C-Speak: The Language of Executives

Eneida Roman aims to help close the opportunity gap in Massachusetts. “We're talking about investing in the Latino community,” said Roman. “This is an investment because economic prosperity of the Latino community is American prosperity."Roman is the president and CEO of Amplify LatinX, a nonprofit focused on helping Latinos in Massachusetts and beyond attain not just wealth but influence. The organization centers on three pillars: economic development, leadership representation and policy advocacy. “We understand that all three (pillars) live in similar spaces, and we need to make sure that we're advancing policy solutions that close opportunity gaps for disadvantaged communities.”Tune in to this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast to learn more about:Why Roman’s first time experiencing opportunity gaps for the Latino community inspired her to found The Latino Circle (1:10)Amplify LatinX’s annual campaign honoring 100 Latino leaders across the commonwealth (9:39)A piece of advice Roman would give her younger self (14:55)Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

At creative agency Arnold, says CEO George Sargent, designing marketing campaigns – whether with large brands or growth companies – comes down to listening and becoming immersed in the client’s culture.That’s how Arnold’s campaigns for PNC Bank, Progressive and others have brought companies’ brands to life.In this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Sargent discusses one client with whom Arnold has had an 18-year relationship, as well as the agency’s recent “Brilliantly Boring” campaign for client PNC Bank.“There was a like-mindedness in terms of the kind of work that we were going to be able to do together,” Sargent says about the collaboration between Arnold and PNC. “Our north star for clients is that we make it safe to be brave (with messaging).”Listen to the episode for more about:•What makes Sargent “tick” (10:08)•How his agency sustains a culture of inclusion (20:39) •The book Sargent is currently reading and recommends (25:04) Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

For Lisa Wieland, president of National Grid’s New England business, today is the best time to work in the evolving energy sector.“To be at the heart of the energy transition is a pretty exciting place to be,” she said. The company’s goal, “is to build out the future grid while also balancing the need to ensure that we continue to support and enable economic development, not only here within the city but across the commonwealth.”In this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Wieland also sheds light on National Grid’s role in shaping a diverse workforce pipeline that serves the needs of 2.3 million consumers. “Last year, we created what we're calling our infrastructure academies, or energy infrastructure academies, that really target people across the spectrum,” Wieland said. That ranges from STEM-related academies that targets secondary education students, to energy infrastructure training designed for “work-ready adults.”“At National Grid, we’re investing to build tomorrow’s workforce today.”Listen to the episode to hear more about:Why National Grid invested in the commonwealth’s iconic, red-roofed international terminal (7:16)What attracted Wieland to National Grid (10:20)How National Grid engages with the community (16:21)Her professional and personal role models (13:32)Three pieces of advice for listeners, from up-and-coming leaders to current C-suite executives (19:03)Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

Creating an inclusive, equitable workplace and “workforce of the future,” says Dr. Anne Klibanski, is imperative for any organization with a goal of delivering patient-focused health care. “I think one of the most important lessons for all hospitals is to think about the local community,” says Klibanski, president and CEO of Mass General Brigham – which, she notes, “needs to look first at how to leverage what we have to create that working force of the future.”In this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Klibanski details Mass General Brigham’s multipronged efforts to put patients “at the center of everything we do.”“We are seeing a movement toward health care very much focused on patients, which is where health care always needs to be focused,” says Klibanski. Listen for more from Klibanski about:How her leadership style has evolved alongside the health care system (3:42)What care changes she’s most excited about (10:19)Her favorite place in Boston (27:54)Her wish for the city (28:40)Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

For Brooke Thomson, president of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the statewide business advocacy organization’s mission is clear.“We are here to help businesses succeed. We know that when our businesses are strong, when our economy is strong, we can hire more people, we can pay great wages, people can have a good quality of life and do the things that they want to do,” Thomson says.In this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Thomson also shares details on AIM’s commitment to foster inclusion not only within its board and staff but also with the diverse suppliers on its membership roster.“Creating access to opportunities for members is really what is key,” says Thomson. “That's what drives us at AIM every single day.”Listen to the episode to hear more from Thomson on:The best advice she’s been given (13:37)Top post-Covid-19 issue for AIM’s constituents (20:49)Her childhood career ambition (26:44)A Boston leader to watch (28:12)Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast

What drives innovation? Andrew Bialecki, CEO and president of Klaviyo, says it’s people willing to take chances and “embrace the willingness to be wrong.”“If you surround yourself with a lot of other ambitious, thoughtful people, you're just naturally going to want to try things,” says Bialecki, one of the company’s co-founders. “At Klaviyo, we're not afraid to take risks.”In this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Bialecki not only details the history and philosophy of Klaviyo – a tech company providing an automation platform for email and SMS marketing – but shares a pivotal piece of career advice.If you're not good at something yet,” he says, “just get your foot in that door, crack it open an inch and then don't ever let somebody stop you from opening it all the way.”Listen to the episode to hear more from Bialecki about:Two milestones not celebrated at Klaviyo (11:15)What he finds interesting about AI (16:10)His career aspiration as a child (22:43)The hobby he pursues in his spare time (24:42)Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

The Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund’s goal, says Dr. Makeeba McCreary, is to raise $100 million to support nonprofit leaders of color. In this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, McCreary, president of the fund, delves into how the organization is disrupting the philanthropy sector. McCreary, born and raised in Boston’s South End, launched her career in service to others, which included working in shelters, and theatrical performances before moving to “education policy.” “I really wanted to be a part of solutions around systems issues that I thought could have made a real difference for some of my friends who I grew up with that didn't have as many successes, I guess you could say, as I did,” McCreary says. Listen to the episode to hear more from McCreary about:Her guiding principle (12:01)Advice to her younger self (13:26) What she finds troubling (15:06)Why impatience is necessary (22:10)Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

The New England Aquarium, says president and CEO Vikki Spruill, is far more than a tourist attraction. In this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Spruill details the scope and significance of the 54-year-old institution’s contributions – research, education and advocacy, among others – to Boston and far beyond the city limits.As the leader of a marine-based nonprofit with a workforce of 290 and two campuses, Spruill is passionate about climate resiliency, ocean conservation and the role the aquarium plays in furthering those objectives.The aquarium’s mission is working “for a vital and vibrant ocean for all,” Spruill says. “We hope to inspire everyone to form a deeper connection with the ocean and take action to protect it.”Listen to the episode to hear more from Spruill on:The aquarium’s plastic-free gift shop (6:04)“Working at the speed of trust” (9:39)The job of a leader (16:56)Her wish for Boston (26:21)Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

Robert Lewis Jr. will never forget Boston’s desegregation busing crisis in the 1970s – an intensely volatile period during which his home was firebombed. In this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Lewis, now Nicholas President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and a longtime community leader, reveals how the unrest became the genesis for his purpose. Lewis, who was 16 when his East Boston home was targeted, vowed “to do work that's about bringing people together, about bringing communities together."A member of the Boys & Girls Clubs during his childhood, Lewis now helms an organization with eight locations, whose future, he says, is “around academics, workforce readiness, and health and wellness. “We want the Boys & Girls Clubs to be the place that our teens are excited about,” he says. Listen to the episode to hear more from Lewis on:What he does when he’s not working (9:16)“Passion points” providing access to opportunities for young people (20:07)His life-threatening battle with Covid (21:37)What’s on his bucket list (31:37)Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

As president and CEO of Meet Boston, Martha Sheridan’s job is to position Boston “as one of the premier destinations in the world.” On this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Sheridan details how she and her 501(c)(6) organization – that markets the Boston area as a destination for meetings, conventions and leisure visits – accomplishes that goal.“if we don't invite them, they're not going to come back, so our work is incredibly valuable,” Sheridan says.Meet Boston’s efforts are bolstered by its commitments to boosting workforce development in the hospitality sector and showcasing nontraditional visitor destinations, like Dorchester, East Boston and Roxbury. Listen to the episode to hear more from Sheridan on: Her former job as a tour director on motor coaches. (3:23) Engaging and retaining Meet Boston’s team through hybrid work. (10:34)Avoiding the mistake of “burning a bridge.” (20:59)The most overlooked spot in Boston. (23:50)Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

Perhaps there’s no one better to lead the academic institution ranked No. 1 in entrepreneurship by U.S. News & World Report than a serial entrepreneur who developed a small Utah business into a national franchise brand.On this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Stephen Spinelli, Ph.D., details “the intersection between business” and Babson College, where he is president. Spinelli’s entrepreneurial journey began right out of college when he and several partners crafted a plan to buy a quick-service oil change business they eventually rebranded as Jiffy Lube International. After a slow start, Spinelli thought, “Boy, I’m either not good enough or I’m not educated enough. And so I made the decision. If I wasn’t educated enough, I could try to get some (entrepreneurial) education.” That led him to Babson, where he earned an MBA and, later, a doctorate in economics from the University of London.Spinelli was named Babson’s 14th president in 2019. “I think the education system, and in particular, the colleges and universities (in Massachusetts) are an exceptional network of intellectual, human, sociological, spiritual capital that is rare in the history of the world,” Spinelli says.Listen to the episode to hear more from Spinelli on:His first job as a health care administrator. (2:08)“Hard lessons” learned about failure. (13:42)One thing people don’t know about him. (22:00)His wish for Boston. (24:32)Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

For Sarah Iselin, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts, being raised by parents who led “lives of service” has had a huge impact on her career choices – including her current executive role with a mission-driven, not-for-profit health care plan.“Our new mission is to show up for everyone like they're the only one,” says Iselin on this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast. “And our core values are (to) be the example, do what's right, not what's easy, be kind, act with humility and heart, be courageous, ask questions, seek diverse perspectives, bring bold ideas and make them happen and be community focused, always.”Listen to the episode to hear more from Iselin about: De-stigmatizing mental health. (9:44)How the company uses AI to provide care. (13:25) Her advice for career novices. (19:09) What’s driving her company’s commitment to DEI. (23:08) Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

The arts’ contribution to the state’s GDP is significant, says Michael Bobbitt, executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The sector in Massachusetts is a $27.2 billion industry, Bobbitt says on this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast. That’s based on a 2021 U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report. “We know that arts are great for supporting people's health needs and their education needs, but also great for business,” says Bobbitt. “The more we can build those relationships with our sector and those sectors, the more everyone will benefit from having this deep infusion of arts and culture.”The council’s statewide initiatives range from providing grants for individuals, organizations and groups statewide to building relationships with industries and sectors to help support its activities. Listen to the episode to hear more from Bobbitt about:His entry into the arts. [3:07]Past and current musicals he’s written. [4:47]The council’s Culture Rx arts “prescription.” [8:31]Why public support for the arts is important. [14:04]Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

Subscribe to C-Speak so you never miss an episode. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Glynn Lloyd has a passion for advancing entrepreneurship and community.Lloyd is executive director of Mill Cities Community Investments (MCCI), a community development finance institution that helps to provide capital “where traditional capital usually doesn’t get to,” historically redlined communities of “folks of color,” he says on this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast. And he founded City Fresh Foods, a mission-driven business feeding many people, including Boston public school students and Meals on Wheels recipients.In this episode, Lloyd – who grew up in the suburb of Sharon – commends the contributions of the city’s “hidden heroes,” who, he says, have done “incredible work, built platforms and still to this day are impacting a lot of folks positively.”Listen to the episode to hear more from Lloyd about:Pivotal entrepreneurial lessons from childhood through college.MCCI’s “high-touch advisory approach” for Black and Latinx businesses. What makes him laugh.His favorite spot in the commonwealth. Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

If you’re in need of advice on how to emerge from corporate devastation, Rob Hale, CEO and president of Granite Telecommunications, has plenty to share.In 2002, Hale’s thriving company, Network Plus, went bankrupt during the stock market crash. “That morning (Feb. 4) when we went bankrupt, that equity, which was $1.4 billion, officially finally became zero, never to return,” he recalls.In this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Hale details how he – with the unwavering support of his family – went about building Granite Telecommunications, a company with $1.85 billion in sales as of 2024.Listen to the episode to hear more from Hale about:Mentors including his entrepreneurial father and titans Robert and John Kraft.His family’s history of philanthropy.DEI and creating “a platform where leaders excel” at Granite Telecommunications.The key ingredient to innovation.Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

Dr. Kevin Tabb’s self-described “eclectic background” includes service in the Israeli military, completing medical school and a residency, and roles in health care IT on the east and west coasts in the U.S.  Over the years, he’s witnessed an evolution in patient care that he notes, “will always be needed in hospitals, but more and more care is provided outside of the four walls of the hospitals.” “We're rapidly moving towards a place where we will be providing more than 70% of the care that we provide outside of the confines of the academic medical centers,” said Tabb, president and CEO of Beth Israel Lahey Health. In this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Tabb highlights an example of this shift in patient care – Hospital at Home – an initiative Beth Israel Lahey Health has launched. Listen to the episode to hear more from Tabb about: Beth Israel Lahey Health’s partnership with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.How the health care system is creating a more diverse workforce and fostering inclusivity.Tabb’s personal half-marathon “bucket list.”Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

JD Chesloff credits a diverse range of mentors, and experience, for his ability to transition from public service to the private sector. A former state and federal employee, Chesloff began developing key insights that continue to shape his approach to work.  “Showing up, getting out of your lane and bending toward collaboration are three lessons that I have lived by,” said Chesloff, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, which works with state public policy makers on various issues. Chesloff, CEO of the roundtable for 13 years, details his career journey in this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast.Listen to the episode to hear more from Chesloff about:Lessons learned during the height of the Covid pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder.How this self-described “son of hippies” morphed into a leader in the business community.His favorite spot in Boston.Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

Paul Ayoub, chair and partner of the law firm, Nutter, grew up in West Roxbury (Ward 20) in a Syrian and Lebanese American family that instilled strong values in him. In this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, he says his family never took anything for granted and his dad taught him, “The privilege of whatever you receive is to give back.” Ayoub’s dad is the reason he has invested more than 30 years serving on the board at St. Jude Research Hospital. “Service to others is the greatest of contributions that we can make. And it is the most important of legacies we can leave,” Ayoub said. “Younger people may not be thinking about their legacy, but they should be thinking about their present and their reputation, and how they're showing up in the world around them — whether in their family, community or work.”Listen to this episode to hear more about:Ayoub’s upbringing in Boston and how his dad helped write the bylaws for St. Jude Research Hospital alongside actor Danny Thomas.His role at Nutter, where he specializes in business and commercial real estate finance and development, and what makes it fulfilling. Forming the CRE-DEI Collaborative.Some of the hard lessons Ayoub has learned in life. Powered by PNC Bank. Download a transcript of the podcast.

Kendalle Burlin O’Connell relishes a challenge. That’s just what she got her first day leading the purchasing consortium in 2008 with the company now known as MassBio – when a vendor said she was “not the right person for this job” because she lacked experience in biotechnology.Burlin O’Connell, an attorney, ended up negotiating what’s now MassBio’s largest supplier agreement. “I think that because I wasn't from industry, I was more brave and more willing to take risks in making a really big change at the time,” said Burlin O’Connell, now CEO and president of MassBio, a premiere biotech trade organization. Burlin O’Connell details her experience with the company’s “amazing team” in this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast.Listen to the episode to hear more about:•The company’s rapid growth in the span of a few years.•MassBio’s commitment to DEI.•Burlin O’Connell’s “hobby and guilty pleasure.” Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.

Passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 proved to be the catalyst for Cain Hayes’ pivot from the financial services sector to health care.“What I saw is that people would oftentimes do a great job of building financial health in retirement only to get to retirement and have a poor quality of life,” said Hayes, now president and CEO of Point32Health. Hayes details his experience in the industry, including how he stays focused and positive when encountering major obstacles, in this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast.Listen to the episode to hear more about:How Point32Health defines and addresses health equity.Why Hayes, a self-described optimist, subscribes to the late Colin Powell’s definition of optimism.His fondness for baseball – “the ultimate team sport.”Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.