Thrive with R3

Hidden Struggles at the Top

In this episode of Thrive with R3, hosts Jamie Gassmann and Dr. George Vergolias sit down with interventionist Marc Kantor to explore the hidden struggles of substance abuse and behavioral health challenges among senior and C-suite leaders. Marc shares his personal journey and how it shaped his work helping others confront addiction with compassion and accountability. Together, they discuss why high-level executives are uniquely vulnerable, how stigma and shame keep leaders from seeking help, and the ripple effects on culture and performance. Listen for a conversation that highlights practical steps organizations can take to build safer, more supportive environments for recovery.

Thriving with Readiness: Wellbeing Strategies for the Evolving Workplace

In this episode of Thrive with R3, hosts Jamie Gassmann and Dr. George Vergolias explore how today’s leaders and organizations can adapt to a rapidly evolving workplace. They unpack key challenges like shifting employee expectations, return-to-office tensions, and the growing demand for emotional intelligence. With multigenerational teams and new definitions of wellbeing at play, the need for flexible, resilient leadership has never been greater. Drawing on real-world insights, Jamie and Dr. George share strategies for building supportive cultures and preparing leaders to navigate disruption with empathy and purpose. Whether you're rethinking workplace norms or looking to retain top talent, this episode offers timely perspective on thriving in the “next normal.”

From Service to Support

In this episode of Thrive with R3, hosts Jamie Gassmann and Dr. George Vergolias sit down with Colonel Ed Suarez of the Minnesota National Guard for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and the realities of military life. They explore how service extends far beyond deployment—impacting mental health, family dynamics, and reintegration into civilian life. Through personal stories and honest reflection, Colonel Suarez shares the lessons he’s learned over decades of service, the evolution of military support systems, and how workplaces and communities can show up for veterans in more meaningful ways. Tune in for a thoughtful look at purpose, transition, and the human side of service.

Leading with Balance and Purpose

In this episode of Thrive with R3, hosts Jamie Gassmann and Dr. George Vergolias sit down with three inspiring female leaders for the first women’s panel discussion — featuring Kathy Robideau, Chief Growth Officer at Versique; Sara Dziuk, President and CEO at Junior Achievement North, and Elisha Engelen, Human Capital Solution Client Leader at Aon —for an insightful discussion on authenticity, leadership, and workplace wellbeing. They explore how embracing emotions, modeling work-life balance, and taking ownership of one’s career path can create stronger, more resilient leaders. Through personal stories and candid reflections, they share the challenges they’ve faced, the power of mentorship, and the importance of advocating for yourself and others. Tune in to hear actionable insights on redefining leadership with authenticity, balance, and purpose.

Power, Control, and Workplace Dynamics

In this episode of Thrive with R3, hosts Jamie Gassmann and Dr. George Vergolias sit down with Dr. Sheela Reddy, M.S., Ed.D., ACPEC, ACC, Psychologist and Executive Leadership Coach, to explore the profound impact of domestic violence and anger on workplace dynamics. Drawing from her extensive experience in trauma, mental health, and leadership coaching, Dr. Reddy shares powerful stories of resilience, unpacks how power and control manifest in professional settings, and offers actionable strategies for creating safer, more supportive work environments. Together, they discuss how organizations can address these challenges to empower employees, enhance leadership, and transform workplace culture. Tune in to gain valuable insights into fostering wellbeing, trust, and empowerment in the workplace.