PNC C-Speak: The Language of Executives is a podcast series co-created by PNC and WITF to showcase frank and lively conversations on leadership and life. Each episode features local C-level executives talking about relevant and timely business topics. This knowledge-sharing platform provides insights on forward-thinking business approaches that disrupt the status quo and encourage business leaders to think differently.

Listen and Subscribe to PNC C-Speak on these platforms

Recipes for Entrepreneurial Success
with Fred Clark

Season 4 | Episode 2
Entrepreneurs are often non-conformists. That quality enables them to turn their vision into a profitable business. Fred Clark, Founder and Chairman of Clark Associates, fulfilled his dream of opening a Restaurant Store and eventually added the online giant, Webstaurant.com. Learn Fred’s recipe for entrepreneurial success on this episode of PNC C-Speak.

Keeping Things Fresh
with Travis Sheetz

Season 4 | Episode 1
Whether it’s their Made-to-Order sandwiches, competitive gas prices or prime locations, Sheetz convenience stores offer motorists a welcome pit stop along the road. On this episode, Travis Sheetz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sheetz Inc., explains how to keep a business culture fresh while experiencing major growth.

Authenticity Inspires Success
with Dr. John J. “Ski” Sygielski

Season 3 | Episode 6
Leaders who embrace their true selves are more likely to achieve their goals and inspire their team to excellence. That’s just one key component of Dr. John “Ski” Sygielski’s skill set as president and CEO of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College. On this episode, learn more about what drives Ski’s executive strategy. 

Built for Growth. Built for Giving. Built for Generations. 
with Michael Schwab

Season 3 | Episode 5
With a business and operational footprint spanning multiple U.S. states and Canada, Michael Schwab, co-owner of D&H Distributing, says Putting People First is their success strategy. His company, now more than 100 years old, stays competitive by focusing on what’s ahead. Listen to Michael Schwab on the PNC C-Speak: The Language of Executives podcast.  

What It Means to be a Servant Leader
with S. Dale High

Season 3 | Episode 4
S. Dale High, chair emeritus of High Industries Inc. and chair of the High Foundation, says being purposeful creates business success and community alignment. Building trustworthy relationships is more than a motto for his family-owned company. Dale shares lessons he learned from the shop floor to the board room on this PNC C-Speak podcast.  

Alignment. Communication. Accountability.
with John Lawn

Season 3 | Episode 3
Those three principles are at the core of effective leadership for one of America’s favorite hospitality companies. On this episode of PNC C-Speak, John Lawn, President and CEO of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, shares his approach to team-building, problem-solving and fulfilling the company’s Core Purpose. 

Facing Challenges of Leadership Head On
with Karen E. Kim, MD, MS

Season 3 | Episode 2
As Dr. Karen Kim steps into her new role as Dean of the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, she’s open to resolving challenges by listening to diverse voices. On this episode of PNC C-Speak: The Language of Executives, Dr. Kim shares her insights on building consensus and what it takes to educate the next generation of doctors.

RISK: Taking the Uncharted Path to Business Success
with Abby Smith

Season 3 | Episode 1
A good leader is always evolving and seizing uncharted opportunities for personal and professional growth. Join us on PNC C-Speak: The Language of Executives as Team Pennsylvania President & CEO Abby Smith shares insights on achieving success.

Unlocking Potential Greatness at Penn State University with Dr. Neeli Bendapudi

Season 2 | Episode 6
Dr. Neeli Bendapudi is the 19th President of The Pennsylvania State University. As the new president of one of the nation’s original land-grant universities, Bendapudi wants to unlock Penn State’s potential for greatness as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation while strengthening its diversity, equity and inclusion through a data driven approach. As a self-described non-normative leader, Dr. Bendapudi harnesses her rich background in marketing, banking and academia as she charts the university’s next chapter.

Leading through Crisis with Bob Scaer

Season 2 | Episode 5
As CEO, how prepared are you for a major corporate crisis? What about two crises at the same time? That’s the challenge Bob Scaer and his team at Gannett Fleming faced at the height of the pandemic. Hear his perspective on leading through a crisis on this episode of PNC C-Speak podcast.

Embracing Radical Candor with Shaun Clair

Season 2 | Episode 4
Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift and Jay Z – what do these megastars have in common? They rely on CLAIR GLOBAL to provide premium sound at their LIVE events. Shaun Clair, vice president of sales, takes us behind-the-scenes of the Lititz company at the center of some of the boldest global musical performances. Clair says avoid “ruinous empathy” and embrace “radical candor” to get the best performance from your team. His insights on this episode of PNC C-Speak: The Language of Executives.

Improving Public Healthcare with Dr. Roxanna Gapstur

Season 2 | Episode 3
Post-pandemic, Central PA’s medical sector comes roaring back with fierce competition, bold partnerships and data-sharing to improve public health. WellSpan Health CEO Dr. Roxanna Gapstur says it’s the new “ecosystem of health care” and it’s here to stay. Join this episode of PNC C-Speak: The Language of Executive to listen. 

New Workers, New Paths to Work with Pedro Rivera

Season 2 | Episode 2
How do you find workers to fill jobs in Central PA, even for careers that haven’t been invented yet? A smart place to start is Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster. Stevens President Pedro Rivera says embrace the “YES” when faced with a challenge. His insights on technology and education this week on the podcast, PNC C-Speak: The Language of Executives.

Be A Good Listener with Bob Ortenzio

Season 2 | Episode 1
From one hospital in Central PA to a $6 billion nationally ranked health care network. Select Medical’s Executive Chairman Bob Ortenzio says if you’re not listening, you’re not leading. He shares his keys to business success on this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast. 

PNC C-Speak is hosted by:

Nell McCormack Abom

Nell McCormack Abom has built a career telling stories and starting conversations with some of Pennsylvania’s most compelling people. For 12 years, Nell hosted WITF-TV’s Smart Talk, Central Pennsylvania’s prime-time, award-winning public affairs program. The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences honored Nell with an Emmy as Outstanding Program Host/Moderator. She now owns an eponymous, award-winning media and public relations firm in the Harrisburg area.

Jim Hoehn

Jim Hoehn is the Regional President of Central Pennsylvania for PNC Bank. Jim regularly works with nonprofit, corporate and civic leaders to help support the vitality and prosperity of our region. He considers himself a lifelong learner, strives to stay curious because “when you stay curious, you’re able to connect with individuals on a personal level, that is when growth, learning and true success happen.”

C-Speak is supported by PNC

PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit pnc.com.