Bigger. Stronger. Faster.

Behind the CXO Title: Alison Shekman on Going Slow to Go Fast

In this episode, I talk with Alison Shekman, Chief of Staff at PhaseWell Research and a member of the CXO Fellows Program. Alison shares her journey from consulting into operations and what it has meant to step into an early-stage, acquisition-driven business. She reflects on slowing down to go fast, listening to frontline experts, and creating systems for prioritization. Alison also discusses lessons from the Shore Resource Team and why embracing iteration over perfection has shaped her approach as a CXO.Key Takeaways:Go slow to go fast by taking the time to understand what motivates people and plan for change so it can be implemented more effectivelyListen first and spend time in the field with the people who know the work best to close knowledge gaps and build credibilityCreate a system for relentless prioritization to bring clarity to the noise and stay aligned with leadership on what matters mostCall it version one, move forward, and keep iterating rather than waiting for perfectionChapters:00:00 - Introduction02:57 - Go Slow to Go Fast05:01 - Closing the Knowledge Gap09:35 - The Value of Networks13:03 - Prioritization and Integration19:47 - Lessons for Young LeadersListen to our podcasts at:https://www.shorecp.university/podcastsYou’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.Other ways to connect:Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blogShore University: https://www.shorecp.university/Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-universityThis podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

Behind the CXO Title: Driving Value Through Progress with Preethi Menon

In this episode, we sit down with Preethi Menon, Senior Vice President of Integrations and Partnerships at Empower Aesthetics. After nearly a decade in consulting, Preethi joined the CXO Fellows Program and stepped into the challenge of building Empower from the ground up. She reflects on lessons from scaling the company, including overcoming perfectionism, embracing accountability, and moving fast to create value. Preethi also underscores the importance of humility, strong relationships, and the CXO peer network in her growth as a leader.Key Takeaways:Learning to value progress over perfection helps leaders in young companies move with speed, capture opportunities, and create meaningful value before the moment passesTaking full ownership means recognizing that every choice and relationship matters, and leaders are directly accountable for the outcomes that shape the businessEarning trust with founders and partners comes from humility and being willing to roll up your sleeves, especially when transitions bring uncertainty and changeLeaning on a network of peers gives young leaders the perspective and encouragement they need to navigate the challenges of building a company from the ground upChapters:00:00 - Introduction07:42 - The Early-Stage11:16 - Operational Learning Curves18:15 - Building Great Companies23:24 - Lessons LearnedListen to our podcasts at:https://www.shorecp.university/podcastsYou’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.Other ways to connect:Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blogShore University: https://www.shorecp.university/Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-universityThis podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

Behind the CXO Title: Prioritizing What Matters Most with Will Cook

In this episode, we sit down with Will Cook, Chief of Staff at Skycrest Roof Co. Will shares his unique path from consulting to serving as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army before joining the CXO program. He reflects on his first year helping to launch Skycrest, where the role meant doing everything from marketing to operations while learning the business from the ground up. Will highlights the importance of humility, listening, and building relationships with founders and frontline teams, especially in a people-driven industry. He also discusses evaluating talent in fast-moving environments, practicing relentless prioritization, and leaning on the CXO peer network to navigate the inevitable highs and lows of growing a young company.Key Takeaways:Learning the business from the ground up builds credibility, deepens relationships, and ensures leaders make informed decisions that create lasting valueRelentless prioritization helps executives focus on the highest-impact initiatives, avoid distractions, and drive meaningful results in fast-moving environmentsPeople are at the center of every decision, and knowing your team’s strengths, weaknesses, and motivations is key to building trust and driving performanceSteadiness through highs and lows is sustained by leaning on peers and mentors, creating a support system that strengthens resilience and perspectiveChapters:00:00 - Introduction07:56 - What Makes a Good CXO12:05 - Building Relationships with Founders14:36 - Advice for New Leaders17:24 - Best Advice Ever ReceivedListen to our podcasts at:https://www.shorecp.university/podcastsYou’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.Other ways to connect:Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blogShore University: https://www.shorecp.university/Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-universityThis podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

Behind the CXO Title: Rachel Scott Garrison on Managing Stakeholders and Relentless Prioritization

In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Scott Garrison, CXO at Agentis Longevity. Rachel shares her journey from Dell, Visa, and Deloitte into the microcap space and what drew her to entrepreneurship. She reflects on lessons from her first year helping to launch Agentis, including building the right data infrastructure, practicing relentless prioritization, and supporting a young CEO. She highlights the importance of managing stakeholders, the mindset shifts that come with moving from perfection to progress, and the value of having a strong peer cohort to share experiences and resources along the way.Key Takeaways:Relentless prioritization combined with a progress-over-perfection mindset enables leaders to adapt quickly, focus on what matters most, and sustain momentumStakeholder alignment is central to success, and listening, timing, and inclusion build trust with founders, boards, and teamsSupporting and syncing with the CEO is critical in early-stage companies, where pace and pressure multiply and decisions must be made quicklyThe CXO network provides critical support and shared learning, helping leaders navigate challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and accelerate growthChapters:00:00 - Introduction04:37 - Building for Scale08:51 - Partnering with the CEO13:47 - Progress Over Perfection17:38 - Lessons in LeadershipListen to our podcasts at:https://www.shorecp.university/podcastsYou’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.Other ways to connect:Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blogShore University: https://www.shorecp.university/Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-universityThis podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

Behind the CXO Title: Chris Dardi on Building Something Bigger Than Himself

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Dardi, an alumnus of the CXO Fellows Program who was CFO of Behavioral Innovations at the time of recording and now serves as COO. Chris shares why he left financial due diligence to build something bigger, how he navigated the leap into healthcare, and the mindset shifts that helped him succeed. He reflects on lessons learned during his time as a CXO, the demands of leading through an exit as CFO, and the importance of process, adaptability, and knowing how to focus when everything feels urgent.Key Takeaways:Learning the business from the ground up builds credibility, accelerates impact, and helps new leaders drive meaningful changeOpportunities often come disguised as problems, and tackling unglamorous challenges creates momentum and visibility in microcap environmentsProcess, discipline, and adaptability are essential skills for CXOs stepping into new industries or scaling companies through rapid growthExit readiness is an ongoing effort that starts with how the business is built, not when a banker is hired, and it requires tight operations, clear data, and a compelling storyChapters:00:00 - Introduction05:27 - Discovering Purpose in the Mission09:00 - Learning Fast and Building Structure13:40 - Leading Through Change21:04 - Lessons in LeadershipListen to our podcasts at:https://www.shorecp.university/podcastsYou’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.Other ways to connect:Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blogShore University: https://www.shorecp.university/Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-universityThis podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.