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
January 19, 2026 • 38 mins
In this episode of The Realistic CEO Podcast, Mike interviews Kristi Reale, a CPA and partner at Myers Brothers Kalicka. Kristi shares her inspiring journey from an uncertain high school student to achieving her dream of becoming a CPA and eventually a partner at a prestigious firm. She discusses her passion for math, the importance of internships, the evolving dynamics in the accounting industry with AI, and the increasing presenc...
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January 19, 2026 • 33 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, we sit down with Lindsay LaBonte from Applied Mortgage to discuss her journey in the mortgage industry and how she took over her father's business. Lindsay shares invaluable insights on what it takes to qualify for a mortgage, the importance of financial education, and how core values and community focus drive her company. She also dives into the challenges of scaling a business, balan...
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January 19, 2026 • 26 mins
Join us on this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast as we sit down with Heather Burbeck-Rodriguez, CEO of General Cleaners and a fire and water restoration company. Heather shares her inspirational journey from starting as a part-time bookkeeper to becoming a successful business owner. She discusses the challenges of running two businesses, the importance of continuous learning, team building, and the rewarding experience of givin...
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December 10, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, the host shares an inspiring journey from being dismissed in high school as unrealistic to becoming the CEO of a nonprofit organization, the Realistic Lemonade nonprofit. The guest, Megan, CEO of United Way Pioneer Valley, discusses her unexpected path to leadership, the challenges of running a nonprofit, and the importance of passion, community support, and mentorship. Megan also offer...
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December 3, 2025 • 36 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, host Michael interviews Mark French, the Chief Revenue Officer of The Republican. Mark shares his journey from an advertising assistant to a leadership role, emphasizing the importance of hard work, creativity, and genuine care for clients. He discusses how he navigates an ever changing media environment, builds client relationships, and leverages both print and digital advertising. Mar...
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November 29, 2025 • 38 mins
Join us in this episode of The Realistic CEO Podcast as we sit down with NFL legend Matthew Slater. Matthew shares his journey from dreaming of becoming a CEO to achieving incredible success on the football field. We discuss his high school experience, years with the New England Patriots, winning Super Bowls, and his transition to retirement. Matthew offers valuable advice for young athletes, insights into leadership, the importanc...
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November 28, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, the host interviews Paul Lambert, President and CEO of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Lambert shares his unique career path, which includes unexpected turns from professional theater to NBA special events management, and finally landing in the world of classical music. He discusses the challenges of running a symphony orchestra in today's economic climate and the creative strategie...
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November 9, 2025 • 19 mins
Join us in this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Rachelle Hannoush, founder of Rooted Leaders. Rachelle shares her path from struggling student to CEO, providing valuable insights into early childhood education and entrepreneurship. Discover how she navigated challenges, set goals, and continually sought self-improvement to achieve her dreams. Perfect for aspiring leaders and educators,...
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November 7, 2025 • 39 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Andrea Bordenca. Andrea shares her path from dreaming of becoming a CEO at a young age, to taking over her family business, Desco Service, under challenging circumstances. Learn about the importance of creating an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, overcoming skepticism in a male-dominated industry, and balancing personal stru...
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November 1, 2025 • 25 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, Mikey interviews Patrick Kubala, the CEO of a window and door replacement company in Ludlow, Massachusetts. Patrick shares his journey from working in the summer heat to running a successful business with 17 employees. He talks about his initial struggles, the importance of mentorship, focusing on core business services, and building a strong team. Patrick also discusses the significanc...
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October 25, 2025 • 29 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, join us as we dive into the remarkable journey of Carla Cosenzi, President of Tommy Car Auto Group. Carla shares her inspiring story from pursuing a master's degree in clinical psychology to unexpectedly joining her family’s car business. Hear about the challenges she faced, the importance of investing in her team, and how she transformed the car buying experience by building lasting cu...
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October 18, 2025 • 47 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, the host shares his lifelong dream of becoming a CEO and introduces guest Casey Anton, a former restaurateur who transitioned into helping businesses manage their finances. Casey discusses her journey, starting from managing a successful restaurant in Boston to becoming an expert in financial management for small businesses. She explains how her practical experience with restaurant fina...
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October 5, 2025 • 39 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, the host sits down with seasoned entrepreneur and real estate expert James Fiore. James shares his incredible journey of owning and flipping over 300 properties and multiple businesses, including retail stores and insurance companies. Despite starting small, he managed to build a significant portfolio worth millions. He discusses his experiences in real estate, his strategies for buying...
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September 27, 2025 • 41 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, host Mikey sits down with Tucker Bartone, a multi-franchise owner of Crumble and PLAYA Bowls. Tucker shares his incredible journey from a high school dream of becoming a CEO to managing multiple successful franchises. Hear about his unique path through a major in graphic design, psychology, dropping out of college, and making game changing decisions like pursuing full commission sales a...
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September 11, 2025 • 36 mins
Welcome to another episode of the Realistic CEO podcast! In this special episode, we interview Stacy Ashton, a real estate broker who owns a building on 107 Williams Street in North Hampton, Massachusetts. Join us as Stacy gives us a detailed tour of a unit in her building, sharing insights into her design choices and the thoughtfulness she puts into making each unit unique and comfortable. Stacy also dives deep into her journey fr...
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September 4, 2025 • 28 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, host Mikey interviews Matthew Bannister, head of marketing and corporate responsibility at PeoplesBank. Matthew shares his career journey from his first job in banking to his current role, discussing the rewarding aspects of his job, the evolution of advertising, and the significance of playing the long game in one’s career. He also reflects on the importance of aligning personal belief...
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August 27, 2025 • 38 mins
In this episode of The Realistic CEO Podcast, Mikey sits down with Victor Woolridge, a seasoned board member of corporate and non-profit organizations. Victor shares his journey as having a successful career in investments and board management. He discusses the importance of passion, determination, and learning in achieving professional goals. Victor also explains the differences between for-profit and non-profit organizations, the...
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August 20, 2025 • 29 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, our host interviews Sam Bradley, Executive Director of the Pan-African Historical Museum USA (PAHMUSA) in Springfield, Massachusetts. Sam shares his incredible journey from aspiring to be a CEO as a child, navigating a career in the music industry, to overcoming life-threatening health challenges and eventually running a nonprofit museum. Tune in to hear about his leadership lessons, th...
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August 14, 2025 • 35 mins
Join us in this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast as we dive deep into the incredible journey of Nicole Nell, the President of Visual Sound Productions. Discover how she transitioned from being a professional dance choreographer to running a multifaceted production company comprising four distinct divisions—VSP Weddings, VSP Multimedia, VSP AV, and VSP Talent. Learn about her background, challenges, and how she grew her business...
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August 12, 2025 • 24 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, join the host Mikey as he interviews Lauren Tabin, a Vice President at ESB Bank, about her remarkable journey from starting as a bank teller to managing two offices. Lauren shares valuable insights into her career, the challenges she overcame, and the importance of hard work, networking, and staying true to oneself. She also provides practical advice for aspiring professionals in the ba...
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