Executive Hustle Podcast with Kirsten Yurich

Kirsten Yurich
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

The struggle is real.   Busy executives strive to do their best, be their best, and leave something left for "Act II" when they get home. This is the podcast explores the experiences and life journeys of local leaders. Each episode explores a facet of life, leadership, or learning in such a way that everyone listening walks away with at least one actionable way to level up their life.  

  1. NOV 14 · BONUS

    Leading Others: The 3rd Simple Thing Successful Leaders Do Well.

    In the final installment of this 3-part series "Master These Three Things to Be a Successful Leader," we tackle the leadership paradox that stops most executives cold: You got here by DOING, but your next chapter is about BEING.  It is your being that is the key to leading others well. Discover the three vital levers that transform a group of individuals into an unstoppable team - and why your 11-year-old should understand your mission statement. A few things we unpack in this Bonus - solo episode:  Clarity: Because ambiguity and alignment cannot co-exist (and confused people always underperform)It's you or the system (rarely the people): Your broken system is producing broken results - it's the system 9 times out of 10, not your peopleBe Unsexy: The least sexy but most effective CEO move: institutionalizing weekly excellence cadencesThis and more - don't listen without a notebook nearby! KIRSTEN YURICH BIO: Kirsten is a licensed behavior analyst, speaker, author, and retired CEO who partners with business leaders to help them achieve more of what matters most to them. Kirsten’s clients are high performing CEOs, founders, and executives looking to “level up” in life and business. Kirsten share’s her expertise in leadership, performance management, and learning with executives through coaching or consulting, peer groups, and speaking. For more info, check out Kirsten Yurich HERE.

    22 min
  2. “We Transform Lives, We Don't Fix People:” An Interview with Mary Quinn

    OCT 24

    “We Transform Lives, We Don't Fix People:” An Interview with Mary Quinn

    SUMMARY:  In this episode, Kirsten interviews Mary Quinn, President and CEO of YWCA Greater Harrisburg. Mary shares her journey from government relations to leading an $8 million nonprofit serving 10,000 individuals annually. This powerful conversation explores the evolution of her leadership philosophy through personal tragedy, the difference between seeking feedback versus consensus, and how to maintain mission clarity while addressing complex social issues like human trafficking and domestic violence in our communities.   The conversation highlights some important lessons for leaders, including:  ·      The journey to soliciting feedback vs needing consensus  ·      Strength through tragedy ·      Staying one layer removed helps leaders lead effectively without being consumed ·      Finding your truth north within a broader mission   Mary Quinn BIO:  Mary Quinn is the President and CEO of the YWCA Greater Harrisburg, a 24/7 essential service provider that reaches more than 30,000 individuals each year. In this role, she leads with purpose-driven vision, ensuring the organization delivers high-quality programs while maintaining strong fiscal stewardship. As the YWCA’s primary spokesperson, Mary represents the organization to the community, board of directors, major donors, and YWCA USA. She oversees strategic planning, organizational operations, and financial management, guiding the YWCA’s mission to create lasting impact in the region. Mary was named to Central Penn Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2018 and recognized as one of Harrisburg Magazine’s Top Rising Leaders in 2015. She holds a Master of Public Administration and a graduate-level certification in Leadership and Human Resource Management from Penn State University. Originally from Michigan, Mary has called Harrisburg home for more than 25 years. For more info on Mary and the YWCA: Linked In Website KIRSTEN YURICH BIO: Kirsten is a licensed behavior analyst, speaker, author, and retired CEO who partners with business leaders to help them achieve more of what matters most to them. Kirsten’s clients are high performing CEOs, founders, and executives looking to “level up” in life and business. Kirsten share’s her expertise in leadership, performance management, and learning with executives through coaching or consulting, peer groups, and speaking. For more info, check out Kirsten Yurich HERE.

    50 min
  3. From Radio Waves to Leadership Stages: The Power of Raising Your Hand with Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams

    OCT 10

    From Radio Waves to Leadership Stages: The Power of Raising Your Hand with Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams

    In this episode, Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams, President and CEO of Central Penn College and Kirsten, discuss Linda's remarkable journey from radio personality "Lynn Kelly" to leading a $19 million educational institution forging a new path in today’s changing secondary education landscape. This conversation explores the intersection of motherhood and executive leadership, the power of vulnerability in building authentic partnerships, and practical strategies for navigating the executive hustle while maintaining work-life integration. Listen as we dive deeper into the following:  1. Raise Your Hand and Stay Open to Opportunities – a means to getting to the top. 2. Most Leadership Stress is Self-Imposed – the path inward is the longest. 3. Ask for Help and Integrate, Don't Separate – the narratives that hold us back. 4. Vulnerability Creates Connection, Not Weakness – use this as a superpower. 5. No One Tells Your Story Better Than You – a lesson every leader must learn.   Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams BIO:  Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams became Central Penn College’s 10th president in June 2018, bringing with her a renewed vitality and commitment to excellence. Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams has focused on improving the student learning experience inside and outside the classroom. Dr. Fedrizzi-Williams artfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthened the college's financial position despite a universally challenging time for higher education. She also developed innovative new programs and certificates to help meet local workforce needs. Dr. Fedrizzi-Willliams addressed systemic concerns about college affordability by having Central Penn College pioneer a free housing scholarship to students in good academic and judicial standing. Dr. Fedrizzi was named one of the “Top 20 Leaders in Career Education” by the national Career Education Review in 2022 and was one of three people to receive the Top People Changing Career Education Award in September 2025. She was honored as one of the region's “Power 100” by Central Penn Business Journal in 2023, 2024, and 2025, she serves on the boards of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, the Presidents’ Advisory Board for the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, and Career Education Colleges and Universities Legislative Committee, and she was chosen as a 2021 recipient of the “Woman of Influence Award” from Central Penn Business Journal. Dr. Fedrizzi earned a Doctor of Education from Benedictine University, a Master of Arts in Organizational Communication and a Bachelors of Arts in Communication from Marist College, and an associate of arts from SUNY Orange. Dr. Fedrizzi is married to Glen Williams, and they have two sons, Jake, 17 and Luke 15, and a spoiled Weimaraner named Oakley. For more info on Linda: Linked In Website OfficeOfThePresident@centralpenn.edu  KIRSTEN YURICH BIO: Kirsten is a licensed behavior analyst, speaker, author, and retired CEO who partners with business leaders to help them achieve more of what matters most to them. Kirsten’s clients are high performing CEOs, founders, and executives looking to “level up” in life and business. Kirsten share’s her expertise in leadership, performance management, and learning with executives through coaching or consulting, peer groups, and speaking. For more info, check out Kirsten Yurich HERE.

    42 min

  4. SEP 12 · BONUS

    Why being the "nice guy" leader isn't enough—How to master the systems and processes that drive real business impact.

    Senior leaders don't fail from lack of effort—they fail from building weak systems and tracking the wrong results. This episode breaks down the essential domain of "leading things" and reveals why your ability to harness systems and processes determines whether you (and your organization) will thrive or just survive. Part of the essential 3-domain leadership framework: Leading Yourself, Leading Teams, and Leading Things. Key Takeaways: Get ruthlessly clear on what winning looks like — Not generic KPIs, but precise, business-critical outcomes that everyone can understand and rally behindDesign systems so simple they actually get used — The strongest systems succeed through radical simplicity, not complexity. Make performance visual, public, and trackablePractice real accountability starting with yourself — Before pointing fingers when things go wrong, ask "How did I set my team up for success?" True accountability begins with leadership ownershipFocus on people, process, and product — When you nail these three fundamentals, the profits take care of themselves For more on "CUJO" and Debrief to Win:  https://robertteschner.com/  KIRSTEN YURICH BIO: Kirsten is a licensed behavior analyst, speaker, author, and retired CEO who partners with business leaders to help them achieve more of what matters most to them. Kirsten’s clients are high performing CEOs, founders, and executives looking to “level up” in life and business. Kirsten share’s her expertise in leadership, performance management, and learning with executives through coaching or consulting, peer groups, and speaking. For more info, check out Kirsten Yurich HERE.

    17 min
  5. Why Healthy Teams Actually Look Dysfunctional with Matt Foss

    AUG 22

    Why Healthy Teams Actually Look Dysfunctional with Matt Foss

    In this episode, Matt and Kirsten dive deep into the lessons of failure, what culture really mean, conflict on a leadership team, and a refreshing definition of alignment. Matt Foss transforms leaders and teams using the EOS framework. From a multi-generational "business family" and a not so hot football record, Matt discovered that losing seasons teach resilience better than victories.  As founder-turned-CEO-turned-coach, he advocates for "belief before motivation;" demanding clarity on what leaders truly want, versus what they tell their teams. His breakthrough: alignment isn't consensus—it's the courage to say no or fully commit. Matt's 'Nike meeting revelation' revealed that healthy teams appear dysfunctional from outside and they are not always pretty!  He shares his three-step process that moves teams from surface-level meetings to transformational conflict, through trust-based vulnerability. A must listen episode for moving your leadership team from good to great!   Matt Foss BIO:  Matt Foss is a Certified EOS Implementer® who helps entrepreneurial leadership teams gain clarity, alignment, and traction in their businesses. Drawing from his experience as a former Division I football captain, owner of two companies, and CEO of a private equity-backed business, Matt intimately understands the challenges leaders face. After successfully leading a company to a 7X multiple sale, he now dedicates his expertise to helping organizations implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System® through his consulting practice. Matt combines his athletic discipline with business acumen to guide teams through difficult conversations and strategic transformations, focusing on what he calls Vision, Traction, and Healthy—the three essential elements for sustainable business success. He also serves as President of the Board for the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.   For more info on Matt: Linked In Website KIRSTEN YURICH BIO: Kirsten is a licensed behavior analyst, speaker, author, and retired CEO who partners with business leaders to help them achieve more of what matters most to them. Kirsten’s clients are high performing CEOs, founders, and executives looking to “level up” in life and business. Kirsten share’s her expertise in leadership, performance management, and learning with executives through coaching or consulting, peer groups, and speaking. For more info, check out Kirsten Yurich HERE.

    39 min
  6. Dinosaur or Darwin: the Adapt or Die Paradox - with CEO Troy Peters

    AUG 8

    Dinosaur or Darwin: the Adapt or Die Paradox - with CEO Troy Peters

    Welcome to Season Two! In this first episode, Troy Peters, CEO of 152-year-old Jonestown Bank & Trust, shares with Kirsten how a community bank maintains relevance through authentic culture and long-term thinking. In an era where big business appears to dominate and private equity tries to consolidate the ‘little guy,’ Troy and JBT offer an alternative that capitalizes on the strength of the community.    Starting as a summer teller, Troy learned banking wasn't just about "hushed tones and marble" but building relationships. JBT's "Bank on a Smile" tagline evolved into core values (SMILE: Sincere, Memorable, Integrity, Leadership, Expertise) created by employees, not executives – a proven process for success. Troy offers lessons that translate from the     Using the Four Disciplines of Execution, their wildly important goal is "inspiring confidence" across all stakeholders. Troy emphasizes community banking's vital role—making 60% of small business loans—while warning about cryptocurrency's threat to traditional lending that powers American entrepreneurship. Troy Peters BIO:  Troy Peters, President and CEO of Jonestown Bank & Trust Co., a financial institution with a remarkable 150-year legacy in central Pennsylvania. With over 19 years at JBT and 13 years in his current leadership role, Troy has guided the bank through significant transformation while maintaining its deep community roots. Prior to JBT, Troy held leadership positions at PNC, Mellon Bank, and the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers. Outside of work Troy coaches’ baseball and is retired from competing in triathlons.   For more info on Troy: Linked In Website KIRSTEN YURICH BIO: Kirsten is a licensed behavior analyst, speaker, author, and retired CEO who partners with business leaders to help them achieve more of what matters most to them. Kirsten’s clients are high performing CEOs, founders, and executives looking to “level up” in life and business. Kirsten share’s her expertise in leadership, performance management, and learning with executives through coaching or consulting, peer groups, and speaking. For more info, check out Kirsten Yurich HERE.

    43 min
  7. Celebrating ONE YEAR of the Executive Hustle!

    JUN 27

    Celebrating ONE YEAR of the Executive Hustle!

    In this Year in Review episode the special moments, conversations, stories, and highlights of the past year are shared.  This first year of the Executive Hustle has provided our listening community with many relatable stories of success, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.  Weaved through our guests' stories are the values of curiosity, vulnerability, and ownership. Each story shares actionable insights that are designed to support listeners in Living Well, Leading Well, and Learning Well in business and life.  To every guest who shared their story, their struggles, and their wisdom: thank you.  To our listeners who've been on this journey with us: thank you for your curiosity, for pushing us to ask better questions, and for applying these insights in your own leadership contexts. The executive hustle continues. The question isn't whether you'll face challenges—it's how you'll choose to grow through them.  Here's to another year of leading well, living well, and learning well together. What leadership lesson from this year resonates most with you? I'd love to hear how these conversations have influenced your own leadership journey. Connect with me and let's continue the conversation. KIRSTEN YURICH BIO: Kirsten is a licensed behavior analyst, speaker, author, and retired CEO who partners with business leaders to help them achieve more of what matters most to them. Kirsten’s clients are high performing CEOs, founders, and executives looking to “level up” in life and business. Kirsten share’s her expertise in leadership, performance management, and learning with executives through coaching or consulting, peer groups, and speaking. For more info, check out Kirsten Yurich HERE.

    24 min
  8. REVISITED: We Fix Your Healthcare with Justin Leader, Founder and CEO of BenefitsDNA

    JUN 13

    REVISITED: We Fix Your Healthcare with Justin Leader, Founder and CEO of BenefitsDNA

    As we approach ONE YEAR for the Executive Hustle podcast we celebrate by  REVISITED our very first episode.  In it Justin Leader and Kirsten Yurich discuss the childhood lessons that carry us forward in business and life, the importance of filling your gaps as a leader and the art of listening.  Justin Leader’s BIO: Justin is Founder and CEO of BenefitsDNA an independent health and welfare benefit plan consulting firm providing compliance oversight, actuarial services, cost mitigation strategies, and traditional broker services to Group Health Plan Sponsors. Justin speaks locally and nationally and is an advocate for healthcare reform and patient’s rights.   For more info on Justin: LinkedIn Website   KIRSTEN YURICH BIO: Kirsten is a licensed behavior analyst, speaker, author, and retired CEO who partners with business leaders to help them achieve more of what matters most to them. Kirsten’s clients are high performing CEOs, founders, and executives looking to “level up” in life and business. Kirsten share’s her expertise in leadership, performance management, and learning with executives through coaching or consulting, peer groups, and speaking. For more info, check out Kirsten Yurich HERE.

    28 min
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The struggle is real.   Busy executives strive to do their best, be their best, and leave something left for "Act II" when they get home. This is the podcast explores the experiences and life journeys of local leaders. Each episode explores a facet of life, leadership, or learning in such a way that everyone listening walks away with at least one actionable way to level up their life.  

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