Para M. Jones engages Stark State College staff and the business community to keep the region's economic engine revving
Stark State College is focused on preparing students and graduates for the jobs that exist in its environment, says Para M. Jones, the college’s president. In order to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the community, however, the college must be able to pivot itself and its 500-plus employees to meet the needs of today’s […]
Leslie W. Braksick: Preparing for your next season — Finding a new purpose beyond the corporate world
When you are in the heat of the battle as a corporate executive, it’s hard to imagine what’s on the other side. Your life is consumed with phone calls, meetings, travel, dinners out, presentations, explanations, expense reports and budgets. There are endless requests for your time and point of view. It is a relentlessly busy, […]
Deborah Cannon had to reconcile for-profit and nonprofit business strategies to rescue the endangered Houston Zoo
Deborah Cannon understands how the world of private, for-profit business works. She was president of Bank of America for the Houston region before retiring with 30 years in the industry. Courted out of retirement by a headhunter, Cannon took the helm of The Houston Zoo, becoming its president and CEO shortly after the floundering city […]
Chris Clawson uncovers new ways to exceed the expectations of his customers at Life Fitness
Interviewed by Dustin S. Klein If you take a tour of Life Fitness with Chris Clawson, you may find yourself answering questions that you wouldn’t expect to be asked on a tour of a company that makes exercise equipment. For instance, he’ll probably want to know if you have a favorite wine or if you’ve […]
Kimberly C. Cripe: Four points that will help you create an extraordinary customer experience
We’ve all heard stories — many of which have taken on legendary proportions — about extraordinary service provided by the likes of Nordstrom, Disney and Ritz-Carlton employees. The luxury retail and hospitality industries have elevated customer service expectations in every business category, from fast food to financial, and yes, even pediatric hospital services. The difference […]
Terry Heller: What you can do with your workplace culture that has the power to drive, or derail, your company's future
I was fortunate to meet the most influential person in my career right out of high school. This was the only time in my career where I was working for someone else and despite the fact that he had no formal education, he created one of the most successful independent record companies of all time […]
Ronald Burr: Why pingpong tables and free pop are not the most effective way to win over your employees
Over the course of my career, I’ve been both the young entrepreneur and the seasoned leader. In both roles, I have discovered that the foundational tenets of a successful corporate culture remain constant. No matter the industry, the annual revenue or the number of employees, a truly great CEO will define and cultivate a strong […]
Charles Sanders seizes opportunities to develop Urban Lending Solutions into a national competitor
Charles “Chuck” Sanders, CEO and founder of Urban Lending Solutions, isn’t afraid to take chances when he sees an opportunity.
Amelia Roncone: Working in energy — Empowering the women in Pittsburgh’s oil and gas industry
My entry into the oil and gas industry was not a traditional one — I started in the energy industry with food. My company, Amelia’s Elegant Catering, serves meals on-site to crews working on oil rigs and frac sites. Growing in this business, I realized that the male-dominated energy industry was starting to include more […]
John Allen: Technology is streamlining HR functions for large and small companies alike
“HR bytes” refers to human resources technologies being developed, deployed and adopted at a breakneck pace. New and innovative software applications are making the delivery of HR services better, faster and simpler. For years now, large Fortune 500 companies have invested in HR technology that streamlines back office processes, enhances learning opportunities and simplifies employee […]