C-Speak: The Language of Executives PNC & Boston Business Journal

As president and CEO of Meet Boston, Martha Sheridan’s job is to position Boston “as one of the premier destinations in the world.” 

On this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Sheridan details how she and her 501(c)(6) organization – that markets the Boston area as a destination for meetings, conventions and leisure visits – accomplishes that goal.

“if we don't invite them, they're not going to come back, so our work is incredibly valuable,” Sheridan says.

Meet Boston’s efforts are bolstered by its commitments to boosting workforce development in the hospitality sector and showcasing nontraditional visitor destinations, like Dorchester, East Boston and Roxbury. 

Listen to the episode to hear more from Sheridan on: 
Her former job as a tour director on motor coaches. (3:23) Engaging and retaining Meet Boston’s team through hybrid work. (10:34)Avoiding the mistake of “burning a bridge.” (20:59)The most overlooked spot in Boston. (23:50)Powered by PNC Bank.
Download a transcript of the podcast.

Perhaps there’s no one better to lead the academic institution ranked No. 1 in entrepreneurship by U.S. News & World Report than a serial entrepreneur who developed a small Utah business into a national franchise brand.

On this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Stephen Spinelli, Ph.D., details “the intersection between business” and Babson College, where he is president. Spinelli’s entrepreneurial journey began right out of college when he and several partners crafted a plan to buy a quick-service oil change business they eventually rebranded as Jiffy Lube International. 

After a slow start, Spinelli thought, “Boy, I’m either not good enough or I’m not educated enough. And so I made the decision. If I wasn’t educated enough, I could try to get some (entrepreneurial) education.” That led him to Babson, where he earned an MBA and, later, a doctorate in economics from the University of London.

Spinelli was named Babson’s 14th president in 2019. 

“I think the education system, and in particular, the colleges and universities (in Massachusetts) are an exceptional network of intellectual, human, sociological, spiritual capital that is rare in the history of the world,” Spinelli says.

Listen to the episode to hear more from Spinelli on:
His first job as a health care administrator. (2:08)“Hard lessons” learned about failure. (13:42)One thing people don’t know about him. (22:00)His wish for Boston. (24:32)Powered by PNC Bank.

Download a transcript of the podcast.

For Sarah Iselin, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts, being raised by parents who led “lives of service” has had a huge impact on her career choices – including her current executive role with a mission-driven, not-for-profit health care plan.
“Our new mission is to show up for everyone like they're the only one,” says Iselin on this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast. “And our core values are (to) be the example, do what's right, not what's easy, be kind, act with humility and heart, be courageous, ask questions, seek diverse perspectives, bring bold ideas and make them happen and be community focused, always.”
Listen to the episode to hear more from Iselin about: 
De-stigmatizing mental health. (9:44)How the company uses AI to provide care. (13:25) Her advice for career novices. (19:09) What’s driving her company’s commitment to DEI. (23:08) Powered by PNC Bank.
Download a transcript of the podcast.

The arts’ contribution to the state’s GDP is significant, says Michael Bobbitt, executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The sector in Massachusetts is a $27.2 billion industry, Bobbitt says on this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast. That’s based on a 2021 U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report. 
“We know that arts are great for supporting people's health needs and their education needs, but also great for business,” says Bobbitt. “The more we can build those relationships with our sector and those sectors, the more everyone will benefit from having this deep infusion of arts and culture.”

The council’s statewide initiatives range from providing grants for individuals, organizations and groups statewide to building relationships with industries and sectors to help support its activities. 

Listen to the episode to hear more from Bobbitt about:
His entry into the arts. [3:07]Past and current musicals he’s written. [4:47]The council’s Culture Rx arts “prescription.” [8:31]Why public support for the arts is important. [14:04]Powered by PNC Bank.
Download a transcript of the podcast.

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Glynn Lloyd has a passion for advancing entrepreneurship and community.
Lloyd is executive director of Mill Cities Community Investments (MCCI), a community development finance institution that helps to provide capital “where traditional capital usually doesn’t get to,” historically redlined communities of “folks of color,” he says on this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast. And he founded City Fresh Foods, a mission-driven business feeding many people, including Boston public school students and Meals on Wheels recipients.
In this episode, Lloyd – who grew up in the suburb of Sharon – commends the contributions of the city’s “hidden heroes,” who, he says, have done “incredible work, built platforms and still to this day are impacting a lot of folks positively.”

Listen to the episode to hear more from Lloyd about:
Pivotal entrepreneurial lessons from childhood through college.MCCI’s “high-touch advisory approach” for Black and Latinx businesses. What makes him laugh.His favorite spot in the commonwealth. Powered by PNC Bank.

Download a transcript of the podcast.
 

If you’re in need of advice on how to emerge from corporate devastation, Rob Hale, CEO and president of Granite Telecommunications, has plenty to share.
In 2002, Hale’s thriving company, Network Plus, went bankrupt during the stock market crash. “That morning (Feb. 4) when we went bankrupt, that equity, which was $1.4 billion, officially finally became zero, never to return,” he recalls.
In this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Hale details how he – with the unwavering support of his family – went about building Granite Telecommunications, a company with $1.85 billion in sales as of 2024.
Listen to the episode to hear more from Hale about:
Mentors including his entrepreneurial father and titans Robert and John Kraft.His family’s history of philanthropy.DEI and creating “a platform where leaders excel” at Granite Telecommunications.The key ingredient to innovation.Powered by PNC Bank.
Download a transcript of the podcast.