From T-Shirts to Tee Shots: Lessons in Business and Golf from Dan Hershberg

In today’s episode of "Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney," we are privileged to have Sydney Grims, Director of Business Development at Fearless Restaurants, join us. Sydney began working in the family business at age 12, and her early exposure to hospitality sparked her passion.

A distinguished alumna of Cornell's Hotel School, Sydney not only honed her skills but excelled academically, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a specialization in Real Estate Finance. Her career path took her to New York, where she worked with the Hillstone Restaurant Group and later as a Hospitality Director for a renowned finance mogul before returning to Philadelphia to play a pivotal role in her family's business.

 At Fearless Restaurants, Sydney has been at the forefront of strategic growth and real estate development, contributing to the expansion and success of over a dozen establishments with thousands of employees. 

Sydney’s journey at Fearless Restaurants highlights the delicate balance of honoring tradition while driving innovation. Joining her family’s business came with privilege, but it took dedication, industry knowledge, business acumen, and strong interpersonal skills to run and scale an operation as large as Fearless Restaurants.

Sydney's insights offer valuable lessons in nurturing relationships and adapting to change. Her approach reflects a leadership style that empowers, inspires, and transcends personal achievements.

Check out the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. 

Learn more about Fearless Restaurants.
Learn more about Fearless Femmes.
Fearless Femmes Instagram: @FearlessFemmesPHL

Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara 

This episode was recorded in October 2023 before Fearless Restaurants announced three new ventures. Read about them here.

Watch the episode live on YouTube!

Today on “Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney,” I have the honor of sitting down with the Honorable Kenneth (Ken) J. Braithwaite, former Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway and 77th Secretary of the United States Navy. 

Ambassador Braithwaite shares his career journey riddled with personal antidotes of successes and failures and the profound influence of his family. He also gives us a glimpse into some of the biggest moments in his life, like when he received the call that he’s been selected for the position of Secretary of the Navy. 

As Secretary of the Navy, Braithwaite navigated the department through crises, emphasizing the importance of trust, culture, and leadership in rebuilding and strengthening the Navy and Marine Corps. He shares his experiences with international diplomacy, the strategic importance of maritime power, and his commitment to ensuring the U.S. Navy remains a formidable force on the global stage. He shares his expertise on how to build high-performing teams and the art of compromise. 

Throughout the episode, Braithwaite's stories of perseverance, dedication to duty, and love of country offer a profound glimpse into the life of a public servant who has dedicated his life to the security and prosperity of the United States. Join us as we explore the journey of a man who, through determination and a commitment to service above self, has left an indelible mark on the U.S. Navy and the nation.

 Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times by Donald T. Phillips

This episode is presented by Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, a certified public accounting firm specializing in tax, audit, and advisory services for businesses. They have offices in Media, Delaware County and Chadds Ford, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Visit their website at https://barszgowie.com/ to learn more about their services.

Watch the episode live on YouTube!

Today on "Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney," I talk with Dan Hershberg, founder and general manager of the Amateur Golf Society of America (AGS). He is a Philadelphia-born entrepreneur who has launched four successful companies in the past 15 years. His ventures include Philly Phaithful, a sports apparel line, and Workhorse Brewing Company, a craft beer business.

While at Workhorse, Dan introduced the Workhorse Tour, a one-of-a-kind amateur golf series that allows members to play competitive, tournament-style golf at their convenience. This innovative concept quickly gained traction, leading Dan to separate the Tour from the brewery and establish AGS. He forged a strategic partnership with the Golf Association of Philadelphia to expand the Tour across three states, offering over 60 week-long events in the 2023 season. The AGS Tour's unique format and booking platform enables amateur golfers to enjoy competitive golf on their own schedule, providing additional playing opportunities and a range of perks to its members.

In this episode, Dan takes us on his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the importance of pursuing businesses he is genuinely passionate about. Despite not having industry expertise initially, Dan relied on his extensive networks and prioritized the needs of his customers and employees. By combining his passion with a customer-centric approach, he paved the way for remarkable success in all his ventures.

To learn more about AGS or to join a tournament visit:  https://www.amateurgolfsociety.com/

The Pitch Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pitch/id1008577710

Watch the episode live on YouTube!

Ana Welsh, executive coach, leadership trainer, and culture consultant, brings a wealth of experience to part two of her episode on "Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney." With a decade-long tenure as a human resources executive, Ana successfully reduced turnover by over 50% by fostering a people-centered culture that fueled employee excitement and pride.
 
 Certified through New York University’s School of Professional Studies, Ana equips leaders with the essential skills needed to develop emerging talent while nurturing the loyalty and growth of current team members.
 
From conducting stay interviews to holding more effective meetings to psychological safety training, Ana shares actionable steps leaders can take to make real changes in their company cultures. She also talks about her experience as a working mom and how business owners can best support all members of their teams. 

 To learn more about Ana visit: https://anawelsh.com/
 Check out Ana's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anawelsh1111/
 Check out Ana's Instagram: @mrsanawelsh
 
 Headway: Daily Book Summaries: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/headway-daily-book-summaries/id1457185832

About Project Aristotle: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/28/magazine/what-google-learned-from-its-quest-to-build-the-perfect-team.html

13 Things Mentally Strong People Do: https://www.amazon.com/Things-Mentally-Strong-People-Dont/dp/0062358308/ref=asc_df_0062358308/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312243616995&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2515737165304603782&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007259&hvtargid=pla-433817530768&psc=1

 This episode is presented by Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, a certified public accounting firm with offices in Delaware and Chester County, Pennsylvania. Visit their website at 

https://barszgowie.com/ to learn more about their services. 

Watch the episode live on YouTube!

Ana Welsh, executive coach, leadership trainer, and culture consultant, brings a wealth of experience to this episode of "Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney." With a decade-long tenure as a human resources executive, Ana successfully reduced turnover by over 50% by fostering a people-centered culture that fueled employee excitement and pride.

Certified through New York University’s School of Professional Studies, Ana equips leaders with the essential skills needed to develop emerging talent while nurturing the loyalty and growth of current team members.

Ana highlights the importance of investing in your staff through continuous training, care, and education. By prioritizing these elements, not only will your company reap long-term profitability, but you will also witness a positive transformation in your office environment.

Throughout the conversation, Ana also addresses the challenges faced by new leaders, such as how to have difficult conversations, workplace burnout, regulating self-doubt, and managing up.

Ana shares practical strategies for seasoned and aspiring leaders. 

To learn more about Ana visit: https://anawelsh.com/
Check out Ana's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anawelsh1111/ 
Check out Ana's Instagram: @mrsanawelsh 

The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate The Three Essential Virtues by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Team-Player-Recognize-Cultivate/dp/1119209595/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OEKTULFHVY96&keywords=the+ideal+team+player+by+patrick+lencioni&qid=1688351610&sprefix=the+ideal+%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Dysfunctions-Team-Leadership-Fable/dp/0787960756/ref=d_bmx_dp_2imio79o_sccl_2_1/147-3980487-5319440?pd_rd_w=x1jIY&content-id=amzn1.sym.53195a53-b36c-4189-a456-516333207a26&pf_rd_p=53195a53-b36c-4189-a456-516333207a26&pf_rd_r=Y9HPV4XYB7XW3MBT91RV&pd_rd_wg=rQa1A&pd_rd_r=19c9ae94-f30d-4109-8d2a-c87dddb3b06c&pd_rd_i=0787960756&psc=1

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey: https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/1982137274/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PDAB3VKGTJSP&keywords=7+habits+of+highly+effective+people&qid=1688351849&s=books&sprefix=7+habbits+of%2Cstripbooks%2C322&sr=1-1

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1E32399VZBFQS&keywords=how+to+win+friends+and+influence+people+book+paperback&qid=1688351964&s=books&sprefix=how+to+win%2Cstripbooks%2C122&sr=1-1

This episode is presented by Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, a certified public accounting firm with offices in Delaware and Chester County, Pennsylvania. Visit their website at https://barszgowie.com/ to learn more about their services. 

Watch the episode live on YouTube!

Learn how passion led Meredith Buettner to walk away from her self-started political fundraising business to become the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition.

Meredith’s experience in political campaigns and public administration has shaped her into the perfect woman to lead the Coalition—with Metro Philly recognizing her as a Cannabis Power Player in 2022.

She was instrumental in the passage of Act 44, the most extensive update to Pennsylvania's medical marijuana statute since its passage.

As a one-woman show, Meredith leads members, lobbyists, and legislators to a common ground by paying attention to their concerns, effectively communicating, and giving them the knowledge to form their own opinions. 

Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition: https://www.pcanna.org/
Follow for Updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-cannabis-coalition/

Cannabis Grand Rounds Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cannabis-grand-rounds/id1605261194

This episode is presented by Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, a certified public accounting firm with offices in Delaware and Chester County, Pennsylvania. Visit their website at https://barszgowie.com/ to learn more about their services.

Watch the episode live on YouTube!

Podcast Audio Disclaimer: Due to the circumstances of this recording, which took place live and in person, there might be occasional imperfections or variations in sound. We apologize for any inconvenience and are working to improve our recording setup for future episodes.

Today on "Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney," hear from Main Line style icon and the queen of the Philadelphia bridal scene, Deborah Van Cleve. Deborah owns Van Cleve Bridal in Paoli, Pennsylvania, and is the president and founder of The Van Cleve Collection. Deborah’s career journey started in the classroom as a teacher, but she quickly realized she needed to pivot. She moved into the interior design space, then sold accessories at home parties before purchasing her first boutique. 

With over 35 years of design experience, Deborah could retire, but she loves the brand, the people, and the industry so much that she’s not ready to slow down. In this episode, Deborah talks about the best business decisions she’s made and what advice she has for aspiring entrepreneurs. 

To learn more about Deborah and Van Cleve Bridal, visit https://www.vanclevebridal.com/. 

This episode is presented by Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, a certified public accounting firm with offices in Delaware and Chester County, Pennsylvania. Visit their website at www.barszgowie.com to learn more about their services. 

Watch the episode live on YouTube!

Kim Wright is a mom to four hockey-obsessed boys and an entrepreneur with five businesses and over 100 employees. In this episode of "Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney,"  we'll discuss how Kim juggles her personal and professional responsibilities while giving back to her community.    

Kim owns four successful Nothing Bundt Cake stores, with more on the horizon. In addition, she co-owns Wright Commissioning, a company that specializes in getting building systems to function more effectively. Kim has no formal baking or construction experience. She is a testament to the power of self-belief and hard work.

 During our conversation, Kim shared her insights into why the franchise model was the perfect fit for her, the challenging decisions she faced, and the lessons she learned as a leader. Kim firmly believes in investing in her staff, empowering them to succeed, and giving them opportunities to reach their full potential. She volunteers on professional boards and donates thousands of cakes to local nonprofits and business owners in the Greater Philadelphia area. 

Kim’s Nothing Bundt Cakes stores are in Springfield, Wayne/King of Prussia, Ardmore/Wynnewood, and Collegeville, Pennsylvania. To learn more about Nothing Bundt Cakes, visit https://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/our-story/.

 Wright Commissioning: https://wrightcx.com/

Evan Michael Marcus and Tom Burgoyne’s book Pheel the Love!: How the Most Powerful Force in the Universe Builds Great Companies – Phillie Phanatic Style!: https://www.amazon.com/Pheel-Love-Powerful-Universe-Companies/dp/0692884300/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IIDS69TRV39F&keywords=pheel+the+love+book&qid=1685926690&sprefix=pheel+the+love+book%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-1

This episode is presented by Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, a certified public accounting firm with offices in Delaware and Chester County, Pennsylvania. Visit their website at  https://barszgowie.com/ to learn more about their services.

Watch the episode live on YouTube!

Follow the journey of Cheryl, Pat, and Michael Colleluori, the remarkable family behind the HEADstrong Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by cancer. Their story of sacrifice, resilience, and love will leave you awestruck and inspired. 

When their beloved son and brother, Nick Colleluori, a three-sport Hofstra University athlete, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, he witnessed firsthand the scarcity of resources available for cancer patients. Fueled by a deep sense of compassion and a desire to change the landscape, Nick developed a mission, vision, and logo for the Foundation that would support individuals and families facing the challenges of cancer.

Tragically, Nick's battle ended just 14 months after his diagnosis, but his legacy and dreams live on through his family. Honoring one of his final wishes, Cheryl, Pat, and Michael fearlessly embraced Nick's idea and took on the responsibility of bringing it to fruition. They understood that the Foundation would impact countless patients' lives and serve as a healing force for their own grieving hearts.

Together, they will share the risks they took to keep Nick's legacy alive. Their dedication, determination, and resilience allowed them to build a $27 million organization from just $67. 

Hear the behind-the-scenes accounts of how they navigated challenges, forged crucial partnerships, and rallied support from the community to create a beacon of hope for the cancer community. 

 Visit https://headstrong.org to learn more about the HEADstrong Foundation. 

 To support the Colleluori Family’s mission and donate, visit (mention this podcast!): https://headstrong.org/donate/

Watch the episode live on YouTube!

Discover the inspiring journey of Mike McCann, known as Philadelphia's "real estate man," as he rose from selling vacuums to achieving billions of dollars in real estate sales, earning numerous accolades, and leading a team of 300+ agents on this episode of “Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearney.” 

With 36 years of experience as a licensed real estate agent, Mike is now the associate broker and partner of KW Philly and the owner and operating principal at Keller Williams Main Line. He founded the highly successful The Mike McCann Team, McCann Commercial, and Unlocked powered by McCann. 

Mike's leadership style revolves around compassion, as he strives to understand people's circumstances and find solutions to help them. He is team-centric and seeks to ensure he “hires for life.” His team is well-acquainted with his famous "McCann-isms," such as "gratitude is an attitude" and "if you believe it, you can achieve it." In this podcast episode, Mike delves into various topics and stories, including his most significant deal and the pivotal role of social media in showcasing his brand and values. 

This episode is presented by Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz (BGA&F), a certified public accounting firm with offices in Delaware County and Chester County, Pennsylvania. Their strong presence in the real estate sector is evident through their valued client and friend, Mike McCann. Visit their website at  https://barszgowie.com/ to explore how they can partner with you in your financial growth and success.

Become of "raging fan" of Mike McCann by clicking the links below to learn more about his services.

KW Philly: https://www.phillykw.com/
The Mike McCann Team: https://www.mccannteam.com/
Unlocked powered by McCann: https://www.unlockedteam.com/
McCann Commercial: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mccann-commercial-real-estate/
Keller Williams Main Line: https://welovephillyhomes.kw.com/

Gary Keller and Jay Papasan's book, The One Thing: https://tinyurl.com/mry523suAs

Watch the episode live on YouTube!