Success Beneath the Surface

In today's commentary episode, we're revisiting my conversation with Ryan Clark, co-founder and CEO of PeopleShare, a staffing and recruiting firm focused on light industrial and administrative positions. Ryan's journey offers valuable insights into creating positive work environments, the importance of cultural fit, and the power of perseverance in business.
We'll explore how Ryan's experiences shaped his approach to leadership, his commitment to helping others find their ideal work environment, and the unique ways PeopleShare serves both its clients and candidates. From the challenges of maintaining energy and passion over two decades in business to the importance of adaptability and coachability, Ryan's story is full of lessons for leaders at all levels.
Listen to Ryan Clark's full episode here.
About Deborah's guest:
In 2005, Ryan Clark co-founded PeopleShare, a regional staffing firm dedicated to placing candidates in light industrial and clerical positions. Ryan’s vision was to create a staffing company that allows employees and customers to achieve their goals and enhance their overall success. Having the expertise, industry experience, and resources to recruit the best talent for every opportunity has been a critical factor in PeopleShare’s success. Ryan’s determination, drive, and talent have propelled PeopleShare into the fastest-growing staffing firm in Pennsylvania with 40 locations throughout 8 states.
About PeopleShare:
Need top-notch talent for your team, fast? PeopleShare has you covered. Founded in 2005, they connect businesses with qualified clerical and light industrial staff. PeopleShare stands out with its unique three-step screening process, guaranteeing top-tier candidates. Our extensive database of local talent ensures rapid placement of the perfect match. Additionally, PeopleView pre-recorded interviews allow you to assess candidates before meeting them, saving valuable time. 
PeopleShare offers a dedicated local presence, backed by the global power of PROMAN Staffing, ensuring all of your staffing needs are met.
Visit www.peopleshareworks.com to learn more.
Connect with Ryan Clark on LinkedIn.

Today's conversation takes us into staffing and leadership with Ryan Clark, co-founder and CEO of PeopleShare. Since 2005, Ryan has been on a mission to revolutionize the staffing industry, growing PeopleShare into a powerhouse with 40 locations across eight states.
Ryan's approach to business is as refreshing as it is effective. He says, "We're helping the people that need the most help." His commitment to creating opportunities for entry-level workers and fostering a culture of urgency and teamwork has set PeopleShare apart in a competitive industry.
In our conversation, Ryan shares invaluable insights on building a purpose-driven company, the importance of company culture, and how a healthy dose of "paranoia" keeps him motivated. Whether you're a seasoned CEO or an aspiring entrepreneur, you won't want to miss Ryan's unique perspective on leadership and success.
About Deborah's guest:
In 2005, Ryan Clark co-founded PeopleShare, a regional staffing firm dedicated to placing candidates in light industrial and clerical positions. Ryan’s vision was to create a staffing company that allows employees and customers to achieve their goals and enhance their overall success. Having the expertise, industry experience, and resources to recruit the best talent for every opportunity has been a critical factor in PeopleShare’s success. Ryan’s determination, drive, and talent have propelled PeopleShare into the fastest-growing staffing firm in Pennsylvania with 40 locations throughout 8 states.
About PeopleShare:
Need top-notch talent for your team, fast? PeopleShare has you covered. Founded in 2005, they connect businesses with qualified clerical and light industrial staff. PeopleShare stands out with its unique three-step screening process, guaranteeing top-tier candidates. Our extensive database of local talent ensures rapid placement of the perfect match. Additionally, PeopleView pre-recorded interviews allow you to assess candidates before meeting them, saving valuable time. 
PeopleShare offers a dedicated local presence, backed by the global power of PROMAN Staffing, ensuring all of your staffing needs are met.
Visit www.peopleshareworks.com to learn more.
Connect with Ryan Clark on LinkedIn.

In our original discussion, William Bowie, President and CEO Empower Construction, shared powerful insights about leadership, purpose, and the profound impact his mother's advice had on shaping his life philosophy.
Today, we'll revisit some key moments from that conversation, exploring how William's commitment to excellence has driven his success as a business leader and community advocate. We'll examine how his mother's words - "Whatever you're going to be, be the best at it" - became a guiding principle in both his personal and professional life.
We'll also delve into William's approach to mentorship, his passion for empowering youth, and how he's built a company culture focused on helping individuals become the best versions of themselves.
Join me as we reflect on these valuable leadership lessons and consider how we can apply William's inspiring outlook to our own lives and careers.
Listen to the full episode here.
About William Bowie:
William Bowie is the President & CEO of Empower Construction, a Utility Construction Contractor based locally in the Greater Philadelphia area focusing on the utility infrastructure. With over 20 years of experience in the utility construction industry, he provides inspired leadership company-wide and steers the company’s vision and goals for strategic growth and success. Alongside Empower, William strives to promote the importance of mentoring the youth by equipping them with the tools they need to be successful in the workforce today and in the future. William currently serves as a Board Member for many organizations to further his leadership and foster the growth of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Workforce Development in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Links from this episode:
William Bowie on LinkedIn
Empower Construction website
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders
 

Deborah sits down with William Bowie, President and CEO of Empower Construction, a utility construction contractor making waves in the greater Philadelphia area.
William's story is one of grit, determination, and purposeful living. William's path to success has been inspiring and instructive from his early days when he was inspired by a strong mother and navigated a 20-year journey in the utility construction industry.
Get ready for a masterclass in leadership. William's up at 4 AM, not just working on his business, but on himself. He's intentional about everything - from the boards he sits on to the culture he's creating at Empower Construction.
William will show us how to build a company that's not just profitable but purposeful. He'll share insights on mentoring, diversity and inclusion, and creating generational wealth for his employees and community. He lives by the mantra, "Find your purpose and live on purpose."
 
About William Bowie:
William Bowie is the President & CEO of Empower Construction, a Utility Construction Contractor based locally in the Greater Philadelphia area focusing on the utility infrastructure. With over 20 years of experience in the utility construction industry, he provides inspired leadership company-wide and steers the company’s vision and goals for strategic growth and success. Alongside Empower, William strives to promote the importance of mentoring the youth by equipping them with the tools they need to be successful in the workforce today and in the future. William currently serves as a Board Member for many organizations to further his leadership and foster the growth of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Workforce Development in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Links from this episode:
William Bowie on LinkedIn
Empower Construction website
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders

Creating a workplace that feels like home while embracing discomfort for growth - these seemingly contradictory ideas form the core of today's commentary.
In this episode, we're revisiting my conversation with Colleen Vacelet, founder of Intreegue Designs and CEO of Order Green Supply. Colleen shared her unique approach to building company culture, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where employees genuinely want to spend their 40 hours each week.
But Colleen didn't stop there. She also highlighted the value of "living in uncomfortability" as a driving force for personal and professional growth. From taking leaps in her career to navigating the challenges of acquiring new businesses, Colleen's experiences underscore how stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to remarkable progress.
As you listen, consider how you might apply Colleen's insights to your own leadership style. How can you create a welcoming workplace while also pushing yourself and your team to embrace the discomfort that often precedes growth?
About our Guest:
Colleen Vacelet is a prominent figure in women's entrepreneurship, known for founding Intreegue Design and acquiring Order Green Supply. With a diverse background in landscape architecture and business, she holds licenses and certifications in multiple states. Colleen's commitment to education is evident through her role as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland. She is actively involved in professional organizations, has held leadership positions, and has received numerous awards for her contributions. Colleen's dedication to excellence and mentorship has earned her recognition, including the prestigious BBJ’s 2024 Mentor of the Year Award. Her work extends to supporting women in construction, showcasing her commitment to the field and community.
Listen to the full episode here >
 
Links from the Episode:
Colleen Vacelet on LinkedIn 
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders
 
More about Intreegue Designs:
Are you looking for a landscape architecture firm that can bring your outdoor space to life? Look no further than Intreegue! Standing tall in the field of landscape architecture, they are making a profound impact with every design. With years of experience and a passion for thoughtful design, they offer a unique blend of creativity and environmental sensitivity in every project. Their expertise tackles urban design to botanical garden design, residential to commercial retail, and even social impact projects. Let them create an outdoor space that will intrigue your senses and leave a lasting impression.

Colleen Vacelet, the founder of Intreegue Design and CEO of Order Green Supply, shares her journey from landscape architect to multi-company entrepreneur. In this episode, she discusses:
Building a company culture that feels like "home" to employees
Navigating the challenges of acquiring and integrating new businesses
The value of mentorship and continuous learning in entrepreneurship
Embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth
Colleen offers practical insights for CEOs looking to expand their companies, new leaders finding their footing, and entrepreneurs who've recently acquired existing businesses. Her approach to thoughtful risk-taking and creating a nurturing work environment provides valuable lessons for leaders at all stages. Join Deborah and Colleen for this episode: “Rooted in Risk: A Landscape Architect's Path to Multi-Company Success.”
About our Guest:
Colleen Vacelet is a prominent figure in women's entrepreneurship, known for founding Intreegue Design and acquiring Order Green Supply. With a diverse background in landscape architecture and business, she holds licenses and certifications in multiple states. Colleen's commitment to education is evident through her role as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland. She is actively involved in professional organizations, has held leadership positions, and has received numerous awards for her contributions. Colleen's dedication to excellence and mentorship has earned her recognition, including the prestigious BBJ’s 2024 Mentor of the Year Award. Her work extends to supporting women in construction, showcasing her commitment to the field and community.
Links from the Episode:
Colleen Vacelet on LinkedIn 
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders
 
More about Intreegue Designs:
Are you looking for a landscape architecture firm that can bring your outdoor space to life? Look no further than Intreegue! Standing tall in the field of landscape architecture, they are making a profound impact with every design. With years of experience and a passion for thoughtful design, they offer a unique blend of creativity and environmental sensitivity in every project. Their expertise tackles urban design to botanical garden design, residential to commercial retail, and even social impact projects. Let them create an outdoor space that will intrigue your senses and leave a lasting impression.

What a magnificent top 10 list! From Joe Leo on birthing a company to Joe Grace, who births audiences for companies, we've got Torey Carter-Conneen on inspiring unity and focus by simplifying complexity. And then, of course, there's James Hyman, who's made a successful career as a serial turnaround CEO. He balances accountability and empowerment within his teams to make progress. Topping it off is Kyle Buckett, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL who has lived up to the importance of culture improvement and fit in creating elite teams. This is the stuff not from people who write books, although several have written books, but from people who have created or transformed and ultimately lifted teams and companies to new levels. I'll warn you, they don't make it sound easy, but they do share what drove them. Pick an episode on a relevant topic and listen in as they dive in. Several common themes emerge across these episodes of Success Beneath the Surface:
Leadership and Team Building: Many of the guests, including James Hyman, Joe Leo, Kyle Buckett, and Torey Carter-Conneen, discuss strategies for effective leadership and building high-performing teams. This includes balancing accountability with empowerment, understanding individual team members, and creating a culture of excellence.
Adapting to Change and Complexity: Several episodes touch on navigating complex business environments, whether it's James Hyman's approach to restructuring companies, Joe Leo's entrepreneurial journey, or Torey Carter-Conneen's efforts to unite diverse constituents in a trade association.
Customer Focus and Understanding: Joe Grace's insights on direct-to-consumer marketing and Deborah Fell's experience with the trampoline park client highlight the importance of deeply understanding customer needs and tailoring experiences accordingly.
Authenticity and Storytelling: Joe Grace emphasizes the power of authentic storytelling in marketing, while other guests touch on the importance of aligning personal values with organizational missions.
Continuous Learning and Skill Development: Many guests, including James Hyman and Joe Leo, stress the importance of broadening skill sets and learning from experiences to drive success.
Innovation and Adaptability: From leveraging AI in business to adapting marketing strategies, the episodes highlight the need for leaders to stay innovative and adaptable in changing business landscapes.
Creating a Supportive Culture: Multiple episodes touch on the importance of fostering a supportive environment where team members can grow, take risks, and reach their full potential.
These themes collectively emphasize the multifaceted nature of leadership and success in various business contexts, from startups to large organizations, across different industries. You can find the full playlist here >

CEOs are often laser-focused on destinations—quarterly targets, market share goals, and exit strategies. But what if the true measure of leadership lies in valuing the journey as much as the endpoint? This insight comes from a recent conversation with Bob Rhoda, CEO of Hemasonics, who emphasizes the fulfillment of embracing daily experiences. As someone who regularly engages with CEOs, I've observed a common fixation on end results. However, reflecting on my own career and those of successful leaders, it's clear that real value often emerges from the collective moments of triumph, failure, and growth along the way. This commentary explores the power of balancing destination-driven goals with an appreciation for the journey, offering a fresh perspective on leadership and organizational success that resonates in today's dynamic business landscape.
About our guest:
Robert A. Roda (Bob) joined HemoSonics in February 2020 as the company’s President and CEO, bringing more than 25 years of global experience developing and commercializing innovative diagnostic and medical device products and services.Most recently, Bob Roda served as President and CEO of Menarini Silicon Biosystems, Inc., a diagnostic and biotech company focused on the use of liquid biopsy and predictive diagnostic tests for the treatment of cancer patients. Prior to that position, he was Vice President and General Manager at Becton Dickinson, where he led the medical and procedural solutions business in the US. From 1998-2012, Bob held positions of increasing responsibility at Johnson & Johnson in both the medical device and diagnostic sectors, with his last role being worldwide VP Marketing in Immunohematology, Donor Screening, and Clinical Laboratories at Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, a J&J company. Bob earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Rhode Island and completed postgraduate coursework at Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Links from this episode:
HemoSonics website 
HemoSonics YouTube channel:  
X @HemoSonics
HemoSonics on LinkedIn 
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders

In this episode, Deborah welcomes Bob Roda, President and CEO of HemoSonics, about purpose-driven leadership in healthcare. Bob shares his journey from an economics major to a passionate advocate for improving patient care. He offers candid insights from his career at Johnson & Johnson to his current role in medical technology innovation.
Bob's story emphasizes continuous learning and embracing both successes and failures. He provides a fresh take on leadership, stressing the importance of the journey as much as the destination. Bob's commitment to making a meaningful impact in healthcare is evident throughout the conversation.
Join us for this engaging discussion on mentorship, the value of experience, and the challenges of driving change in clinical practice. Bob's insights offer valuable perspective for those at any stage of their career in, “Balancing the Blood Ledger: HemoSonics CEO on Innovation and Patient Care.”
About our guest:
Robert A. Roda (Bob) joined HemoSonics in February 2020 as the company’s President and CEO, bringing more than 25 years of global experience developing and commercializing innovative diagnostic and medical device products and services.Most recently, Bob Roda served as President and CEO of Menarini Silicon Biosystems, Inc., a diagnostic and biotech company focused on the use of liquid biopsy and predictive diagnostic tests for the treatment of cancer patients. Prior to that position, he was Vice President and General Manager at Becton Dickinson, where he led the medical and procedural solutions business in the US. From 1998-2012, Bob held positions of increasing responsibility at Johnson & Johnson in both the medical device and diagnostic sectors, with his last role being worldwide VP Marketing in Immunohematology, Donor Screening, and Clinical Laboratories at Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, a J&J company. Bob earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Rhode Island and completed postgraduate coursework at Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Links from this episode:
HemoSonics website 
HemoSonics YouTube channel:  
X @HemoSonics
HemoSonics on LinkedIn 
Deborah Fell on LinkedIn
Chief Outsiders
 

Deborah Fell reflects on her recent conversation with James Hyman, a seasoned turnaround CEO and board member. Deborah discusses the key insights from their full episode, focusing on themes of leadership, accountability, and empowering teams. She shares her experience leading a diverse and accomplished team of sales and marketing executives from various industries, highlighting the challenges and rewards of being a "leader of leaders." Deborah emphasizes the importance of inspiring confidence, showing compassion, and knowing when to compromise. 
About James Hyman:
James Hyman brings 25+ years of experience in international business leadership as CEO and Independent Director, driving demonstrated performance improvement. James has had responsibilities for operations, finance, M&A, and restructuring businesses across multiple US and European industries, as well as at leading companies such as GE Capital, McKinsey, JPMorgan & Starwood Hotels. He has delivered shareholder value as CEO of six companies, as a Board member of public & private companies, as an advisor to start-up/venture-backed companies, and as a Senior Advisor to Stifel’s Investment bank. He is a Partner with Marketing Strategies, LLC, which provides consulting and M&A advice to private equity firms and portfolio companies.
As a Board member of 11 companies (currently Watterson Solutions), James works to focus the organization on business building and creating shareholder value within a structure of strong governance. As a Board member, he works with management on critical-path strategy issues, leadership development, and risk management. He has served on multiple committees: Audit (Chair), Compensation, Governance (Chair), and Transaction/Special Committees (Chair).
As CEO, James is a leader who delivers shareholder value with large and sustained improvements in operating and financial performance - currently as CEO of PE-owned United Site Services, and previously of Corizon Health, Citizens Parking, CEC, and TestAmerica as well as Chairman & CEO of NYSE-traded Cornell Companies. For underperforming B2B services and industrial businesses, he brings strong process improvement and lean sigma skills to bear, emphasizing growth, top-grading, margin expansion, and return on capital.