Realistic CEO Podcast

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

May 1, 2025 31 mins
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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January 7, 2025 29 mins
In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, join us as we chat with Michelle Grout, Executive Director of the Springfield Business Improvement District. Michelle shares her incredible journey from managing retail stores to transitioning into real estate, and finally, into her current role where she enhances the downtown Springfield community. Hear about the challenges she faced, the importance of listening, and why balancing work...
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Join us in this insightful episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast where we dive into the inspiring journey of Ryan McCollum. From dreamer to doer, Ryan shares his dynamic career in politics, working on campaigns, legislative direction, and founding his own business. Learn about the importance of relationships, mentorship, and kindness in achieving success, and discover how Ryan skillfully balances his professional aspirations with hi...
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In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, our host interviews Charles Evans, who shares his remarkable journey from aspiring NBA player to owner of a professional basketball team in the American Basketball Association (ABA). Despite facing discouragement and obstacles, Charles overcame academic challenges and pursued his basketball passion, leading him to play internationally. Along the way, he started his own clothing line and...
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In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, the host interviews Kelly Dobbins, a successful restaurateur, about his journey from a young cook to owning his own restaurant with an American Southern twist menu. Kelly shares his experiences, challenges, and lessons learned along the way, including his motivations, the importance of customer service, networking, and the significance of staying humble. He provides valuable advice for...
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Join us on this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast as we dive into the fascinating story of Anthony DiStefano, CEO of Western Mass Hospital. Anthony shares his journey from dreaming of being in business as a child, through various pivotal roles like sales, auditing, CFO, COO, and finally to his current position as the CEO. Learn about the challenges he faced, key lessons he learned, and the importance of mentorship, people skills...
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In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, the host interviews Dr. George Timmons, President of Holyoke Community College. Dr. Timmons shares his journey from being a first-generation college graduate to becoming a college president. He emphasizes the importance of time management, involvement in college activities, and networking. Dr. Timmons offers valuable advice on setting and achieving goals, the significance of grit, and t...
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In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, host Mikey interviews Matt Lyman. Matt, shares insights from his experience running a local distribution business. He discusses the transition from sales roles to entrepreneurship, inventory management, building customer relationships, networking, and the importance of resilience. Additionally, Matthew highlights balancing personal life with business demands and the role of mentorship f...
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In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast, join us as we dive into the inspiring story of Scott, the president of a valve company serving industries like nuclear power, commercial power, and more. Discover Scott's journey from a young engineer to a top leadership position, the importance of mentorship, and the key characteristics of effective leadership. Learn about the challenges of work-life balance, the significance of qualit...
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November 21, 2024 29 mins
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs: The Journey of a 21-Year-Old Realtor - Realistic CEO Podcast In this episode of the Realistic CEO Podcast (On the Stix Edition), I sit down with Jordan Torres, a 21-year-old real estate agent who shares his journey into the world of real estate. Jordan talks about his goal to be his own boss, how he got started at 17 through an internship, and the importance of having mentors. He also discusses the ...
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In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, Freddy shares his inspiring journey from starting in a mailroom to becoming the principal broker and CEO of Holmes Logic Real Estate. Freddy discusses the challenges he faced growing up in Springfield, Massachusetts after emigrating from Puerto Rico, and how he navigated through various job roles to find his passion in real estate. He outlines his rise in the corporate world, his strate...
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Join us on the Realistic CEO podcast as we follow an inspiring story from humble beginnings to achieving success. Our guest Lavar Click-Bruce shares his journey and the challenges he faced along the way, from academic struggles and family sacrifices to mentoring influences and sports experiences. Learn about his professional history, including his role as an associate executive director at the YMCA of Greater Springfield, his invol...
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