and how organizations can leverage them • Behind the scenes, organizing Miami’s Super Bowl and leading large-scale, complex initiatives • Lessons learned managing Miami-Dade County’s COVID-19 response and what it means for crisis leadership • Why youth empowerment and exposure are essential for building future leaders—especially in underserved communities • Personal insights from Rashad on balancing a demanding career with family, community work, and self-development Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about positive change, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration. Chapters: 00:00 Podcast Featuring Rashad Thomas 03:52 "Encouragement to Engage in Miami" 08:04 Local Supplier Initiatives Boost Community 12:45 Pre-Pandemic Super Bowl Reflection 13:54 Leadership Challenges in Community Engagement 18:13 "Exposure and Representation Matter" 20:55 Support System: Key to Success 26:34 "Future Fit EDGE: Rashad's Insights" Click play and join us on this insightful journey! 🚀 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!