Season 8 continues with our guests Jarryd Loyd from Loyd & Co, and returning guest Walter Mendenhall of the Male Mogul Initiative. This is part 1 of our 2 part episode with these gentlemen, who share about what they know about Chicago, its neighborhood, and its needs. Jarryd Loyd has partnered with his sister, WNBA standout Jewell Loyd, to provide opportunities for youth in Chicago to learn more about the opportunities the world has for them and to provide access to resources. Jarryd and Walter share about the role mentorship plays and why they continue to do the work in the trenches for a better future. They also share about the importance of being a part of a team and how the life lessons they learned are still impacting them today. Be sure to come back for part 2 next week!

Season 8 Episode 3: Loyd & Co with the Male Mogul Initiative

We continue our season 8 premiere of Bridging Chicago with part 2 of our episode with Kelly Fair and Cecilia Cuff. In this part, Kelly and Cecilia talk about why mentorship is so important to them, how it informed their desire to work with Chicago communities, and Polished Pebbles. Both Kelly and Cecilia are laying the groundwork for change in Chicago, especially for girls in the city who will know that there are no limits on what they can accomplish in their lives. The success of Polished Pebbles at this point is only a fraction of what the organization can and will do to help Chicago lead in all areas, and for all people to be a part of the change. Be sure to listen to part 1 if you have not yet, you don't want to miss out.

Polished Pebbles Part 2

We are kicking off Season Eight of the podcast featuring Kelly Fair, a Chicago Native, and Cecilia Cuff, a Philadelphia born Chicago transplant who has been shaped in her adult life by our city. These true ladies are truly community leaders and builders who are investing in Chicago neighborhoods. In part one of this two part episode, Kelly and Cecilia talk about Chicago, what makes it unique, and how the difficulties of that sometimes effects it. Their passion for the people of the city, mentorship, and healing is obvious, and pairing that with the fact that these are two women who are not okay sitting on the sidelines, means that Kelly and Cecilia are doing some big things in Chicago, especially on the south and west sides. Be sure to come back and listen to part two next week!

Polished Pebbles Part One

Priscilla Guasso, a bit of a reverse snow bird to Chicago, grew up in the Chicago suburbs, still has a lot of the big city, Midwestern mindset with her today! Priscilla joins the podcast to give share her expertise about the many areas that HR experts touch and how they can be a valuable resource to all employees. She also shares about what makes her so passionate about seeing many different kinds of faces around the table, and what she and her network are doing to help bring chairs to others who may have not had a seat before. Priscilla gives some incredible and inspiring insights, as well as shares about her book, Latinas Rising Up in HR and the many voices you will hear from when reading the stories. Be sure to listen to this absolutely amazing episode, you are sure to connect with Priscilla and how she is working to change the world!

Season 7 Episode 8: Priscilla Guasso, Latinas Rising Up in HR

Ivan Vislavskiy moved to the United States to pursue his version of the American dream, finding Chicago along the way, and the opportunities our city provides. In this episode, Ivan reflects on his time in Chicago, the opportunities higher education in Chicago provided to him, and how his family helped him dedicate his company, Comrade Digital Marketing Agency, to be a family-first company that truly partners with their clients. Ivan also discusses how small companies can make the leap to partnering with a digital marketing company, and what they can consider if they are not ready to make that leap. Ivan gives a masterclass on how keeping the faith, and sometimes bucking the trends, can help you grow your business the way that you want to and stay on the right path. The insights given by Ivan in this episode will be helpful not just for small businesses and marketers, but also to any business that has family oriented, people focused goals.

Season 7 Episode 7: Ivan Vislavskiy, Comrade Digital Marketing

Partners in life and work, Ron & Sue Rescigno of Rescigno’s Fundraising Professionals, join the podcast to share about their work and about how their story is a true Chicago story. Aiming to help nonprofits either get systems in place to help them improve their fundraising efforts, or to put some systems in place, their work is not a lot of glory but very important. Teaching about how we communicate the needs and goals of the organization, Ron & Sue’s expertise is obvious and incredibly helpful for many different types of organizations. The level of care that Ron & Sue give their work helps to ensure that the needs of the public and the organizations don’t get lost, and that they are fully invested in doing what is best for the mission of the organization. Don’t miss this very insightful and encouraging episode!

Season 7 Episode 6: Ron & Sue Rescigno, Rescigno's Fundaraising Professionals

Dan Futrell is a Chicago transplant, having lived on both the east and west coasts and is now settled with his family in the Midwest. A Pat Tillman scholar, Dan now leads the nonprofit helping to provide educational opportunities for veterans, which is headquartered in Chicago. Dan and his team at Polymath University are looking to change how people approach higher ed and making it more accessible to everyone. Marrying life and professional experience with classroom learning, Polymath hopes to create more well-rounded students who are ready to contribute to any field. Dan and his team are furthering education as a resource and making it less daunting for others.

Season 7 Episode 5: Dan Futrell, Polymath University

Season 7 of the podcast continues with Clara Lucia, the Founder of Breaking Through Consulting and Coaching. Colombian born, Clara Lucia’s story is one of resilience and adventure as she created her identity in Chicago. Clara Lucia saw the opportunity as an open door, a way for her to have many experiences that would lead her to the path of entrepreneurship and sharing that story with others. Her network played a very important role in growing her finding work and building her up to starting her consulting company. Be sure to check out this episode so that you can learn from her experience and be inspired to do big things in your own life!

Season 7 Episode 4: Clara Lucia, Breaking Through Coaching and Consulting

Today’s episode of the podcast features Jen Guzman, the Founder of Bestola Consulting. A Chicago native, Jen shares how the city has impacted her and informed her leadership style. Chicago’s gritty, Midwestern vibe has played an important role in her life and keeps her connected to home. Jen’s family has a history of humility and philanthropy, regardless of how much they had to give. Bestola Consulting is helping others learn how to bring their most authentic selves without worry about what others may think of you. Her story, and the story of Bestola will definitely resonate and inspire you to share your own story!

Season 7 Episode 3: Jen Guzman Bestola, Consulting

We continue our kick-off of Bridging Chicago's Season 7 premiere with Walter Mendenhall, Founder of the Male Mogul Initiative. In part one, we learned about Walter's childhood in the Chicago area and lessons he learned on the football field at the University of Illinois. Part two features Walter's work post grad, what brought him back to Chicago, and the Male Mogul Initiative. Walter also discusses a new project aimed at helping young people learn how their creative assets can turn into amazing entrepreneurship opportunities! Be sure to listen to part one if you haven't yet.

Season 7 Episode 2: Walter Mendenhall, The Male Mogul Initiative Part 2

The Bridging Chicago Podcast allows our guests to demonstrate their skills and experience, share their business objectives and perspectives, and engage with listeners. Our goal is to connect our listening community with business leaders in and around the Chicago area by discussing how our guests got to their current positions.