Wired for Growth

Startups, Perseverance, and Leadership

In this episode of Winona IT’s Wired for Growth, hosted by Michael Pahl of Winona IT, Vice President of Managed Services Brad Gutwein shares his experiences from growing up in a remote Mexican village to leading in the fast-paced world of IT. Brad discusses the profound impact of his upbringing on his values, leadership style, and adaptability in a startup environment. He reflects on the challenges and breakthroughs he encountered while transitioning from the public to the private sector, emphasizing the importance of trust, communication, and continuous improvement. Brad also talks about balancing personal life with the demands of work, cultivating endurance, and his hopes for the future, both in his family life and professional growth.    Show Links: * Visit Winona IT [https://www.winonait.com/]   * Michael Pahl's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-pahl-906bab27/] * Brad Gutwein's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-gutwein-21a91b71/]

Therapy, Calling, and Burnout

In this episode of Winona IT’s Wired for Growth, host Michael Pahl welcomes Mark Mitchell, Leadership Development Coach for Leaders On Fire [https://www.leadersonfire.com/pages/home]. Mark shares his journey from being a therapist for over 23 years to transitioning into leadership coaching. He discusses the challenges of burnout in the counseling profession, emphasizing the importance of self-care and purpose. Mark also highlights the differences between therapy and coaching, noting the focus on the present and empowering clients in coaching. Drawing from his personal experiences, including his work with teens and handling serious crises, Mark explains how these roles shaped his views on humanity and leadership. He underscores the significance of communication and belief in positive relationships, whether in personal marriages or professional settings. Mark concludes by discussing his current role with Leaders on Fire and his mission to impact organizations by integrating faith and leadership.   Show Links: * Visit Winona IT [https://www.winonait.com/]   * Michael Pahl's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-pahl-906bab27/] * Mark Mitchell's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mitchell-koa-coaching/] * Visit Leaders On Fire [https://www.leadersonfire.com/pages/home]

Community in Education

In this episode of the Wired for Growth podcast, Michael Pahl welcomes special guests Dr. David Hoffert, Superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools, and Dr. Drew Flamm, President of Grace College, to discuss the interconnections between education, community, and the changing landscape of teaching. Both leaders emphasize the strong partnership between Grace College and Warsaw Community Schools, highlighting how they collaborate to nurture local talent and address the teacher shortage. They delve into the importance of innovative teaching methods, such as dual language immersion programs, and the impact of standardized testing on student learning. The conversation also touches on the challenges of maintaining educational values in a competitive environment, the role of sports in building community spirit, and the responsibility of schools to support student well-being in an increasingly digital world. Throughout the discussion, both guests articulate their commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving future while remaining true to their organizational missions and community roots.    Show Links: * Visit Winona IT [https://www.winonait.com/]   * Michael Pahl's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-pahl-906bab27/] * Dr. Drew Flamm's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewflamm/] * Dr. David Hoffert's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hoffert-b91280a3/]

Leadership, Culture, and HR Strategy

In this episode of Winona IT's Wired for Growth podcast, Michael Pahl speaks with Amy Mencarelli, Director of People and Culture at Bloomerang, about the evolving role of Human Resources (HR) in organizations. Mencarelli discusses the shift from traditional HR to a more people-centric approach, emphasizing the importance of communication, leadership development, and data-driven decision-making in enhancing company culture. She highlights the critical need for HR to actively engage in leadership conversations and to understand business operations, thus positioning HR as a strategic partner rather than merely an administrative function. Additionally, they explore the significance of personalized leadership development programs and the challenges of adapting to different generational values in the workplace, particularly with the rise of remote work and the changing expectations of younger employees. Overall, the conversation addresses the vital role of HR in fostering a positive work environment and driving organizational success. Show Links: * Visit Winona IT [https://www.winonait.com/]   * Michael Pahl's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-pahl-906bab27/] * Amy Mencarelli's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amymencarelli/]

Who We Are

What if you could transform a challenging experience into a thriving business? Join us as we flip the script in an exclusive takeover episode of the Winona IT Wired for Growth podcast. Michael Pahl, usually your host, becomes the guest, sharing his journey from Wilmington, Delaware to Landenburg, Pennsylvania, and all the way to Switzerland. Ever wondered how the summers spent in Winona Lake shaped his permanent home and business foundations? Tune in to discover the personal and professional milestones that led Michael to establish Winona IT in 2018, addressing a crucial market gap in reliable IT support. Curious about the nitty-gritty of building a successful IT business from scratch? Michael opens up about his career evolution from a technical self-learner to a seasoned professional navigating corporate IT landscapes. Listen as he recounts the pivotal moments during his tenure at Silveus Insurance Group, including the bold move of transitioning from an employee to an entrepreneur, making Silveus his first client. Gain insights into the dynamics of team management, rapid customer onboarding, and the importance of maintaining integrity and respect in all business dealings. Leadership, growth, and continuous learning form the cornerstone of this episode. Michael underscores the significance of employee development and the role of a supportive leadership team in fostering a strong company culture. Hear about the challenges of IT recruitment and retention, and why outsourcing might be the solution many companies need. Plus, Michael shares candid lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, including the value of transparency and perseverance. Whether you’re an IT professional, a budding entrepreneur, or simply interested in real-world business stories, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.