Sam Guerrieri is an executive vice president with the Canandaigua National Trust Co., where, among other units, he oversees CNB Wealth Management, Canandaigua National Trust Company of Florida. The Florida division is based in Sarasota. On this episode Sam talks about how he got into banking — and why he stayed in the field. He also talks about mentorship — both his mentors and mentees — and the elements in his career that motivate him to be a better leader everyday.

3 Takeaways:

1. (13:15) Set aside time each week to work ON the business
2. (16:00) Let your mentors know that you are thankful
3. (17:20) In a time of change, everyone is somewhere on the “Emotional Change Curve”

Timestamps:

(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!

(00:30) Introducing Sam Guerrieri, Executive Vice President, Canandaigua National Trust, Florida

(04:40) Why did Sam get into banking?

(06:30) Why is Canandaigua coming into Florida and Sarasota?

(08:05) How has the Florida market grown?

(10:15) What do you look for in leaders?

(12:45) Working on the business, not on the business

(14:00) Mentors

(16:20) Resilience

(20:00) What should we expect in 2025?

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Mike Sutton was named CEO of the Tampa Bay Gulfside unit a decade ago, when it had just finished house No. 280 and was only in Pinellas County. Now it’s in two more counties — Pasco and Hernando — and is closing in on house No. 1,000. On this episode, Mike talks about his why and how he connects that to his day-to-day role at Habitat. He also talks about how he holds the team accountable and what he looks for in leaders.

3 Takeaways:

1. (10:40) Promoting from inside is extremely valuable
2. (12:20) Culture fit is the most important value
3. (14:00) Hire slow, fire fast

Timestamps:

(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!

(00:30) Introducing Mike Sutton, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside

(04:00) How Mike got into nonprofits, starting at YMCA

(05:40) What is the mission of Habitat for Humanity?

(07:00) Day to day for Mike

(08:20) Tipping points for scaling the organization, growing for 11 straight years

(12:00) What do you look for in leaders?

(15:00) Personal learning lessons as the CEO

(16:45) Handling difficult conversations

(18:40) Lessons from mentors

(20:30) The experience of being at a Home Dedication

(24:15) Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside in 2025

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Phillip Lanham is approaching his two-year anniversary of being named president and CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, one of the largest, and most visible, foundations in the region. The foundation, with some $500 million in assets, works with donors and nonprofits in everything from the environment to affordable housing to economic development. On this episode, Philip talks about the challenges and opportunities in taking over leadership of a prominent organization, and how he set priorities. And listen for his passions outside of work, including football — and his beloved Cincinnati Bengals.

3 Takeaways:

1. (12:25) The best leaders are humble, hungry, and smart
2. (14:10) Not everyone is going to like you
3. (17:15) Look at a situation from a curious perspective

Timestamps:

(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!

(00:30) Introducing Phillip Lanham, President & CEO, Gulf Coast Community Foundation

(04:30) Growing up in Cincinnati and getting into nonprofits

(05:55) What does the Gulf Coast Community Foundation do?

(07:05) What was your mindset when you stepped into this role?

(07:55) Accomplishments

(11:45) What do you look for in leaders?

(13:15) What have you learned from your mentors?

(15:25) StrengthFinder

(16:40) How do you overcome setbacks?

(18:25) What is coming up in 2025?

Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders, and much more.

Visit businessobserverfl.com for more.