• Building a Culture of Impact Part III with David Peckinpaugh
    Aug 5 2024

    Welcome to the final installment of our series, Building a Culture of Impact Part III. Today, we continue our conversation with David Peckinpaugh, President and CEO of Maritz. As the first non-family member to lead this 130-year-old, billion-dollar family enterprise, David oversees their comprehensive solutions across events, engagement, and automotive.

    In addition, today's episode features two special contributors from Momentus Technologies: Laurie McGrath, Chief Marketing Officer, and Steve Mackenzie, Chief Innovation Officer. We'll hear from them later this month in our next series focused exclusively on associations and events.

    Key Insights from David Peckinpaugh:

    • Maritz Culture: An evergreen company focused on unleashing human potential.
    • Event Planning: Produces 9,000-10,000 events annually with a customized, design-driven approach.
    • Relationships: Long-term commitment to relationships is foundational. Opportunities arise from a strong network.
    • Tugboat Institute: Learning from other purpose-driven companies and CEOs.

    Career Advice for Young Leaders:

    • Find mentors.
    • Engage in educational opportunities.
    • Join industry associations for networking and growth.

    Special Mentions:

    • Laurie McGrath, Chief Marketing Officer of Momentus: Laurie brings over 25 years of experience in branding, product marketing, and SaaS technology strategy. She has led successful rebranding and digital marketing efforts at Tecsys and Intalere. Laurie holds a bachelor’s degree from Baldwin Wallace University and an executive MBA from Rutgers University.
    • Steve Mackenzie, Chief Innovation Officer of Momentus: With 38 years in the hospitality and events industry, Steve leads the Innovation Lab and has held key roles in event tech companies like EventBooking and Oracle. He recently received the prestigious IAVM 2024 Education & Service Award.

    Thank you for joining us. If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share. Check out the entire series for more insights. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes of "Accelerate." Together, let's accelerate! For more about David's work, visit Maritz.com.

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    24 mins
  • Building a Culture of Impact Part II with David Peckinpaugh and Bruce Harris
    Jul 25 2024

    Welcome to the latest episode of "Accelerate with David Alexander," part of our continuing series on family empires. Today's episode, "Building a Culture of Impact Part II," features an inspiring conversation between David Peckinpaugh, President and CEO of Maritz, and Bruce Harris, a transformative leader in the events industry.

    Bruce Harris, former CEO and Founder of Conferon (later Experient), played a pivotal role in shaping the industry, leading his company to become one of the largest independent meeting planning consulting firms in the world before its acquisition by Maritz in 2012. In this episode, Bruce and David discuss the core values and leadership principles that have driven their success.

    David shares how Bruce’s mentorship influenced his leadership philosophy, including the memorable moment when David sought Bruce’s permission to adopt the sign “Take good care of each other” for Maritz—a testament to the values that define true leadership. Bruce’s reflections on David’s career journey, from his early days at Conferon to his current role at Maritz, highlight the importance of integrity, cultural fit, and personal values in leadership.

    Bruce also recounts how David's ability to embrace fun and unconventional ideas, like dressing up in wacky costumes, broke down barriers and fostered team unity and client relationships. This episode offers a unique blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights, providing listeners with valuable lessons on building a Culture of Impact.

    Guests:

    David Peckinpaugh

    • Title: President & CEO, Maritz

    Bruce Harris

    • Title: Former CEO & Founder, Conferon (Experient)

    Key Topics:

    • David Peckinpaugh’s Leadership Journey: Insights from his early career to leading Maritz.
    • Mentorship and Core Values: How Bruce Harris’s guidance shaped David’s leadership style.
    • Building a Strong Organizational Culture: The importance of integrity, cultural fit, and fun in leadership.
    • Strategic Growth: The impact of Maritz’s recent acquisition of Convention Data Services (CDS) and its future implications.

    Upcoming Episode

    Stay tuned for the concluding part of our series with David Peckinpaugh, where he shares more industry insights, leadership wisdom, and career advice.

    Announcement

    We are taking nominations for Association CEOs, Executive Directors, and Marketing Directors to be featured in our upcoming episodes focused on Associations. Reach out directly at info (@) davidjalexander.com.

    Tune in, subscribe, and share this episode to unlock the potential for iconic success in your leadership journey. Together, let’s Accelerate!

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    18 mins
  • Building a Culture of Impact Part I with David Peckinpaugh | President & CEO of Maritz
    Jul 11 2024

    Welcome to the latest episode of "Accelerate with David Alexander," part of our continuing series on family empires. Today's episode, "Building a Culture of Impact Part I," features David Peckinpaugh, President and CEO of Maritz. With nearly 40 years in the events industry, David has been instrumental in continuing Maritz's success as a global leader in creating extraordinary experiences.

    As the first non-family member to lead Maritz, a 130-year-old, privately-owned billion-dollar brand with thousands of employees, David has pioneered innovative leadership solutions across various industries.

    Join us as David shares his leadership journey, pivotal mentorship moments, and insights on evolving leadership and building relationships. His belief that "it's not about revolution, but evolution" is a testament to his authentic and humble leadership.

    We also hear from Gerry Imhoff, recently retired CIO of Maritz, who shares his experience working with David and emphasizes his supportive leadership style. Gerry notes, "David's leadership is highlighted by a true spirit of partnership and a welcoming approach, embracing intelligent risk and fostering innovation."

    Additionally, Catherine McKenna, Executive Innovator at CMK Solutions, contributes her perspective, praising David’s consistent recognition and encouragement. She mentions that David is the same person to everyone, always giving his full attention and encouragement.

    Guests:

    David Peckinpaugh
    Title: President & CEO, Maritz
    Memorable Quote: "It's not about revolution, but evolution. Building a legacy requires patience and a commitment to nurturing relationships."

    Gerry Imhoff
    Title: Recently Retired CIO, Maritz
    Memorable Quote: "David's leadership is highlighted by a true spirit of partnership and a welcoming approach, embracing intelligent risk and fostering innovation."

    Quote Contributor:

    Catherine McKenna
    Title: Executive Innovator, CMK Solutions
    Memorable Quote: "David is the same person to everyone, always giving his full attention and encouragement."

    Key Topics:

    • The significant impact of Maritz’s recent acquisition of Convention Data Services (CDS).
    • David Peckinpaugh's leadership journey and the foundational experiences that shaped his approach.
    • Insights into building and maintaining a strong organizational culture.
    • The importance of patience and relationship-building in leadership.
    • The transition and evolution of Maritz's brand and strategic vision for the future.

    Stay tuned for our next bonus episode featuring David Peckinpaugh interviewing his former boss, Bruce Harris!

    ANNOUNCEMENT 🎙
    We are also taking nominations for Association CEOs, Executive Directors, and Marketing Directors to be featured in our upcoming episodes focused on Associations. Reach out directly at info (@) davidjalexander.com


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    32 mins
  • Stewarding a Family Empire with David Peckinpaugh, Dr. Lauren Cohen, Jacob Turner and Laurie McGrath
    Jul 1 2024

    In this episode of Accelerate with David Alexander, we examine the significant impact of family enterprises on the global economy, the essential leadership traits for their longevity, and the complexities of rebranding while honoring legacy.

    Episode Summary:

    Join us as we uncover how family businesses drive the global economy, achieve long-term success through effective leadership, and navigate the challenges of rebranding. Our guests share their experiences and insights, providing valuable lessons on managing family enterprises.

    Guests:

    Dr. Lauren Cohen
    Title: L.E. Simmons Professor, Harvard Business School
    Overview: Dr. Cohen discusses the crucial role family enterprises play in global GDP. He shares stories, including a 500-year-old Japanese firm, and talks about strategies for succession planning and leadership in family businesses.

    Memorable Quote:
    "Families are the hidden engines of economies worldwide. Understanding them is key to understanding the global economy."

    David Peckinpaugh
    Title: President & CEO, Maritz
    Overview: David Peckinpaugh talks about his experience as the first non-family CEO of Maritz, a 130-year-old family business. He emphasizes the importance of patience, relationship-building, and evolving leadership in maintaining a company's legacy and driving sustainable growth.

    Memorable Quote:
    "It's not about revolution, but evolution. Building a legacy requires patience and a commitment to nurturing relationships."

    Jacob Turner
    Title: Former MLB Player and Founder, Moment Private Wealth
    Overview: Jacob Turner shares his transition from professional sports to entrepreneurship. He offers practical advice on managing sudden wealth and creating a sustainable financial legacy, based on his personal experiences and passion for financial education.

    Memorable Quote:
    "Success isn't just about the peak moments; it's about how you manage and protect what you've earned over the long run."

    Laurie McGrath
    Title: CMO, Momentus
    Overview: Laurie McGrath discusses her approach to rebranding Momentus, a former family-led company acquired by private equity. She explains how to balance preserving a company's legacy while steering it towards future growth.

    Memorable Quote:
    "Rebranding isn't about wiping the slate clean. It's about honoring the past while innovating for the future."

    Connect with me (David Alexander) directly through email via info (@) davidjalexander.com

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    31 mins
  • Client Centric Impact = Exponential Growth with Angela Quinn
    Mar 7 2024

    In this captivating episode of Accelerate, join us as we dive into the remarkable story of Angela Quinn, whose unexpected career pivot took her from being a distinguished lawyer to the first Chief Client Officer at Husch Blackwell. With insights from former CEO Greg Smith and Office Managing Partner J.Y. Miller, we uncover the courage, innovation, and strategic vision that propelled Angela and her firm to unprecedented success. Angela shares her "midlife awakening," the strategic decisions that led to a net promoter score of 84, and her instrumental role in driving the firm's growth and operational excellence. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, career transformation, and creating a client-centric culture that accelerates organizational success. Join us as we explore Angela's journey from the courtroom to the C-suite, offering valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of following one's intuition.

    Follow Angela Quinn on LinkedIn here
    Follow Husch Blackwell here
    Follow David Alexander here

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    31 mins
  • Building a Billion Dollar Brand with Pavel Bosovik
    Feb 9 2024

    Welcome to first episode of Accelerate with David Alexander where we explore the life and legacy of Pavel Bosovik, a visionary leader and the embodiment of the American dream. From his humble beginnings in Ukraine to becoming a pivotal figure in the RV industry with 27 North, Pavel's story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

    Join me as we uncover Pavel's breakthroughs in the business world and his revolutionary approach to creating luxury expedition vehicles that promise safety, style, and unforgettable experiences. This episode isn't just a narrative of success; it's a masterclass in leadership, showcasing Pavel's unique ability to inspire belief in oneself, foster a culture of empathy and purpose within his team, and navigate the the road to build a billion dollar enterprise without burnout.

    Pavel shares his insights on nurturing talent, building a mentor network, and the seven pillars of success that have guided him through challenges to achieve monumental growth. From generating $50 million in revenue as the CEO of 27 North to interviewing influential figures on his podcast "Suits and Shoes," Pavel's journey is rich with lessons on creating a legacy of impact and innovation.

    This conversation will resonate with anyone looking to overcome adversity, aspiring entrepreneurs dreaming of turning their vision into reality, and leaders seeking to cultivate a thriving culture of belief and excellence in their organizations. Tune in to be inspired, learn from Pavel's remarkable journey, and discover how to unlock your own potential for greatness.

    Resources mentioned:

    • Want a luxury RV? Check out the27North.com
    • Pavel's Book "What It Takes" Pre-Order here
    • "Suits and Shoes" podcast by Pavel Bosovic, featuring Doug Pitt, listen here
    • Mark Thom Podcast Interview, listen here

    Other Book Recommendations:

    • Great Game Business Expanded
    • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
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    38 mins
  • Why Accelerate?
    Jan 15 2024


    Welcome to Accelerate. I'm your host David Alexander. With my background in creating content featuring top executives from GM, Boeing, Johnson & Johnson, and more, I bring you into conversations with leaders who are redefining innovation. In each episode, we offer a unique blend of insightful stories and practical strategies, giving you and your team tools to lead without burnout. Our discussions explore essential truths about work, life, and leadership.

    More than a podcast; it's a community dedicated to continuous growth and iconic impact. Tune in monthly for your dose of inspiration and actionable insights. Together let's accelerate 🚀!

    Connect here.

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    4 mins