AN AWARD WINNING PODCAST BY THE DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Season five is here! The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC) is taking a deep dive into important topics at the forefront of the business community, featuring the experts—our members! Hosted by Kelly Basile, chief operating officer at DSCC, we are having candid conversations with everyone from CEOs to interns, industry leaders to community and government officials, and more.

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SEASON 5:

EPISODE 28 | THE ATHLETE'S EDGE
September 23, 2025

The playing field and the boardroom may seem worlds apart, yet the lessons learned through sports often prove invaluable in the professional world. From preparation to discipline, teamwork, and dealing with pressure and adversity, athletic experiences can shape leaders in powerful ways. In this episode, Tamara Stoner of Delaware State University and Ted Lauzen of Grey Fox Wealth reflect on how their time playing sports gave them an edge in their careers—and how those same skills continue to guide their success today. Watch the episode >

Madeleine Bayard from Rodel, and Carrie Leishman from the Delaware Restaurant Association

EPISODE 27 | IT IMPACTS EVERYONE
September 9, 2025

Child care isn’t just a family concern. It’s a business issue. Behind every statistic are real families making tough choices about career growth and child care. In Delaware and across the country, the cost, availability, and quality of child care directly impact whether parents can work, take promotions, or stay in the labor force at all. In this episode, Kelly is joined by Madeleine Bayard from Rodel, and Carrie Leishman from the Delaware Restaurant Association to explore how affordability, access, flexibility, and quality in child care affect Delaware’s workforce challenges and opportunities. Watch the episode >

Carla Stone, president of World Trade Center Delaware, and David Mathe, director of Export Delaware

EPISODE 26 | TRADE UNDER PRESSURE
August 26, 2025

Tariffs are one of the hottest topics in business right now—shifting from week to week, sparking debate, and creating uncertainty for companies across the globe. In this episode, Kelly is joined by Carla Stone, president of World Trade Center Delaware, and David Mathe, director of Export Delaware, to explain what tariffs are, why they matter, and what resources Delaware companies utilize to navigate this rapidly-changing situation. Watch the episode >

Rodger Levenson of WSFS Bank and Chip Rossi, recently retired from Bank of America

EPISODE 25 | BUILDING DELAWARE'S ECONOMIC FUTURE
August 12, 2025

Delaware isn’t alone in navigating a period of rapid transformation. Political, geopolitical, technological, environmental, and demographic changes are reshaping how consumers spend, businesses operate, and leaders plan for the future. In this episode, Kelly is joined by Rodger Levenson of WSFS Bank and Chip Rossi, recently retired from Bank of America, to discuss how these shifts are impacting Delaware’s economy. Drawing from insights in the State Chamber’s recent white paper, The Trends Shaping Delaware’s Future, they explore how the state can turn disruption into opportunity for the years ahead. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 24 | BUILDING DELAWARE'S ECONOMIC FUTURE
July 29, 2025

Delaware has a new governor—and with new leadership comes new ideas. Since taking office, Governor Matt Meyer has made small business and entrepreneur support a key pillar of his economic development strategy. In this special episode, Governor Meyer joins Kelly to discuss his administration’s approach to strengthening Delaware’s small business landscape. He shares why innovation and small business growth are central to the state’s long-term competitiveness, and how recent initiatives aim to build the talent pipeline, support entrepreneurs, and remove barriers to growth. Watch the episode >

Bill Provine of The Innovation Space and Noah Olson from the Delaware Prosperity Partnership

EPISODE 23 | 30-YEAR OVERNIGHT SUCCESSES
July 15, 2025

Delaware is punching above its weight when it comes to innovation. Ranking 8th overall—and 1st for innovation environment—on WalletHub’s 2025 Most Innovative States list, the First State continues to attract forward-thinking entrepreneurs. In this episode, Kelly is joined by Bill Provine of The Innovation Space and Noah Olson from the Delaware Prosperity Partnership to explore why Delaware’s collaborative ecosystem, strong support networks, and startup-friendly culture make it a hub for problem solvers and change-makers. Watch the episode >

SEASON 4

EPISODE 22 | A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CEO
October 1, 2024 | Episode Sponsored by Cover & Rossiter P.A.

Running a business—regardless of its size—demands strategic acumen, dedication, and adaptability. While both share the foundation of serving a mission and objectives like profitability and growth, the challenges and nuances between managing a large enterprise and a small business diverge significantly. In this episode, Kelly sat down with two Delaware business leaders, Tom Horne of JPMorgan Chase and Katie Kutler of Kaffé KARMA, to explore the vast differences and fundamental similarities between running their respective organizations. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 21 | MEET THE MAKERS
September 17, 2024

Delaware is home to hundreds of manufacturers who employ more than 28,000 Delawareans and make innovative products with local and global impacts. As we witness the reshoring movement, there is an opportunity not just for the U.S. but for Delaware to solidify its position as a leader in the manufacturing economy. In this episode, Brian Brooks from Hologic and Dave McGonigle from Avkin are at the table—two manufacturers who participated in our inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Delaware contest—who will explore the importance of the sector and the many career opportunities that exist within it. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 20 | CONSCIOUS COMPANIES
September 3, 2024

NASA research shows that reducing global emissions would prevent about 1.4 million hospitalizations and emergency room visits, 300 million lost workdays, and 440 million tons of crop losses in the U.S. alone. Addressing this global crisis is a priority to customers, investors, and employees alike. Andy Wirths of AstraZeneca and Drew Getty from Perdue Farms sat at the table to discuss why being an environmentally conscious company is not only about doing good, it’s also good business. Watch the episode >

MINISODE | MEET PHIL VAVALA, REGION PRESIDENT OF DELMARVA POWER
August 27, 2024 | Episode sponsored by Delmarva Power

After more than three decades at the company, Phil Vavala brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of region president at Delmarva Power. A born and raised Delawarean, Phil shares his career journey - from intern to president - top priorities for the company, and Delmarva Power’s approach to workforce transitions and cleaner energy. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 19 | REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
August 20, 2024 | Episode sponsored by the Christiana Mall

It’s no secret that businesses are struggling for talent. Once you find those all-star employees, it becomes paramount to retain them. And understanding the concept of career progression and its importance to boosting employee engagement, productivity, and retention can help. In this episode, Keisha Morris of Bayhealth and Michelle Ray of Blackwell HR Solutions explored the intricacies of developing your employees’ careers, offering insights, strategies, and real-world examples on how professional development initiatives will not only lift your employees but also your organization. Watch the episode >

MINISODE | PREPARING FOR DELAWARE PAID LEAVE
August 13, 2024 | Episode sponsored by Delaware Department of Labor

Chris Counihan, director of the Division of Paid Leave at the Delaware Department of Labor, joins Kelly to delve into the details of the new Delaware Paid Leave program, which takes effect in 2026.

For more information on Delaware Paid Leave, visit DE.gov/paidleave. Questions can be emailed to [email protected] or directed to the 24/7 call center at 302-761-8375. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 18 | BEYOND BREAKING NEWS
August 6, 2024

It’s not news that the news is in trouble. Your morning paper is thinner than it used to be. Important elections sneak up on you. You hear rumors of something that happened down the street or around the corner, and the lack of news coverage leaves you wondering what to believe. In this season 4 premiere, Ivan Thomas of DETV and Allison Levine of the Local Journalism Initiative will dive into the importance of strong, independent local journalism and how it connects to a better quality of life for all. Watch the episode >

SEASON 3

EPISODE 17 | IT'S LIFE-CHANGING
December 12, 2023 | Episode sponsored by Delaware River and Bay Authority

Delaware is filled with innovative workforce development programs that take people from where they are to where they want to go. In this episode, we sit down Cathy Kanefsky of the Food Bank of Delaware and Quentin Liningham of Walmart, both of whom represent organizations that provide people with the needed skills to step into a successful career path. We will explore how their respective programs are filling a need and addressing workforce gaps in the community. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 16 | DON'T CONFUSE PASSION FOR PROFITS
November 28, 2023

The Inc. 5000 is a list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the United States – and there are several on the list from Delaware! The list is based on revenue growth rate and job creation. We sat down with Mac Macleod from Carvertise and Chris Burkhard from Placers, both companies on the Inc. 5000 list, to discuss entrepreneurship and explore how these CEOs scaled their business, fostered positive company culture, and meaningfully engaged employees in their company's success. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 15 | A SECOND BRAIN
November 14, 2023

It’s the newest hot-button topic in the business world: artificial intelligence. Many of us have been using it in the workplace for years without realizing it, but with the rise of programs like Chat GPT and Google AI, the topic has risen to the forefront of conversation. In this episode, Bernardo Tiburcio of DuPont and Patrick Callahan will explore the integration of AI in the business world, its current impact, future potential, and how it can enhance workplace efficiency. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 14 | B.A.N.A.N.A.
October 31, 2023

In Delaware, the phrase "Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything" has become all too familiar in the housing industry. Fluctuating interest rates, material costs, and inventory have made housing a hot topic of discussion. The demand for various types of housing—affordable, workforce, senior, and seasonal—is great to support the needs of Delawareans. Sitting down at the table are Preston Schell of Ocean Atlantic Companies and Logan Herring of the WRK Group, who will explore the triumphs and shortcomings of housing in Delaware, and what’s next on the horizon. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 13 | SEIZING OUR MOMENT
October 17, 2023

Delaware is embracing its moment in the spotlight. With a growing population, a surge in businesses choosing the state for growth and relocation, a flourishing culinary scene, a thriving commercial airline, and a myriad of upcoming events, Delaware is fast becoming a premier destination to live, work, and play. Join us in this Season 3 premiere as Jen Boes from the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and Stephen Williams from the Delaware River and Bay Authority explore how the First State can harness this momentum and turn it into a lasting success story. Watch the episode >

SEASON 2

EPISODE 12 | MANY PATHWAYS TO PROGRESS
May 16, 2023

America is in the midst of a massive labor reallocation. Employers are struggling to find qualified talent, and employees are trying to keep up with rapidly developing technologies. The solution? Upskilling. At the table are Colleen Morrone – president and CEO of Goodwill of DE & DE County, and Dr. Darren Blackston, executive director of adult & continuing education, workforce development and training, assessment, and the connected degree program at Delaware State University. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 11 | CONNECTING WITH THE "WHY"
May 2, 2023

It takes a lot to be a successful leader. The Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business program has been recognizing those small business leaders and their employees in the Delaware community for 25 years. Sitting down at the table to discuss what makes a great leader is Brian DiSabatino, president and CEO of EDiS Company and Marie Holliday, managing director at Cover & Rossiter, both of whom lead businesses who have won the Superstars in Business award twice. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 10 | IT'S ROOTED IN A STORY
April 18, 2023

We're sitting down with Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride and Verna Hensley, the Vice President of Public Affairs at Easterseals DE and MD's Eastern Shore to discuss the best ways to get in touch with busy elected officials, and how advocates--for businesses or otherwise--can work with legislators for positive changes. We’ll also talk about the power of sharing personal stories in advocacy, and why building relationships with your legislators could be easier than you think. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 9 | INTO THE WEEDS
April 4, 2023

The push to legalize recreational marijuana in Delaware has been going on for almost a decade, and despite a previous veto by Governor Carney, the General Assembly has passed it again. What would the impact of legal recreational marijuana be for Delawareans? At the table we have Peter S. Murphy from Saul Ewing and John Gooden, president of M. Davis & Sons. This episode was filmed prior to the passing of HB 1 and 2. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 8 | THE TOTAL PACKAGE
March 21, 2023

What really makes a difference when it comes to mental well-being at work? In this episode, we’ll delve into why mental wellness isn’t an issue that can be shifted by providing resources individually--and talk about how systemic changes--things like better management, organization, and clearer communication--can make our workplaces healthier. At the table are Dr. Heather Farley, chief wellness officer at ChristianaCare and Jacqueline Elaine Catalano, the director of facilities management and site services at AstraZeneca. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 7 | A SEAT AT THE TABLE
March 7, 2023 | Episode sponsored by Christiana Mall

With many Boomers delaying retirement, Gen Xers in top management roles, Millennials starting to enter their mid-career, and Gen Z entering the workforce, there are four generations working side-by-side in the offices today, with wildly different priorities, preferred means of communication, and habits. In the season two premiere of Conversations with Kelly, Jim Lee of StratFi, and Michael Smith of Navient sit down to discuss how all four of these generations can work together harmoniously. Watch the episode >

SEASON 1

EPISODE 6 | IT'S NOT ALL ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL
November 15, 2022

The shift towards remote positions is having a huge impact on what we’ve come to expect from our jobs—and what employers have to do to remain attractive to new hires. At the table today are two experts in the field of human resources, Megan Couch, the chief experience officer at Integrity Staffing Solutions, and Susan Kelliher, the chief people officer at Chemours. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 5 | TIME IS MONEY
November 1, 2022

Site readiness is everything that needs to happen to transform an empty space into a potential site for a new business. Delaware is poised to reintroduce a number of bills that will help improve efficiency through this process and kickstart development projects. At the table are Trisha Newcomer with the City of Seaford, and Shane Breakie of Chesapeake Utilities. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 4 | DATA ALWAYS CONNECTS TO STRATEGY
October 18, 2022

On this episode, we’re talking about data. Or is it "Day-tuh?" However you choose to pronounce it, data is the most important tool that businesses can use to drive decisions in the workplace. But only if you know where to find it, when to capture it and how to analyze it. We sat down with data scientist, Ryan Harrington, from Tech Impact's Data Innovation Lab, and small business owner and active data user, Tanya Williamson, of Married to the Ring. Watch the Episode>

EPISODE 3 | YOU'RE INVESTING IN THEM, THEY'RE INVESTING IN YOU
October 4, 2022

Most of us has had an internship, but whether or not we’ve had a good one may be debatable. When internships are done right, they can be very valuable—both as recruitment and training tools for businesses and as job pathways for interns. We sat down with with CSC’s Catrina Jefferson, who helped build and launch Intern Delaware, and Brody Hudson—an intern turned full-time accountant with Belfint Lyons & Shuman, CPAs. Watch the Episode >

EPISODE 2 | THE EXPERIMENT WORKED
September 20, 2022

Here in Delaware, we have what some people consider to be one of the best workforce development and training programs in the nation, Zip Code Wilmington. But can this model be used for other industries which are facing a shortage of qualified workers? We speak with two people who are at the forefront of this conversation, Desa Burton, executive director of Zip Code Wilmington, and Scott Malfitano, chair of the DE Workforce Development Board. Watch the episode >

EPISODE 1 | CULTURE NEEDS TO BE TRUE
September 6, 2022

On our first episode of "Conversations with Kelly", we’re exploring the importance of workplace culture. At the table are two Delaware business owners who run companies known for their great workplace culture.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS PODCAST SUPPORTERS WHO KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING:

Disclaimer: Episodes 1 through 22 are not associated with the Conversations with Kelly podcast by Kelly Grosklags, LICSW.

Delaware Deep Dive Podcast

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS PODCAST SUPPORTERS ​WHO KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING:

Delaware Deep Dive Podcast

DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS PODCAST SUPPORTERS WHO KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING: