Simply Driven Articles and Whitepapers

Navigating the complex world of business leadership requires continuous learning, and one of the best sources of wisdom is often found between the pages of a well-written book.

In the busy world of hiring, we often focus on the "what" and the "how." But there's a crucial question we sometimes overlook: "Why?"

In the rush to streamline and automate, many have lost sight of the fact that at the heart of every application is a person, eager and hopeful to forge a connection and find a place where they can contribute and grow. Don't lose out on an exceptional candidate.

The absence of face-to-face interactions can erode the sense of community and teamwork, cornerstones for any successful career. Without these meaningful connections, opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, or promotion might become scarcer.

Every organization, whether a fledgling startup or a Fortune 500 giant, aspires to have its ranks filled with these high-caliber professionals. Yet, the irony is palpable. While everyone desires an A-Player, many companies consistently fall short in securing them.

For some companies, internal equity is stopping them from making a change and improving their team. 

Jeremy Schoettle runs a large finance function in one of the most turbulent and changing industries in America.  There’s never a dull moment in his world. KB: Thanks for meeting. JS: Glad we could make it work. KB: As always, let’s start with the biographical stuff. JS: Sure.  I grew up in a large catholic [...]

Dave Ritzler is wise beyond his years and is another great example of how doing “a little more than was expected” can lead to amazing opportunity.  We’re sitting at the Starbucks at 15th and Capitol, and it’s hopping busy. KB:  Dave, thanks for meeting me. DR:  Good to be here. KB: Is Indianapolis home for [...]

John Wright is a Renaissance Man.  In addition to being a CFO, he’s a WWI & II history buff, collects vintage musical instruments, has a recording studio in this home and he restores old Volkswagens. As soon as he sits down with you, you can feel his energy. KB:  John, thanks for meeting me. JW: [...]

KB:  Steve, it’s good to see you. SD:  Thanks. KB:  Walk me through your early years. SD:  Good place to start - My parents were really smart: Dad is a PhD chemical engineer, and Mom was a chemical engineering librarian at Procter & Gamble, which is where they met. I was one of five kids, [...]

Doug Mills has had an amazing finance career here in Indianapolis. From his early days at Andersen to life in the private equity world, he’s seen a lot of stuff. Fun fact: Doug and I were neighbors a long time ago and had a years-long friendly competition for whose lawn was the greenest and best [...]

Jenny Quinnette is the new CFO of Viral Launch, an early stage SaaS company in Indianapolis. She’s been in the CFO chair there for less than two months and she’s having a blast. KB: Thanks for meeting me. JQ: My pleasure. KB: Tell me a little bit about your history. JQ: I grew up in [...]

Eric Harton is an amazing, global, CFO talent flying under our radar here. His career has taken him literally all over the world with some of America’s premier CPG companies. It’s a cold Thursday, but we’re in a warm spot at Muldoon’s in Carmel. KB: Eric, thank you for meeting me. EH: Glad to be [...]

Kay Whitaker has had quite a run as an Indianapolis CFO. A builder and a fixer, she’s made a name for herself with successes at RenPSG, Odyssey, First Internet Bank and Central Indiana Community Foundation. In 2012, The Indianapolis Business Journal honored her as its CFO of the Year for her work at CICF. KB: [...]

Stephanie Peavler is engaging, energetic and fearless. She’s two months in as the new CFO of BSA LifeStructures, although she’s no stranger to the company. We’re at Scotty’s Brewhouse on a Thursday afternoon and it’s absolutely pouring outside. KB: Stephanie it’s great to see you. SP: Glad to be here. KB: Tell me a little [...]

Andrew Krop is having fun. He’s a key executive at Spot Freight, which is an Indianapolis success story. Only in existence since 2009, they are a perennial honoree as one of the IBJ’s Fast 25. We’re having breakfast at Patachou downtown, surrounded by GenCon attendees in full dress. KB: How was life growing up? AK: [...]

KB: Melanie, great to see you. MK: Traffic was terrible… KB: It’s all good. I’ve got lots of time. Tell me about you…where are you from, how’d you grow up…all that stuff. MK: Well, here’s a little-known fact: I spent my early years in Hicksville, Ohio, which is just across the Ohio state line from [...]

KB: Joe, it’s great to see you. JA: Thanks. KB: You’ve had a non-traditional journey to the CFO seat. Let’s talk about that. JA: You’re right. I attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, which is in New London, CT. I pursued the Coast Guard Academy due to a couple of other family members that had [...]

Brad Cornelius is part of something special, and he knows it. Sun King has developed a brand and a culture that most other companies can only dream about. KB: Brad, thanks for meeting me. BC: My pleasure. KB: So, tell me about growing up. BC: I’m an only child; grew up in Lawrenceburg, IN. My [...]

Todd Pepmeier is one of Indy’s best kept CFO secrets. Just in his early 40s, he’s made a name for himself at some of the biggest companies in the world. Part corporate exec and part entrepreneur, he describes himself as an “engineer trapped in a CFO’s body”, and in his spare time builds racing engines [...]