C-Suite Tea

The Long Game: C-Suite Story on Building a Company from the Ground Up (with Joe Campolo)

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:20:39 GMT

In this episode of C-Suite Tea, Joe Campolo, Managing Partner of Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, shares the real story behind building a company from the ground up. From early challenges to pivotal turning points, Joe offers an unfiltered look at the grit, vision, and leadership it takes to create long-term success.

Drawing from decades of experience in law, business strategy, and organizational development, Joe explores what it means to play the long game—navigating uncertainty, earning trust, and leading with integrity. Whether you're launching a venture or scaling an enterprise, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone building something that lasts.

Follow Joe Campolo:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephcampolo/

Learn more about Campolo, Middleton & McCormick:

https://cmmllp.com

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Climbing the Corporate Ladder – Lessons in Leadership

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode of C-Suite Tea, we unpack Climbing the Corporate Ladder – Lessons in Leadership—a modern take on success, especially for women and Gen Z professionals navigating today’s evolving workplace. From breaking through traditional leadership molds to redefining ambition on your own terms, this conversation explores what it really means to rise with purpose. Through candid insights and real-world experience, we dive into the mindset shifts, strategic moves, and personal growth it takes to lead with authenticity in a new era of work.

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The Evolving Role of the COO in a Data-First Organization (with Nicole Brownell)

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:05:22 GMT

In this episode of C-Suite Tea, Nicole Brownell, COO of Zartico, shares how the role of the modern COO is evolving in today’s data-first landscape. With nearly two decades of experience scaling MarTech, SaaS, and travel companies, Nicole unpacks what it takes to drive growth, lead innovation, and build high-performing cultures in a world where data shapes every decision. Recognized as a Top 50 Women Leader and a 2025 Woman to Watch, she offers candid insights on strategic leadership, operational precision, and how to build empowered teams that deliver real impact. Whether you're in the C-suite or on your way there, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating leadership in a data-driven era.

Follow Nicole Brownell:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolebrownell/

Learn more about Zartico:

https://www.zartico.com

CONNECT WITH US:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csuitetea/

Email: csuitetea@gmail.com

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The Art of Receiving Feedback

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:56:48 GMT

In this episode of C-Suite Tea, we explore The Art of Receiving Feedback—one of the most powerful (and often uncomfortable) tools for personal and professional growth. From navigating constructive criticism to embracing praise with humility, we break down how feedback can be a catalyst for clarity, confidence, and connection. Through honest reflection and practical tips, this episode offers a fresh perspective on turning feedback into fuel—whether you're leading a team, climbing the corporate ladder, or simply striving to grow.

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Email: csuitetea@gmail.com

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Navigating Transition (with Terri Alessi-Miceli)

Thu, 15 May 2025 19:58:58 GMT

In this episode of C-Suite Tea, Terri Alessi-Miceli, President of HIA-LI, shares how major career transitions—from unexpected shifts to strategic reinventions—have shaped her leadership journey. From navigating identity shifts to leading teams through change, Terri offers candid insights on staying grounded, agile, and values-driven during times of transformation. Whether you're at a professional crossroads or guiding others through uncertainty, this conversation delivers the unfiltered truth about what it really takes to lead through change.

Follow Terri Alessi-Miceli:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/terria1/

Learn more about HIA-LI

https://www.hia-li.org/

(631) 543-5355

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Don’t Count the Days, Make the Days Count (with Ed Jankowski)

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 20:41:07 GMT

In this episode of C-Suite Tea, we connect with powerhouse executive Ed Jankowski to explore what it really means to lead during unpredictable times. From economic turbulence to shifting consumer behaviors, how do leaders stay resilient—and keep their teams inspired?

Ed brings decades of insight from the luxury retail world, having held C-suite roles at iconic brands like Godiva Chocolatier, Liz Claiborne, and Safilo. As former CEO of XpresSpa, he led the company through rapid international growth with 56 airport locations, and served on its board for over five years. His strategic vision helped grow Godiva’s net sales beyond $400M across retail, wholesale, e-commerce, and social media.

Known for his high-energy, entrepreneurial approach, Ed shares how collaborative leadership, innovation, and operational discipline can create growth—even in uncertain environments.

Follow Ed Jankowski:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjankowski1/

CONNECT WITH US:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csuitetea/

Email: csuitetea@gmail.com

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Leading with Love (with Al Hutchinson)

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the C-Suite Tea Podcast, Kristen and Sharon connect with Al Hutchinson, President & CEO of Visit Baltimore, to explore how corporate leaders can cultivate a culture built on both strength and kindness. Al discusses his approach to leadership, from making tough decisions with resilience to fostering an inclusive and compassionate work environment. With a focus on how leadership drives organizational culture, Al shares practical advice for balancing strength with kindness to create a workplace where people thrive. Tune in for key takeaways on how leaders can shape the future with both strength and heart!

Follow Al & Visit Baltimore!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-hutchinson-930522a0/

https://www.instagram.com/visitbmore/

CONNECT WITH US:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csuitetea/

Email: csuitetea@gmail.com

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Women in Leadership - Breaking Barriers & Redefining Success

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 14:40:42 GMT

In this inspiring episode of C-Suite Tea, our hosts Kristen and Sharon dive into the challenges and triumphs of women in leadership. They share personal insights from their own journeys to the top, discuss how the business world is evolving, and offer strategies to foster more inclusive, empowering workplaces. Tune in for a candid conversation about breaking barriers and redefining success for women in the boardroom and beyond!

CONNECT WITH US:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csuitetea/

Email: csuitetea@gmail.com

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Transitioning into the New Year: Leap or Learn?

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:00:00 GMT

To Leap or Learn? Are you thinking about those annual reviews and what/what NOT to say as you wish for a new year of growth? Our hosts are here to help on this episode of C-Suite Tea where they will provide insight + experience on how to best prepare for success.

SOURCES:

novoresume.com

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Email: csuitetea@gmail.com

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Navigating AI in the Modern World (with Cody Chomiak)

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 10:00:12 GMT

Are you on the fence when the conversation about AI comes up within your team? No need to fear, C-Suite Tea's first ever guest Cody Chomiak, Vice President of Marketing at Travel Manitoba is here to discuss navigating the evolving world of AI in the professional setting!

Check out "Unmasking AI" by Joy Buolamwini!

https://www.amazon.com/Unmasking-AI-Mission-Protect-Machines/dp/0593241835

Listen to The "Hard Fork" Podcast by the New York Times!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hard-fork/id1528594034

FOLLOW CODY:

https://www.instagram.com/codychomiak/

CONNECT WITH US:

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Email: csuitetea@gmail.com

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Maximizing Your Conference Attendance

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 10:00:20 GMT

Are you about to embark on your very first work-related trip to represent your organization at an industry conference?? Learn how to best maximize your time spent and some simple Dos and Don'ts with this episode where our hosts guide you through how to make the most out of your experience

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The Key To Finding Happiness + Purpose

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 10:00:38 GMT

Finding happiness and purpose in life *especially in the workplace* can be challenging - This week our hosts take us through some key steps they learned at a recent conference to help our listeners navigate through this journey themselves; What it IS to be happy vs. what it MEANS to be happy. They discuss the three micronutrients of happiness which are enjoyment, satisfaction and purpose.

Check out Arthur C. Brooks Book, "Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier" Cowritten by Oprah Winfrey!

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Following Your Instinct – Are You Listening To Your Gut?

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 10:00:17 GMT

The corporate world is all about following your instincts but there are times where you have intuition as well as hesitations... so what do you do? Are you listening to your gut? We dive into our own personal C-Suite experiences in regard to this topic... Let us know your stories where you've faced this by leaving a review or reaching out to us on our Instagram!

Sources:

Harvard Business Review:

https://hbr.org/2003/05/dont-trust-your-gut

BBC:

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220401-intuition-when-is-it-right-to-trust-your-gut-instincts

@csuitetea on Instagram

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Do You Lead with Your Head or Your Heart?

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:49:24 GMT

Are you someone who likes to lead with your Head or your Heart? Everyone in the industry works differently and that's what helps create a wonderful team in the C-Suite... there are times though where we have to decide if we're going to make a serious decision based on our emotions or heart instincts and then have to take the stats & numbers from our head into play. Join the conversation and let us know how you lead!

Find out what kind of leader YOU are by taking the test at www.headheartleader.com!

@csuitetea on Instagram

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Who Can/Should You Trust? And Can People Trust You?

Wed, 29 May 2024 10:00:33 GMT

We all have our own experiences of finding out the hard way who we can trust...but there also comes the question of whether or not YOU can be trusted yourself. The workplace and especially the C-Suite brings a whole new level of importance when bringing about these questions

Sources:

Harvard Business Review

@csuitetea on Instagram

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How Do You Handle Pressure? Crumble or Rise?

Wed, 15 May 2024 10:00:14 GMT

The true test of making it both in and out of the C-Suite is how you can handle pressure when it's thrown at you. Have you ever had a situation in the workplace where a task is brought upon you that has a heavy cost and high priority involved? Did you rise or did you crumble?

Sources:

https://sfstress.com/6-tips-to-work-effectively-under-pressure/

@csuitetea on Instagram

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The Company You Keep

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 10:00:57 GMT

"Birds of a feather, flock together." It goes without saying that the company you keep in the workplace can not only affect the way you interact with other staff/employees in the C-Suite but it can impact your overall performance within your organization. Have you experienced a situation where you realized your actions are noticeably different since starting a new relationship with a coworker or staff member?

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The Dos and Don'ts of the Office Holiday Party

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 14:15:17 GMT

Tis the season for Secret Santas and Holiday Parties. This year the office holiday back, with more companies celebrating in-person than ever since Covid. Kristen and Sharon share some tips, statistics, and even personal stories on what to do and not to do as you toast the holidays with your coworkers.

Sources:

“Is the Office Holiday Party Happening this Year?”

By: George Paul

https://theorg.com/iterate/is-the-office-holiday-party-happening-this-year

Holiday Parties Are Back in 2022! But Not Quite at Pre-pandemic Levels

Challenger, Great, & Christmas, December 2, 2022

https://www.challengergray.com/blog/holiday-parties-are-back-in-2022-but-not-quite-at-pre-pandemic-levels/

“The Dos and Don’ts of Christmas Office Party Etiquette”

By Venus Gentile

https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/office-holiday-party-etiquette

“How to Survive the Office Holiday Party”

By: Alison Green

https://www.thecut.com/article/office-holiday-party.html

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Situational Awareness #ReadTheRoom

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 20:11:05 GMT

Situational awareness is a quality that's important to possess both your professional and personal life. What is situational awareness, and how can you better hone in your skills and intuition for understanding your environment and assessing your surroundings? Sharon and Kristen break down the 4 main characteristics of situational awareness: Observation, orientation, decision, and action. They deep dive into each characteristic and what they each mean while giving real life examples from their own experiences. They also provide tips on how to be more situationally aware, and what factors that can affect how aware you are.

Sources:

8 Situational Awareness Safety Tips for Every Workplace

https://www.alertmedia.com/blog/situational-awareness-safety-tips/

Enhancing The OODA Loop

Rich Gasaway

https://www.samatters.com/enhancing-the-ooda-loop/

Situational Awareness in Leadership: Reading the Room – Part 1

Andy Botwin

https://www.strategypeopleculture.com/blog/situational-awareness/

Training for Improved Situation Awareness

Mario Pierobon

https://www.halldale.com/articles/19298-training-for-improved-situation-awareness

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Multitasking- Why You Shouldn't Do it

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 13:58:32 GMT

How many times have you seen “multitasking” as skills asset in a job description or interview? While many people pride themselves on being “great at multi-tasking,” but studies show that employees are 40% less productive when multitasking. While many think they are maximizing your time by doing many things at once, focusing on one task at a time is actually better for your mental health, memory, and productivity. Kristen and Sharon take a deep dive into some of these studies, generational differences when it comes to multitasking, and tips on how to keep yourself focused at work and in life.

Credits:

“Stop Multitasking. No, Really — Just Stop It.”

The New York Times

By Oliver Burkeman

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/29/opinion/do-one-thing-at-a-time-management.html

“Multitasking Statistics to Pique Your Interest [2023 Edition]”

What to Become

https://whattobecome.com/blog/multitasking-statistics/

“The Art of Monotasking”

By: Jini Cicero

https://maxliving.com/healthy-articles/the-art-of-monotasking/

“Why Multitasking Doesn’t Work”

Cleveland Clinic of Health

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/science-clear-multitasking-doesnt-work/

“How Multitasking Erodes Productivity And Dings Your IQ”

By: Curt Steinhorst

Forbes

https://www.forbes.com/sites/curtsteinhorst/2020/02/20/how-multitasking-erodes-productivity-and-dings-your-iq/?sh=5683a5803b7e

Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance

Editor: Isabel Gauthier

https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/xhp

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Commencement Speeches and Their Powerful Messages

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 19:23:58 GMT

Commencement speeches are often powerful messages of encouragement and advice for college graduates entering the workforce. Kristen and Sharon break down some of their favorite speeches, and share some of their own advice for those who have just graduated or are about to embark on a new career path.

Credits:

5 things I wish I heard at the graduation I never had

Bill Gates

https://www.gatesnotes.com/NAU-Commencement-Speech

Shonda Rhimes '91 Delivers Dartmouth's Commencement Speech

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuHQ6TH60_I

Question of the Day: What percentage of college graduates work in their field of study?

Jan 22, 2023

Next Gen Personal Finance

https://www.ngpf.org/blog/question-of-the-day/qod-what-percent-of-college-graduates-end-up-working-in-the-field-of-their-major/

________________

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Love in the Workplace- Boom or Doomed?

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 18:51:30 GMT

Are workplace affairs okay? From the "Mad Men" era, to the "Me Too" era, Kristen and Sharon discuss how different generations view workplace romances, share statistics and tips on the best practices to manage love and relations between coworkers. What are the pros and cons? Should you divulge your relationship to HR? Does your company have a policy or a "love contract?" They also touch on some famous and infamous workplace affairs while adding in some of their own encounters.

Credits:

“Gen Z, young millennials are normalizing dating co-workers”

The Washington Post

By: Taylor Telford

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/02/13/workplace-romance-office-pandemic-hybrid/

“The 12 Most Explosive Office Affairs Since Bill and Monica”

By: Aimee Groth and Patricia Laya

Business Insider

https://www.businessinsider.com/most-famous-office-romances-2011-7

“When Having Affairs, Female Bankers Less Paranoid Than Males About Spouses Catching On”

By: Bess Levin

https://dealbreaker.com/2011/05/when-having-affairs-female-bankers-less-paranoid-than-males-about-spouses-catching-on

New SHRM Survey: Workplace Romance 2023

Society for Human Resource Management

https://www.shrm.org/about-shrm/press-room/press-releases/pages/new-shrm-survey-workplace-romance-2023.aspx

“Move Over, Millennials; Generation Z Is Here”

By: David Stillman and Jonah Stillman

Society for Human Resource Management

https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/global-and-cultural-effectiveness/pages/move-over-millennials-generation-z-is-here.asp

“How should you handle an office romance? And what should you be wary of?”

Bright HR

https://www.brighthr.com/articles/employee-conduct/workplace-affairs

“The Thrill of the Office Crush”

By: Roxane Gay

The New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/16/business/roxane-gay-work-advice-office-crush.html

________________

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Top Interview Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Wed, 17 May 2023 19:13:10 GMT

We've covered top resume mistakes in episode 1, but even with the perfect resume, you can still fail at landing that job if you make some of these mistakes. Since the average person spends over 90,000 hours of their life at work, you want to make sure this is the right job for you. Learn the best ways to research companies, employers, and employees ahead of time, common interview mistakes and how to avoid them or fix them, what to do when you're thrown a "curveball" question, what are the best questions to ask your interviewer, and finally how to close and follow up afterwards.

Credits:

"How to Tackle Unusual Interview Questions"

LinkedIn News

By: Mariah Flores

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-tackle-unusual-interview-questions-andrew-seaman

"10 Hard Questions You Should Ask Your Interviewer"

FlexJobs.com

By Jessica Howington

https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/hard-questions-you-must-ask-your-interviewer

The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate the Three Essential Virtues: A Leadership Fable

By: Patrick Lencioni

"Common Interview Mistakes and What To Do Instead"

Indeed.com

By: Indeed Editorial Team

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/job-interview-mistakes

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The #1 Quality all Leaders must have to be successful

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 14:42:43 GMT

What does it take to be a successful leader? What are some leadership myths and mistakes? And should everyone strive to be a leader in their career?

Todays episode breaks down the most important qualities successful leaders have, especially one in particular, why it is important as a leader to not only listen to your team, but understand them. Successful leaders think strategically, understand not just the "how", but the "why", practice, communicate, and collaborate. Learn about the importance of emotional intelligence and 4 steps on how to achieve a "reliability mindset."

Credits:

"Researchers Analyzed 2,600 CEOs to Determine Their Biggest Driver of Success. One Quality Stood Out Above All the Rest"

By: Justin Bariso

Inc.com

https://www.inc.com/justin-bariso/emotional-intelligence-how-to-be-more-reliable.html

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Should you embellish your resume?

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:52:36 GMT

What should you put on your resume? Should you lie and "fake it til you make it"? Everyone wants to make their resume sound impressive, but how far is too far? According to one survey, 55% of Americans admitted to lying on their resume. But how do you keep up the lies once you're hired? Kristen and Sharon give you the inside scoop on the interview process, and what they think employers want and need to see, tell you what the most common resume embellishments are, and what you should do to make an impressive yet truthful resume that still gets you the job.

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Welcome to the New C-Suite Tea Podcast!

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:39:22 GMT

A new podcast about how to harness success and climb the corporate ladder. Join Kristen and Sharon, C-Suite executives with years of experience, as they spill the tea on office etiquette, what your boss is really thinking, and how to get ahead in your career while still having a life.

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