Stuart BrownEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

What truly sets high-performing companies apart? According to Corient Private Wealth Partner Brent Beene , the answer lies in an intentional, well-defined corporate culture. In this episode of Open For Business, Brent joins hosts Stuart Brown and Norman Kallen to unpack how leaders can build and sustain a culture that fuels engagement, resilience, and long-term success -- especially in an era shaped by remote work, generational shifts, escalating M&A activity, and post-COVID workforce expectations. Brent shares practical insights on defining culture with purpose, leveraging employee feedback to strengthen trust and performance, and treating culture as a strategic asset -- one that can serve as an “insurance policy” during times of disruption. The conversation also explores how to integrate cultures during mergers and acquisitions, balance tradition with innovation, and scale a company without losing its identity. Key topics include: How to define a company culture that drives engagement and results Building strong culture across remote and hybrid teams Using employee feedback as a tool for continuous improvement Why culture is a strategic risk-management and retention tool Successfully merging cultures in M&A transactions The multi-generational lens on workplace values and expectations How the COVID crisis reshaped corporate culture -- and what leaders must do now Preserving culture while accelerating growth and expansion Whether you’re leading a fast-growing company, navigating change, or rethinking your organization’s ide

Private equity is an intricate but also rewarding venture – if you just know how to play your cards right. Adam Coffey has been guiding people in learning and mastering the ropes of private equity so they can grow their wealth and secure profitable opportunities. In this conversation with Norman Kallen and Stuart Brown, he details how he became a blue-collar CEO who utilizes the so-called “napkin math” to help entrepreneurs and organizations achieve financial success. Adam also shares how working under Jack Welch and serving in the military influenced his no-BS approach to leadership and coaching. Visit https://www.stevenslee.com/ for more information!

Every workplace must prioritize everyone’s happiness to produce the right results and retain the right people. With the proper grasp of positive psychology, business leaders can elevate their cultures and help the entire team flourish. Exploring this topic with Norman Kallen and Stuart Brown with Leona Brandwene of the University of Pennsylvania and Andrew Soren of Eudaimonic by Design . They discuss how positive psychology can lead to a resilient business, empower employee management, and help address work-related stress. Leona and Andrew also share how they take care of their own well-being and the importance of surrounding yourself with positive individuals. Visit https://www.stevenslee.com/ for more information!

Ever wonder what it takes to turn a political science degree into a multi-million dollar wine empire? Today, we're about to find out! The legendary Gary Fisch of Gary's Wine & Marketplace joins hosts Norman Kallen and Stuart Brown to go behind the scenes of a retail revolution, from navigating unexpected pivots and the challenges of rapid growth, to the surprising impact of a global pandemic on a beloved wine business. If you're an entrepreneur, a wine enthusiast, or just curious about the art of the pivot, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Pull up a chair, and let's pour into Gary's incredible story. Visit https://www.stevenslee.com/ for more information!

One of the absolute truths in running a business is that it will eventually end. Therefore, you must prepare for your business transition as early as you can to lessen the headaches when it finally comes. Laurie Barkman , the Business Transition Sherpa, helps business owners navigate this challenging process. She joins Norman Kallen and Stuart Brown to share valuable advice on preparing for a transition not only financially but also mentally and emotionally. Tune in as Laurie breaks down the benefits of business valuation, the right way to build a transition team, and the different kinds of potential business buyers to keep an eye on. Visit https://www.stevenslee.com/ for more information!

Welcome to Open For Business, the podcast exploring the unique challenges faced by business owners today – and how to effectively address them. Join business lawyers Stuart Brown and Norman Kallen as they break down crucial topics about business management, market trends, retirement, work-life balance, and more. Hear valuable words of wisdom from experts and professionals from different industries, from successful entrepreneurs to inspiring authors. Whether you are just starting your journey or currently planning to level up your game, this podcast is a must-listen. Visit https://www.stevenslee.com/ for more information!

Host Stuart Brown chats with Dr. Jim Hoppe, Vice President & Dean for Campus Life at Emerson College. Background info on our guest plus a full transcript is available at studentaffairspodcast.com/ot36 .

Host Stuart Brown chats with Dr. Christopher Haug from the Association of Catholic Colleges & Universities. Background info on our guest plus a full transcript is available at studentaffairspodcast.com/ot35 .