Meridian Bank’s Post

🎙 Another great Executive Leaders Radio Show! It was a privilege to co-host Executive Leaders Radio Show yesterday alongside my fellow co-hosts Adrienne Straccione, CPA, CCIFP Wouch Maloney CPAs & Business Advisors, Jason Rocker of Braithwaite Communications, and my Executive Leaders Radio colleagues Ilyne Deliquina and Herbert J. Cohen Cohen. Each guest shared stories that spoke to the heart of leadership — how their early experiences shaped who they are today: 💡 Chris Annas – Meridian Bank Chris shared how his parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and respect for hard work early on — and how his mom taught him that when you create value for others, success naturally follows. It’s a principle that continues to guide how he leads and builds relationships today. ⚖️ Joel Frank – Lamb McErlane PC - Attorneys at Law Joel talked about being the neighborhood peacemaker growing up — learning the importance of fairness and standing up for others, just as he does now for his clients. He also shared that he started working in paving and concrete at just 12 years old, where he learned firsthand the importance of commitment, grit, and doing the job right the first time. Those lessons in work ethic and integrity continue to shape the leader and advocate he is today. 🌱 Frank Hennessey, AIF®, ChFC® – Premier Planning Group Frank shared how playing football taught him that you don’t always have to be the biggest to be the best — a mindset that’s shaped his approach to leadership and perseverance throughout life. He also opened up about discovering later in life that his father had raised his own brothers and sisters after their dad left when he was 14 — which is why all of them still call him “Uncle.” It’s a story that embodies strength, humility, and family values. 🤝 Michael Stephano – Stephano Slack LLC Michael shared how he followed in his father’s footsteps — both CPAs — and remembered delivering tax returns with his dad as a kid every April. That early exposure to responsibility and service now mirrors the work he does for his clients today. He also reflected on a lesson that’s guided his entire career: “Trust is something you have, but if you lose it, you’ll never get it back.” It’s always inspiring to hear the stories behind the success — the moments that build leaders and the lessons that last a lifetime. #ExecutiveLeadersRadio #Leadership #BusinessWithHeart #Inspiration #CareerJourney #CommunityLeadership #Livtech