The Best Boss Ever

Carl Thomas
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Carl Thomas hosts the series, in which extraordinary guests discuss their best and worst bosses, keys to effective leadership, winning management styles, what works, what doesn’t, why, and everything in between. Car's guest list is a who's who in Sports, Entertainment, Media, and Technology. Each episode is jam-packed with humor, wisdom, tips, tricks, and creative problem-solving. Subscribe now, and don't miss another one!

  1. FEB 16

    Season 5, Episode 12. Vail Resorts, COO, Jody Churich, discusses leadership, winter sports, and Olympic 2034 planning.

    Join us as Carl explores the career journey of Jody Churich, COO of Vail Resorts' six major destination resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Whistler Blackcomb, and Park City. We delve into leadership, innovation, and the future of winter sports and Olympic planning.

    32 min

  2. FEB 9

    Season 5, Episode 10. Janet Zuccarini, Founder of Gusto54, a 13 unit restaurant portfolio. With 30 years in the business she's an entrepreneur with all the ups and downs you'd expect. Don't miss it

    In this episode of the Best Boss Ever podcast, host Carl Thomas welcomes Janet Zuccarini, founder of Gusto 54, a restaurant group with locations in Toronto and Los Angeles. Janet shares her journey in the restaurant industry, starting with her first restaurant in 1996 and the challenges she faced along the way, including difficult partnerships and the impact of COVID-19 on her business. She discusses her father's influence on her entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic, highlighting how his pioneering efforts in the restaurant industry shaped her approach to business.Janet delves into the current state of the restaurant industry, expressing concerns about the challenges restaurateurs face, particularly in California. She emphasizes the need for labor law reform and the financial pressures that have made it increasingly difficult to operate profitably. Despite the hurdles, Janet maintains a positive outlook, focusing on creating unique dining experiences and fostering a supportive work environment for her team. The conversation concludes with Janet's reflections on finding peace and balance in her life amidst the chaos of the restaurant business.

    40 min

  3. FEB 3

    Season 5, Episode 9. Dave Klewan. GM of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera CC, and the Chairperson of the Los Angeles Sports Council. Dave's journey is inspiring and accessible. Watch and Listen!

    In this conversation, Carl Thomas and Dave Klewan discuss the future of sports in Los Angeles, highlighting major upcoming events like the World Cup and the Olympics. Dave shares his journey in sports management, the importance of leadership, and his role as chairman of the LA Sports Council. They also delve into the Ready Set Gold program, which aims to inspire youth through sports, and touch on the significance of work-life balance and personal values in the sports industry.

    51 min

  4. JAN 20

    Season 5. Episode 8 DP and McGhee. Experienced. Smart. Funny. Checki it out. You won't be disappointed. And listen to their podcast. Wait, What? Sports Biz Chat with DP and McGhee.

    DP and McGhee are competent, experienced, and hilarious. Learn while you're laughing. AB Inbev, ATT, McDonald's, and MoneyGram are just a few clients in their repertoire. This is a "must listen". And check out their podcast. Wait. What? Sports Biz Chat with DP and McGhee.

    36 min

  5. JAN 6

    Season 5. Episode 7. Dan Mannix went from Lead Dog to Underdog. On his way to Top Dog. If you ever thought about starting your own company, this is for you!

    In this episode, Dan Mannix shares his journey from his early career in sports marketing to founding his own agency, Lead Dog Marketing, and eventually transitioning to CSM and starting Underdog. He emphasizes the importance of professional persistence, building connections, and the value of workplace diversity. Dan reflects on his experiences in the NBA and the Olympics, highlighting the significance of teamwork and trust in achieving success. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, particularly in the fast-paced world of sports marketing.

    53 min

  6. 12/23/2025

    Season 5, Episode 6. Michele Kajiwara, SVP Premium and Suites at Crypto.com Arena at LA Live

    In this episode of the Best Boss Ever podcast, Carl Thomas interviews Michelle Kajawara, Senior Vice President for Premium Seating Sales and Service at Crypto.com Arena. Michelle shares her inspiring career journey, starting from her early days as an executive assistant to her current leadership role. She discusses the importance of mentorship, navigating challenges, and the lessons learned from her experiences in the live events industry. The conversation highlights the significance of attitude, integrity, and enthusiasm in leadership, as well as memorable moments from her time at the arena.

    45 min

  7. 12/09/2025

    Season 5, Episode 5. Professor John Cairney combines academic research with real-world business issues for Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.

    In this episode, Professor John Cairney shares his unique journey from Canada to Australia, highlighting the influence of mentorship in his academic pursuits. He emphasizes the importance of research impact on real-world issues and navigates the complexities of sports marketing. He reflects on his leadership experience during COVID-19 and the preparations for the upcoming 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, advocating for innovative university-industry collaborations and the role of disruption in leadership.

    49 min

  8. 11/25/2025

    Season 5. Episode 4. Frank Vuono is unique. From Young and Rubicam to NFL Properties, then founding two agencies: ISI and 16WMarketing, his creativity, character and work ethic never wavered. Watch

    Frank Vuono is one of a kind. In this session, he shares his extensive career journey in the sports business, highlighting the importance of mentorship, relationships, and leadership. He reflects on his experiences at Young and Rubicam, NFL Properties, and his own agency, discussing the lessons learned from both good and bad bosses. Frank also delves into the creation of the NFL Quarterback Club, emphasizing the significance of honesty and integrity in business.

    47 min
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About

Carl Thomas hosts the series, in which extraordinary guests discuss their best and worst bosses, keys to effective leadership, winning management styles, what works, what doesn’t, why, and everything in between. Car's guest list is a who's who in Sports, Entertainment, Media, and Technology. Each episode is jam-packed with humor, wisdom, tips, tricks, and creative problem-solving. Subscribe now, and don't miss another one!

Information

  • Creator
    Carl Thomas
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    110
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Carl Thomas
  • Show Website
    The Best Boss Ever