Episodes

  • Navigating the Slippery Slope of Business Ethics: Alec Burlakoff’s Story

    Navigating the Slippery Slope of Business Ethics: Alec Burlakoff’s Story
    Dec 20 2024
    12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports and movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, Tom is joined by Alec Burlakoff, who shares his compelling journey from a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry to a cautionary tale of white-collar crime. Alec recounts his background in coaching and social work before transitioning to the pharmaceutical field, where his rapid climb to senior vice president halted due to off-label drug promotion and bribery charges. He discusses the ethical pitfalls he encountered, the consequences of his actions, and his subsequent indictment, pleading guilty, and serving a federal prison sentence. Alec emphasizes the importance of compliance departments in preventing ethical lapses and the necessity for sales and compliance to work in synergy. He also sheds light on the mindset of white-collar professionals, the dangers of working in the gray, and how organizations can cultivate a culture of accountability and integrity. Throughout the conversation, Alec’s transformation offers invaluable lessons for compliance professionals and corporate leaders on fostering ethical practices in heavily regulated industries. Key highlights: Alec’s Background and Career Transition The Downfall: Off-Label Promotion and Indictment Shifting Mindsets: Understanding White Collar Crime The Role of Compliance in Sales Accountability and Personal Journey Resources: Alec Burlakoff on LinkedIn Limitless! Consulting Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • Jared Connors on Navigating PFAS Regulations, Trade Sanctions, and Sustainability Reporting in 2025

    Jared Connors on Navigating PFAS Regulations, Trade Sanctions, and Sustainability Reporting in 2025
    Dec 6 2024
    12 O’Clock High, an award winning podcast on business leadership brings together stories from history, the arts, sports and movies, research and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, Tom is joined by Jared Connors to navigating PFAS Regulations, Trade Sanctions, and Sustainability Reporting in 2024. Tom welcomes former colleague Jared Connors to discuss key compliance issues as 2024 comes to a close. Their conversation dives into PFAS regulations, trade sanctions, sustainability reporting, and how businesses need to navigate these complex landscapes. Connors explains the critical impact of PFAS 'forever chemicals,' shedding light on state-level and federal restrictions, as well as the international obligations for companies involved in manufacturing and distribution. The episode also tackles the implications of trade sanctions and how companies can manage their supply chains to avoid disruptions, especially in light of global tensions and shifting political dynamics. Moving forward, Connors provides insight into upcoming sustainability reporting obligations such as the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and California's new stringent laws, emphasizing the importance of data collection and transparent reporting in mitigating risks. This episode provides a comprehensive overview for compliance professionals looking to stay ahead of regulatory changes and market expectations. Key Highlights · PFAS: The Forever Chemicals · Sanctions and Trade Restrictions · Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) · Impact of Tariffs on Companies Resources Jared Connors on LinkedIn Assent Compliance Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Sabine Kvenberg on Enhancing Leadership Through Effective Listening

    Sabine Kvenberg on Enhancing Leadership Through Effective Listening
    Nov 15 2024
    12 O’Clock High, an award-winning podcast on business leadership, brings together stories from history, the arts, sports and movies, research, and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, Tom is joined by Sabine Kvenberg to discuss the skill of listening in leadership. Sabine Kvenberg, a celebrated speaker and expert in corporate communication, brings a unique perspective shaped by her diverse background in performing arts and her career transition from a claim adjuster. Her expertise underscores the significance of effective communication, particularly for women in tech who may struggle with confidence in voicing their ideas. Kvenberg advocates for strategies such as setting clear objectives, rehearsing key points, and integrating storytelling to engage and connect with audiences, enhancing leadership and team dynamics. By focusing on body language, vocal variety, and the intricacies of word choice, she helps individuals improve their self-communication and overall interaction skills, fostering a more positive and collaborative corporate environment. Key highlights: Enhancing Corporate Communication Through Storytelling and Rehearsing Enhancing Communication Skills through Training and Coaching Fostering Collaboration Through Active Listening Resources: Sabine Kvenberg on LinkedIn Sabine Kvenberg Website Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • Leadership Lessons from A Man For All Seasons

    Leadership Lessons from A Man For All Seasons
    Nov 8 2024
    12 O’Clock High, a podcast on business leadership brings together stories from history, the arts and movies, research and current events to consider leadership lessons. In this episode, we consider the movie Man for All Seasons. · Movie Storyline · What is conscience? • “Let Your Conscience Be your Guide” • More never condemned the King. “The king’s good servant, but God’s first.” • Wrongdoing Makes You Lose Your Conscience-Cromwell and Richard Rich · Leadership Lessons • Practicing integrity for the modern business leader is not a simple and straightforward endeavor. Social media only exacerbates this. • A modern leader is “poured into the world’s mold of compromise and deceit”. You need an ethical grounding. • Practicing integrity demands that we, as leaders, constantly assess our relationships. Business and Personal · Standard of Trust Leadership • Competence, Pro-active and Accountable. • Creating an environment that allows strong moral roots to grow and be sustained. · Wrap Up and Close · Final Thoughts · Watch the Movie; see the play, read the book Resources Ten Timely Lessons from A Man For All Seasons Leadership Lessons from St. Thomas More A Leader for All Seasons Virtuous Leadership-Thomas More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    12 mins
  • Evolving Supply Chain Risks and Strategic Adjustments Post – COVID with James Gellert

    Evolving Supply Chain Risks and Strategic Adjustments Post – COVID with James Gellert
    Nov 1 2024
    In this engaging episode, Tom Fox welcomes back James Gellert, Executive Chairman of RapidRatings and Chair of Advisory Board at LogicSource. They are to discuss the evolution of supply chain risk management post-COVID. They delve into how the pandemic accelerated existing initiatives, highlighting the increased focus on using data and new technologies to enhance supply chain resiliency. Gellert emphasizes the shift from ‘just in time’ to ‘just in case’ strategies, the heightened importance of managing indirect suppliers, and the impact of current inflationary pressures on middle-market and private companies. They also explore the critical role of communication between supply chain executives, board members, and shareholders in navigating these complexities. The discussion underscores the need for more proactive engagement from all stakeholders to manage supply chain risk effectively. Key Highlights: Current Role and Responsibilities Impact of COVID on Supply Chain Risk Management and Post-COVID Supply Chain Strategies Inflation and Its Effects on Supply Chains Labor Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions Consumer Spending and Supply Chain Pressure Procurement as a Service and LogicSource Engagement of Boards and Shareholders in Supply Chain Risk Resources: James Gellert on LinkedIn Rapid Ratings LogicSource Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Finding Your Voice – How Caroline Biesalski Transformed Your Life and Profession

    Finding Your Voice – How Caroline Biesalski Transformed Your Life and Profession
    Oct 25 2024
    In this engaging episode, Tom Fox interviews Caroline Biesalski, an accountant turned podcast host and coach, who shares her inspiring journey from the accounting world to podcasting. Biesalski discusses her chapter in ‘Circle of the One Volume One’ and her successful ‘Inspired Choice Podcast,’ where she has conducted over 400 interviews in nine months. She delves into the critical role of intuition and influential works such as Napoleon Hill’s ‘Think and Grow Rich’ in shaping her path. Biesalski highlights strategies for unlocking success and authentic voices in corporate settings, emphasizing structured dedication, goal-focused thinking, and the importance of speaking from the heart. Additionally, she touches on the significance of making inspired choices and being proactive in changing one’s professional and personal circumstances. Caroline invites listeners to participate in her free daily book study on Be Connected and shares her aspirations for future in-person events and charitable projects focused on education and community. Key Highlights: Journey from Accounting to Podcasting The Turning Point: From Burnout to Breakthrough The Influence of Napoleon Hill’s ‘Think and Grow Rich’ Building Trust and Rapport Discovering Passion in the Corporate World Resources: Caroline Biesalski on LinkedIn Inspired Choice podcast Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 mins
  • Gary De Rodriguez on Garnering The Competitive Capitalistic Edge

    Gary De Rodriguez on Garnering The Competitive Capitalistic Edge
    Jun 21 2024
    In this episode, Tom Fox welcomes Gary De Rodriguez, an expert in humanistic neuro-linguistic psychology. We take a deep dive into his unique journey from volunteer work in the AIDS community to becoming an expert in neuro-linguistic programming and humanistic psychology. De Rodriguez shares insights into how he developed accelerated change techniques to help people resolve issues quickly, leading to his current role in training and consulting. They discuss the importance of self-leadership, the impact of executive alignment on organizational culture, and the significant role of emotional intelligence in fostering successful work environments. De Rodriguez also highlights the transformative power of kindness and humanity in bridging generational gaps within the workforce. Key Highlights: Professional Background and Early Career Transition to Neuro-Linguistic Programming Corporate Training and Self-Leadership Humanistic Business and Conscious Capitalism Implementing Cultural Change in Organizations The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership Challenges of Multi-Generational Workforces Resources: Gary De Rodriguez on LinkedIn Gary De Rodriguez Peopleistic Humanistic Business: Profit Through People with Passion and Purpose on Amazon.com Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Ron Karr – Beyond Data: The 80/20 Rule of Decision Making

    Ron Karr – Beyond Data: The 80/20 Rule of Decision Making
    Apr 26 2024
    In this episode, I visit with Tom, who welcomes Ron Karr, a long-time thought leader in the art of leadership, persuasion, and influence. They take a deep dive into the science of influence and persuasion and help the compliance professional understand how they can use this science to move the compliance ball forward in an organization. This script explores the belief that data is precious but accounts for only 80% of the decision-making process. The remaining 20% comes from an assessment of the individual’s current situation, mindset, energy, and skill sets. The importance of not solely relying on data is emphasized through a reference to the movie ‘A Beautiful Mind,’ where a Nobel Prize-winning professor suggests that math (or data) can solve 80% of problems, indicating the necessity of beyond-data factors in solving the remaining 20%. Key Highlights: · The 80/20 Rule for Leadership · Purposeful Reflection for Effective Decision-Making · Neurochemical Impact on Influencing Others Successfully · Propelling Success through Adaptive Strategies · Empowering Personal Growth Through Story Rewriting · Enhancing Professional Success Through Peer Engagement · The Velocity Mindset: Achieving Success Through Networking Resources Ron Karr on LinkedIn Company Blog The Velocity Mindset Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins