Touchstone Talks

Ep 20: John Weidner Hiring, Leading, and Retaining Talent When AI Enters the Equation

Hiring, Leading, and Retaining Talent When AI Enters the Equation This episode features John Weidner, Founder and Managing Partner of Cornell Global, LLC, a human capital strategy consulting firm. Drawing on decades of experience, he explains that the core challenges for leaders remain consistent: attracting the right people, developing them effectively, and creating an environment where they can succeed. While AI is influencing recruiting and performance management, these tools can distance decision-makers from candidates and often overlook the soft skills that signal strong cultural fit but don’t show up clearly in data. Ultimately, culture and leadership, not technology, determine long-term success. The next generation of leaders will need to be more empathetic and hands-on, balancing data-driven insights from AI with a nuanced understanding of people. As organizations face pressure to move faster with fewer resources, those that invest in strong, engaged management and thoughtful talent development will be better positioned to adapt and grow. touchstoneadvisors.com [https://touchstoneadvisors.com/] linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a [https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a/] directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production [https://www.directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production]

Ep 19: Navigating Conflict in Family Businesses

In this episode, Mediator, Negotiation Consultant, and Conflict Coach Scott Loring, Principal at Cooperative Coaching & Mediation, shares his expertise on navigating the complex and often deeply personal conflicts that arise in family businesses. Drawing on decades of experience resolving disputes, he explains how blurred boundaries, unclear expectations, and the overlap of family identity with business roles can create tension especially during pivotal moments like leadership transitions or business exits. He highlights how unresolved issues, sometimes rooted in childhood dynamics, resurface and impact not only relationships but overall workplace health, from employee turnover to morale. Loring emphasizes that while solutions to conflict may be straightforward, they are rarely easy, requiring honest, productive communication and a willingness to move toward understanding rather than agreement with a shared desire to improve. touchstoneadvisors.com [https://touchstoneadvisors.com/] linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a [https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a/] directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production [https://www.directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production]

Ep 18: The Buyer's Perspective on Acquiring a Family Business

In this episode, Deborah sits down with John SantaCroce, who last year acquired Minore’s Meats, a third-generation family business. John shares a firsthand perspective on how acquiring a family-owned business can create control over your future while unlocking opportunities to improve operations, modernize systems, and drive growth. He highlights what it really takes, from defining clear acquisition criteria and building the right advisory team, to navigating challenges during the deal process and leading a people-first culture post-close. He brings a unique perspective on balancing tradition with innovation as he positions Minore’s for its next chapter. touchstoneadvisors.com [https://touchstoneadvisors.com/] linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a [https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a/] directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production [https://www.directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production]

Ep 17: Environmental Regulations Are Changing - What Business Owners Should Understand

Environmental Regulations Are Changing: What Business Owners Should Understand In this episode, environmental attorney Deborah Brancato, Partner at Carmody Law, discusses major changes in Connecticut’s environmental regulatory framework and what they mean for business owners. With the Transfer Act sunsetting, she explains how the new approach is designed to encourage environmental cleanup while creating clearer expectations around environmental responsibility and property use. Deborah also shares practical insights on how environmental issues can arise during normal business operations, property ownership, and transactions, and why it’s important for business owners to understand potential risks and plan ahead. Deborah also shares insight from her involvement in developing the new program and what it means for business sales going forward. touchstoneadvisors.com [https://touchstoneadvisors.com/] linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a [https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a/] directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production [https://www.directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production]

Ep 16: Finding the Gaps - How to Strengthen Your Employee Benefits Strategy

In this episode, Jeff Weiner, President and CEO of HKM Associates discusses his unique approach to insurance brokerage. Now entering his 45th-year serving businesses ranging from as few as 2 up to 100s of employees. Licensed in 42 states, Jeff is known for his “white glove” service model. Some key take aways: 1. Don’t assume your current benefits plan is “fine.” There are often hidden gaps, inefficiencies, or better pricing options in the market. A fresh review can uncover what you don’t know you don’t know, especially around networks, billing issues, and plan design 2. Switching plans to save money doesn’t have to mean forcing employees to change doctors. Thoughtful plan design built around how your team actually uses healthcare can reduce friction and increase buy-in. 3. You have more flexibility than you think. Group health plans are generally month-to-month, PEOs can offer pooled buying power, and there are multiple ways to structure benefits creatively depending on your goals. With no-fee analysis, direct employee access to his cell phone, and a strong community-driven approach to networking and philanthropy, Jeff focuses on making a meaningful impact for both employers, their teams and the community. touchstoneadvisors.com [https://touchstoneadvisors.com/] linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a [https://www.linkedin.com/company/touchstone-advisors-m-a/] directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production [https://www.directlinemediaproductions.com/professional-podcast-production]