From First Job to Long-Term Career | The GrowthPro Edge

From First Job to Long-Term Career | The GrowthPro Edge

Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhoXR5UooscWgniQfP9hpRLAkehyobe8T]: A job can be more than just a paycheck. Sometimes, it can be the start of a long-term career. In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian talks with Keitha McBride and Clint Novak from A&A Global about how they turned early jobs, industry curiosity, persistence, and strong relationships into meaningful careers in the attractions and family entertainment industry. Keitha shares how she started as a server at Dave & Buster's, worked her way into buying, consulting, and sales, and built a career by staying curious, maintaining relationships, and speaking up about what she wanted. Clint shares how his passion for roller coasters and amusement parks led him from being a fan of the industry to becoming a ride operator, general manager, award-winning FEC leader, and now Business Development Manager at A&A Global. This conversation is a reminder that career growth does not always happen in a straight line. Sometimes it starts with saying yes, doing the work, building relationships, finding mentors, and being vocal about where you want to go. In this episode, we talk about: * How first jobs can become long-term careers * Career paths in the family entertainment and attractions industry * Why persistence matters when you are trying to grow * The importance of being willing to start at the bottom * How relationships can open future opportunities * Why you should be vocal about your career goals * The value of mentors and industry connections * How working in operations can prepare you for leadership and vendor roles * Why curiosity and hard work still matter Guests: Keitha McBride, Regional Sales Associate, A&A Global Clint Novak, Business Development Manager, A&A Global About The GrowthPro Edge: The GrowthPro Edge is a business and leadership podcast from The GrowthPro Group, created for leaders who want to grow smarter, lead better, and build stronger businesses. Connect with Us: Visit our website: thegrowthprogroup.com Book a Free Call: Ready to start your own growth journey? Set up a free growth call with one of our coaches today. Get in Touch: Have an idea for the show or want to be a guest? Email Denise at denise@thegrowthprogroup.com.

Supply Chain Concerns: What Business Leaders Can Control | The GrowthPro Edge

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:247de852-707a-4776-b943-9a4230800812-7" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:247de852-707a-4776-b943-9a4230800812-7" data-testid= "conversation-turn-8" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhoXR5UooscWgniQfP9hpRLAkehyobe8T] Supply chain concerns are not just a "big company" problem. Rising costs, changing tariffs, product availability, fuel prices, supplier disruption, and fast-moving AI tools are all affecting how businesses plan, purchase, sell, and grow. In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian talks with Claudine Ogilvie, Co-Founder and CEO of Hivepix, about how business leaders can stop reacting blindly and start using their data to make better decisions. Claudine shares why visibility matters, how disconnected systems slow teams down, and why clean, usable data is becoming one of the most important tools for protecting margins, planning ahead, and building a more resilient business. Because while you may not be able to control tariffs, fuel prices, or global disruption, you can control how prepared your business is to respond. In this episode, we talk about: * The biggest supply chain threats businesses are facing right now * Why AI is only useful when your data is usable * How disconnected systems cost teams time and clarity * Why visibility across suppliers matters more than ever * How dual sourcing can help protect your business * The importance of spotting supply issues before they become emergencies * Why better data can lead to better decisions, stronger margins, and faster action About The GrowthPro Edge: The GrowthPro Edge is a business and leadership podcast from The GrowthPro Group, created for leaders who want to grow smarter, lead better, and build stronger businesses. Connect with Us: Visit our website: thegrowthprogroup.com Book a Free Call: Ready to start your own growth journey? Set up a free growth call with one of our coaches today. Get in Touch: Have an idea for the show or want to be a guest? Email Denise at denise@thegrowthprogroup.com.

Leading the Next Generation | The GrowthPro Edge

Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhoXR5UooscWgniQfP9hpRLAkehyobe8T] What do young leaders actually want from work, and are you giving it to them? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian sits down with leadership development expert Genevieve Sullivan of The GrowthPro Group for an honest conversation about what motivates today's emerging workforce, how leadership expectations are shifting, and what companies can do right now to better retain and develop young talent. This episode is a good reminder that leading a new generation isn't about cracking a generational code. It's about showing up for the individual in front of you — and remembering that someone had to teach you too. In this episode, we talk about: * Why the "Gen Z is lazy" narrative misses what's really going on * The "cliff dip" and what new grads are experiencing when they walk in the door * How belonging, recognition, and growth are the real drivers of engagement * The difference between managing someone and mentoring them * How to build retention by focusing on the individual, not the generation label * Why your first job as a new hire is really just to learn how to have a job Find your next edge at TheGrowthProGroup.com.

What Gen Z Really Wants at Work | The GrowthPro Edge

Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhoXR5UooscWgniQfP9hpRLAkehyobe8T] Is Gen Z really lazy, or are we missing the point? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian sits down with Amber Lambert of Betson and her daughter Rila for an honest conversation about generational needs in the workplace. From recognition and flexibility to growth opportunities and brand reputation, this discussion breaks down what younger team members are really looking for and why it matters for operators, managers, and leaders. This episode is a good reminder that many workplace needs are not actually generational. People want to be respected, recognized, developed, and given a reason to care. In this episode, we talk about: • Why the "Gen Z is lazy" label misses the bigger picture • How recognition can motivate younger employees to stay engaged • Why flexibility matters when hiring students and young team members • The importance of giving employees a clear growth path • How your brand, reviews, photos, and guest experience influence where people spend money • Why leaders need to stop discounting younger employees and start developing them Find your next edge at TheGrowthProGroup.com. Connect with Us: Visit our website: thegrowthprogroup.com. Book a Free Call: Ready to start your own growth journey? Set up a free growth call with one of our coaches today. Get in Touch: Have an idea for the show or want to be a guest? Email Denise at denise@thegrowthprogroup.com

Taking Over the Family Business | The GrowthPro Edge

🎥 Watch on YouTube: What's it really like taking over a family business? In this episode of The GrowthPro Edge, Denise Killian sits down with Luke Adams to talk about the realities of stepping into leadership inside a multi-generational company. From earning respect and navigating expectations to creating your own leadership style, Luke shares the challenges and opportunities that come with carrying on a family legacy while still pushing the business forward. This conversation dives into leadership, growth, succession, and the lessons learned along the way. 🎯 In this episode: • The pressure of stepping into a family business • Why gaining outside experience matters • How to balance tradition with innovation • The realities of leadership when family is involved • Building your own identity inside an established company Find your next edge at The GrowthPro Group [https://thegrowthprogroup.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Connect with Us: Visit our website: thegrowthprogroup.com. Book a Free Call: Ready to start your own growth journey? Set up a free growth call with one of our coaches today. Get in Touch: Have an idea for the show or want to be a guest? Email Denise at denise@thegrowthprogroup.com