Celebrating Menttium’s 30 years in the business of developing leaders through mentoring and changing lives, one match at a time! Our community of leaders share lessons on life, leadership and everything in between.

Lynn Sontag, Menttium Owner & CEO shares her perspective on a life well lived and why she has dedicated her life to developing and mentoring others. Menttium was founded in 1991 with the mission of advancing women in corporate America. Lynn has been involved in the mission for the last 25 years and has guided the organization towards broader initiatives supporting key talent, executive development, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion in the global market. Lynn talks about the rewards of taking risks; the growth opportunities of “mentoring at the difference;” the transformative power of mentoring; and the importance of gratitude during both the good times and the challenging times.

Lynn Sontag

Menttium Owner & CEO

This week’s episode features Artie Lynnworth, a long-time Mentor, author, motivational speaker, and global executive.  Artie is an expert at change management and walks us through the techniques he has used to create successful cultural change.  He outlines surefire ways to foster team building and inspire team members to be passionate about implementing strategies that will benefit the organization.  Artie reflects on his 25 years of mentoring and the amazing personal and professional transformations he has witnessed in his mentees.  Artie also shares his habits for success, his advice to young professionals, and his favorite quote.

Artie Lynnworth

Author & Retired GM

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Dellroy Birch on race, diversity, equity, and inclusion in Corporate America. Dell talks about why companies are addressing race and equity in a different way than they have in the past. He describes some of the barriers to advancement that professionals of color face in corporate America and outlines best practices for creating DE&I programs that are effective. Dell describes his leadership research and identifies traits that help leaders successfully navigate change. He also shares his habits for success, his advice to young professionals, and his favorite quote.

Dellroy Birch, Ph.D.

Corporate Enterprise Strategy

In this episode, Jeannine Rivet delivers a fantastic presentation on “Climbing the Ladder without Getting Dizzy or Falling Off.” Jeannine, who has been called one of the most powerful women in business, generously shares the lessons she has learned throughout her life and career. The presentation is filled with memorable stories, sage wisdom, and actionable advice. Listeners will come away feeling inspired to honor their priorities; to mentor others; and to be more intentional in thinking about the legacy they would like to leave.

Jeannine Rivet

Retired, UnitedHealth Group Executive

In this episode Dr. Sue Stanek talks about how leading real change starts with yourself. She outlines steps for creating self-awareness and internal change and gives examples of the powerful results that this can have in one’s professional and personal life. We will hear about the profound “aha” moment Sue had that inspired her to create a presentation about the slippery slope of being right. Sue reflects on the strategies she has learned to create an empowering work-life balance. She also shares her habits for success, her advice to young professionals, and her favorite quote.

Sue Stanek, Ph.D.

This week’s episode features CurVie Burton, executive coach and consultant at TheRoadB4U.  CurVie has dedicated his career to helping individuals, teams, and corporations achieve their full potential.  He reflects on how mentors helped him early in his career and his passion for developing mentoring programs that have successfully increased the representation of black professionals at senior levels in technology.  He highlights the process he uses to help his clients define, create, and maintain successful outcomes in their life and career.  CurVie also shares his habits for success, his advice to young professionals, and his favorite quote.

CurVie Burton

Executive Coach & Business Consultant

This episode features Bobbi Dahlgren, a highly accomplished business operations and supply chain leader.  Bobbi will share her strategies for bringing out the best in your team; working with people who have different interaction styles; and leading a team through organizational change.  She shares tips she has learned in conflict resolution training as well as some essential skills for being an effective negotiator.  Bobbi discusses the importance of creating workplace cultures where people can have flexibility.  She also shares her habits for success, her advice to young professionals, and her favorite quote.

Bobbi Dahlgren

Supply Chain Executive

In this episode, Jim Gwaltney, retired Ford Motor Company Senior Executive and author of The 20 Immutable Laws of Leadership, shares his leadership advice. Jim discusses best practices for motivating employees; learning to delegate; transitioning from being an individual contributor to a manager; and making time to focus on vision and strategy. He identifies specific strategies to successfully navigate organizational politics, and he reminds listeners of the importance of getting out of one’s comfort zone. Jim also shares his habits for success, his advice to young professionals, and his favorite quote.

Jim Gawltney

Author & Retired Ford Motor Executive

This week’s episode features a conversation with Thomas Schlick, a successful Operations executive and recent author of the book Jumpstart Your Service Revolution: Transform Your Company’s DNA and Thrive in an Age of Disruption. Drawing from his experience helping organizations around the globe navigate change, Tom shares his insights and stories which highlight the timeless importance of people and culture. He discusses what he sees as the 3 largest trends facing us today and the best practices that will answer these challenges. Tom also shares what he’s found essential to success when working on global and virtual teams, beginning with the need for clarity around the purpose of any meeting (information sharing, problem-solving, or decision making). Last, Tom shares the pivotal role a leader needs to play to ensure inclusivity for engagement and community.

Thomas Schlick

Retired Executive, Author & Professor

This week our conversation with Shunda Robinson looks at the power of intentional conversations in responding to the need for organizations to address race, equity, and inclusion differently than they have in the past. Sharing the insights and wisdom she’s gained from a career that has led to her current role as Senior VP, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Shunda explains why “DEI work can’t be just what we say, it has to be what we do. It has to be who we are in the hallways and offices of our organization every single day.” Shunda describes the powerful and transformative company-wide conversations she facilitated in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. She highlights the importance of finding your voice, as well as the voice of ally-ship. Shunda also shares her 3 habits of success, which got her to where she is today.

Shunda Robinson

Senior VP, DE&I | GM Financial

This week’s episode features a conversation with Allan Bifield, an accomplished global senior-finance executive with more than 30 years of experience.  Allan shares the biggest lessons he has learned in his career related to taking risks, not trying to do everything yourself, and prioritizing self-development.  He highlights his essential leadership strategies for setting vision and direction; empowering people to be successful; creating team synergy; and leading transformational change.  Allan talks about his commitment to mentoring and the reward he feels in helping another professional reach their highest potential.  He also shares his habits for success, his advice to young professionals, and his favorite quote.

Allan Bifield

Retired, Deputy Chief Financial Officer | George Weston

This week’s episode features a conversation with Jennifer Meyer, Senior Director with United Health Group at a very unique moment in time – the day before she steps away from her successful career, to take a professional sabbatical for the benefit of her family. Jennifer intentionally chose this timing to ensure she would be open and honest with her perspective on this life transition, in recognition of the reality that so many others are also facing changes and challenges. In a great example of a mentoring mentality, she decided to use this interview as an opportunity for others to hear that they are not alone on this journey.

During this conversation Jennifer reflects on the fact that we are not meant to lead a pain-free life; and the hard won wisdom that can result when we choose to face the pain instead of looking away. And she shares her list of 4 P’s, which she credits for all of her success: People, Perspective, Patience, Perseverance.

Jennifer Meyer

Senior Director | UnitedHealth Group

In this episode, Al Johnson, Sr. Director of Supplier Management at Grainger, shares the lessons he’s learned on motivating and inspiring people to be their best, balancing the macro and micro aspects of leadership, developing a strong executive presence, and creating and executing a strategic plan. Al is an expert negotiator and reveals how a person can strengthen their negotiation and conflict management skills by changing their mindset going into a negotiation. He also offers tips for creating a strong multi-generational workforce. Al shares his habits for success, his advice to young professionals, and his favorite quote.

Al Johnson

Sr. Director, Supplier Management | Grainger

This week’s episode features a conversation with Eboni Adams Monk, a successful executive; and the author of the book “Leading Wise: Inspirational Reflections for Corporate Leaders”. Eboni shares what she has learned from her cross-cultural research into wisdom traditions, including the universal truth which they all have in common – the importance of creating a sense of wholeness and a sense of belonging. She highlights the impact leaders can have when they focus on translating these elements into the workplace; creating the space for authentic wholeness, and instilling “a sense of belonging into our work environment”. And she offers leaders advice on being open, reflective and to “follow your curiosity to wherever it takes you.”

Eboni Adams

Vice President, Marketing | Advanced Refining Technologies

This week our conversation with Kimberly Strong looks at the power of stepping back to take a more strategic view – of our career, life, and mentoring.  Her stories illustrate so well the reality that where we decide to stand determines what we see. Drawing upon her 20+ years of experience in Human Resources as a C-Suite and Executive leader (in organizations such as Target Corporation), Kim shares a number of specific examples where she was able to proactively create connections by meeting others where they were, as well as doing a little pre-meeting research. Kim’s positivity is contagious!

Kimberly Strong

Founder & CEO | Strong Connexion

Former VP, D&I | Target Corporation

In this episode, Elsie Chapa and Artie Lynnworth demonstrate the enduring power of the mentor and mentee connection!  Elsie and Artie tell a wonderful story about what it was like to meet for the first time in person 17 years after their mentoring partnership.  Elsie highlights some of the issues she has faced being in a male-dominated industry, that requires constant innovation and change management.  Artie and Elsie have an in-depth discussion about how to take more control of your career planning and become more influential in your workplace.  They both offer excellent advice for authentically promoting yourself in the workplace, and they share the most important things they have learned in their career.

Elsie Chapa

Consultant | Bosch Management Services

This week’s episode features a conversation with Peter Vorbrich, former CFO for CarVal Investors, and current mentor to both Menttium mentees and a variety of early-stage entrepreneurial companies. Pete draws upon his 25 years of global experience, including the 5 years he lived in Japan, as he shares his insights around the importance of being intentional in both how and what we communicate. His stories demonstrate how successful communication is essential to building a culture of trust – as well as highlighting the fact that when people understand the ‘why’, the ‘how’ becomes easier. Pete also discusses how an intentional focus on seeking opportunities to ‘learn at the point of difference’ has not only enhanced his career but also his mentor experience. This podcast provides a thoughtful and empathetic perspective on communication and connection.

Peter Vorbrich

Former CFO

In this episode, Pam Hollander discusses what she has learned from her experiences as a marketing executive focused on creating and communicating ‘Brands’. As both a former Menttium mentee and 9-time Menttium Mentor, Pam offers a dual perspective as she highlights just how transformative a clearly communicated self-definition can be – as well as noting that it is always an aspect of the mentoring experience. Pam shares her own stories of managing some of the common challenges facing so many of us today (downsizing, being a working mom, career decisions). And she shares the tips and tools that helped her navigate through the changes; and allowed her to capture the learning into a broader definition of who she is today.

Pam Hollander

Vice President, Marketing Strategy & Client Success | TSMGI

Founder | PH Marketing Solutions

This week we have our conversation with Zoa Norman.  Drawing on her role as the Director of Client Success at ADP, Zoa walks us through her strategies for bringing out the best in individuals and teams.  She illustrates that understanding what motivates individuals is a powerful way to create positive change and boost team performance.  Zoa also will demonstrate the art of managing up through concise communication, observing reactions, and asking for feedback.  You will also hear about the habits that have helped Zoa be successful and her advice for up-and-coming leaders.

Zoa Norman

Director, Client Success | ADP

In this two part episode, Dr. Roz Tsai will talk about resilience, which is an essential ingredient for thriving during turbulent times. Roz will define resilience and highlight specific practices to shift our mindset and strengthen our resilience. Using the “3G’s” (gratitude, grit, grace), Roz walks us through how we can cultivate daily habits to improve our wellbeing. Based on her research in the talent management space, Roz outlines the 3 most important things that leaders can do to foster resilience in their team.

Roz Tsai

Vice President, Talent, Learning & Organizational Effectiveness | Thrivent

In this episode, Krish Ramakrishnan, VP of Client Engagement at FICO, highlights his process for creating a work environment where people think for themselves, freely share ideas and opinions, and collaborate and innovate.  He shares a story about an interaction early in his career that had a profound influence on his leadership style.  He also offers suggestions for effectively addressing conflict when it arises.  He talks about the positive impact of mentoring and reveals his habits for success, advice to young professionals and his favorite quote.

Krish Ramakrishnan

Vice President, Client Engagement | FICO

In this episode, Toya Werkheiser discusses the role intentionality has played in her life and career (hint, she planned ahead for her empty nest phase). Toya sees the current blurring of the boundary between work and life as an opportunity to recognize the reality that we have always brought our whole selves into work. Whether we are dealing with challenges that are personal or are happening in the world, when we intentionally choose to be open with others it allows us to make real connections, and see from other vantage points – and that subsequent diversity of thought benefits both individuals and organizations. She also reframes the “great resignation” as an opportunity for a great reshuffle, providing new perspectives and new career pathways.

Toya Werkheiser

Director, Marketing Operations | Cigna – Healthspring

This week’s episode features a conversation with Nabil Raad, a global leader who has successfully built upon the benefits of his multicultural roots. Known as “MacGyver”, for his ability to always find a solution, Nabil shares a number of his creative approaches to increase team communication and productivity; including (i) rotating leadership, (ii) harnessing data to provide leaders with a “virtual mirror” of their communication/network, and (iii) contracting with an authored professor to serve as both an SME, and teacher to his team.

Nabil also shares his unique insight into cross-cultural communication, resilience, work/life integration, and the system he developed for himself to ‘build the habit of making habits’. This session provides both perspective and positivity!

Nabil Raad

Vice President, Data Science | GM Financial

In this episode Executive Coach, Deborah Herrera will walk us through her goal-clarifying questions. These questions are a powerful tool for translating big-picture aspirations for your work and your life into well-defined goals that reflect your vision of success. These questions are a game-changer for personal and professional success!

Deborah Herrera

ICF Certified Executive Coach & Former CFO

Nick Snoply

Chief Administrative Officer | American Health Network

Jayne Heggen

Founder | Heggen Business & Management Consulting