R.O.G. Return on Generosity

• 251. How Presence Initiates True Generosity with Tracy Davidson

  “When we give, in this case, presence, what we get is like genuine connection and we get to make that person feel as valued as they really are.” “Every act of generosity, especially giving your time, is meaningful.” “Truly in every moment, there are lots of things to be grateful for. Sometimes they're just harder to find, but they're always there if you look intentionally.”   Episode summary | In this heartfelt conversation, Tracy Davidson reflects on her remarkable 30-year career in journalism, emphasizing the importance of serving the community, resilience, and the power of presence. As she transitions from her role at NBC 10, she shares insights on leadership, generosity, and the impact of small acts of kindness. Tracy's journey is a testament to the value of connection and the significance of being present for others, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and service. R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | The importance of being present and listening to others is crucial in leadership. Generosity can create ripples of positivity in people's lives. Resilience is a key skill that can help individuals navigate challenges. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can have a significant impact. The win in any situation is simply trying, regardless of the outcome. Authentic leadership requires bravery and vulnerability. Gratitude can be a powerful tool in overcoming adversity.   Chapters |  00:00 Celebrating a Legacy of Service 05:40 The Thread of Purpose and Connection 08:24 Resilience and the Power of Presence 11:08 Generosity as a Leadership Quality 13:52 Gratitude in Challenging Times 16:50 Listening and Supporting Others 19:43 Creating a Culture of Appreciation 21:26 The Next Chapter: Serving in New Ways 21:54 Embracing New Avenues 22:45 Engaging Employees and Building Resilience 24:09 The Importance of Authentic Leadership 24:43 Unpacking Layers of Leadership 27:17 Building Trust in Remote Environments 29:23 The Impact of Small Acts of Kindness 30:06 The Meaning of Generosity 30:54 Courage in Challenging Moments 32:50 The Power of Listening 34:29 Inspiring Figures and Personal Connections 35:35 Unexpected Career Paths 36:27 Looking Ahead to New Challenges Guest Bio | For more than three decades, Tracy Davidson has been a trusted voice guiding people through challenges and change. A 15-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, breast cancer survivor, and recipient of three Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters, she has covered some of the most defining moments in modern history from the 1996 Olympic bombing and Pope Francis Conclave to national political conventions since 1988 and the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Tracy now brings her signature clarity, warmth, and evidence-based strategies to help people rise stronger, sustain success, and lead with heart. Guest Resources:  https://www.tracydavidson.com/ https://liftingyourvoice.com/   Bridge Between Resources: 5 Degree Change Course Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  Free Generosity Quiz  Crazy Good Turns Podcast   Credits: Tracy Davidson, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc. Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks for our Series Finale Episode: a special conversation to highlight the last five years as Susan Jin Davis interviews Return on Generosity’s very own, Shannon Cassidy.

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• 250. How Empowering Your Team Drives Peak Performance with Mark Moroz

  “Empower everyone to do what’s right for our customers.” “If you take care of your employees, they’re going to take care of your customers.” “The roll up the sleeves factor. We want people who are going to get things done and not worry about credit.”   Episode Summary | In this conversation, Shannon Cassidy interviews Mark Moroz, the Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer at Live Oak Bank. They discuss the unique culture at Live Oak, which prioritizes employee well-being and collaboration, and how this culture translates into exceptional customer service. Mark shares insights on leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the impact of generosity, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation emphasizes the significance of knowing your team, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a supportive environment for both employees and customers.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | Collaboration and employee well-being are key to the success of the organization. Generosity during the COVID-19 pandemic showcased the bank's commitment to its customers. Feedback is essential for leadership growth and development. Knowing your team and their individual strengths is crucial for effective leadership. Mentorship plays a significant role in personal and professional growth. Leaders should empower their teams to take ownership and make decisions.    Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Mark Moroz and Live Oak Bank 02:30 The Unique Culture at Live Oak Bank 05:05 Collaboration and Employee Well-being 07:36 Serving Small Businesses with Purpose 10:14 Generosity During COVID-19 13:53 Leadership and Feedback 16:42 The Importance of Knowing Your People 23:24 Building Trust Through Generosity 27:22 The Importance of Feedback in Leadership 31:10 Mentorship: A Two-Way Street 32:36 The Return on Generosity in Leadership 36:09 Empowering Teams for Success 38:54 Closing Thoughts and Reflections Guest Bio | Mark Moroz brings more than 20 years of experience in banking with a strong focus on digital product innovation and implementation. As the current head of operations and payments, he leads the organization’s operational priorities and drives next-generation banking initiatives. Throughout his career, Mark has become known for his expertise in navigating complex change management within large financial institutions, guiding teams through transformation while fostering professional development and high-performance cultures. Before assuming his current role, Mark held several key leadership positions at Live Oak, including head of product and head of deposits. His earlier career includes serving as vice president of retail deposits for Barclaycard US, senior director of retail banking for Sallie Mae, vice president of marketing at JPMorgan, and senior manager of product and marketing at ING Direct US. Over the course of his two decades in the industry, he has emerged as an expert in online banking, helping secure billions in deposits to meet his organizations’ funding needs. In addition to his leadership experience, he has played a central role in supporting product development and integration across multiple banking platforms. Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in political science/criminal justice from the University of Delaware.   Bridge Between Resources: 5 Degree Change Course Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  Free Generosity Quiz  Crazy Good Turns Podcast   Credits: Mark Moroz, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.   Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 251, Special Guest, Tracy Davidson.

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• 249. Building Your Leadership Legacy with Kate Paine

  “I think Legacy is, did you positively impact someone’s life?” “Listen deeply and listen with various parts of you.” “There’s no failing, there’s just learning.”   Episode summary | In this conversation, Shannon Cassidy interviews Kate Paine, the Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Saint-Gobain North America. They discuss the principles of generous leadership, the importance of context and listening in marketing, and the value of collaboration as illustrated by the Stone Soup fable. Kate shares her insights on embracing imperfection, fostering mindfulness in leadership, and the significance of making a positive impact on others' lives. The conversation also touches on navigating personal challenges, purpose-driven marketing, and the legacy of leadership.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | Generosity is a mindset that drives effective marketing. Listening deeply is crucial for understanding customer needs. Collaboration can lead to innovative solutions, as shown in the Stone Soup fable. Progress over perfection encourages creativity and risk-taking. Mindfulness practices can enhance leadership effectiveness. Turning outward to help others can improve personal well-being. Navigating personal challenges with grace can inspire others. Purpose-driven marketing connects employees to a larger mission. Empowerment and trust are essential for effective leadership. A leader's legacy is measured by the positive impact on others.   Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Generous Leadership 02:50 The Role of Generosity in Marketing 06:49 The Importance of Context and Listening 10:40 The Stone Soup Fable: Collaboration in Action 14:35 Progress Over Perfection: Embracing Imperfection 16:43 Conscious Leadership in High-Stakes Environments 20:01 Turning Outward: Making Others' Lives Better 22:15 Mindset and Resilience Through Hardship 23:06 Navigating Personal Challenges and Community Support 26:12 Purpose-Driven Leadership in Marketing 28:30 Empowering Teams Through Trust and Collaboration 33:00 Legacy and Personal Impact in Leadership 35:26 Rapid Fire Insights on Leadership Values   Guest Bio | Kate Paine is the Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Saint-Gobain North America, a leading global manufacturer of sustainable building materials. In this role, she leads brand strategy, growth marketing, digital transformation, and customer experience initiatives for North America. With a career of twenty-five years spanning companies such as Ben & Jerry's, The Hershey Company, and Land O'Lakes, Kate's core passion has been building meaningful change through people-first design, curiosity, and mindful leadership. She has led innovation, technology, design, and growth strategy, and is a proponent of design thinking. She is a mother of two, runner, artist, gardener, and loves to escape into a DIY home project that involves building something. She and her husband now reside in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, after spending much of the last two decades in Vermont and New Hampshire.    Guest Resources: Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Fear-Observations-Rewards-Artmaking/dp/0961454733   Bridge Between Resources: 5 Degree Change Course Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  Free Generosity Quiz  Crazy Good Turns Podcast   Credits: Kate Paine, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.   Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 250, Special Guest, Mark Moroz.

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• 248. One for All: The Power of Trust with Bill Straub

  When there's a high degree of trust, especially in teams, the sky's the limit.   Flexibility, community, excellence, collaboration and growth, and then proximity to leadership. All those things kind of to me have an underpinning on gratitude.   We need to continue to grow and have the culture evolve.   Episode summary | In this week's conversation, Shannon Cassidy interviews Bill Straub, the founding principal and CEO of All4, an award-winning environmental consulting firm. Bill shares his journey from an environmental engineer to a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of generosity, trust, and culture in leadership. He discusses the significance of partnerships, the meaning behind the name All4, and how employee ownership has shaped the company. Bill also highlights the role of mentorship and the unique cross-coaching program at All4, which fosters personal growth and collaboration among employees. Throughout the discussion, Bill's humility and commitment to generosity shine through, making for an inspiring dialogue about leadership and community.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | Generosity is the ultimate form of business trust. Building a company with trusted partners is crucial. Trust and transparency foster a positive company culture. Employee ownership enhances commitment and accountability. Feedback should be ongoing, not just annual reviews. Mentorship plays a vital role in personal and professional growth. A culture of collaboration leads to greater success. Generosity should extend beyond the workplace. Curiosity and humility are key traits of effective leaders.   Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Bill Straub and All4 02:51 Early Career and Overcoming Fears 05:31 The Meaning Behind All4's Name 08:42 Lessons in Partnership and Trust 11:32 Generosity in Leadership 13:16 The Importance of Company Culture 16:14 Cross Coaching Program and Personal Growth 19:22 Building a Collaborative Community 21:12 The Power of Generosity in Business 23:28 Building Trust and Psychological Safety 25:05 Cultivating Leadership Through Feedback 26:21 Employee Ownership and Collective Success 29:07 Generosity Beyond the Workplace 30:40 Rapid Fire Insights on Generosity   Guest Bio | Bill Straub is a founding Principal of ALL4 and a registered Professional Engineer with over 35 years of experience in environmental consulting. An accomplished entrepreneur, he has successfully launched and grown two environmental services companies, blending deep technical expertise with strategic business leadership. Bill has guided ALL4 through significant growth milestones, including the company’s 2018 partnership with a private equity firm and a successful recapitalization in 2025. He oversees the firm’s vision and day-to-day direction, leads mergers and acquisitions activities, and mentors the leadership team to foster the next generation of industry leaders. Passionate about creating an environment where seasoned professionals can grow, share knowledge, and deliver exceptional client service, Bill is recognized for his ability to combine technical rigor with sustainable business strategy. Outside of work, he enjoys time at the beach, on the golf course, and with his wife and three adult children.   Bridge Between Resources: 5 Degree Change Course Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  Free Generosity Quiz  Crazy Good Turns Podcast   Credits: Bill Straub, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.   Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 249, Special Guest, Kate Paine.

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• 247. Reframing Luxury: Creating Transformative Client Experiences with Neen James

  “Luxury is about experiences, not things. We all have the opportunity to give someone a luxury experience.” “Personalization requires information, customization requires connection.” “Listen with your eyes.”   Episode summary | In this episode of ROG, Shannon Cassidy interviews Neen James, a leadership strategist known for her insights on generosity and luxury. Neen shares her background, emphasizing the influence of her mother’s generosity on her life. The conversation explores how generosity can elevate experiences in leadership and the importance of attention in making people feel valued. Neen discusses her research on luxury mindsets, revealing that luxury is a mindset that varies among individuals. The episode concludes with Neen's insights on creating exceptional experiences and the launch of her new book, 'Exceptional Experiences.'   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | Generosity transforms leadership and relationships. Attention is a powerful form of generosity. Luxury is a mindset, not just about money. There are four luxury mindsets: reluctant, pro prioritizer, confident, and luxury lover. Creating exceptional experiences requires understanding individual needs. Champagne moments can elevate everyday life. Listening with your eyes enhances communication. Personalization in leadership fosters connection. Generosity can be practiced in small, everyday actions. Luxury experiences can be created without high costs.   Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Generosity and Leadership 01:54 Neen James: A Journey from Australia to Leadership 06:22 The Role of Generosity in Elevating Experiences 12:33 Redefining Luxury: A Mindset Shift 17:13 Exploring Luxury Mindsets 22:07 Insights from Luxury Research 23:55 The Power of the A Outfit 25:08 Creating Champagne Moments 27:33 The Ripple Effect of Self-Care 30:04 Leading with Intention and Attention 32:52 Understanding Team Mindsets 34:43 Elevating Experiences through Generosity 36:00 Rapid Fire Insights and Reflections   Guest Bio | Neen James is a leadership strategist, dynamic keynote speaker, and the author of Folding Time, Attention Plays, and the upcoming Exceptional Experiences. With boundless energy, quick wit, and actionable insights, she serves as a confidante to C-suite leaders to help them elevate experiences and achieve greater focus, communication, and influence. Recently appointed to the board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, James has been named one of the Top 30 Leadership Speakers by Global Gurus multiple years in a row for her work with some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Viacom, Comcast, Virtuoso Travel, Four Seasons, and the FBI. She empowers individuals to prioritize what matters most so they can create exceptional experiences that drive results and foster lasting connections. Originally from Australia, James is living her best life in Tampa, Florida.   Guest Resources:  ExceptionalBook.com  NeenJames.com   Bridge Between Resources: 5 Degree Change Course Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  Free Generosity Quiz  Crazy Good Turns Podcast   Credits: Bill Straub, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc. Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 248, Special Guest, Bill Straub.

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