Start the Ladder

Will Matteson - Financial Planning (Student Series)

William Matteson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/williammatteson/] is a senior at University of Wisconsin-Madison [https://www.linkedin.com/company/uwmadison/] double majoring in financial planning and economics. This past summer he was a summer analyst at JPMorganChase [https://www.linkedin.com/company/jpmorganchase/] and received a full time offer that he will be starting this summer. In this episode look to learn how Will navigated each step getting internship through the lens of Start the Ladder's 6S. SPARK - What do you want to do? SCAN - What is out there? SKILLS - What are you good at? STORY - Why should it be you? SUPPORT - Who can help you? STRATEGY - What is your plan?

Pete Metcalfe - Manufacturing

Peter Metcalfe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-metcalfe-aba33a2a/] is a seasoned manufacturing and operations leader with a long standing career spanning plant leadership, engineering, and consulting. As Managing Director at Intillit Partners [https://www.linkedin.com/company/intillit-partners/], a manufacturing consulting firm focused on helping plants do more with less in an increasingly competitive environment, he works closely with organizations to strengthen operational performance, improve efficiency, and navigate complex challenges. Over the past seven years, Pete has served as a consultant specializing in operations, engineering, project launches, and crisis management. His practical, results driven approach is grounded in extensive industry experience, including roles as Plant Manager at Autoliv [https://www.linkedin.com/company/autoliv/], Head of Continuous Improvement at Vista [https://www.linkedin.com/company/vistaprint/] and Johnson Controls [https://www.linkedin.com/company/johnson-controls/], and engineering positions with Siemens [https://www.linkedin.com/company/siemens/] and Ford Motor Company [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ford-motor-company/]. Known for his deep operational knowledge and people centered leadership style, Pete brings a rare combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to engage teams to drive meaningful, sustainable results.

Tonya Jackson - Operations

Tonya Jackson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyajackson1/] is a seasoned global operations executive with more than 30 years of experience leading manufacturing, product development, sustainability, supply chain, and organizational leadership initiatives in complex, international environments. Throughout her career at Lexmark [https://www.linkedin.com/company/lexmark/], the world-renowned printer and solutions company, she held numerous senior executive roles including Chief People Officer, Senior Vice President of Product Delivery, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Vice President of Supplies Operations, Director of R&D, and Director of Sustainability, helping guide large scale global operations for a company later acquired by Xerox [https://www.linkedin.com/company/xerox/] in a billion dollar transaction. Known for her strategic leadership and enterprise wide perspective, Tonya has led cross-functional initiatives that strengthened operational performance, innovation, and sustainability at scale. Since retiring last June, she has continued to influence the business community as a board member and advisor to organizations including Hooker Furnishings Corporation [https://www.linkedin.com/company/hooker-furnishings-corporation/], ketteQ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ketteq/], and Blue Grass Airport. She will also begin teaching her first university course international management education this semester.

Steve Brillati - Logistics

Stephen Brillati [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbrillati/], the CEO at Cura Group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cura-resource-group-llc/], a transportation, logistics, supply chain, and storage company. Cura Group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cura-resource-group-llc/] delivers scalable warehousing and distribution solutions while helping organizations streamline operations through flexible, facility-driven supply chain strategies. Stephen Brillati [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbrillati/] is a seasoned logistics executive with nearly 20 years of experience leading complex logistics and distribution initiatives. He also has a strong background in construction and real estate development. As CEO of Cura Group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cura-resource-group-llc/], he plays a critical role in designing and deploying scalable infrastructure solutions that strengthen supply chain agility, operational efficiency, and geographic reach. He brings a unique ability to align facility development with evolving supply chain demands.

Kristin Hilbert - Supply Chain

Kristin Hilbert [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-hilbert-175032a/], the VP, Global Supply Chain at Harley-Davidson Motor Company [https://www.linkedin.com/company/harley-davidson-motor-company/] a globally recognized manufacturer, delivering iconic motorcycles and related products while driving enterprise value through advanced manufacturing, innovation, and brand leadership. Kristin Hilbert [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-hilbert-175032a/] is a seasoned global supply chain executive with over 20 years of experience leading complex logistics, sourcing, and procurement operations across multiple industries. As Vice President of Global Supply Chain at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, she plays a critical role in managing and optimizing the company’s worldwide supply chain, strengthening resilience, efficiency, and global reach. Known for her ability to lead large-scale initiatives across trade, logistics, and procurement, Kristin brings deep expertise from industries ranging from motorcycles to medical devices, including her tenure at Stryker.