From the Corner Office

Mark Gordon

Join us every week on From the Corner Office by the Business Observer for exclusive interviews with accomplished business leaders, where we delve into their unique experiences and insights. Gain valuable lessons from their expertise that you can apply to your own business.

  1. 5d ago

    Chasing your dreams with Emily Adams

    Emily Adams can say she has literally chased her dreams, down to bolting from her Amish family and community when she was 17. She has since developed into a leader in manufacturing and technology, behind several entities in Tampa Bay, including Tampa Bay Tech Week. On this episode of From the Corner Office, Emily talks about finding her way in life, the qualities that make a good leader and more.  3 Takeaways: (09:40) Family first cultures can be a red flag (11:20) Start implementing AI with the leadership team (17:50) Accountability is the ultimate leadership characteristic Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Emily Adams, Managing Partner, HyLO Inno    (04:55) How did you develop this ability to push forward (05:30) What are you doing in the Tampa Bay area? (07:00) What is HyLO Inno and Gulf Works Lab? (08:15) “What I Know Now” newsletter  (13:00) What are young people thinking about AI? (14:25) Emily’s person AI use (17:50) What leadership principal does everyone need? (19:55) Best leadership advice Emily has received (20:15) What is coming up the rest of 2026? Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

    Chasing your dreams with Emily Adams

  2. Sep 24

    Leave no one behind with Mike Durkee

    A U.S. Army helicopter pilot, Mike flew more than 60 combat missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He started working with the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund in 2014 as liaison and was voted on to the board in 2015. Now as executive director of the organization — which operates statewide, including a large presence in Tampa  — he helps to provide guidance and essential relief to Florida’s disabled veterans on a daily basis. On this episode, Mike and Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon talked about the key leadership lessons Mike learned from the Army and how he stays cool in high-pressure situations.  3 Takeaways: (13:00) Teamwork is necessary, you can’t do it alone (14:30) Make the mission clear (16:00) Ask for help Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Mike Durkee, Executive Director, Wounded Veterans Relief Fund    (03:25) What is the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund? (05:30) The importance of dental service (07:35) Mike’s military career (13:00) What leadership lessons did you take from your military career? (14:30) Creating accountability without fear (17:40) Must-have leadership characteristic (19:00) Leadership lesson you know now you wish you knew earlier (21:00) What are you looking forward to in 2026? Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

    Leave no one behind with Mike Durkee

  3. Sep 17

    Sweet Storage Success with Robert Brown

    Robert Brown has been in the construction industry for nearly 40 years, leading GCM Contracting since 1988. With a focus on tilt-up construction, he has overseen some 1,000 projects. He is also on the frontlines of technology in the industry, launching and growing another company, with a niche in automated boat storage. On this episode Robert and Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon talked about his lessons in hiring and holding employees accountable and what keeps him motivated.    3 Takeaways: (11:15) Trust and transparency are must-have leadership principles (12:20) Hire slow, fire fast (16:50) You don’t always know what is around every corner Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Robert Brown, Owner, GCM Contracting Solutions   (02:50) What is GCM Contracting Solutions? (03:50) What is ASAR? (06:50) How did you get into this line of work? (09:30) Mentors (11:00) Leadership principles (11:45) Maintaining values through growth (12:55) Hard to hear feedback you learned from (16:20) How do you lead through uncertainty? (18:40) What are you looking forward to the rest of this year? Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

    Sweet Storage Success with Robert Brown

  4. Sep 10

    Be on the winning team with Bemetra

    Bemetra’s first career, in banking and finance, set her up well for her second act, in nonprofit leadership. Through her role at the Tampa Bay Partnership, Bemetra is a champion of regional cooperation and problem-solving based on issues and needs, not geographical boundaries. On this episode, Bemetra and Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon had a wide-ranging conversation on her background in youth and college sports, the leadership behaviors that rise to the top for her and how she builds accountability without fear among her team.  3 Takeaways: (08:35) Communication builds trust (13:40) Competence brings confidence (17:20) Having a little grace goes a long way Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Bemetra Simmons CEO, Tampa Bay Partnership  (03:40) Bemetra’s career and life after banking (06:20) What is Tampa Bay Partnership? (08:35) Communication builds trust (11:20) Bemetra’s sports background (12:25) Mentors (13:40) What leadership characteristic does every leader need? (14:40) What behaviors do companies celebrate that don’t necessarily produce results? (17:05) Creating accountability without creating fear (18:50) What do you know now that you wish you knew earlier? (20:40) Dealing with burnout and resource drain (22:30) What are you looking forward to the rest of the year? Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

    Be on the winning team with Bemetra

  5. Sep 3

    The Golden Touch with Scott Pinkerton

    The CEO of FourThought Private Wealth in Venice, Scott is a philosophical and forward-thinking wealth management entrepreneur. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Scott talked about why Yoda is a world-class leader, the difference between the Midas Touch and the Midas Curse and his must-read leadership books. 3 Takeaways: (02:00) Your story is how you differentiate yourself (16:55) Every leader needs integrity (19:10) Walk towards the difficult conversations Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Scott Pinkerton, CEO, FourThought Private Wealth (01:30) Why is Yoda a great leader and why do you have a statue of him in your office? (04:30) Rapid fire leadership questions (07:40) What is FourThought Private Wealth? (08:40) Midas Touch/Midas Curse (13:55) How has AI changed your company? (16:55) Leadership characteristics  (17:30) What books or people have influenced your business? (19:10) Leadership lessons (20:30) FourThought-isms (23:30) How important is storytelling to good leadership? (24:15) What are you looking forward to for the rest of 2026? Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

    The Golden Touch with Scott Pinkerton

  6. Aug 27

    Brian Henriquez brings the juice

    Brian Henriquez has been in the electrical and power generation industry for more than two decades and now runs Suncoast Power Solutions which delivers top-tier generator installation, maintenance and repair services across the Tampa Bay region. On this episode, Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Brian talked about how he helps grow and train leaders, what a strong company culture means to him, his biggest challenges as a leader and more.   3 Takeaways: (14:00) Patience is key as a leader (15:30) Be honest with your employees (24:00) Get your generator BEFORE the storm comes Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Brian Henriquez, founder, Suncoast Power Solutions (08:00) What is Suncoast Power Solutions? (11:50) Growing the business (13:50) Growing as a leader (15:30) Creating accountability without fear (19:00) Business mentors (21:50) What motivates you as a business owner? (24:00) What are you looking to the last 6 months of the year? Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

    Brian Henriquez brings the juice

  7. Aug 20

    Big Business, Big heart with Karen Swager

    An engineer by training and education, Karen has held multiple leadership roles at The Mosaic Co. since joining the business in 2004 as a director of operations strategy. On this episode, Karen and Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon talked about leading with purpose and clarity during challenging times and some of the steps she took to rise in her career with one of the largest publicly-traded companies in Florida.     3 Takeaways: (10:15) Energy is a must have leadership characteristic (13:00) Give candid feedback with the purpose of helping others (18:40) Finding the answer yourself does not teach anyone anything? Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Karen Swager, Executive Vice President, Operations, The Mosaic Co. (04:10) What is The Mosaic Company? (05:40) Why join The Mosaic Company? (09:25) What advice would you give to young professionals to rise? (10:15) Must-have leadership characteristic (11:10) How do you keep your energy up? (12:25) Leadership influences  (14:10) Hard to hear feedback (16:25) Dealing with imposter syndrome (19:10) What is the future of The Mosaic Company? Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

    Big Business, Big heart with Karen Swager

  8. Aug 13

    The Way Forward with Kourtney Sanchez

    Kourtney Sanchez was named CEO of United Way Suncoast in June, after a national search for a new leader. Prior to the United Way CEO role, Kourtney was the chief impact officer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where she was also executive director of the Glazer Family Foundation and the Glazer Vision Foundation. Kourtney and Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon, on this episode, talk about her first five weeks as leader of one the region’s most prominent nonprofits — and dealing with the challenge of taking on that role after a well-respected and accomplished CEO held it.        3 Takeaways: (15:00) Listen first (16:00) Celebrate curiosity (17:30) Emotional intelligence is a super power Timestamps: (00:00) Introducing Kourtney Sanchez, CEO, United Way Suncoast   (03:55) One word for your first 5 weeks at United Way Suncoast (05:20) What is United Way Suncoast? (08:40) How do you follow a great leader? (10:00) Kourtney’s role at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11:10) Cool experience working for an NFL team (13:30) Kourtney’s lessons from her grandfather (14:50) One leadership principle everyone needs (15:40) Leadership behaviors you want to celebrate (17:00) Hard to hear feedback but helped you grow as a leader (19:10) How did you develop your EQ? (20:45) Learning from mentors (23:20) What is coming up for you? Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more. Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.

    The Way Forward with Kourtney Sanchez
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

Join us every week on From the Corner Office by the Business Observer for exclusive interviews with accomplished business leaders, where we delve into their unique experiences and insights. Gain valuable lessons from their expertise that you can apply to your own business.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Gordon
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    From the Corner Office

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