Willie McKinney, McKinney Regulatory Science Advisors - Richmond Leadership Lab (Episode 18)

Willie McKinney, McKinney Regulatory Science Advisors - Richmond Leadership Lab (Episode 18)

Join us for Episode 18 of the Richmond Leadership Lab.In this episode, co-hosts Christian Mosier (BenX Consulting) and Taylor Quinn (Filmspire and Richmond Podcast Studio) sit down with Willie McKinney, CEO of McKinney Regulatory Science Advisors and McKinney Specialty Labs. Willie's journey from Memphis to the halls of Philip Morris — and ultimately to founding two thriving companies — is a masterclass in recognizing opportunity, building culture, and leading with purpose.**Meet Willie McKinney:**From nearly acing the science portion of his ACT to earning a doctorate from UNC's School of Public Health and a postdoc at NYU, Willie's academic road was anything but straight. Discover how a professor's tough love, an unexpected summer counting mosquitoes in the swamps of New Orleans, and a phone call from Philip Morris set the stage for an extraordinary career.**Twenty Years at Altria — and What It Taught Him:**Willie spent two decades rising to Vice President of Regulatory Sciences at Altria, gaining cross-functional experience across science, operations, marketing, and FDA engagement. Learn why working across departments — not just up the ladder — was the foundation for eventually building his own businesses.**The Leap to Entrepreneurship:**After retiring from Altria and a brief stint at Juul, Willie launched McKinney Regulatory Science Advisors in 2020 — during a pandemic — to help small and mid-sized nicotine companies navigate the complex FDA approval process. Hear what it felt like to go from the security of a corporate career to the uncertainty of building something from scratch.**Acquiring the Lab — a Game-Changing Decision:**Three years in, Willie took on his biggest challenge yet: purchasing McKinney Specialty Labs, formerly the largest nicotine product testing lab in the United States — 57,000 square feet and nearly 100 employees. Hear how a sweetened deal, a trusted mentor's evolving advice, and his own instincts led him to say yes.**Culture, Clarity, and the Right People on the Bus:**Willie opens up about inheriting a lab culture that wasn't client-focused and the intentional work required to reshape it. Drawing from Jim Collins' *Good to Great* and his own Altria training, learn how he built a leadership team that makes his job easier every day — and why getting people in the right seats on the bus changed everything.**Leading Two Companies at Once:**Willie describes the unique challenge of being CEO of both a consulting firm and a testing lab — and why "half a day" in his world means 12 to 16 hours. From town halls to employee surveys to the Periodic Table Dancers kickball team, Willie explains how he builds engagement, communicates purpose, and keeps an informed workforce.**Lessons Learned & Victories Earned:**Willie reflects on what he'd do differently if he ever acquired another company, and why the greatest win in his entrepreneurial journey has been building a leadership team he'd put in front of any client, any day.Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! Tune in for more conversations on leadership, growth, and building impactful organizations in Richmond and beyond.To learn more about McKinney Regulatory Science Advisors, visit:https://mckinneyrsa.com/To learn more about McKinney Specialty Labs, visit:https://mckinneysl.com/Connect with Willie here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/willie-mckinney-phd-dabt/Richmond Leadership Lab is Produced and Co-Hosted by:Taylor Quinn, CEO - Filmspire and Richmond Podcast Studiohttps://www.filmspirevideo.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-quinn-filmspire/Christian Mosier, President - BenXhttps://benxconsulting.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-mosier/To learn more about RLL visit our site: https://www.richmondleadershiplab.comThis podcast was produced and recorded by Richmond Podcast Studio. To learn more, visit https://www.richmondpodcaststudio.com

Emily Toalson, Ronald McDonald House Richmond - Richmond Leadership Lab (Episode 17)

Join us for Episode 17 of the Richmond Leadership Lab.In this episode, co-hosts Christian Mosier (BenX Consulting) and Taylor Quinn (Filmspire and Richmond Podcast Studio) sit down with Emily Toalson, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, community impact, healthcare support services, and leading through growth and change. Emily shares her journey from higher education fundraising to leading one of Richmond’s most beloved nonprofit organizations during a transformative period of expansion and community engagement.Episode Highlights:Meet Emily Toalson:Learn about Emily’s journey from growing up on a fifth-generation family farm in Southwest Virginia to building a successful career in fundraising and nonprofit leadership. Hear how her experiences at Radford University, Virginia Tech, VCU, and the Children’s Hospital Foundation prepared her to lead Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond.The Mission Behind Ronald McDonald House:Discover how Ronald McDonald House removes barriers for families facing some of life’s most difficult moments. Emily explains how the organization provides lodging, meals, transportation, laundry services, and emotional support so parents can focus entirely on their child’s medical care.A Richmond Institution for 46 Years:Learn about the history of Ronald McDonald House Richmond, one of the earliest Ronald McDonald Houses in the world. Emily shares how the organization has grown from its original Monument Avenue location into a network of family support programs serving hospitals throughout the Richmond region.Building a New 50-Room Ronald McDonald House:Hear about the ambitious $40 million Together, Hope Is Closer Capital Campaign and the vision for a new world-class Ronald McDonald House in Richmond. Emily discusses the growing demand for services, the importance of supporting families during extended hospital stays, and how the community is rallying behind the project.Leading Through Growth and Change:Emily reflects on stepping into the CEO role and guiding an established organization through a period of significant transformation. She shares lessons on building trust, listening first, creating a growth mindset, and balancing long-term vision with day-to-day operations.Fundraising, Philanthropy & Community Engagement:Emily discusses what it takes to build a culture of philanthropy, engage board members effectively, inspire donors, and create lasting community partnerships that fuel long-term impact.Leading with Empathy:One of the most moving moments of the episode comes when Emily shares her personal experience as a parent unexpectedly needing services at the Children’s Hospital. Hear how that experience deepened her understanding of the families Ronald McDonald House serves every day.Lessons in Leadership:Emily shares valuable leadership insights on resilience, mentorship, celebrating small wins, staying present, trusting the process, and not sweating the small stuff.Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share! Tune in for more conversations with Richmond’s top business, nonprofit, and community leaders.To learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond, visit:https://ronaldmcdonaldhouserva.org/ [https://ronaldmcdonaldhouserva.org/]Connect with Emily Toalson here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hale-toalson-0a31b855/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-hale-toalson-0a31b855/]Richmond Leadership Lab is Produced and Co-Hosted by:Taylor Quinn, CEO - Filmspire and Richmond Podcast Studiohttps://www.filmspirevideo.com [https://www.filmspirevideo.com]https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-quinn-filmspire/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-quinn-filmspire/]Christian Mosier, President - BenX Consultinghttps://benxconsulting.com [https://benxconsulting.com]https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-mosier/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-mosier/]To learn more about Richmond Leadership Lab, visit:https://www.richmondleadershiplab.com [https://www.richmondleadershiplab.com]This podcast was produced and recorded by Richmond Podcast Studio.To learn more, visit:https://www.richmondpodcaststudio.com [https://www.richmondpodcaststudio.com]

Rob Ukrop, Richmond Kickers and Ivy - Richmond Leadership Lab (Episode 16)

Join us for another episode of the Richmond Leadership Lab.In this episode, co-hosts Christian Mosier (BenX Consulting) and Taylor Quinn (Filmspire and Richmond Podcast Studio) sit down with Rob Ukrop, CEO & Chairman of 22 Holdings and a leader behind the Richmond Kickers and Richmond Ivy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, team building, sports culture, and creating meaningful community impact.Episode Highlights:Meet Rob Ukrop:Hear Rob’s story growing up in the Ukrop family in Richmond and how his parents shaped his leadership style—blending fierce competitiveness with a deep-rooted spirit of encouragement and service.From Athlete to Leader:Follow Rob’s journey from collegiate soccer at Davidson to a 12-year professional career, and how those experiences laid the foundation for his approach to leadership, teamwork, and resilience.Turning Setbacks into Opportunities:Discover how a major injury in college led to an unexpected second chance—and ultimately a historic Final Four run—reinforcing the mindset of finding purpose in adversity.Coaching Beyond Winning:Rob shares why today’s youth sports culture overemphasizes winning, and how great coaches instead focus on developing people, building character, and creating long-term impact.Building Strong Teams & Culture:Learn how Rob approaches leadership—whether on the field or in business—by meeting people where they are, understanding their unique needs, and fostering a sense of unity and belonging.The Power of Encouragement:One of the biggest takeaways: the lasting impact of believing in others. Rob explains how small acts of encouragement—from coaches, parents, and leaders—can shape someone’s entire trajectory.Leadership in Business & Sports:Get an inside look at how Rob applies lessons from sports to business—building strong leadership teams, showing grace, and creating organizations where everyone is willing to “pitch in.”Richmond Kickers & Richmond Ivy:Explore the vision behind Richmond’s professional soccer teams, their role in the community, and how they’re creating opportunities for young athletes while building a vibrant local sports culture.Serving the Community:Rob shares meaningful stories about giving back—from coaching youth to volunteering—and why true leadership is about pouring into others without expecting recognition.RVA Access & Impact:Learn about RVA Access, a special needs soccer program creating inclusive opportunities for kids across Richmond—highlighting the power of sports to bring people together.Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share!Tune in for more conversations on leadership, growth, and building impactful organizations in Richmond and beyond.Learn More About Richmond Kickers and Richmond Ivy:https://www.richmondkickers.com [https://www.richmondkickers.com/] https://www.richmondivy.com [https://www.richmondivy.com/]Connect with Tyler Hart:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-ukrop-00688177/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-ukrop-00688177/]Richmond Leadership Lab is Produced and Co-Hosted by:Taylor Quinn, CEO – Filmspire & Richmond Podcast Studiohttps://www.filmspirevideo.com [https://www.filmspirevideo.com]https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-quinn-filmspire/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-quinn-filmspire/]Christian Mosier, President – BenX Consultinghttps://benxconsulting.com [https://benxconsulting.com]https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-mosier/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-mosier/]Learn More About Richmond Leadership Lab:https://www.richmondleadershiplab.com [https://www.richmondleadershiplab.com]This podcast was produced and recorded by Richmond Podcast Studio. Want to start a podcast without the tech hassle? Get your professional video podcast the same day you record.👉 Learn more: https://www.richmondpodcaststudio.com [https://www.richmondpodcaststudio.com]

Tyler Hart, Commonwealth Autism - Richmond Leadership Lab (Episode 15)

Join us for Episode 15 of the Richmond Leadership Lab.In this episode, co-hosts Christian Mosier (BenX Consulting) and Taylor Quinn (Filmspire and Richmond Podcast Studio) sit down with Tyler Hart, President & CEO of Commonwealth Autism. This episode is a must-watch for those interested in nonprofit leadership, social enterprise, entrepreneurship, and building sustainable impact-driven organizations.Episode Highlights:Meet Tyler Hart:Learn about Tyler’s journey from a small town in Southside Virginia to becoming the CEO of Commonwealth Autism. Hear how his background in accounting, higher education, and fundraising shaped his unique approach to leadership in the nonprofit space.Reinventing a Nonprofit for Sustainability:Discover how Tyler stepped into Commonwealth Autism during a pivotal time—transitioning from reliance on a single grant to building a diversified, sustainable revenue model that fuels long-term impact.The Power of Social Enterprise:Explore how Commonwealth Autism acquired Good Foods Grocery, transforming it into both a revenue engine and a workforce development platform—creating meaningful employment opportunities for autistic adults while serving the Richmond community.Bridging Business & Mission:Tyler shares insights on combining passion with business strategy—why nonprofits must think like businesses, embrace risk, and build systems that support growth, scalability, and impact.Solving Real Gaps in the Autism Community:Learn how Commonwealth Autism is tackling critical challenges like unemployment, education, and access to resources—while shifting from a service provider to a community capacity builder.Leadership, Culture & Growth:Hear how Tyler approaches leadership—from navigating board dynamics to implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), hiring the right team, and balancing innovation with operational discipline.Creating Purpose Through Work:One of the most powerful takeaways: how meaningful employment builds confidence, independence, and community for autistic adults—changing lives far beyond the workplace.Vision for the Future:Get a look at what’s ahead for Commonwealth Autism, including plans to expand their social enterprise model across Virginia and replicate their success in new markets.Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share!Tune in for more conversations on leadership, growth, and building impactful organizations in Richmond and beyond.Learn More About Commonwealth Autism:https://www.commonwealthautism.org [https://www.commonwealthautism.org]Good Foods Grocery:https://goodfoodsgrocery.com [https://goodfoodsgrocery.com]Connect with Tyler Hart:https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-tyler-hart-ph-d-2803637b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-tyler-hart-ph-d-2803637b/]Richmond Leadership Lab is Produced and Co-Hosted by:Taylor Quinn, CEO – Filmspire & Richmond Podcast Studiohttps://www.filmspirevideo.com [https://www.filmspirevideo.com]https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-quinn-filmspire/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-quinn-filmspire/]Christian Mosier, President – BenX Consultinghttps://benxconsulting.com [https://benxconsulting.com]https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-mosier/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-mosier/]Learn More About Richmond Leadership Lab:https://www.richmondleadershiplab.com [https://www.richmondleadershiplab.com]This podcast was produced and recorded by Richmond Podcast Studio.Want to start a podcast without the tech hassle? Get your professional video podcast the same day you record.👉 Learn more: https://www.richmondpodcaststudio.com [https://www.richmondpodcaststudio.com]

Susan Quinn, Circle S Studio - Richmond Leadership Lab (Episode 14)

Join us for Episode 14 of the Richmond Leadership Lab.In this episode, co-hosts Christian Mosier (BenX Consulting) and Taylor Quinn (Filmspire and Richmond Podcast Studio) engage in a powerful and insightful conversation with Susan Quinn, CEO of Circle S Studio. This episode is a must-watch for those interested in leadership, company culture, brand strategy, and building a business that lasts.Episode Highlights:Meet Susan Quinn:Discover Susan’s journey from an “accidental business owner” to leading Circle S Studio for over 26 years. Learn how a company of one evolved into a respected branding and strategy firm through strong partnerships and shared values.Building a Brand That Stands Out:Hear how Circle S Studio was formed and what the name represents — continuous collaboration, strategy, storytelling, and simplification. Susan shares how companies can move from just “showing up” to truly standing out.Core Values That Drive Growth:Susan unpacks the four foundational pillars every business needs: purpose, vision, mission, and core values. She explains why core values must be lived — not just written — and how clarity creates momentum.Leadership Through Economic Highs & Lows:From the 2008 financial meltdown to COVID-19, Susan reflects on navigating uncertainty, the importance of knowing your numbers, and why “hope is not a strategy.” A must-listen for CEOs facing growth, change, or economic headwinds.Pruning for Progress:Learn why strong leaders must regularly “prune” — letting go of tasks, systems, or even clients that no longer align — in order to create space for growth and strategic focus.AI, Strategy & The Future of Work:Susan shares how Circle S Studio is approaching artificial intelligence strategically, emphasizing smarter tools without sacrificing human authenticity.Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share! Tune in for more conversations on leadership, growth, and building impactful organizations in Richmond and beyond.To learn more about Circle S Studio, visit:https://www.circlesstudio.com [https://www.circlesstudio.com]Connect with Susan here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanquinn01/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanquinn01/]Richmond Leadership Lab is Produced and Co-Hosted by:Taylor Quinn, CEO - Filmspire and Richmond Podcast Studiohttps://www.filmspirevideo.com [https://www.filmspirevideo.com]https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-quinn-filmspire/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-quinn-filmspire/]Christian Mosier, President - BenXhttps://benxconsulting.com [https://benxconsulting.com]https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-mosier/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-mosier/]To learn more about RLL visit our site: https://www.richmondleadershiplab.com [https://www.richmondleadershiplab.com]This podcast was produced and recorded by Richmond Podcast Studio. Do you want to start a podcast but don't want to deal with the hassle of the tech? With Richmond Podcast Studio, you get your professional video podcast the same day you record. To learn more, visit https://www.richmondpodcaststudio.com [https://www.richmondpodcaststudio.com]