Realistic CEO Podcast
My high school teacher said it’s unrealistic for me to be a CEO. Now I interview CEOs on my podcast to learn how to be a CEO. My goal for my journey, podcast, public speaking and book is to inspire people to pursue their dreams confidently, no matter what anyone tells them. Learn to be a CEO or become a better CEO with Realistic CEO.
Episodes
July 23, 2025 • 30 mins
Join us in this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast as we explore the inspiring journey of Shannon Rudder, President and CEO of MLK Family Services. Learn about her passion for social justice, nonprofit work, and how aligning with her mission has fueled her success. Shannon also shares valuable insights on building a dedicated team, the importance of self-care, and tips for those looking to make an impact in the nonprofit sector. ...
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July 17, 2025 • 30 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, host Mikey interviews Dina from 94.7 WMAS, who recounts her unexpected journey from aspiring elementary teacher to a successful radio co-host. Dina describes her career changes, from initially wanting to work with children, to majoring in psychology, fashion merchandising, and finally communications. An unplanned internship at a radio station opened unexpected doors, leading her to an o...
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July 1, 2025 • 25 mins
In this episode of the 'Realistic CEO' podcast, host Mikey interviews Seth Kaye, a successful wedding and event photographer. They discuss Seth's unconventional path from a pre-med student to a thriving photography career. Seth shares insights into his passion for photography, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned. He also talks about the importance of building client relationships, the behind-the-scenes work that goe...
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June 26, 2025 • 28 mins
Join us in this engaging episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast as we sit down with Dr. Kathy Martin, CEO of Glenmeadow, a senior living community. Dr. Martin shares her unique journey from higher education to becoming a CEO, the importance of transferable skills, and how she navigated this career shift. She provides valuable advice on leadership, team building, and running a nonprofit organization. Tune in to learn about the signifi...
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June 25, 2025 • 34 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, the host interviews Tracey, co-founder of Wicked Good Cupcakes. Tracey shares the story of how she and her daughter accidentally started their successful cupcake business, eventually landing a deal on Shark Tank and selling the company to Hickory Farms. Tracey discusses the challenges of starting with no experience, the importance of overcoming obstacles, and the value of persistence. S...
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June 24, 2025 • 32 mins
Join us on the Realistic CEO Podcast as we sit down with Nicole Obi, the President and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA). Nicole shares her eclectic journey from humble beginnings to leading a nonprofit dedicated to building black wealth through advocacy, programs, and events. Discover how BECMA supports black-owned businesses across Massachusetts, the importance of networking, and the lessons learned from ...
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In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, we follow the host on his quest to learn what it takes to become a CEO. Joined by Delcie Beam of Strategic IT, the discussion covers Delcie's journey from a high school computer repair gig to founding a successful, employee-owned IT company. They delve into topics such as the evolution of the business, the decision to create an ESOP, leadership qualities, and the importance of work-life...
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June 16, 2025 • 29 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, Mikey sits down with Tessa, the executive director of E for All, to discuss her critical role in nurturing new and growing entrepreneurs in the Pioneer Valley. Tessa delves into her unexpected journey from working in local government to leading a team that drives economic development. She shares insights about her work in fundraising, volunteer management, and relationship building. Tes...
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June 13, 2025 • 31 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Kevin Lynn, Executive Director of MassHire. Kevin shares his unique path from high school to becoming a CEO, overcoming setbacks and learning valuable lessons along the way. Discover his insights on leadership, the importance of relationships, and the value of persistence. Learn how Kevin turned challenges into opportunities and continue...
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June 6, 2025 • 32 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, host Mike interviews Joanna, Vice President at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. Joanna shares her inspiring journey from delivering newspapers as a young girl to becoming an influential leader in the nonprofit world. She discusses the importance of resilience, mentorship, and advocating for equity. Joanna also provides valuable advice for aspiring female executives and...
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May 23, 2025 • 35 mins
Join us on this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast as we dive into April's inspiring Journey from owning her own hair to becoming a distinguished reporter at the Republican newspaper. April shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood and a career as a hair stylist to becoming a successful journalist. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including domestic violence and academic struggles, April's passion for writing pr...
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Join us on this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast as we sit down with Ryan Alekman , an accomplished lawyer and entrepreneur who shares his journey from law school to building a successful practice. Discover how he got started, the challenges he faced, and the power of perseverance and hard work. Learn valuable advice on becoming a lawyer, starting your own firm, and the importance of giving back to the community. Don't miss Rya...
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In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, the host interviews Shandell, also known as 'Deli Sandwiches,' who shares his journey of becoming a successful business owner in the trucking industry. From childhood dreams to establishing his own business, Deli provides insightful advice on securing necessary paperwork, finding mentors, the importance of passion, and handling business expenses. They discuss the different aspects of ow...
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March 26, 2025 • 37 mins
Join us on this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast as we dive into Lena's inspiring journey from pursuing occupational therapy to becoming a successful restaurant owner. Lena shares the story of her family's deep-rooted passion for cooking, the challenges she faced in her career switch, and the steps she took to establish and run the only LAO restaurant in Western Massachusetts. Learn valuable insights on leadership, team-buildi...
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March 14, 2025 • 42 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, Tania Barber shares her incredible journey on becoming the President and CEO of Caring Health Center in Springfield. Tania opens up about starting as a switchboard operator and navigating her way through various challenges, including struggling with reading comprehension and balancing full-time work and education. Her story emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, the power of...
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March 3, 2025 • 39 mins
Join us in this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast as we dive deep into the incredible journey of Kerim, the founder and CEO of the Atlas Network. Kerim discusses his entrepreneurial beginnings from selling blueberries as a child to leading a global supply chain company. He shares insights from his 20-year experience, the importance of flexibility, and the challenges faced by businesses in managing international supply chains. Le...
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February 15, 2025 • 31 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, we explore the inspiring journey of Kashawn Sanders, founder of Follow My Steps Foundation. Kashawn shares how his organization provides customized youth mentoring focusing on financial literacy, professional development, and health. He recounts the challenges faced growing up in a non-diverse setting, the inception of the nonprofit during the pandemic and social unrest in 2020, and em...
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February 5, 2025 • 32 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, we sit down with Rob Madrid, founder of digiarks, a digital marketing agency. Rob shares his journey from working in various industries, including sports and automotive, to finally taking the leap to start his own business. He discusses the importance of SEO, ad campaigns, and creating a strong digital presence. Rob also highlights the significance of networking and finding the right cl...
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January 26, 2025 • 31 mins
Join us on this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast as we hear from Lenny, the founder of Underwood Photography and Upscale Socks. Learn how Lenny pursued his dreams despite being told to get a 'real job,' transitioning his passion for photography into a full-time business and later launching a successful sock line inspired by a vivid dream. Lenny shares insights on the importance of networking, the challenges of balancing work an...
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January 20, 2025 • 22 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, we sit down with Laurie, the CEO of Link to Libraries. Laurie shares the inspiring mission of Link to Libraries, which aims to provide books to kids in need to help improve their literacy skills. She discusses the impact of their work, the challenges due to COVID-19, and why having books that represent cultural diversity is crucial. Laurie also shares her personal journey to becoming a ...
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