Simon Says Inspire Dina Simon and John Simon

We are so excited to have a conversation with Becky! She's an inspirational leader we are fortunate to know, and we wanted to share her story with our listeners.
Becky (Ben) is a former Senior Technical Manager for Materials and Platform Innovation at Sherwin Williams. She was transitioning to a new role at the time of the podcast recording. She recently joined Michelin as a Sr. Manager for Materials Science and Technology Platform.
Since she was a little girl, she has always been deeply passionate about uncovering the beauty of life. Initially torn between pursuing artistry or science, she ultimately chose to pursue her studies at one of China's premier institutions with a focus on polymer programs. Subsequently, she followed the guidance of her graduate school professor and earned her PhD in Chemical engineering. Together, they authored numerous papers, providing Becky with the opportunity to travel and present her research to the global community.

Driven by her desire to apply her extensive technical knowledge to real-world industrial challenges, Becky made the pivotal decision to join Avery Dennison, a renowned global leader in pressure-sensitive adhesives. And she joined Sherwin Williams 5.5 years ago. As of today, she has spent over a decade in the industry, continuously expanding her expertise, forging connections, and engaging with diverse perspectives. Her greatest joy in her work lies in leading teams to tackle complex problems and drive meaningful impact.
Becky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benxuphd/

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We are so excited for you to get to know Jen Gilhoi! She is known for being a TEDx Speaker, Nonalcoholic Industry Connector, Cofounder Zero Proof Collective, Cofounder Sauna and Sobriety.
She is an advocate for and creator of healthy social experiences that decentralize alcohol. Her journey spans two decades of alcohol misuse, nine years of an alcohol-free lifestyle, corporate roles, and entrepreneurial ventures. She shatters stigmas around choosing not to drink by inviting others to engage in self and societal inquiry to heal and be well.
In her life and work, Jen is fascinated with the art of gathering and intentional conversations. She’s an event experience strategist and founder of Sparktrack; a writer and conversationalist cracking open society’s role in addiction at jengilhoi.com; and cofounder of Zero Proof Collective, where business leaders and those interested in the non-alcoholic beverages industry thoughtfully connect, collaborate, and share resources to advance zero-proof options, experiences, and social spaces. Jen is also cofounded Sauna and Sobriety in May 2023 to model safe, adult spaces that foster healing and belonging without substances.
WEBSITES: jengilhoi.com, zeroproofcollective.com; IG: sobernotsomber_ zeroproofcollective saunaandsobriety; LI jengilhoi zeroproofcollective; TEDxTalk: Why We Should Rethink Drinking Culture
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We are excited to have Tricia Dege join us on the podcast!
Women have been underrepresented in leadership positions for many years. The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported that 3 million women left the workforce during the pandemic. While some have returned, the trend of women, specifically working moms, considering slowing their careers or leaving the workforce entirely continues. Tricia founded Mom Mastermind to change this trajectory by helping businesses develop and retain talented working moms, to grow their leadership pipeline and create more executive women leaders. She is passionate about guiding others and seeing them live, love and lead the abundant life they already have. Mom Mastermind partners with business leaders across a variety of industries who are committed to ensuring women are well represented at various levels of leadership and are ready to take action to support them.
Tricia holds a Masters Degree in Health Services Management and Policy from The Ohio State University as well as a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois. She trained with the High Performance Institute as a Certified High Performance Coach. She developed and leads the proprietary coaching program and community of women in Mom Mastermind.
For more than 25 years, Tricia worked with businesses to improve their operational and financial performance. She is skilled at merging financial, strategic, and operational perspectives to solve business challenges, using people, process, and technology solutions. She led finance, operations, and internal consulting roles for a health system in Minnesota as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer until 2021. Previously she served as a consultant at several large firms, supporting various clients’ performance improvement initiatives. She is known for creating simple solutions to complex problems. Her special skill is polished diplomacy, fostering trusted partnerships and relationships.
Tricia has been married for 15 years to her husband, Brian, who is a Pilot for Southwest Airlines. They spend most of their free time driving their daughters to activities and cheering them on at sporting events.
Website www.mommastermind.com
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-mason-dege/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mommastermind
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mom_mastermind/
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We feel very fortunate to have Michele on the podcast to share her story of turning the tragic loss of her son into advocacy.
Michele Hein is the Co-Founder and Board Chairwoman of the Fentanyl Free Communities Foundation. She brings her personal experience, passion, and dedication to the forefront of the organization’s mission.
Michele’s journey to advocacy was born out of personal tragedy when she lost her son, Tyler, to fentanyl poisoning, in July 2020. Tyler, a young man who radiated joy, loved music and the outdoors, and had a heart for helping others, left an indelible mark on everyone he met. His loss has profoundly shaped Michele’s life and mission, transforming her into a passionate advocate against the fentanyl crisis that is ravaging communities across the nation.
In the wake of this devastating event, Michele has channeled her grief into action. She has become a powerful voice in the fight against fentanyl, using her personal story to connect with others, inspire action, and raise awareness about the dangers of this lethal drug. Her advocacy work extends beyond awareness-raising, pushing for policy changes aimed at disrupting the supply chain of these harmful substances and holding those distributing them accountable.
Michele's greatest joys are her granddaughter & grandson, husband, daughter, son-in-law and elderly mom.

To learn more about Fentanly Free Communities, check out the website: https://fentanylfreecommunities.org/
Connect with Michele on LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-hein-8b77012/

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We love it when family is willing to join us on the podcast! Larry is John's nephew, and we are so proud to share a little bit about him.
Larry Puszko is a seasoned professional currently serving as the Senior Manager of Revenue Operations—a graduate of Duquesne University, husband and father of two.
With a career spanning over thirty years, Larry began at Associates Leasing in Madison, WI, followed by stints at Baker & Taylor, General Nutrition Corp, and American Refining Group, all in Pittsburgh, PA. Larry's journey eventually led him back to Baker & Taylor before joining FedEx in Pittsburgh in 2004.
Throughout his career, Larry has exemplified true leadership qualities, guided by principles that underscore the importance of gratitude, resilience, and teamwork. As a leader, Larry understands the significance of trust and delegation. By fostering an environment where talent is nurtured and empowered, he has successfully transitioned from manager to a mentor and leader.
Larry's true legacy lies in his devotion to his family. Married to Beth for over three decades, he takes immense pride in the values instilled in their children, Kara and Drew. Larry's dedication to his family echoes in his professional ethos, where respect, integrity, and collaboration are guiding principles.
Larry Puszko leaves an indelible mark as a leader, mentor, and devoted family man in both personal and professional spheres. His commitment to fostering a culture of respect, resilience, and collaboration ensures a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to work alongside him.

Here is how you can connect with Larry on LI:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-puszko-95297952

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John takes the podcast on the road again! This time, he is headed to Hawaii to visit his youngest granddaughter, Lucy Donnaway, to check in on her first year of college. His daughter, Shannon Donnaway, joins him.
We love these traveling stories.
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