On The Surface with Delta

Delta Companies Inc.

On The Surface is the go-to podcast for leaders, innovators, and professionals in the world of construction and materials. Each episode dives deep into the strategies, stories, and insights that drive success in the industry—covering everything from business development and operational leadership to fostering team growth and cultivating a winning culture. Join us as we explore the people and processes that shape the built environment, featuring conversations with experts, thought leaders, and trailblazers who are transforming the way we design, build, and lead. Whether you’re a construction executive, materials specialist, or aspiring industry leader, On The Surface delivers the knowledge and inspiration you need to elevate your career and your business.

  1. 5d ago

    Jeff Glenn on Leadership, Mentorship, and High-Performing Teams

    Why do some leaders consistently build high-performing teams, while others struggle to unlock their team's full potential? In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet sit down with Jeff Glenn, owner of Glenview Strategies, leadership consultant, and strategic planning expert, to discuss what separates good leaders from great ones and how organizations can close the gap between their potential and their performance. Jeff shares his unique career journey from working odd jobs and riding the back of a trash truck to serving in government, working at Delta Companies, and eventually building a business dedicated to leadership development. Along the way, he shares the lessons, mentors, and experiences that shaped his approach to leadership. They explore: Why leadership starts with leading yourself firstThe importance of intentional personal growth and developmentHow great leaders build trust with their teamsWhy focusing on strengths creates better results than fixing weaknessesThe role mentors play in accelerating growth and successHow to identify and develop high-performing teamsWhy evaluated experience is more valuable than experience aloneCommon mistakes leaders make when managing people and cultureHow organizations can close the gap between what they want to be known for and what they're actually known forFrom leadership lessons and team dynamics to strategic planning and organizational growth, this conversation highlights a simple truth: the most effective leaders never stop learning, growing, and investing in the people around them. If you're leading a team, managing people, growing into a leadership role, or looking to become a more effective leader, this episode offers practical insights you can apply right away. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    Jeff Glenn on Leadership, Mentorship, and High-Performing Teams

  2. Jul 22

    Christine Ostendorf on Career Changes, Purpose, and Starting Over

    Why do some people thrive in a career they never planned to pursue, while others struggle to find work that truly fits them? In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens sits down with Christine Ostendorf, Market Developer at Thrivent Financial and former Catholic school teacher and principal, to discuss career transitions, discovering your strengths, and finding work that gives you energy instead of draining it. Christine shares her journey from teaching theology and leading a Catholic grade school to building a career in financial services. Along the way, she reflects on transferable skills, leadership lessons, personal growth, and the importance of understanding what motivates and fulfills you. They explore: How to identify the work that energizes you versus the work that drains youWhy career changes can be uncomfortable, but often lead to growthThe importance of self-awareness when making professional decisionsHow transferable skills can create opportunities in unexpected industriesWhy your identity should be bigger than your job titlePractical ways to evaluate whether you're in the right roleFinancial tips for seasonal and irregular-income workersThe value of creating a plan for your money and your futureFrom leadership and personal development to financial habits and career planning, this conversation highlights a simple truth: meaningful work happens when your strengths, values, and purpose align. If you're considering a career change, trying to discover your strengths, or looking for practical financial advice, this episode offers insights you can apply right away. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    Christine Ostendorf on Career Changes, Purpose, and Starting Over

  3. Jul 15

    The Real Work Behind Economic Development | Shad Burner & Lucas Presson

    Why do some communities grow, attract investment, and create opportunity—while others struggle to keep people and jobs? In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens sits down with Shad Burner, CEO of SEMO REDI, and Lucas Presson, Business Development Director at SEMO REDI, to break down what economic development really is and why it matters to the future of Southeast Missouri. Shad and Lucas share their unique career journeys into economic development before diving into the challenges and opportunities facing the region. From workforce development and site selection to regional collaboration and population growth, they explain the work happening behind the scenes to help communities thrive. They explore: What economic development actually means and how it's measuredWhy population growth and GDP are key indicators of a healthy regionHow communities attract new businesses and support existing employersThe role workforce development plays in long-term economic successWhy regional collaboration is critical for competing on a larger stageWhat site selectors look for when evaluating locations for new investmentsHow Southeast Missouri can differentiate itself and compete for future growthThe leadership challenges of bringing diverse organizations together around a common goalFrom attracting businesses and developing talent pipelines to building stronger communities, this conversation highlights a simple truth: economic growth doesn't happen by accident—it requires vision, collaboration, and consistent effort. If you're interested in business, leadership, workforce development, or the future of Southeast Missouri, this episode offers valuable insights into what it takes to build a region where people and businesses want to stay, grow, and invest. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    The Real Work Behind Economic Development | Shad Burner & Lucas Presson

  4. Jul 8

    How Public Infrastructure Really Gets Built with Dustin Boatwright

    Why do we take infrastructure for granted until something goes wrong? In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Jordan Janet sit down with Dustin Boatwright, Chief Engineer of the Little River Drainage District and Vice Chair of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, to explore the systems, investments, and leadership that shape our communities every day. Dustin shares his journey from growing up around heavy equipment in Southeast Missouri to leading one of the largest drainage districts in the United States and helping guide transportation policy across the state. Along the way, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at how infrastructure projects are funded, built, and maintained—and why they matter more than most people realize. They explore: How the Little River Drainage District transformed Southeast Missouri from swamp land into one of the most productive agricultural regions in the countryThe role infrastructure plays in economic growth, public safety, and quality of lifeHow major flood events have shaped modern flood control systems and transportation networksWhy Missouri has become a national leader in delivering large infrastructure projectsThe challenges of transportation funding and planning for future growthWhat it takes to lead through adversity and make decisions that impact generationsWhy long-term thinking and investment are critical for building stronger communitiesFrom drainage systems and highways to leadership and public service, this conversation reveals how some of the most important work in our lives often happens behind the scenes—and why investing in the future requires vision, courage, and a willingness to do the right thing. If you're interested in engineering, infrastructure, leadership, or the future of Missouri, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and projects that keep our communities moving forward. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    How Public Infrastructure Really Gets Built with Dustin Boatwright

  5. Jul 1

    How Braxton Cousins Turned an Internship into a Career

    Why do some people figure out their career path early—while others struggle to find the right fit? In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens sits down with Braxton Cousins to talk about his journey from intern to full-time safety professional and how hands-on experience helped him find the right path. Braxton shares how he went from a small-town athlete focused on basketball to navigating college, internships, and ultimately building a career in construction safety. Along the way, he reflects on the power of trying new things, building relationships, and learning from real-world experience. They explore: How internships can help you figure out what you do (and don’t) want to doWhy rotating through different roles builds stronger long-term skillsThe importance of relationships and credibility early in your careerWhat it’s really like working in safety—and why culture mattersHow sports and teamwork translate directly into the workplaceWhy mindset and effort matter more than having everything figured outFrom lessons learned in college athletics to navigating a first full-time role, this conversation highlights a simple truth: you don’t need all the answers—you just need to start and stay open to learning. If you’re a student, early in your career, or trying to figure out your next step, this episode offers real insight into how to gain experience and build a path forward. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    How Braxton Cousins Turned an Internship into a Career

  6. Jun 24

    Leading Change the Hard Way: Applying Kotter in a Real Company

    Why does leading change feel so much harder than it should? In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens and Brad Marotti sit down to talk through their real-world experience leading change inside a growing organization—and how John Kotter’s Leading Change framework is shaping the way they approach it. From early assumptions to hard-earned lessons, they unpack why change takes longer than expected, why communication often falls short, and what it really takes to get an entire organization aligned. They explore: Why change isn’t an event—it’s a long, ongoing processHow communication breaks down across teams (and how to fix it)The challenge of creating urgency in already successful organizationsWhy a clear, simple vision is critical—and harder to create than you thinkHow short-term wins help maintain momentum without losing focusWhat it takes to turn change into lasting cultureThrough honest reflections, practical examples, and lessons learned while applying Kotter’s principles, this conversation reveals the reality behind leading meaningful change: it’s slow, messy, and requires constant effort. If you’re leading a team, driving change, or trying to improve how your organization adapts and grows, this episode offers a grounded framework—and real insights you can use right away. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    Leading Change the Hard Way: Applying Kotter in a Real Company

  7. Jun 17

    Why Your Team Isn’t Speaking Up (And How Great Leaders Fix It): Cheryl Suszczynski

    Why do some teams speak up, share ideas, and collaborate, while others stay quiet? In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens and Brad Collins sit down with Cheryl Suszczynski, Learning and Development Manager at Barrett Industries, to break down what separates average teams from high-performing ones. Cheryl shares her journey into HR and leadership development, then dives into the real drivers of effective leadership, including self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and creating a workplace where people feel safe to contribute. They explore: Why psychological safety is critical for strong teamsHow leaders can create an environment where every voice is heardThe role of emotional intelligence in managing people effectivelyWhy focusing on strengths leads to better performance than fixing weaknessesPractical ways to improve communication, listening, and trustFrom real workplace examples to actionable leadership strategies, this conversation highlights a simple truth: great teams start with leaders who understand themselves and the people around them. If you’re leading a team, growing into leadership, or just want to improve how you work with others, this episode offers insights you can apply right away. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    Why Your Team Isn’t Speaking Up (And How Great Leaders Fix It): Cheryl Suszczynski

  8. Jun 10

    Building Your Personal Brand as a Leader: Lessons from Stephan Mills

    What does it really take to build a personal brand as a leader and why does it matter more than most people think? In this episode of On The Surface, Seth Stevens and Brad Collins sit down with Stephan Mills, Director of Finance at Barrett Industries, to break down how your reputation, relationships, and authenticity shape your career over time. Stephan shares his journey from job cost accountant to executive leadership, and what he learned along the way about adapting to new roles, navigating different team dynamics, and rebuilding your brand from scratch in unfamiliar environments. They dive into: How to establish trust and credibility when no one knows youThe challenge of rebuilding your reputation in new roles and regionsWhy authenticity is the foundation of strong leadershipThe difference between reputation and personal brandHow great leaders adjust their approach without losing who they areThrough real stories, including navigating difficult work environments and leading through uncertainty, Stephan explains why your personal brand is not something you create once, but something you continuously refine. If you are growing into leadership, changing roles, or looking to stand out in your career, this conversation offers practical insight you can apply immediately. Thanks for listening! Check us out: deltacos.com Instragram LinkedIn

    Building Your Personal Brand as a Leader: Lessons from Stephan Mills
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4.8
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

On The Surface is the go-to podcast for leaders, innovators, and professionals in the world of construction and materials. Each episode dives deep into the strategies, stories, and insights that drive success in the industry—covering everything from business development and operational leadership to fostering team growth and cultivating a winning culture. Join us as we explore the people and processes that shape the built environment, featuring conversations with experts, thought leaders, and trailblazers who are transforming the way we design, build, and lead. Whether you’re a construction executive, materials specialist, or aspiring industry leader, On The Surface delivers the knowledge and inspiration you need to elevate your career and your business.

Information

  • Creator
    Delta Companies Inc.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 On The Surface with Delta
  • Show Website
    On The Surface with Delta

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