Well done: Life and leadership lessons from Bloomin’ Brands executive Sheilina Henry

From the Corner Office

1:15:36

In this episode, we welcome back David French, columnist for The New York Times , former constitutional attorney, and author of Divided We Fall . We discuss the current state of American democracy, the challenges of political division, and how we can engage in civil discourse despite deep ideological differences. David also shares a personal update on his family and reflects on the profound trials and growth that come with adversity. 📌 What We Discuss: ✔️ How David and his family navigated the challenges of a serious health crisis. ✔️ The rise of political polarization and the factors driving it. ✔️ Why distinguishing between “unwise, unethical, and unlawful” is crucial in analyzing political actions. ✔️ How consuming different perspectives (even opposing ones) helps in understanding political dynamics. ✔️ The role of Christian values in politics and how they are being redefined. ⏳ Episode Highlights 📍 [00:01:00] – David French’s background and his journey from litigation to journalism. 📍 [00:02:30] – Personal update: David shares his wife Nancy’s battle with cancer and their journey as a family. 📍 [00:06:00] – How to navigate personal trials while maintaining faith and resilience. 📍 [00:10:00] – The danger of political paranoia and the pitfalls of extreme polarization. 📍 [00:18:00] – The "friend-enemy" paradigm in American politics and its influence in Christian fundamentalism. 📍 [00:24:00] – Revisiting Divided We Fall : How America’s divisions have devolved since 2020. 📍 [00:40:00] – The categories and differences of unwise, unethical, and unlawful political actions. 📍 [00:55:00] – The balance between justice, kindness, and humility in political engagement. 📍 [01:00:00] – The After Party initiative: A Christian approach to politics focused on values rather than policy. 💬 Featured Quotes 🔹 "You don't know who you truly are until your values are tested." – David French 🔹 "If we focus on the relational, we can have better conversations even across deep differences." – Corey Nathan 🔹 "Justice, kindness, and humility—if you're missing one, you're doing it wrong." – David French 🔹 "The United States has a history of shifting without repenting. We just move on." – David French 📚 Resources Mentioned David French’s Writing: New York Times David’s Book: Divided We Fall The After Party Initiative – More Info Advisory Opinions Podcast (with Sarah Isgur & David French) – Listen Here 📣 Call to Action If you found this conversation insightful, please: ✅ Subscribe to Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen: ratethispodcast.com/goodfaithpolitics ✅ Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/politicsandreligion ✅ Watch the full conversation and subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@politicsandreligion 🔗 Connect With Us on Social Media @coreysnathan: Bluesky LinkedIn Instagram Threads Facebook Substack David French: 🔗 Twitter | BlueSky | New York Times Our Sponsors Meza Wealth Management: www.mezawealth.com Prolux Autogroup: www.proluxautogroup.com or www.granadahillsairporttransportation.com Let’s keep talking politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️💡…

about a year ago 22:56

MP3•Episode home

3 Takeaways:

(03:10) Without a customer, you have nothing, treat them well
(09:35) I am looking for leaders who make it through adversity
(17:30) Keep fighting

Timestamps:

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

(01:15) Introducing Sheilina Henry, president Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar

(03:10) What grew your passion in the restaurant industry?

(05:10) What led you to Bloomin Brands?

(07:45) What do you look for in leaders?

(10:35) Overcoming setbacks

(13:45) Mentors

(17:45) Developing relationships within Bloomin Brands

(20:50) Fleming’s in 2025

95 episodes

#Business #Mark Gordon

Well done: Life and leadership lessons from Bloomin’ Brands executive Sheilina Henry

From the Corner Office

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

3 Takeaways:

(03:10) Without a customer, you have nothing, treat them well
(09:35) I am looking for leaders who make it through adversity
(17:30) Keep fighting

Timestamps:

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

(01:15) Introducing Sheilina Henry, president Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar

(03:10) What grew your passion in the restaurant industry?

(05:10) What led you to Bloomin Brands?

(07:45) What do you look for in leaders?

(10:35) Overcoming setbacks

(13:45) Mentors

(17:45) Developing relationships within Bloomin Brands

(20:50) Fleming’s in 2025

95 episodes

#Business #Mark Gordon

Усі епізоди

1
Taking chances, selling groceries and building luxury condo towers with billionaire John Catsimatidis 16:47

3 days ago16:47

16:47

John Catsimatidis has garnered a net worth of $4.5 billion through grit, guts and guile. Raised in a tight-knit Greek-American family, Catsimatidis learned how to hustle and get along with just about anyone while growing up in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. He’s now CEO of Red Apple Group, a conglomerate that includes oil refining, the Gristedes grocery chain in New York City and, notably, The Residences at 400 Central, a luxury condo project in downtown St. Petersburg. On this episode, Catsimatidis, with his sometimes brash and frank approach, talks about his origin story, his mentors and his key lessons in business — and life. 3 Takeaways: (09:50) Have fun working through challenges (10:40) We are all lions in our own den (11:15) Hire people that are smarter than you Timestamps: (00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio! (00:30) Introducing John Catsimatidis, CEO of Red Apple Group (02:45) Growing up in NYC (04:10) Getting into the grocery business and owning grocery stores (08:05) Discovering St. Pete (08:50) Residences at 400 Central (10:25) Common mistakes of start up companies (11:15) What makes a good leader? (12:00) Mentors (14:25) Recovering from setbacks (15:20) Other projects in Florida 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.…

1
Building communities where people want to live with Wellen Park’s Rick Severance 21:27

10 days ago21:27

21:27

Rick Severance has worked for some of the largest development communities in Florida, leading up to his current post, as president of Wellen Park, a master-planned community in south Sarasota County. And his passion for building communities is high-level. On this episode, Rick talks about what he believes makes a good work culture, his strategy for growing a community at the right pace, his mentors and how he leads through transparency and accountability. And listen for how he spends some of his time commuting to and from work. 3 Takeaways: (07:00) Set a clear vision (12:15) Assume the best (16:50) Pivot quickly Timestamps: (00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio! (00:30) Introducing Rick Severance, President of Wellen Park (05:20) Getting into Land Development (06:35) Leadership Lessons (08:00) Lessons from Babcock Ranch (09:10) What is Wellen Park? (11:20) How do you manage all the stakeholders? (13:45) What do you look for in other leaders? (15:18) Leadership advice (16:45) Dealing with setbacks (18:15) Wellen Park 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.…

1
Nothing fishy about it: Overseeing one of the largest aquariums in Florida with Roger Germann 19:59

17 days ago19:59

19:59

Roger Germann has overseen a major growth spurt and expansion at the Florida Aquarium in the past five-plus years. The budget has grown from $21 million to $42 million in his tenure, and attendance has surpassed 1 million guests. Germann has also significantly raised the profile of the Florida Aquarium, signing partnership agreements with entities like Tampa General Hospital, Feeding Tampa Bay and Junior Achievement. On this episode, Roger talks about his uniquely winding career that led him to Tampa, the characteristics he values in leaders and his tips for building a top-tier team. 3 Takeaways: (08:45) Connect with your community (09:30) Develop a “stop doing” list (13:30) As a leader, bite your lip and listen Timestamps: (00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio! (00:30) Introducing Roger Germann, President & CEO of the Florida Aquarium (03:10) Pre-aquarium career (06:20) What did you do as a leader to help grow the Florida Aquarium? (08:15) Dealing with COVID (10:50) What do you look for in leaders? (13:20) Leadership advice (15:15) Overcoming setbacks (17:45) Florida Aquarium 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.…

1
I’ll be here all week: Les McCurdy and the business of comedy 36:00

24 days ago36:00

36:00

Les McCurdy wasn’t born funny. But he’s learned a lot about the business of being funny in nearly 40 years of running a comedy club. McCurdy’s, in downtown Sarasota, draws acts and standup comedians from across the world and, despite being in a mid-size market, has national notoriety for being a top tier comedy club. On this episode Les talks about his origin story and how he has been successful in a cutthroat, tight-margin. (The key: inventory management.) He also talked about overcoming setbacks (bombs while performing) and who his favorite comedians are. 3 Takeaways: (13:40) Stick with it and good things will happen (25:00) Inventory control is key (27:00) Small changes lead to big changes Timestamps: (00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio! (00:25) Introducing Les McCurdy, Founder of McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre (02:20) Rapid fire questions (05:15) How Les got into the comedy business (08:20) Discovering comedy in Boulder (12:05) Moving to Tampa to become a comic (17:15) Opening McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre (20:10) Overcoming setbacks (25:20) Learning to be a more efficient business owner (30:30) What is happening 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.…

1
High energy leadership and why consistency matters with Bradenton EDC’s Sharon Hillstrom 21:57

4 weeks ago21:57

21:57

For nearly two decades, many in the region have known Sharon Hillstrom as a go-to leader for economic development and business prosperity in Manatee County. She does that locally, nationally and even abroad. On this episode Sharon talks about some key lessons she has learned while working with all these entities. Some examples: consistency is essential; company culture is as well; and a leader’s energy can be contagious throughout the organization. Listen too for the music and podcasts Sharon uses to get ready for the day and get down to work. 3 Takeaways: (10:40) Great businesses help their community (12:55) Own your decisions and area of focus (17:40) Setbacks allow you to identify a new way forward Timestamps: (00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio! (00:30) Introducing Sharon Hillstrom, President & CEO of the Bradenton Area EDC (01:45) Rapid Fire questions (04:15) How did you get to the Bradenton Area EDC? (08:10) What does the Bradenton Area EDC do? (09:50) What have you learned from the businesses you work with? (11:25) What do you look for in leaders? (13:45) Allowing employees freedom (14:30) Mentors and inspiration (17:00) Learning from setbacks (18:20) Bradenton Area EDC 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.…

1
Budding sports stars and lifelong leadership lessons with IMG Academy CEO Brent Richard 29:30

5 weeks ago29:30

29:30

IMG Academy CEO Brent Richard joined the school and athletic campus — known worldwide and one of Manatee County’s largest private employers — in 2020, after a career working for one legendary company on Wall Street and one in Hollywood. On this episode Brent talks about the lessons he learned from his mentors — business is a contact sport is one; fail fast is another — and what he has learned about resilience from IMG’s student-athletes. And listen for a story about two meaningful days on the golf course. 3 Takeaways: (08:15) Details matter (09:35) Profits and purpose is the way to win at life (11:30) Business is a contact sport Timestamps: (00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio! (00:25) Introducing Brent Richard, CEO of IMG Academy (01:25) Rapid fire questions (06:35) Brent’s Career and what his mentors taught him (14:35) What did you learn from Ari Emanuel? (18:20) What do you look for in leaders? (22:15) Overcoming from setbacks (25:30) What can we look for in 2025 at IMG Academy? 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.…

1
The business of philanthropy and kindness with Community Foundation Tampa Bay CEO Marlene Spalten 22:56

6 weeks ago22:56

22:56

Marlene Spalten has overseen a major era of growth in her decade at the helm of one of the largest community foundations in Florida: the Community Foundation Tampa Bay now has more than $750 million in assets and donor-advised funds. On this episode, Marlene talks about her collaborative leadership style and how the foundation, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, has such high employee engagement and low employee turnover. Marlene also talks about the remarkable significance Valentine’s Day has played in her life. 3 Takeaways: (13:10) Be bold, you know more than you think you do (13:50) Being able to recognize talent in others is a key leadership trait (19:00) Make sure the right people are in the room Timestamps: (00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio! (00:30) Introducing Marlene Spalten, President and CEO of Community Foundation Tampa Bay (10:45) Becoming CEO of CFTB (12:45) What have you learned from mentors? (14:55) What do you look for in leaders? (18:05) Setbacks you learned from (20:45) What is coming for CFTB 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.…

1
Well done: Life and leadership lessons from Bloomin’ Brands executive Sheilina Henry 22:56

7 weeks ago22:56

22:56

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar President Sheilina Henry wears her leadership style — authentically focused, mission-driven and people-centric — on her sleeve. And with a sense of humility. (The first entry on her LinkedIn profile says Girl Mom.) On this episode Sheilina talks about her restaurant career start (old-school Pizza Hut in Chicago) and how she found her way and climbed the career ladder at Tampa-based restaurant giant Bloomin’ Brands. She also talks about her mentors, what motivates her to lead people and overcoming mistakes and setbacks. 3 Takeaways: (03:10) Without a customer, you have nothing, treat them well (09:35) I am looking for leaders who make it through adversity (17:30) Keep fighting Timestamps: (00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio! (01:15) Introducing Sheilina Henry, president Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar (03:10) What grew your passion in the restaurant industry? (05:10) What led you to Bloomin Brands? (07:45) What do you look for in leaders? (10:35) Overcoming setbacks (13:45) Mentors (17:45) Developing relationships within Bloomin Brands (20:50) Fleming’s in 2025…

1
Leading with heart — the story of Better Together CEO Megan Rose 29:02

8 weeks ago29:02

29:02

This week, we speak with Megan Rose, president and CEO of Better Together. Better Together, based in Fort Myers, has served more than 10,000 children across Florida, keeping families intact and out of the state system. And it’s helped nearly 40,000 people, many in ‘second-chance’ life situations, find employment across 24 states. On the episode, Better Together CEO Megan Rose talks about the importance of failing fast and failing forward, while not losing your innovative edge in nonprofit work. Megan also talks about her childhood, and how others in her community helped her family overcome some difficult circumstances. 3 Takeaways: (14:40) There is no fear of failure, but you must learn from it (15:05) Focus on 3 things at a time (20:00) Self-discipline is a must-have Timestamps: (00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio! (01:00) Introducing Megan Rose and rapid fire questions (02:35) Tell us about Better Together (05:10) How Better Together helps people find employment (08:40) What led you to this career path? (13:40) Leadership advice (17:20) What do you look for in leaders? (21:25) Examples of failure you learned from (27:15) What can we look forward to 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.…

1
Freddy Williams: Boys & Girls Clubs Alum, now CEO of one of the largest clubs in the country 23:10

9 weeks ago23:10

23:10

Freddy Williams was named CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake and Sumter County in 2012, when he was 28-years-old. Four years later he was CEO of the youth-focused nonprofit in Pinellas County. And now he’s at the helm of a Boys & Girls Club operation that stretches through Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. On this episode Freddie chats with Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon about his first summer at a Boys & Girls Club — it wasn’t necessarily voluntary; his five pillars of intentional leadership; and why Denzel Washington is the one person, dead or alive, he’d love to have dinner with. 3 Takeaways: (14:45) A strong moral compass and a spirit of continuous improvement are key leadership characteristics (16:50) A board is powerful if you can tap into their expertise (17:30) Never ask someone to do something you aren’t willing to do yourself Timestamps: (00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio! (00:25) Introducing Freddy Williams, CEO of Boy & Girls Clubs of The Suncoast and Tampa Bay (01:30) Rapid Fire Questions (05:05) How did you discover the Boys & Girls Clubs? (07:40) Kids hold on to your every word (08:40) Freddy’s leadership style (10:05) What does Boys & Girls Clubs do? (11:20) Strategic Merger (14:45) What do you look for in leaders? (16:10) Becoming a CEO at 27 (17:20) Leadership advice (19:25) How do you manage leading as a CEO and being involved in the programs (21:25) 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.…

1
From living in your car to living your entrepreneurial dreams with tech founder Chris Williams 22:27

10 weeks ago22:27

22:27

Chris founded Aginto, a digital and marketing firm, in 2011. Clients include small and midsize companies in health care, law, industrial sectors and home services. Chris’ amazing never-quit backstory, before Aginto, includes a major life turnaround: He was unemployed, living alone, first in his car, then in a run-down motel in Sarasota with sticky floors. Desperate, he started his business while working an overnight shift at a Goodwill donation center in Sarasota. Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Chris talked about how he was able to get through that time — which includes having an infant daughter. One key, says Chris, is he was grateful for what he had, no matter how little that was, while also never being content. 3 Takeaways: (11:40) Don’t misconstrue gratefulness with content (14:50) Leadership is about serving those who you are leading (15:50) The 1 on 1 is a powerful leadership tool Timestamps: (00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio! (00:30) Introducing Chris Williams, Managing Director of Aginto (01:30) Rapid fire questions (04:15) What is Aginto? (07:00) Starting a business from 0 (11:30) Keeping a positive mindset (14:25) Characteristics of a good leader (16:30) Leadership advice (19:30) Involvement with Salvation Army (21:20) What is happening in 2025 for Aginto? 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.…

1
Resilience, leadership and the hot commercial real estate market with LaShawn Bates 28:52

11 weeks ago28:52

28:52

LaShawn has been the market leader in Tampa for JLL since 2019. Her territory covers Tampa Bay and Central Florida and she oversees more than 40 brokers. A passionate alum of the University of Kansas, LaShawn has been in the Tampa market for some 20 years and the commercial real estate business for 25 years. She’s executed over 350 assignments totaling $5 billion for institutional clients with both industrial and office portfolios. Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and LaShawn talked about JLL’s recent significant expansion in Tampa — and why the firm did it. (She’s obviously a fan of working in the office, not WFH.) They also talked about what she looks for in leaders (resilience is a big one, character, too), what she has learned from her mentors and more. 3 Takeaways: (03:20) Relationships, relationships, relationships (18:20) Perform and execute what is in front of you (19:40) Be where your feet are Timestamps: (00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio (00:26) Introducing Lashawn Bates and rapid fire questions (01:50) How did you get into commercial real estate and succeed? (03:40) Building relationships (05:40) Working for JLL and becoming a leader (07:50) From broker to leader (08:55) JLL’s growth in the market (13:10) Leadership characteristics (18:10) Leadership advice (20:40) The importance of practicing (22:45) Overcoming rejection (26:20) JLL in 2025…

1
Great stories and lots of gratitude with Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon 28:02

12 weeks ago28:02

28:02

Mark Gordon is the Managing Editor of the Business Observer. He has been with the Business Observer since 2005, where he’s written about companies, development, entrepreneurs and how government intersects with business, among other topics. He currently oversees the paper’s coverage from Tampa to Naples, in print and online, overseeing a staff of reporters and photographers, in addition to writing stories. He has written a biweekly leadership column, Leadership Matters, since 2021 in the Business Observer. And in 2023 he began hosting From the Corner Office, a weekly podcast. In a twist, for this week’s episode From the Corner Office producer Read Corley turns the tables — and interviews host Mark Gordon. Read and Mark talked about Mark’s career in journalism, his lessons learned about leadership from interviewing hundreds of executives and entrepreneurs and his mentors. Listen for how Mark answers a question about what he would like the headline to be for his last story. 3 Takeaways: (06:40) Be pragmatic (07:45) Never assume, over communicate, and be clear (23:10) Never be sure, double check Timestamps: (00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio! (00:30) Introducing Mark Gordon, Managing Editor of Business Observer (03:35) Becoming Managing Editor and responsibilities (06:10) Learning curve of managing people (08:48) Favorite story Mark has written for the Business Observer (10:30) Ideal audience member of Business Observer (11:45) Characteristics of the best hires (13:40) Setbacks and learning experiences (17:00) There is no “edit” button in journalism (20:40) Mark’s mentors (25:20) Rapid fire questions 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.…

1
All in one - Leadership lessons and Insurance needs with Patrick Del Medico 31:30

13 weeks ago31:30

31:30

Patrick has worked in sales, marketing, training and product development for more than 30 years. He has also been a leader in building teams and creating a sustainable positive corporate culture at both family businesses and large corporations. Brands he's worked for include Procter & Gamble and Stryker Corp. He’s been with Shepherd Insurance, and its predecessor brand in Sarasota, Al Purmot Insurance, since 2007. Business Observer Managing Editor Mark Gordon and Patrick talked about how he and his team navigated the season of storms in the fall, working for clients while also living in the ravaged area. One key, he says, for leaders during stressful times like that is “calm is contagious.” They also talked about the must-dos in building a strong company culture and how being a youth basketball coach for his kids helped shape his leadership style. And listen for a pair of personal nuggets: the impact Patrick’s late father had on his life and what his word of the year was for 2024. 3 Takeaways: (05:40) Culture is created by the team (09:15) Everyone wants to feel significant (16:30) If you’re looking for one aspect of a leader, is it a skill or attitude? Timestamps: (00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio! (00:50) Introducing Patrick Del Medico, Partner and COO of the Florida and Arizona region, Shepherd Insurance (05:00) Creating company culture (08:00) Lessons from basketball coaching (11:55) Holding people accountable (16:10) Characteristics of leadership (18:45) Leadership lessons (22:15) Shepherd Insurance in 2025 (24:40) Rapid fire questions 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.…

1
Fostering business success with 26 West Entrepreneurship Center Director Kim Richmond 26:19

14 weeks ago26:19