In Good Companies

In Good Companies

Cadence Bank

Starting and running a business or managing one isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re balancing internal and external forces in a continually changing landscape. You’re building strategies, and banking on the future – no matter what it holds. This is where Cadence Bank’s In Good Companies comes in. We share our wealth of knowledge, and insights from noted industry experts, to guide you through the forces shaping business today. We’re back for Season 6, and this time, we’re setting our sights on the future of work. We’re asking the big questions, like: What will your career look...

Launching into the Future: Middle Market Trends for 2025, with Doug Farren

Launching into the Future: Middle Market Trends for 2025, with Doug Farren

It’s been four years since we started In Good Companies and, as we look ahead, we feel that our vision for this show is complete. Together we navigated the forces shaping your business over the past six seasons, bringing in experts on culture, M&A, corporate security and so much more. We conclude this series with a special final episode. We’re keeping our promises and launching you into 2025 with a conversation you don’t want to miss. Our final guest, Doug Farren, is a pioneer in business resear

Feb 11, • 40:05

Sealing the Deal: Miles Crowe on the Art of Business Acquisition

Sealing the Deal: Miles Crowe on the Art of Business Acquisition

Acquisitions are a major tool to grow your business; but for leaders, they can feel like a daunting leap. So how do you gain confidence in your company to make that jump? What are some key steps to consider before sealing the deal? And once you’ve successfully expanded your ventures, how do you do it again? For our next season six episode, we bring in co-founder and business leader Miles Crowe for a story that is nothing short of inspirational. His company Crowe Custom Countertops is one of the

Feb 4, • 32:47

[Fan Favorite] Where Joy Hides: Building a Happy Business, with Ingrid Fetell-Lee

[Fan Favorite] Where Joy Hides: Building a Happy Business, with Ingrid Fetell-Lee

Before In Good Companies returns next week, we'd like to help you finish January on a high note; so we're bringing back one of our favorite episodes on joy. Recent research by Oxford University found that workers are 13% more productive when they’re happy. And yet, another study by BCG found that most company leaders aren’t building their strategies around how their employees feel at work. So joy? It’s a real business question.In this episode, we are joined by designer and joy specialist Ingrid

Jan 28, • 34:39

[Fan Favorite] A Path to Resilience: Breaking The Stigma Around Burnout, with Paula Davis

[Fan Favorite] A Path to Resilience: Breaking The Stigma Around Burnout, with Paula Davis

This January, In Good Companies revisits some favorite episodes to relax, reset, and dive right back into business.  In today's episode, we ask a touchy question: why do we burn out? In 2024, 38% of US employees reported having experienced burnout; a phenomenon recognized by the World Health Organisation as an occupational issue. We want to start the new year on a different footing.So how do we change our systems and habits to enhance well-being at work, and avoid burnout? When it comes to our c

Jan 21, • 37:24

[Fan Favorite] A New Money Mindset: Saundra Davis on Financial Strategy & Well-Being

[Fan Favorite] A New Money Mindset: Saundra Davis on Financial Strategy & Well-Being

According to recent polls, nearly 50% of small business owners feel stressed about their finances. But in 2025, we are determined to change that statistic. So this January, we revisit a favorite episode that will help us learn about our money feelings. Where do they come from? Are they serving us well? And how can we gain confidence in our potential, to build a healthier relationship with our finances? To answer these questions: we welcome back Saundra Davis.   Saundra is a Financial Planner and

Jan 14, • 31:46

[Fan Favorite] Time to Reset: Harnessing the Power of the Brain, with Dr. Julia DiGangi

[Fan Favorite] Time to Reset: Harnessing the Power of the Brain, with Dr. Julia DiGangi

Happy New Year! We always like to kick start the year with a reset - and today's guest will help us get the fresh start we all strive for.Dr. Julia DiGangi is the author of Energy Rising: The Neuroscience of Leading with Emotional Power. She is a neuropsychologist who works with businesses and entrepreneurs to help them harness their power, and keep their mindset fresh. And for her, great leadership starts when we understand the human brain!Whether you’re building your company up throug

Jan 7, • 32:33

In Good Companies Takes a Holiday Break!

In Good Companies Takes a Holiday Break!

December is often a busy month, so whether you’re working through it, reuniting with loved ones or cooking up a storm… Consider this your reminder to take a minute and breathe! For the next two weeks, In Good Companies is taking a holiday break to rest and celebrate. We’ll be back in January, with some brand new episodes, as well as a couple of old favorites we picked out just for you.Between business success stories, discussions on corporate well-being and an exclusive look into the trends that

Dec 24, 2024 • 0:45

Dreaming Big, Building Bigger: The Buzzing World of Don’s Cold Storage

Dreaming Big, Building Bigger: The Buzzing World of Don’s Cold Storage

When he opened his food distribution business back in 2006, Don Coenen started with three semi-trucks in a crowded market. Nearly 20 years later, his company Don's Cold Storage and Transportation is a multi-million dollar corporation, open for business 365 days a year. More than a profitable operation, it’s a business that has provided a livelihood for countless people in Arkansas, Missouri and beyond. So how do you achieve this kind of growth? What does it take to turn the dream into a

Dec 17, 2024 • 34:39

Safe & Sound: A Critical Shift towards Psychological Safety with Kathy Pike

Safe & Sound: A Critical Shift towards Psychological Safety with Kathy Pike

What does it take to create workplaces where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and innovate without fear of failure? Well, the answer can be summed up in two words: psychological safety. Psychological safety is not just a trend or a culture that is “easy” on employees. It's a business philosophy that seeks to empower teams and boost performance. So in this episode of In Good Companies, we’re diving into the increased attention being paid to psychological safety in the workplace

Dec 10, 2024 • 32:27

A Whole New World: ESG as a Business Opportunity, with EY’s Marie Johnson and Brandon Sutcliffe

A Whole New World: ESG as a Business Opportunity, with EY’s Marie Johnson and Brandon Sutcliffe

Over the last decade, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investments have exploded; as evidenced by global market projections, which predict 40 trillion dollars in ESG assets by 2030. That will not only reshape our financial markets, but also our consumer choices, our recruitment prospects, the range of our suppliers, and even our leadership strategies. So how do we seize that opportunity for change? What new possibilities does ESG open up? We answer these questions with two of

Dec 3, 2024 • 34:00

[Fan Favorite] Showing Appreciation: Love As a Business Strategy

[Fan Favorite] Showing Appreciation: Love As a Business Strategy

How much better would the world be if everyone loved going to work? How much more engaged would we be? How much more efficient? That’s the vision of Mohammad Anwar and Chris Pitre (Softway Solutions and Culture+), two co-authors of the Wall Street Journal-bestseller Love as a Business Strategy. They want to revolutionize the way companies do business, by putting people at the center of every decision. But this idea didn’t come out of nowhere. It was born from the real life transformatio

Nov 26, 2024 • 36:35

Driving Performance: When AI Takes The Wheel, with Bob Trotter

Driving Performance: When AI Takes The Wheel, with Bob Trotter

Artificial Intelligence is the technology on everyone’s minds. Whether it’s using Chat GPT for content creation, or bringing in new tools to process our data differently. We have all started interacting with AI and we all stand to gain from it. Contrary to popular belief, a recent survey by McKinsey shows that AI would not threaten but create millions of new jobs. So how do we integrate this technology into our companies? Answering this question on In Good Companies is Bob Trotter, exec

Nov 19, 2024 • 29:47

Taking Flight: Navigating Industry Changes with Metro Aviation

Taking Flight: Navigating Industry Changes with Metro Aviation

The 2020 pandemic has drastically changed the business landscape and put the medical aviation industry under the spotlight. When COVID hit, air services became an essential service to give access to healthcare across urban and rural areas alike and they have remained at the forefront of business preoccupations since. Case in point: in 2022, NASA launched a new mission to research and gather data on advanced air mobility. If they reach their ambitions, in five years technologies like air

Nov 12, 2024 • 33:06

Self Taught Or By The Book? Dr. John Torrens on Business Education

Self Taught Or By The Book? Dr. John Torrens on Business Education

80% of the jobs that will exist in the next decade were not invented 5 years ago. So if you're a young entrepreneur, how do you know where to start? What skills do you need to get some skin in the game? The future of work will change the nature of business education, so in today’s episode, we’re hitting the books with our new guest Dr. John Torrens.John is an award winning professor at Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management. He has been teaching, mentoring and coaching entre

Oct 29, 2024 • 27:31

Through the Grapevine: Internal Communications For Long-Term Growth, with John Korinek

Through the Grapevine: Internal Communications For Long-Term Growth, with John Korinek

How do you keep track of what is happening inside your company? Do you have a newsletter? Messaging channels like Slack or a go-to person for all questions? How does information reach you? If you feel lost in the maze of internal communication, you’re not alone. Research by Gallup found that 74% of employees believe they’re missing out on work news and company information. So in this episode, we dive into the world of internal communication and find out how and why keeping our teams inf

Oct 22, 2024 • 29:08

Wired in: Shuo Chen on Technology and the Future of Business

Wired in: Shuo Chen on Technology and the Future of Business

In Good Companies is back! And for Season 6, we’re doing a deep dive into the future of work. Because business will look different in 2050, and if we had to take an educated guess, it seems that technology is going to be a driver of change. In 2024, 86% of organizations have maintained or raised their IT budgets. We all sense that digital tools can help us secure the future of business; we’re just not sure how to use them to our advantage. So today, we speak with a leading voice in the

Oct 15, 2024 • 32:04

In Good Companies is Back for Season 6!

In Good Companies is Back for Season 6!

Are you a business executive ready to take your company to the next level? Or, an entrepreneur who wants to set their sights on the future? Then stay tuned for Season 6 of In Good Companies, coming to you on October 15th! This season, we're talking about the future of work and helping you build a career for 2030. From AI to ESG, our expert guests are back behind the microphone to cover the hottest topics in the world of business with our new host, Ari Marin. Tune into Season 6 and get r

Oct 1, 2024 • 1:00

A Happy Place: Joy as a Business Question, with Ingrid Fetell Lee

A Happy Place: Joy as a Business Question, with Ingrid Fetell Lee

To conclude our Sea Suite series and help you get back to work on a high note, we’re bringing you an episode about joy. Recent research by Oxford University found that workers are 13% more productive when they’re happy. And yet, another study by BCG found that most company leaders aren’t building their strategies around how their employees feel at work. So joy? It’s a real business question.In this episode, we are joined by designer and joy specialist Ingrid Fetell Lee, to find out how

Sep 10, 2024 • 34:14

Money Matters: Saundra Davis on Adopting Financial Wellness

Money Matters: Saundra Davis on Adopting Financial Wellness

According to a 2023 poll, nearly 50% of small business owners felt stressed about their finances. So at In Good Companies, before we return to work, we want to learn more about our money feelings. Where do they come from? Are they serving us well? And how can we gain confidence in our potential, to build a healthier relationship with our finances? Our guest Saundra Davis thinks about these questions every single day.    Saundra is a Financial Planner and Coach, the Director of Financial

Sep 3, 2024 • 31:19

Brain Power: Refreshing Our Performance Mindset & Unlocking New Potential, with Dr. Julia DiGangi

Brain Power: Refreshing Our Performance Mindset & Unlocking New Potential, with Dr. Julia DiGangi

Whether you’re building your company up through growth and innovation or by investing in your culture, being in business often means striving for performance. But is there a science to good leadership? Research in cognitive psychology shows there might be. Our guest today is Dr. Julia DiGangi, author of Energy Rising: The Neuroscience of Leading with Emotional Power. She is a neuropsychologist who works with businesses and entrepreneurs to help them harness their power, and keep their m

Aug 27, 2024 • 31:47

Slow Burn: Understanding Chronic Stress & Overcoming Burnout, with Paula Davis

Slow Burn: Understanding Chronic Stress & Overcoming Burnout, with Paula Davis

This August, In Good Companies is back with a special series to relax, reset and dive back into business. And while summertime is an ideal season to press pause and step out of the office, for some of us, the need for a break is pressing. In 2024, 38% of US employees report having experienced burnout; a phenomenon recognized by the World Health Organisation as an occupational issue. So how do we change our systems and habits to enhance well-being at work, and avoid burnout? When it come

Aug 20, 2024 • 37:30

The Only Constant is Change: Embracing Flexibility in Leadership, with Jacob Morgan

The Only Constant is Change: Embracing Flexibility in Leadership, with Jacob Morgan

In 2024, flexibility is the word in everyone’s business. In a recent survey, the British Standards Institution asked more than 900 leaders worldwide about their priorities for their companies going forward. The results found that flexibility and well-being were the main concerns across the board. But what does flexibility mean, in practice? Is it a new way to consider our office environment, or a whole new mindset for how we lead our teams? Our guest Jacob Morgan has spent the last 13 y

May 21, 2024 • 29:12

[Fan Favorite] A Veterans' Lesson in Business Ownership, with LDR Growth Partners.

[Fan Favorite] A Veterans' Lesson in Business Ownership, with LDR Growth Partners.

According to the national census, there are 16.2 million veterans in the U. S., with over 4 million under the age of 55 years old. Many come back from deployment with a whole life ahead of them, and savings ripe for investment. So where does this new life begin? Our guests today will show you the way. In honour of Military Appreciation Month, this week, we're bringing back a favorite episode from last season. Remember LDR Growth Partners? They're a veteran-founded, people-focused invest

May 14, 2024 • 32:20

The Art of Standing Out: Finding your Business Niche with Robert Brawner

The Art of Standing Out: Finding your Business Niche with Robert Brawner

Great business often starts with a need that hasn’t been met. Whether you’re operating in an emerging field, or offering a new service within an established industry, a good niche holds unique potential for your company. Our guest Robert Brawner knows this from experience.As an environmental consultant and the founder of One Consulting Group, Robert was carrying out health and safety assessments, digging out landfills, and removing asbestos before climate change was on everyone’s mind.

May 7, 2024 • 33:11

CEO of What? An Innovative Vision for Leadership with Jay B. Sauceda

CEO of What? An Innovative Vision for Leadership with Jay B. Sauceda

Many corporate leaders share a capacity for reinvention, as proven by recent research by Deloitte. According to their 2024 CEO survey, 80% of CEOs can maintain vision and optimism, even when faced with global uncertainty. But what else makes a great CEO? In today’s episode, serial entrepreneur Jay B. Sauceda offers his own creative take on this question. Jay B. is the founder of Western Willow LLC and host of the Texas Country Reporter. Throughout his unusual career, he has launched and

May 1, 2024 • 31:26

It Runs in the Family: Expanding Business from Generation to Generation, with E.C. Malone Corporation

It Runs in the Family: Expanding Business from Generation to Generation, with E.C. Malone Corporation

In 2023, 87% of companies in the U.S. were family-owned; across the labor market, they employ more than half of the population. So on this new episode of In Good Companies, we find out what it takes to grow your business as a family, and pass down craftsmanship from generation to generation. Who better to answer these questions than Cornell, Roman and Ryan Malone? The Malones are a family united by their love for business. Together, Cornell and his two sons run EC Malone Corporation, al

Apr 23, 2024 • 29:24

Nobody Panic: Dos & Don’ts of Crisis Management, with Sydney Isaacs

Nobody Panic: Dos & Don’ts of Crisis Management, with Sydney Isaacs

In our world, it's not a question of if but when a crisis will strike. In 2023, 96% of businesses experienced emergencies, but only one in five companies were prepared to take action. So in today’s episode, we’re learning to expect the unexpected with the help of our guest: Sydney Isaacs.Sydney is a Managing Director for H/Advisors Abernathy, a communications advisor with one of the leading crisis management firms in the U.S. Far beyond PR strategy, Sydney has spent the last two decades

Apr 16, 2024 • 31:11

Fraud is Everyone’s Business: Cassi Chandler on Corporate Security and Intelligence

Fraud is Everyone’s Business: Cassi Chandler on Corporate Security and Intelligence

Welcome back to In Good Companies! This season, we’re connecting you with the hottest trends in business. So we start with a big question: in a fast digital world, how can we keep our companies safe and secure? In 2023, 40% of all US organizations experienced security violations; so what can we do to catch fraud at the door? Our guest Cassi Chandler has her idea.Cassi has been in criminal intelligence for nearly four decades. She spent 24 years in the FBI, working white collar crime, fi

Apr 9, 2024 • 24:33

[Fan Favorite] Turning the Tables: Diversity in Board Governance with Anna Catalano

[Fan Favorite] Turning the Tables: Diversity in Board Governance with Anna Catalano

In Good Companies is springing back into action! Season 5 is out next week, and to warm up, we’re bringing back a favorite guest from seasons past: the fantastic Anna Catalano. Her episode is a lesson in ambition and professional development. Over the last 20 years, Anna has perfected the art of board governance and sat on a dozen public boards. Fortune magazine named her one of the most powerful women in international business, which is no understatement. In 2023, women held only 28% o

Apr 2, 2024 • 29:38

In Good Companies is Back for Season 5!

In Good Companies is Back for Season 5!

We've only been gone for a few weeks, but at Cadence Bank, we miss our weekly dose of In Good Companies. But! We’ve got some exciting news. We will soon return for our fifth season. So mark your calendars: fresh new episodes of In Good Companies are coming to your feed in March 2024. We have lined up some amazing guests to dive into top business topics like: digital security, crisis management, leadership trends, and remapping our workplaces… Together, we’ll unlock success, one episode

Feb 29, 2024 • 1:16

In the Driver’s Seat: Your All-in-One Guide to Business Leadership

In the Driver’s Seat: Your All-in-One Guide to Business Leadership

Happy New Year! 2024 is here, and, as is our tradition, our team celebrates bringing good companies forward. So to close season four, we welcome back some well-loved guests to talk about one of our favorite topics: how to lead with integrity. Consider this your all-in-one guide to business leadership. This episode features a variety of short clips where our guests share their depth of experience to help you learn how to communicate better, take challenges in stride and land on winning s

Jan 12, 2024 • 29:10

[Fan Favorite] Sourcing Talents for Leadership, with Jennifer McNorton

[Fan Favorite] Sourcing Talents for Leadership, with Jennifer McNorton

New year, new you, same great podcast. We are back this week with another fan-favorite episode, which is our way of wrapping up the holidays and starting the new year on a high note!This week, meet (again) Jennifer McNorton, senior director of talent attraction at Indeed, one of the most popular job sites in the world. Jenn is in charge of sourcing and recruiting for leadership positions at Indeed. But she doesn’t just manage hiring at a top tech company. From her vantage point, she see

Jan 2, 2024 • 16:31

[Fan Favorite] Strategic Partnerships and the Art of the Deal, with George & Joshua Robertson

[Fan Favorite] Strategic Partnerships and the Art of the Deal, with George & Joshua Robertson

We wish you a very happy holiday season! Join us in revisiting a much loved episode from season three. It’s our gift to you to say thank you for being part of our In Good Companies community.This fan favorite episode asks: Are you thinking about selling a business? Or buying into a venture in the new year? Then you know that when it comes to dealing with the deal, both stakes and emotions are high. So, to help you navigate the opportunities ahead, we dive into the human element of merge

Dec 26, 2023 • 32:11

Broad River Retail: An Overnight Success, 20 Years in the Making

Broad River Retail: An Overnight Success, 20 Years in the Making

As a company, how long does it take to make it? The U.S. Bureau of Labor reports that 20% of companies go bust in their first two years. What’s more, only one-fifth make it past their 15th anniversary. But on In Good Companies, we’re hopeful. That’s why in this episode, we talk to Charlie Malouf, a leader who has seen it all, and came out the other end crowned with success. Charlie is the president and CEO of Broad River Retail, a home furnishings retailer and licensee of Ashley Stores.

Dec 19, 2023 • 33:28

Turning Data into Gold: Mining the Power of Data Intelligence, with Clarity Innovations

Turning Data into Gold: Mining the Power of Data Intelligence, with Clarity Innovations

Information brings us food for thought. It grounds a lot of our discussions, and perhaps, most importantly, it gives our work direction and purpose. This is why on this podcast, we bring you expert guests and start every episode with a little bit of data! A recent survey by Deloitte finds that 83% of business leaders believe leveraging human data can reap benefits for both their organization and their workers. But only 19% feel equipped to start this work. So how do you bridge that gap?

Dec 13, 2023 • 30:59

When Business Meets Love, Beer and Community: Nate & Kaitlynn Kressin Untapped

When Business Meets Love, Beer and Community: Nate & Kaitlynn Kressin Untapped

In 2023, beer became the most popular alcoholic drink in the U. S., with a market estimated at $74 billion. So perhaps it’s no surprise that in recent years an increasing number of businesses have taken to the keg. A recent article by The Conversation reports that since 2015 the number of American craft breweries have doubled. This rise in popularity is in part explained by craft beer’s power to foster community, which is greater than any of its corporate competitors. To understand this

Dec 5, 2023 • 31:32

How the Story Goes: Mastering the Art of Leadership Storytelling, with Esther Choy

How the Story Goes: Mastering the Art of Leadership Storytelling, with Esther Choy

Think about something you learned recently. Whether it is a scientific finding, a fun fact, a historical event or something else, there is probably a great story behind it. Research by the London School of Business shows that most people only retain 5%-10% of the information they're given when presented with facts and figures. But fold the same data into a story, and your audience will remember 70% of it. So it seems that storytelling is a potent tool. In fact, according to our guest Es

Nov 28, 2023 • 35:32

[Fan Favorite] John Hope Bryant on Empowering Entrepreneurs and Championing Minorities in Business

[Fan Favorite] John Hope Bryant on Empowering Entrepreneurs and Championing Minorities in Business

'Tis the season to be thankful! While our team takes a short holiday break, we’re bringing back a fan favorite episode from last season. It's our way of saying thank you for making “In Good Companies” a success. So together, let’s revisit a conversation that got us thinking about what it means to champion diversity in entrepreneurship. Because when in business, we all need a helping hand to reach our true potential. That’s especially true for those from underserved communities. So how d

Nov 21, 2023 • 26:14

Discipline, Patriotism, Family: Veterans’ Lessons in Business Ownership

Discipline, Patriotism, Family: Veterans’ Lessons in Business Ownership

According to the national census, there are 16.2 million veterans in the U. S., with over 4 million under the age of 55 years old. Many come back from deployment with a whole life ahead of them, and savings ripe for investment. So where does this new life begin? Our guests today will show you the way. In honor of Veterans Day, this week, we welcome LDR Growth Partners to the podcast. This veteran-founded, people-focused investment firm was built from the ground up over the last decade.

Nov 14, 2023 • 31:33

Under the Influence: Learning Marketing Strategy from Pop Culture

Under the Influence: Learning Marketing Strategy from Pop Culture

If you've been listening to In Good Companies for a while, you know that sometimes we like to shake things up. In this episode, we bring back a special guest, Dr Marcus Collins.Remember Marcus? He is a culture expert, marketing professor and author of the best-selling book “For the Culture”. He joined us in a previous episode to talk about the power of culture in building business strategy. If you haven’t listened to it yet, you should check it out!Marcus is an inspiring speaker, and he

Nov 7, 2023 • 14:35

 Nurture your Culture: Dr Marcus Collins on the Power of Culture in Business

Nurture your Culture: Dr Marcus Collins on the Power of Culture in Business

A recent Deloitte survey shows that our professional expectations have shifted in the past decade. In 2023, our youngest workers want jobs aligned with their values, where they have a purpose and find a sense of belonging. Increasingly, our workforce looks for good company culture, first and foremost. So how does culture drive strategy? And how can it help your business thrive? We ask Dr. Marcus Collins, an award-winning marketer, professor and author of the best-selling book “For the C

Oct 31, 2023 • 29:42

Raptor Technologies: How Growing Market Share Leads to Safer Schools

Raptor Technologies: How Growing Market Share Leads to Safer Schools

Listener warning: This podcast includes discussions of school shootings and trauma, which may be distressing for some listeners.A recent survey from the National Center for Education Statistics reports that two-thirds of American public schools now control visitor access to their school grounds. This includes getting equipment, hiring staff and implementing crisis plans. So, who designs these systems? We will find out today, with David Rogers from Raptor Technologies.Raptor Technologies

Oct 24, 2023 • 32:14

All Aboard: Anna Catalano on Gender and Diversity on Boards

All Aboard: Anna Catalano on Gender and Diversity on Boards

When picturing a board of directors, what comes to mind? Men in suits sitting around a table? Well, you are not to blame. In 2023, women hold only 28% of board seats in the Russell 3000. So how are companies making efforts to diversify their leadership? How can established directors lift up people who haven’t always had their seat at the table? What is the benefit of seeing more diversity in the boardroom? Anna Catalano is well-placed to know. Over the last 20 years, Anna has perfected

Oct 17, 2023 • 29:33

Trust The Process: How Human Connection Drives Business Performance

Trust The Process: How Human Connection Drives Business Performance

There is no P&L statement for well-being, but we all know a great team when we're on one. So, what’s the secret? How do leaders build a business culture where people feel good and work well together? How can companies make sure that their people show up every day as the best version of themselves? “With trust and connection,” says David Mead.  David is an international business speaker, leadership builder and co-author of the bestselling book Find Your Why. For a decade he has toure

Oct 10, 2023 • 28:20

Opportunity for All: John Hope Bryant on Building Up Entrepreneurs

Opportunity for All: John Hope Bryant on Building Up Entrepreneurs

Often, the story of an entrepreneur is focused on exceptional individuals. But every entrepreneur knows that they can’t do it alone. We all need a helping hand to reach our true potential. That’s especially true for those from underserved communities. So how do we empower entrepreneurs? What can we give them, and what do they have to do for themselves?To find out, we spoke with John Hope Bryant, an exceptional individual himself. John’s been called “The Conscience of Capitalism,” advisi

May 23, 2023 • 25:53

How to Deal with the Deal: The Human Side of M&A

How to Deal with the Deal: The Human Side of M&A

Whether you’re selling a business or buying into one, it’s a big deal. And when the stakes get high, so do emotions. On this episode, we dive into the human element of mergers & acquisitions. What’s it like to sell your business? How do you navigate change? What can you do to build trust?Fortunately, we spoke with two people who have experienced the whole spectrum of M&A transactions. Father and son team George & Joshua Robertson run GrowCo Capital, an investment firm based

May 16, 2023 • 31:48

A Whole New Ballgame: Jim Crane on Business Transformation

A Whole New Ballgame: Jim Crane on Business Transformation

Whether it’s because of new leadership, exogenous shock, or a plain old rut, all companies eventually need to change. While there’s no single template for how to transform your business, you can learn a lot from those who have done it successfully; and there’s probably no better example than Jim Crane and the Houston Astros baseball franchise. When Jim bought the team in 2011, they were one of the worst teams in baseball. Over the course of the next decade, they became one of the most s

May 9, 2023 • 25:33

Everlasting Love: Sustaining a culture of love

Everlasting Love: Sustaining a culture of love

Last week, Mohammad Anwar and Chris Pitre introduced us to the concept of “Love as a Business Strategy” and showed how beneficial it is to leaders. But leaders aren’t the only ones in a business. So, what does a culture of love bring to employees? The answer: a lot! They have just as much to gain from a culture of love as leaders do. Love as a business strategy empowers teams and makes them more efficient.While leaders are essential in implementing a culture of love, employees are key i

May 2, 2023 • 31:31

All You Need Is Love: The origins of “Love as a Business Strategy”

All You Need Is Love: The origins of “Love as a Business Strategy”

How much better would the world be if everyone loved going to work? How much more engaged would we be? How much more efficient? That’s the vision of Mohammad Anwar and Chris Pitre (Softway & Culture+), two co-authors of the WSJ-bestseller Love as a Business Strategy. They want to revolutionize the way companies do business, by putting people at the center of every decision. But this idea didn’t come out of nowhere. It was born from the real-life transformation of their company, Soft

Apr 26, 2023 • 38:44

The CX Factor: Creating Standout Customer Experience

The CX Factor: Creating Standout Customer Experience

Customers judge your company on more than just the product you sell. They’re evaluating every interaction, from start to finish: Was the website easy to navigate? Were the employees friendly and helpful? Did their order come quickly (and in one piece)? They want convenience, consistency and connection. All that adds up to a customer experience, or CX, as it’s known; and those two little letters have the power to make or break your company. The benefits of good customer experience are hu

Apr 18, 2023 • 25:32

Brand & Culture 101 (Rebroadcast)

Brand & Culture 101 (Rebroadcast)

We've received a great response from you on our sonic branding episode, so we wanted to ride the wave and follow up with some additional content on small business marketing. This week’s episode originally aired in Season 2.We interact with brands every day, so you might think you’ve got the concept all figured out. But experts know: looks can be deceiving. So, we sat down with some of those experts to get an unfiltered view of the branding process. Beth Flom and Andrew Bogucki are senio

Apr 11, 2023 • 22:36

Workforce: The Next Generation

Workforce: The Next Generation

We’re on the cusp of a new generation of workers. Young people entering the workforce today are, by and large, digital natives. They’ve spent their formative years navigating COVID, and this new world of remote work is the only one they’ve ever known. Like every new generation, they’ll have different values, different expectations and different approaches to their careers. So how do you appeal to the next generation of workers?In a tight labor market, this talent pool presents a huge op

Apr 4, 2023 • 24:07

Sounds Good: Sonic Branding and You

Sounds Good: Sonic Branding and You

These days, everyone is vying for our attention. We’re bombarded with videos, tweets, billboards, commercials–every company is trying to catch our eye. One way to break through the clutter is to focus on ears instead. It’s called “sonic branding” and it’s increasingly how businesses cut through the noise and distinguish themselves to customers. But what is sonic branding? To get the whole story, we talked to Stephanie Hunt and Lucas Murray, two members of global sonic branding agency Ma

Mar 28, 2023 • 30:13

Hire Education: How to Perfect Your Hiring Process

Hire Education: How to Perfect Your Hiring Process

And we’re back! Welcome to Season 3 of In Good Companies. This season, we’re jumping right into the deep end–of the candidate pool. On our latest bonus episode, we got a crash course in the current hiring landscape from Indeed’s Senior Director of Talent Attraction, Jennifer (Jenn) McNorton. She shared the macro trends that have contributed to the tightest labor market in over 50 years and what companies are willing to do to acquire talent. But getting great employees isn’t just about t

Mar 21, 2023 • 24:54

Trends with Benefits: Talent Acquisition in Today’s Economy

Trends with Benefits: Talent Acquisition in Today’s Economy

Full-length episodes from In Good Companies are almost back! To prepare, we’re previewing Season Three with extras from some of our favorite conversations. In this bonus episode, you’ll meet Jennifer McNorton, Senior Director of Talent Attraction at Indeed, one of the most popular job sites in the world. Jenn is in charge of sourcing and recruiting for leadership positions at Indeed. But she doesn’t just manage hiring at a top tech company–from her vantage point, she sees talent acquisi

Mar 14, 2023 • 16:10

Several Habits of Highly Effective Leaders

Several Habits of Highly Effective Leaders

We talk to amazing people every week on In Good Companies, and often we find ourselves with more great audio than we can fit into an episode. So in the lead-up to our new season, we’re opening up the vault to share some extra conversations with you.The first bonus episode features a familiar voice from our most recent episode: Craig Flowers, Army veteran and founder of Sideline Leadership. He spoke with us about talent retention and his “Know, Care, Challenge” framework for engaging tea

Mar 7, 2023 • 13:02

Know, Care, Challenge: The Keys to Talent Retention

Know, Care, Challenge: The Keys to Talent Retention

Over the past year, talent retention has become big news. “The Great Resignation” has seen millions of workers leave their jobs–and it’s not just entry-level workers either. Resignations are highest among mid-career employees. Their departure can be devastating to a business, wiping out continuity, upsetting team chemistry and necessitating an expensive hiring process, all while leaving your team shorthanded. One thing is clear: companies must do more than ever to retain their talent. B

Dec 20, 2022 • 27:14

Brand & Culture: A Case Study

Brand & Culture: A Case Study

On our last episode, we explored how to develop a strong brand. But it’s one thing to talk about those principles, and another to put them into practice. So, on this episode, we’ve got a case study in the process of rebranding from a company that just went through it: Cadence Bank. That’s right–us! In 2021, Cadence Bank officially merged with BancorpSouth Bank, which necessitated a large-scale rebrand to develop a new, shared identity. But while it presented massive opportunity, the bra

Dec 13, 2022 • 28:31

Brand & Culture 101

Brand & Culture 101

We interact with brands every day, so you might think you’ve got the concept all figured out. But experts know: looks can be deceiving. So, we sat down with some of those experts to get an unfiltered view of the branding process. Beth Flom and Andrew Bogucki are senior partners at New York brand innovation firm Tenet Partners —they help companies like Mastercard, Target and IBM build compelling and powerful brands. And they’re clear on one thing. A brand isn’t simply a logo or a tagline

Dec 6, 2022 • 22:06

Leadership, with Super Bowl Champion Keith Jackson

Leadership, with Super Bowl Champion Keith Jackson

Leaders decide goals and dictate strategy. Perhaps most importantly, they set culture. But the workforce is changing and leadership must evolve with it. So what makes a good leader in this current environment? How do you engage and inspire your workforce? And what can you do to improve, so you can build your business and career?To help us, we turned to one of the greatest leaders we know: Keith Jackson. Keith has an illustrious football journey – he played tight end at the University of

Nov 29, 2022 • 26:52

Commodities & Inflation

Commodities & Inflation

One of the most common portfolio constructions is a blend of stocks and bonds. The stocks power growth during times of economic expansion and bonds act as a hedge, since bond prices tend to rise when the economy is in recession. If one goes down, the other goes up. Except for right now. Since the start of 2022, both stocks and bonds are down. It’s the first time that’s happened since the late 1960s. The culprit? Our old friend, inflation. The Federal Reserve’s aggressive response to inf

Nov 15, 2022 • 26:54

Gone Phishing: Approaches to Cyberthreat

Gone Phishing: Approaches to Cyberthreat

Are you doing enough to protect your business from cyberthreat? With cyberattacks at an all-time high, you may not be as prepared as you need to be. You might even think your business is too small to be targeted, but think again: the Verizon Data Breach Investigation Report states that 43% of online attacks are now aimed at small businesses. Cyberattacks are also expensive – according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report, the cost of cybercrime against small businesses totaled $2.4 billio

Nov 8, 2022 • 26:08

The Fundamentals of Inflation: Supply and Demand

The Fundamentals of Inflation: Supply and Demand

Most people sort of understand inflation: prices are rising, cost of living is more expensive, your dollar doesn’t go as far. And that’s true! But what’s behind that phenomenon? That’s when explanations start to peter out. Fortunately, we know someone who is super knowledgeable about inflation Cadence Bank’s Corporate Treasurer Tell Alessio. On this episode, Tell explains the forces that govern inflation and the theory behind it all: supply and demand. Supply and demand are foundational

Nov 1, 2022 • 25:05

Point A to Point Z: Supply Chain Challenges

Point A to Point Z: Supply Chain Challenges

From the front page of the paper to the top of the nightly news: everyone’s talking about the supply chain. By now we know that pandemic factors across the globe caused disruptions to the logistics industry. But we rarely hear the story from the people running the show. So on this episode, we’re exploring the supply chain from the inside, with the people who know it best.Matthew Decker is the President of logistics company US Multimodal Group, and John Brooks is its CEO. Whether it’s vi

Oct 25, 2022 • 24:48

Inflation: The Future of Interest Rates

Inflation: The Future of Interest Rates

Welcome back to In Good Companies! This season, we’re exploring the forces shaping your business, inside and out—and to kick off Season Two, we’ve got a double whammy: inflation and interest rates.During COVID, the Federal Reserve cut its target range for the Federal Funds Rate to 0.00% to 0.25%. But now, in 2022, inflation has hit a 40-year high and interest rates are climbing again. In six short months, the Federal Funds Rate target range has risen steeply, from a range of 0% to 0.25%

Oct 18, 2022 • 28:27

Value Added: Wealth Transfer Planning & Next Gen Preparation

Value Added: Wealth Transfer Planning & Next Gen Preparation

You’ve worked your whole life to provide for your family, and you want to ensure they are taken care of after you’re gone. But passing on that wealth can be nerve-wracking. An inheritance has the potential to alter lives and cause major tension. How can you set up your successors for success?That’s where wealth transfer planning comes in. A successful wealth transfer plan passes on more than just wealth—it imparts core values, which help dictate how that money is used and gives inherito

Apr 26, 2022 • 25:00

The Next Chapter: Business Succession Planning

The Next Chapter: Business Succession Planning

Those who’ve started a business know: the business is your baby. It takes love, patience and sleepless nights to get it on its feet. As it grows, you’re so proud of it. But just like a child, there comes a time when you have to let the business go. And the hope is that you’ve prepared your business to function independently, without your guidance. Can your business survive without you? Can it thrive?Whether it’s by design or unexpected, there will be a day when you’re no longer able to

Apr 12, 2022 • 32:50

Executive Functioning: The Well-Prepared Executive

Executive Functioning: The Well-Prepared Executive

An executive is a key player in a business of any size: someone who is able to balance the complexities of their industry with the needs of their company. They’re someone with deep experience, who can lead a team and contribute to one. And they work tirelessly to make sure the business is positioned to succeed, both now and in the future. But who’s doing that for the executive?As an executive, you’ll have access to a much wider range of compensation packages, from equity to call options

Mar 29, 2022 • 24:31

The Art of the Possible: Mergers & Acquisitions

The Art of the Possible: Mergers & Acquisitions

You poured your heart and soul into making your business the best that it can be. Now that you’re ready to move on, you deserve a return that reflects all that hard work. But the process of selling a business is complicated: where do you find the right person to buy it, and how do you agree on a fair price? To complicate matters, for most business owners, this will be the first and last time they conduct a transaction of this magnitude. So, it’s important to get the advice of people who

Mar 22, 2022 • 36:00

I Will Survive: COVID-19 and Crisis Management

I Will Survive: COVID-19 and Crisis Management

Summary:COVID-19 has caused unprecedented business disruption over the past several years. Businesses had to implement essential health and safety protocols, shift to virtual, navigate changing regulations, and try to reach customers whose lives were equally upended. Everyone has struggled to find balance, and many businesses had to close their doors permanently. Though we hopefully won’t see another pandemic in our lifetimes, there’s a lot to learn from COVID-19. Today we talk to two v

Mar 1, 2022 • 30:46

It Takes All of Us: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

It Takes All of Us: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Diversity, equity, inclusion—these are fundamental ideals. Everybody can agree that it’s good to be diverse, equitable and inclusive. But if you don’t have the right plan, they can fall short of expectations. Plenty of companies have made commitments to DE&I in the past two years, but without a full understanding of both the benefits and challenges of the work, you might find yourself right back where you started. So, what is diversity, equity and inclusion? Why is it needed? And wh

Feb 15, 2022 • 38:16

Saving the Day: Becoming a Cybersecurity Superhero

Saving the Day: Becoming a Cybersecurity Superhero

You’ve probably got a security system for your building, with locks on your doors and safes for your important documents. But criminals don’t just try to take what’s in your cash register anymore. As the world shifts increasingly online, there are more and more opportunities for fraudsters and cybercriminals to intercept your money and data. And it takes more than anti-virus software to keep yourself safe. But your specialty isn’t cloud computing, it’s your business. So how do you keep

Jan 25, 2022 • 23:10

It’s the Economy, Stupid: The Fed, Economic Policy, and You

It’s the Economy, Stupid: The Fed, Economic Policy, and You

Highlights:What is (and isn’t) “the economy” (1:53)Is inflation bad? (4:31)How healthy is our economy (7:32)What’s different about our current economy than previous ones (9:21)Who’s in charge of economic policy (10:57)Explaining federal interest rates (13:53)Quick and dirty quantitative easing (16:02)How the Fed responded to COVID (20:19)Understanding how economic policy will affect your business (25:21)Economic policy and the business lifecycle (27:50)Links:Cadence Bank WebsiteCadence

Nov 16, 2021 • 27:44

Changing the Game: Alternative Lenders and the Disruption Mindset

Changing the Game: Alternative Lenders and the Disruption Mindset

Highlights:The definition of disruption (2:42)How to enter the market as a disruptive company (4:48)How to defend your business against disruption (7:38)What banks are doing to adapt to evolving technology (12:13)What is alternative lending (15:55)What makes an alternative loan different (18:39)Where do alternative lenders get their money (21:19)The pros and cons of using an alternative lender (23:03)Conducting due diligence as a borrower (27:01)Links:Cadence Bank WebsiteCadence Bank Tw

Nov 9, 2021 • 30:29

New Beginnings: Getting Ready to Start Your Business

New Beginnings: Getting Ready to Start Your Business

Starting a new business is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking moments in a person’s life. The stakes are high: depending on your situation, your whole net worth could be on the line. So how can you make sure that you’re in a position to succeed? On this episode of In Good Companies, we’re talking business beginnings—the things you can do to prepare for what’s ahead. Guests Alan Thomes (Managing Director of SBA Banking, Cadence Bank) and Allan Adams (State Director, University o

Oct 26, 2021 • 24:17

Introducing In Good Companies

Introducing In Good Companies

Introducing In Good Companies, launching October 2021.

Oct 21, 2021 • 1:40

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