Timeout With Leaders

Midland grit, tech leadership, and a dash of fun: How did Dusti Wofford become Global Head of Digital Strategy and Technology at CBRE? Trace her path from a strict upbringing to mastering a fast-paced, tech-driven world. Gain sharp insights on building resilient teams, leading with empathy and high expectations, and navigating generational shifts. Learn the power of mentorship, community, and balancing work identity with personal life. Essential listening for leaders cultivating growth, collaboration, and a champion's spirit.

New Orleans resilience, Jiu-Jitsu mindset: How did Renard Henry become a top IT leader? Follow his journey through Katrina's aftermath to Toyota Connected, shaped by mentorship and the mat. Gain sharp insights on inspiring teams, leading with presence, and spotting potential. Learn the power of genuine connection, career reflection, and evolving beyond management. Essential listening for leaders cultivating growth, collaboration, and a champion's spirit.

From the Bronx to tech leader: How did Fern Johnson forge her path? Hear her journey, driven by family work ethic and a passion for tech. Get vital lessons on empathetic leadership, two-way mentorship, and adapting in a changing world. Discover the power of diversity, resilience, and building your personal 'board of directors'. A must-listen for aspiring leaders, especially women in tech, navigating growth and connection.

How does a music lover conquer cybersecurity? JJ Widener shares his unexpected path, fueled by learning and mentorship, to a career protecting what matters. Get real insights on leadership, AI's impact, and the daily grind of well-being and presence. Discover the power of your community and rethink what you see. A must-hear for anyone forging their own way.

Micro-episode: John Crighton emphasizes that strong leadership fosters collaboration and healthy debate, not just consensus. He argues that conflict can lead to the best solutions, and that good leaders encourage diverse perspectives. Learn how to navigate disagreements and move forward with informed decisions.

Micro-episode: Team-Driven Decisions. John Crighton shares insights on empowering teams to make decisions, highlighting the importance of process and information. Discover how to shift from individual responsibility to collaborative outcomes.

Micro-episode: John Crighton shares a two-part insight: first, his simple yet powerful catchphrase, "Keep Up," reflecting a fast-paced leadership mindset. Then, a journey to the Prior Mountain Mustangs, illustrating how community action preserves a wild legacy. Discover how staying ahead and leading with dedication, whether on the highway or in the wilderness, defines impactful leadership.

Micro-episode: John Crighton discusses the importance of timely communication, balancing immediate responses with thoughtful engagement. He emphasizes setting clear expectations and acknowledging requests, even when immediate action isn't possible. Learn how to manage response times effectively and communicate urgency, adapting to evolving expectations in today's fast-paced environment.

Micro-episode: John Crighton discusses navigating a new CTO role, emphasizing understanding team needs and prioritizing change. Learn to build trust through measured adjustments, not "draconian changes." He highlights the importance of clear messaging and iterative processes for lasting impact.

Discover the power of everyday leadership. Drew Dudley shares his insights on public speaking, personal growth, and the journey of writing "This Is Day One." This episode explores the role of emotions in communication, navigating personal challenges including addiction recovery and post-COVID adaptation, and the significance of individual moments of impact. Drew discusses self-awareness, decision-making in uncertainty, and the transformative power of forgiveness. Tune in for insights on embracing uncertainty, fostering empathy, and the ongoing work of self-improvement.

Discover the power of inclusive leadership. North Texas Disability Chamber CEO, Dylan M. Rafaty, shares his vision for 2025, focusing on disability inclusion and community building. This episode explores his personal journey of overcoming challenges, the importance of relationship building, and the concept of '100 buckets' to achieve multifaceted goals. Dylan discusses the need for a world that adapts to everyone, the significance of workplace flexibility, and the power of passion in driving success. Tune in for insights on personal growth and creating a more inclusive future.

Discover the art of leading a legacy business. Fee Brothers CEO, Jon Spaker, shares his unique perspective on leadership, drawing parallels from his experiences in sailing, mixology, and the beverage industry. This episode explores the advantages of private ownership, the importance of prioritizing people, and building a culture of resilience. Jon discusses mentorship, adapting to change, and the joy of fostering employee success. Tune in for valuable leadership insights applicable to any business.

Discover the power of purpose-driven leadership. East House CEO, Lindsay Gozzi-Theobald, shares her inspiring career journey, revealing the lessons learned from unexpected leadership roles and navigating a changing world. This episode explores the evolving landscape of nonprofit leadership, the impact of COVID-19, and the crucial role of adaptability and emotional intelligence. Lindsay discusses strategic planning, team dynamics, and the importance of self-care for leaders committed to making a difference.

Unlock the power of authenticity and resilience in leadership. Craft Canary CEO, Paul Guglielmo, shares his unique path from radio to entrepreneurship, revealing how prioritizing mental health, embracing vulnerability, and staying true to oneself fuels both personal and professional success. This episode explores the challenges of work-life balance, the lessons learned from failures, and the importance of genuine connection for impactful leadership.

Discover the secrets to leading with empathy and resilience. Villa of Hope CEO, Carrie Carl, shares her journey and reveals how prioritizing mental well-being, self-care, and even faith can foster personal growth and effective leadership.  This episode explores a holistic approach to well-being and the importance of continuous healing for leaders who want to make a real difference.

In this powerful episode of Timeout with Leaders, hosts Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici sit down with Dr. Atoya Hodges, CEO, Executive Board Member, healer, and therapist. Dr. Atoya shares her unpredictable, unscripted journey of resilience, transformation, and faith. She opens up about how her life's hardships—like becoming a mother at just 19 and being sentenced to prison—led her to find her true calling as a healer. Dr. Atoya reflects on the importance of faith, self-love, and letting go of control to embrace the lessons life has to offer. Listen in as she discusses how overcoming fear and ego can unlock the freedom to live authentically and purposefully.

Take a TIMEOUT with Kevyn and Tyler, along with their Tanya Cerniuk as she explores how adversity shapes authentic leadership. Tanya shares powerful lessons on resilience, emotional intelligence, and embracing your true self. Discover how slowing down, celebrating milestones, and cultivating adaptability can unlock your potential. Tanya's insights remind us that life's challenges often lead to personal and professional growth. Tune in for inspiration to show up, embrace discomfort, and trust in brighter days ahead!

In this episode of Timeout with Leaders, Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici chat with Lindsay, who shares her journey of personal growth and community service. As a devoted Bills fan and leader at Best Buddies International, Lindsay discusses the importance of teamwork, the influence of her parents on her pursuit of happiness, and the profound impact of her trip to Nicaragua. She challenges listeners to redefine success on their own terms and emphasizes the significance of giving back to the community. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that encourages you to live authentically and embrace the power of service!

Timeout with Leaders hosted by Kevyn Rustici and Tyler White brings you a powerhouse episode featuring Justin Smith! Picture this: it's a full count, and Justin's bringing nothing but the heater. In this episode, Justin flips the script on leadership—taking lessons from the pitcher's mound to the boardroom. From clearing the mechanism to harnessing your energy, he shares how failure fuels success, the importance of listening, and the magic of motivating through hope and connection. Don't miss it!

This week on Timeout with Leaders, Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici chat with Ajamu Kitwana, SVP of Community Impact at ESL, about mindful leadership, curiosity, and the power of collaboration. Ajamu shares how embracing mindfulness and slowing down has been key to his success in making sound decisions and connecting the dots in leadership and life. From his academic journey at Stanford and MIT to shaping ESL's community impact, Ajamu reflects on the importance of purpose, legacy, and empowering others. Tune in to this insightful conversation and learn how curiosity, growth, and shared accountability can transform both organizations and communities.

On this episode of Timeout with Leaders, Rhonda Destino, former president of Rochester Commissary, discusses leadership, embracing unpredictability, and the importance of authenticity, collaboration, and empowering dreamers to thrive in business. Embracing unpredictability in leadership The balance between collaboration and self-improvement Empowering others through understanding and support The role of authenticity in effective leadership

This week on Timeout with Leaders Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici host Michaela Gascon, President & CEO of KJT, shares her journey to leadership, insights on building a culture of belonging, and the power of action to drive innovation in life sciences. With 17 years of experience at KJT, Michaela has worked in every department, bringing unparalleled insight to her leadership role. We dive deep into how her hands-on experience shaped her unique leadership style and how KJT's core value of being "Ever Better" fuels its continuous growth. Tune in now!

In this episode of Timeout with Leaders, hosts Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici sit down with Dr. Myra Henry, President and CEO of the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County. Dr. Henry shares her journey from academia to leading a local nonprofit, focusing on the importance of servant leadership, mindfulness, and team empowerment. She discusses how YWCA's mission is reflected in their work and how she challenges herself and her team to adapt to the evolving needs of the community, while leading with empathy and purpose.

This week on Timeout with Leaders, Tyler, and Kevyn sit down with Lynn Malooly, Executive Director of Water for South Sudan. Lynn shares her journey from Notre Dame to leading an international non-profit based in Rochester, NY. Discover how Water for South Sudan is transforming lives by drilling wells and providing clean water in the world's youngest country. Lynn offers insights into South Sudanese culture, the power of intention, and the importance of meeting people where they are. She draws inspiration from figures like Helen Keller and Mother Teresa, emphasizing leadership through human connection. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiring stories about the impact of clean water on communities. Tune in for a conversation that explores life, leadership, and the incredible work of Water for South Sudan.

Join Kevyn Rustici and Tyler White as they sit down with Maureen Ballatori, CEO and Founder of Agency 29, to explore the power of storytelling in the food, agriculture, and beverage industries. Discover how Maureen gives voice to small farmers, sharing their hardships and passions to highlight their dedication to quality, clean, and sustainable practices. Learn about the importance of authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability in building strong customer relationships and inspiring movements that support meaningful brands but also a lesson to organizations and leaders looking to build cultures and employer brands!

Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici sit down with Tracey Dreisbach, Executive Director of the Rochester Rotary Club, for an insightful conversation. Tracey's story is a testament to the power of following your passion and embracing authenticity. From her early realization that she was meant to help others to her impactful leadership at the Rochester Rotary since 1997, Tracey's journey is one of purpose and dedication. Growing up around someone living with a disability taught Tracey the importance of accessibility, belonging, and equity, shaping her perspective on life and leadership. With over 355 members in the Rochester Rotary, Tracey views each of them as a boss, emphasizing the significance of leading with authenticity to earn respect and support.

This week on Timeout With Leaders, Amanda DeVito, CMO of Butler/Till, joins hosts Kevyn Rustici and Tyler White. Amanda shared her journey of embracing authenticity and self-love, and how it fuels her energy and joy. Tune in to hear her insights on overcoming societal/ personal expectations while building true connections, resilience, and excitement around the unknown. 

Join Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici on Timeout with Leaders as they sit down with Stefano Napolitano, Fire Chief for the City of Rochester, in an episode about advocating for ourselves to "Earn your no" and reducing our own limiting expectation beliefs to not  "let perfect get in the way of good". Stefano shares insights from his immigrant upbringing, daily habits, and his core leadership values of fairness, honesty, and consistency. Discover how Stefano's journey through adversity and gratitude shapes his perspective on leadership and life because tomorrow is never promised.

Join Timeout with Leaders, with Kevyn and Tyler as they delve into an inspiring conversation with Sam Leone, President at Conifer Realty. In this episode, Sam shares insights from his rural upbringing in NJ to his leadership philosophy today. Discover how Sam's emphasis on authenticity, trust, compassion, and listening fosters meaningful connections and drives success in business and LIFE. Learn about the power of grit, self-awareness, and embracing failure as essential components of leadership in today's world. Tune in for valuable lessons from Sam on fostering teamwork, navigating adversity, and striving for continuous improvement.

Join Kevyn Rusticii and Tyler White on Timeout with Leaders" as they sit down with Donna Dedee, President and CEO of Holy Childhood and Special Touch Bakery in Rochester, NY. Donna shares her journey from journalism to leadership, emphasizing the importance of growth, empathy, and embracing imperfection. Tune in to discover how she evolved from a "Need to Prove Myself" mentality to a servant leader dedicated to empowering others to increase her impact within the community.

Join Tyler White, Kevyn Rustici, and guest Jennifer Cathy, President and CEO of Delphi Rise, on Timeout with Leaders. They explore life-work integration, emphasizing the journey over the destination as a path to self-discovery. Jen discusses the current mental health crisis and its impact across races, genders, and social classes. No one is immune to this epidemic, but open conversations and vulnerability can help people recognize their need for help. Jen's inspiring stories showcase her commitment to supporting her employees and spreading joy to those in need, encouraging them to take the next step forward.  

Welcome to "Our 2 Cents," featuring Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici. Where we champion action, self-discovery, and helping others thrive. We believe in just starting, embracing failure, and fostering a culture of humility and growth. By sparking enthusiasm and curiosity, we inspire positive change and shared success. Let's stop waiting and start doing because true fulfillment comes from both personal growth and making a difference in the lives of others.

Join hosts Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici as they sit down with Randy Thomas to explore the keys to success in talent acquisition and training today. Randy shares valuable insights from his upcoming book, "Intakes to Start Dates," emphasizing simplicity, connection, and meeting individuals where they are in their learning journey. Randy's PB&J leadership podcast is sure to be a hit, as he looks to raise his community up and highlight Jacksonville's great leaders. 

Timeout with Leaders sits down with Dr. Celia Macintosh, Nurse Practitioner, and social justice advocate, to help us all "find our voice." It delves into personal growth, trauma's impact on our lives, and leadership's role in helping others to find their voice. Dr. Macintosh urges courage, empathy, and authenticity in driving positive change, emphasizing the power of speaking out against injustice. She highlights the importance of self-awareness in effective leadership and human-centric approaches, urging listeners to embrace discomfort and lead with empathy. Through her insights, she inspires individuals to find their passion, advocate for social justice, and create a more equitable world.

Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici sit down with the inspiring Junior Dillion, CEO of Volunteers of America Upstate NY. Leadership gut check, "Would you follow you" and if not "Who would you follow?" This introspective analysis is a daily practice of Junior's helping him to improve every day in the work and role he is doing. Junior shares his secrets to leadership seeing his role more as the Chief Motivational Officer. Stating that it requires us to inspire, reflect, and lead with our heart.  From listening tours to embracing failure, Junior advocates for selfless leadership, inspiring meaningful team connections, and continuous improvement. Tune in for insights on becoming a leader worth following.

Join this week's episode with Heather Smith, CEO of Velocitii. Heather's leadership during the pandemic embraced remote work, emphasizing trust, collaboration, and resilience. Focusing on communication, trust, transparency, and actionable insights, Heather's approach pioneers a culture of innovation harnessing the power of action, NOW. Discover the keys to a leadership turnaround and how to create a safe space for continuous improvement.

In this week's episode of Timeout with Leaders, we sit down with Rusty Meeks, CEO of the Arkansas Travelers Baseball Club. From his early days as a bat boy to becoming the CEO, Rusty shares insights on leadership learned from the game. He redefines minor league baseball, emphasizing that they don't just host games but create events. Rusty's diverse approach to managing his internal team mirrors the diversity of his fanbase. He emphasizes the power of small gestures, simplifying the common goal to "take pride in what you do." Rebuilding trust was key, and Rusty's infectious "can do" attitude transformed the culture. Leveraging data and trusting his team's ideas, they enhanced both fan experiences and workplace flexibility. Rusty's scouting background taught him the importance of identifying potential, fostering belief, and watching individuals flourish. Tune in for valuable leadership lessons from the diamond to the boardroom!

Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici sit down with Nikisha Ridgeway, the President and CEO of Starbridge, a transformative organization that partners with individuals with disabilities, their families, and their supporters to create opportunities in education, employment, and healthy living.  Nikisha is a remarkable leader who embodies the spirit of curiosity, perseverance, and collaboration. She believes that success is inevitable when you approach life with the right attitude and a passion for what you do. Nikisha Ridgeway's insights on leadership, inclusion, and the power of curiosity are invaluable. She reminds us that when we approach challenges with the mindset that success is inevitable and that everyone has the potential to contribute, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous world

Join us as we sit down with Michael Ognenovski, the current President of Sydor Optics Inc. in Rochester, NY. Mike's story is a testament to the power of personal growth, resilience, and effective leadership. Mike shares invaluable insights that have shaped his journey as a leader, providing a roadmap for success and personal growth. Tune in to hear Mike's inspiring journey, gain valuable leadership insights, and learn how to make each day count on your path toward Intrapreneurial leadership.

This week we take a TIMEOUT with Patrick Luckett, the CEO of Best Day Ever. Patrick's unique journey from being a head manager for Syracuse men's basketball under Coach Jim Boeheim to becoming a successful entrepreneur offered profound insights into leadership, consistency, and motivation. Patrick Luckett's journey is a testament to the power of leadership, consistency, and personal growth. His experiences with Coach Boeheim have left an indelible mark on his approach to motivating and inspiring other individuals. Pat realized early on it is all about the experiences and feelings a person has that will appropriately motivate them to become their best selves. As leaders, we can learn valuable lessons from Patrick's story, emphasizing the importance of connecting with and nurturing the potential of our team members to achieve greatness through an individualized approach.

Join us on an inspiring journey with Dale Sedgwick as she shares her powerful message: 'Do something today that makes tomorrow better.' As a faith-based leader, Dale focuses on providing hope to those society and the business community may have forgotten about. In this enlightening podcast, Dale reminds us that the Bible's practical wisdom is rooted in stories that connect us all. She emphasizes the importance of offering resources, training, financial support, and safety nets that empower individuals to reskill and upskill, not just for a job but for a career they're truly passionate about. Dale encourages us to pause and reflect on our personal journeys, acknowledging our achievements and experiences. While reflection is valuable, she reminds us not to be prisoners of our past but to use it as a textbook to shape our future.

TIMEOUT with Michael Backus, a part-time basketball referee, and President & Chief Executive Officer of Oswego Health, an independent community-based health system. He brings a whole new meaning to leadership in healthcare and a potential blueprint for others to learn from. "Find the best people to get on the bus with you" Transparency, vulnerability, and communication are how Mike has spread passion and purpose throughout all levels of the organization. In turn, their patients are saying, "You cared for my loved one as if they were a part of your family." If you take care of the community, the community will take care of you. Finding ways to engage and challenge his team to find solutions while modeling his workforce off of the community in which they live and work, makes all the difference in the quality of care and positive health outcomes. 

This week we take a timeout with Gwen Van Laeken, Executive Director of Leadership Rochester, a personal and professional program dedicated to bringing leaders together to solve our community challenges.  When we are able to present the challenge and effectively communicate with one another we can grow our perspective while achieving positive outcomes when we value each voice along the way. Gwen shares that asking more questions today is better than attempting the have all the answers in leadership. 

Are we providing enough empowerment, encouragement, and enablement to those currently or previously incarcerated to become successful contributing members of our community? We sit down with Kardell Sims, who shares his journey with us which serves as his motivation to do more for others!  His story, passion, and compassion is a lesson for all of us.

Do you believe that humans and AI can co-exist? Tyler and Kevyn sit down to separate fact from fiction as it relates to AI with Ryan Carrier, Executive Director of ForHumanity. His non-profit is focused on ensuring the safety and equity of AI, machine learning, and analytics to protect all our human interests. AI has been talked about feverishly since the release of ChatGPT but Ryan shares that this is only the tip of the iceberg.   

We hope you are ready for this TIMEOUT with Ann Banks, President of DebtBlue in Richardson, Texas.  Join in as we talk about meeting Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, and Ann's brother out at Wrigley Stadium as we jam out to So Lonely by the Police. Ann Banks shares how being an English teacher, and principal while enjoying life has helped her to become the leader she is today.  Listening is not something many are doing right now, Ann admits that we must own our own ignorance in order to hear and value what others have to share in order to change perspective. It can be as simple as just following through with what you say you are going to do, just follow through.   

Make leadership fun again! Timeout with Leaders takes a TIMEOUT with Michelle Ashby, the inspiring founder, and CEO of Tipping Point Communications. As we learned that we would be sitting with Ghondi, MLK JR, and Michelle's mother at her own funeral, we got a sense of who Michelle was. Leadership is all about having fun, Michelle says and in her own journey, she has reprioritized her definition of success and failure, a message we all can learn from today. Life is moving fast and feels like it is speeding up every day. Hit the pause button, get off the hampster wheel, and figure out who you are FIRST, to get back to having fun again in leadership. We all need to take our foot off the gas from time to time in order to reflect, learn and grow.

We grab our saddles and head out to the old Western Front with Jeff Sinsebox, President of Empowering People's Independence. A few other cowboys have decided to join the trek including FDR, Bob Dylan, and Robin Williams, as Jeff perfects his Clint Eastwood voice.  Jeff is a t-shirt and jeans kind of guy, but he had mentioned his own personal evolution of knowing who he was but realized he was not 100% comfortable being himself in leadership. This "wall" was blocking him from truly connecting with his people which has now become a bit of a superpower for him.  Jeff shared his passion for the work EPI does for the community as he sees work as the great "equalizer" in our community to bring people together.  “Economic Self-reliance is the empowerment of marginalized communities, giving them the power of choice, more choices than they previously had the privilege of making” 

4th quarter, down by 2, 3.5 seconds to go… TIMEOUT!!!!! With the President of US Ceiling Corp, Melissa James-Geska What's our game plan team? That's an easy one coach, give the ball to Melissa James-Geska and get out of her way!!! We had the opportunity to sit down with Melissa and find out what gets her out of bed in the morning and most importantly, what she's learned from her experiences in life. She was very open with us about her struggles and how she overcame them and can only imagine how many women's lives she's helped by simply telling her story. "Truth always and trust in always" is a powerful statement on how she is able to build real connections for real feedback and insights from her team, to continuously improve. And if yall haven't heard about Melissa's birthday parties for herself... you might want to tune in because you're missing out. We are hoping for an invite to her next birthday! What a way to wrap up Women in Construction week with Melissa James-Geska, thank you for your time and we MUST do this again next season!!!! You'll be on the top of our list!!!!

We blew the whistle and from the opening question we knew that Roseann Schmid was different. She was unapologetically herself, not afraid to share her personal side and how that factored into everything she does as a leader. "Be kind to everyone because you don't know what they are going through" Roseann Schmid, works as CEO of Fisher Associates, here in Rochester however what is most impressive is that she doesn't use her position for power but to empower her team. The winner of the 2022 Woman of Excellence could have not gone to a better role model and leader in our local community, that realizes life is much bigger than work.  Let us be vulnerable and build meaningful relationships with others because we all could use a listening, understanding ear right now. 

A special thank you to all our current military service and veterans. We take a Timeout with Mike Klemmer, CEO, and Founder of Aerial Resupply Coffee, a courageous military veteran focused on the front-line workers who are commonly forgotten or overlooked. Sometimes we suffer from paralysis from over-analysis in today's informed world, preventing us from taking that leap of faith, betting on ourselves and our passion to begin our self-learning journey. Mike suggested once he feels he has achieved 80% of the achievement mark that he will figure out the last 20% because if he waited for 100% he would never do anything.  "I wanted to do something that would give back to the veteran community" is the intention Mike needed in order to build his successful startup. His passion to take care of the people behind the scenes comes from his experience in the U.S. Army as he was responsible for beans, bullets, and beds. His biggest lesson is in order to be successful on the battlefield that there are so many others involved in order to get the job done! Feeding into that narrative that you are always responsible for the person to you right and left, regardless of diversity, title, or role because we all have a role to play.