Highways, homebuilders and nonprofits: September on 'From the Corner Office' podcast

Be a force multiplier and someone who makes the people around you better. Never hire jerks. Once you make up your mind on a tough decision, don’t delay. Execute it. 

Those are some of the key insights and pieces of wisdom bits from the past month of "From the Corner Office" podcast episodes dropped by the Business Observer and sponsored by Synovus Bank. Highlights of the four guests include: 

Gregory Slater, CEO of the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, talked about the power of being a force multiplier in whatever you do. Slater, the former Secretary of Transportation for the State of Maryland, also talked about an important lesson: if you expect progress to be smooth, you’ll be blindsided when challenges hit.

Christopher Alan Homes CEO Ian Schmoyer talked about his unusual history, in going from surfing to now leading one of the largest homebuilders in Southwest Florida. Schmoyer — he has the no jerk hiring policy, though he uses more colorful language on the podcast — also talked about his top three leadership tips: Culture is the most needed thing in business today, your word is gold, and remember successful people keep it simple.

Shep Englander, CEO of the The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, talked about the importance of building a vision for your organization where everyone has buy-in. Another key to his leadership style? Once your direction is clear, act with conviction. 

The CEO of Smith & Associates Real Estate, Bob Glaser, talked about why humility and empathy are cornerstones of effective leadership. He also talked about how a code of ethics builds trust that lasts beyond market cycles.

"From the Corner Office" is hosted by Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and produced by Read Corley. Launched in June 2023, the podcast is a short, yet deep, dive into what motivates and drives leaders of nonprofit and for-profit organizations throughout the region. You can find "From the Corner Office" at your favorite podcast platform, YouTube or our website. Episodes drop every Thursday at 5 a.m.