In this episode of the Drop In CEO podcast, Thom Singer, CEO of the Austin Technology Council. Tom shares his journey from sales and marketing to becoming a keynote speaker and author. He emphasizes the value of building strong relationships and the role of human interaction in navigating today's AI-driven world. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Thom illustrates how connections and community can propel career success and business growth, especially for C-Suite leaders.

 

Episode Highlights:

03:48 Navigating Career Transitions and Challenges

05:02 Balancing Multiple Roles and Family Life

08:51 The Importance of Networking and Building Relationships

20:07 The Human Side of Business

 

Thom Singer is the CEO of the Austin Technology Council and a dynamic keynote speaker who specializes in the power of relationships, trust, and accountability in business. With over a decade of experience, Thom has energized more than 1,000 audiences through high-energy, action-driven presentations. Known as “The Conference Catalyst,” he fosters lasting connections before, during, and after his talks. A Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), Thom is also the author of 12 books and host of the Making Waves At C-Level podcast, where he interviews top business leaders. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and two daughters.

 

Connect with Thom Singer:

Company Website: Https://thomsinger.com

Linkedin:LinkedIn.com/in/thomsinger

 

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In this episode of the Drop In CEO podcast, Thom Singer, CEO of the Austin Technology Council. Tom shares his journey from sales and marketing to becoming a keynote speaker and author. He emphasizes the value of building strong relationships and the role of human interaction in navigating today's AI-driven world. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Thom illustrates how connections and community can propel career success and business growth, especially for C-Suite leaders.
&nbsp;
Episode Highlights:
03:48&nbsp;Navigating Career Transitions and Challenges
05:02&nbsp;Balancing Multiple Roles and Family Life
08:51&nbsp;The Importance of Networking and Building Relationships
20:07&nbsp;The Human Side of Business
&nbsp;
Thom Singer is the CEO of the Austin Technology Council and a dynamic keynote speaker who specializes in the power of relationships, trust, and accountability in business. With over a decade of experience, Thom has energized more than 1,000 audiences through high-energy, action-driven presentations. Known as &ldquo;The Conference Catalyst,&rdquo; he fosters lasting connections before, during, and after his talks. A Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), Thom is also the author of 12 books and host of the Making Waves At C-Level podcast, where he interviews top business leaders. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and two daughters.
&nbsp;
Connect with Thom Singer:
Company Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://thomsinger.com/">Https://thomsinger.com</a>
Linkedin: <a href="http://linkedin.com/in/thomsinger">LinkedIn.com/in/thomsinger</a>
&nbsp;
For More Insights from The Drop In CEO:
📅 Book a Call: https://bit.ly/4cToGDs 📺 Follow on YouTube: https://bit.ly/47GgMdn 📰 Sign Up for the Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3T09kVc

Inspire your team. Elevate your people. Transform your organization from within.

The most common problem business leaders face is being able to identify a problem before it ripples into the entire organization. As the Drop in CEO I help businesses get to the root of the issue and use 15+ years of proven executive leadership strategies to fix the problem and make way for a brighter future.

Join me, Deborah Coviello, each week as I connect you with CEO’s and industry leaders who are doing the work of transforming their businesses from the inside out. Learn how to be an inspirational leader, take control of your career, and build a strong foundation of purpose.

What if the secret ingredient to your company’s success is you?
Inspirational leadership starts with acknowledging that people are the most important asset in your company. Learn how to identify strengths within others and elevate them to the next level of success.

Inspiration and Insights from Industry Leaders

The Drop In CEO

Thom Singer: Human Connection in Leadership

In this episode of the Drop in CEO podcast, host Deb Coviello welcomes Joe Bockerstette, Managing Partner at Business Enterprise Mapping. Joe shares his journey from engineering to consulting, angel investing, and leading transformative workflow improvements for organizations. Together, they discuss the realities of process management, the challenges of change leadership, and practical advice for business leaders seeking sustainable growth and peace of mind.

 

Episode Highlights:
[1:00] Joe Barker’s career journey: from engineering to consulting and angel investing
[9:00] The realities and risks of angel investing for entrepreneurs and investors
[17:00] Mapping business processes: identifying “red clouds” and driving organizational change
[24:30] Real-world example: Transforming a marketing firm’s operations and achieving peace of mind

 

Joe Bockerstette is the Managing Partner of Business Enterprise Mapping in Phoenix AZ., a professional services firm delivering transformative workflow improvement. He has more than 30 years’ experience as a CEO, business consultant, and private equity/angel investor. Joe was previously a Consulting Partner with PwC, co-founded a private equity firm, Equity Management Group and was the first Managing Partner of the Main Street Venture Fund, an angel pledge fund in Indiana. Joe holds a BS degree in Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, and an MBA from Xavier University. He has served as a director on a variety of public, private, and non-profit boards and has co-authored three books, Attracting an Angel, How to Get Money from Business Angels and Why Most Entrepreneurs Don't, Time Based Manufacturing and Red Cloud Road, How Strategic Process Management Drives Competitive Advantage.

 

Company Website: www.businessmapping.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-bockerstette-86875a17

 

For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/

In this episode of the Drop in CEO podcast, host Deb Coviello welcomes Joe Bockerstette, Managing Partner at Business Enterprise Mapping. Joe shares his journey from engineering to consulting, angel investing, and leading transformative workflow improvements for organizations. Together, they discuss the realities of process management, the challenges of change leadership, and practical advice for business leaders seeking sustainable growth and peace of mind.
&nbsp;
Episode Highlights:
<ul>
<li>[1:00] Joe Barker&rsquo;s career journey: from engineering to consulting and angel investing</li>
<li>[9:00] The realities and risks of angel investing for entrepreneurs and investors</li>
<li>[17:00] Mapping business processes: identifying &ldquo;red clouds&rdquo; and driving organizational change</li>
<li>[24:30] Real-world example: Transforming a marketing firm&rsquo;s operations and achieving peace of mind</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Joe Bockerstette is the Managing Partner of Business Enterprise Mapping in Phoenix AZ., a professional services firm delivering transformative workflow improvement. He has more than 30 years&rsquo; experience as a CEO, business consultant, and private equity/angel investor. Joe was previously a Consulting Partner with PwC, co-founded a private equity firm, Equity Management Group and was the first Managing Partner of the Main Street Venture Fund, an angel pledge fund in Indiana. Joe holds a BS degree in Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, and an MBA from Xavier University. He has served as a director on a variety of public, private, and non-profit boards and has co-authored three books, Attracting an Angel, How to Get Money from Business Angels and Why Most Entrepreneurs Don't, Time Based Manufacturing and Red Cloud Road, How Strategic Process Management Drives Competitive Advantage.
&nbsp;
Company Website: <a href="http://www.businessmapping.com/">www.businessmapping.com</a>
LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-bockerstette-86875a17">https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-bockerstette-86875a17</a>
&nbsp;
For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at:&nbsp;<a href="https://dropinceo.com/contact/">https://dropinceo.com/contact/</a>

Joe Bockerstette: Transforming Business Processes & Angel Investing

In this episode of the Drop in CEO podcast, host Deb Coviello welcomes Terry Blachek, an accomplished entrepreneur and franchise leader with over 35 years of experience in the health, fitness, and consumer lifestyle sectors. Terry shares his journey from humble beginnings to scaling major fitness brands like Orange Theory Fitness, discusses the importance of clarity, business models, and mindset, and offers actionable advice for leaders looking to grow and sustain their businesses.

 

Episode Highlights:
2:22 — Terry’s entrepreneurial roots and early career in fitness and business
6:18 — The founding and explosive growth of Orange Theory Fitness
10:25 — The power of clarity, communication, and solving the right problem in business
19:36 — Mindset, overcoming adversity, and building a personal advisory board

 

Terry Blachek is an accomplished entrepreneur, speaker, and franchise leader with over 35 years in health, fitness, and lifestyle industries. As Managing Director at Franvest Capital Partners, he scales high-growth brands, including The Dog Stop. A founding partner of Orangetheory Fitness, he built Austin Fitness Group into 130+ studios and earned induction into the Orangetheory Hall of Fame. A recognized industry voice, he’s spoken at IHRSA, Disney Institute, and hosts the Tuesday with Terry podcast. Formerly an executive at Crunch, Lifestyle Family Fitness, and The Fitness Company, Terry continues to inspire leaders with his proven expertise in growth, culture, and performance.

 

Company Website: https://franvest.ca/our-team/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terry_blachek/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-blachek-78431a174/

 

For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/

In this episode of the Drop in CEO podcast, host Deb Coviello welcomes Terry Blachek, an accomplished entrepreneur and franchise leader with over 35 years of experience in the health, fitness, and consumer lifestyle sectors. Terry shares his journey from humble beginnings to scaling major fitness brands like Orange Theory Fitness, discusses the importance of clarity, business models, and mindset, and offers actionable advice for leaders looking to grow and sustain their businesses.
&nbsp;
Episode Highlights:
<ul>
<li>2:22 &mdash; Terry&rsquo;s entrepreneurial roots and early career in fitness and business</li>
<li>6:18 &mdash; The founding and explosive growth of Orange Theory Fitness</li>
<li>10:25 &mdash; The power of clarity, communication, and solving the right problem in business</li>
<li>19:36 &mdash; Mindset, overcoming adversity, and building a personal advisory board</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Terry Blachek is an accomplished entrepreneur, speaker, and franchise leader with over 35 years in health, fitness, and lifestyle industries. As Managing Director at Franvest Capital Partners, he scales high-growth brands, including The Dog Stop. A founding partner of Orangetheory Fitness, he built Austin Fitness Group into 130+ studios and earned induction into the Orangetheory Hall of Fame. A recognized industry voice, he&rsquo;s spoken at IHRSA, Disney Institute, and hosts the Tuesday with Terry podcast. Formerly an executive at Crunch, Lifestyle Family Fitness, and The Fitness Company, Terry continues to inspire leaders with his proven expertise in growth, culture, and performance.
&nbsp;
Company Website: <a href="https://franvest.ca/our-team/">https://franvest.ca/our-team/</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/terry_blachek/">https://www.instagram.com/terry_blachek/</a>&nbsp;
LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-blachek-78431a174/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-blachek-78431a174/</a>
&nbsp;
For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at:&nbsp;<a href="https://dropinceo.com/contact/">https://dropinceo.com/contact/</a>

Terry Blachek: Building Brands and Embracing Change

In this episode of the Drop in CEO podcast, Deb Coviello welcomes back Todd Wilkowski, a seasoned fractional general counsel and trusted advisor to family-owned and closely held businesses. Together, they explore the evolution of the fractional executive model, the importance of building relationships over transactions, and how proactive legal and business strategies can empower small and medium-sized businesses. Todd shares personal stories, the VROOM framework, and insights on collaboration, risk, and the future of work in the age of AI.

 

Episode Highlights:
02:00 – Todd shares his unique background, from Air Force officer to trusted legal advisor, and the value of diverse experiences.
21:00 – The rise of the fractional executive model: why relationships, not transactions, are the future for business advisors.
33:00 – Introducing the VROOM framework: Value, Relationship, Resources, Responsiveness, Relevancy, and Measurability for client success.
45:30 – Embracing AI and collaboration: how technology and human connection are shaping the next era of business leadership.

 

Todd is a trusted advisor and outside general counsel for private, closely held, and family-owned businesses. A former Air Force officer and experienced construction law attorney, he brings a unique perspective to risk management, compliance, and strategy. Before joining Frost Brown Todd, he spent seven years as General Counsel for Baker Concrete Construction, overseeing all legal and enterprise risk functions. Todd provides practical, strategic counsel on contracts, disputes, HR, and governance, helping companies strengthen operations and seize growth opportunities. His proactive, business-minded approach helps clients manage risk, plan for succession, and position their organizations for long-term success.

 

Company Website: https://frostbrowntodd.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-wilkowski-8802286/

 

For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/

In this episode of the Drop in CEO podcast, Deb Coviello welcomes back Todd Wilkowski, a seasoned fractional general counsel and trusted advisor to family-owned and closely held businesses. Together, they explore the evolution of the fractional executive model, the importance of building relationships over transactions, and how proactive legal and business strategies can empower small and medium-sized businesses. Todd shares personal stories, the VROOM framework, and insights on collaboration, risk, and the future of work in the age of AI.
&nbsp;
Episode Highlights:
<ol>
<li>02:00 &ndash; Todd shares his unique background, from Air Force officer to trusted legal advisor, and the value of diverse experiences.</li>
<li>21:00 &ndash; The rise of the fractional executive model: why relationships, not transactions, are the future for business advisors.</li>
<li>33:00 &ndash; Introducing the VROOM framework: Value, Relationship, Resources, Responsiveness, Relevancy, and Measurability for client success.</li>
<li>45:30 &ndash; Embracing AI and collaboration: how technology and human connection are shaping the next era of business leadership.</li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
Todd is a trusted advisor and outside general counsel for private, closely held, and family-owned businesses. A former Air Force officer and experienced construction law attorney, he brings a unique perspective to risk management, compliance, and strategy. Before joining Frost Brown Todd, he spent seven years as General Counsel for Baker Concrete Construction, overseeing all legal and enterprise risk functions. Todd provides practical, strategic counsel on contracts, disputes, HR, and governance, helping companies strengthen operations and seize growth opportunities. His proactive, business-minded approach helps clients manage risk, plan for succession, and position their organizations for long-term success.
&nbsp;
Company Website: <a href="https://frostbrowntodd.com/">https://frostbrowntodd.com/</a>
Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-wilkowski-8802286/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-wilkowski-8802286/</a>
&nbsp;
For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at:&nbsp;<a href="https://dropinceo.com/contact/">https://dropinceo.com/contact/</a>

Thom Singer: Human Connection in Leadership

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