As the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer for Mitsubishi HC Capital America, Joni Kovac has seen a lot of change over the course of her 20+ years in the industry.  In this episode, I talk with Joni about her career path, her biggest challenges and rewards, her top 3 pieces of advice for equipment finance newbies, and how hiring has (and hasn’t!) changed since the pandemic.  Along the way, we talk about what people look for in their jobs (hint: it’s in the title), not being afraid to ask questions and why you should NEVER do tae-bo kicks at a work event. 

Episode 15: ELFA Board Chair Bob Neagle – This Will Be a Positive, Upbeat Podcast

You don’t want to miss this first episode of 2023 – it’s fairly bursting with nuggets of wisdom and sage advice from Bob Neagle, ELFA Board Chair and Finova Capital President and CEO.  Hear how Bob went from a Ph.D. and professorship in 18th century English literature at Loyola University Chicago to the equipment finance industry, and how having supportive mentors and colleagues made all the difference.  You’re guaranteed to walk away with advice that can help you in your career.  Recorded on January 4, 2023.

Episode 14: Katie Crawford, CLFP - It's All About Connection

This episode features triple threat Katie Crawford - not only is she Regional Sales Manager at Arvest Equipment Finance, she's a CLFP AND was named one of the Monitor Magazine's 2022 Top 50 Women in Equipment Finance!

Join us as we discuss Katie's career path, the biggest (and most rewarding!) risk she has taken in her career, plus three invaluable pieces of advice for emerging leaders in the industry.  Take a listen and you'll see why Katie is a leader to watch!

Episode 13: The Hubbub About the Knowledge Hub

This episode provides an overview of the business intelligence available from ELFA - now conveniently housed under the Knowledge Hub.  With co-host Ralph Petta, ELFA President and CEO, we asked Jayma Sandquist and Brad Peterson to talk about their "go to" ELFA resources.  Whether you're a long-time user or wondering what information is available, this episode is for you!

• Access the Knowledge Hub.
  
• Download the Foundation's Perfect Storms study.

Episode 12: The Black Experience in Equipment Finance

Recorded during Black History Month and brought to you by the ELFA Equality Committee, this episode features a candid discussion about the Black experience in the equipment finance industry, led by Sherry Lowe Johnson, ELFA Equality Committee member and VP, General Counsel and Head of Legal for Volvo Construction Equipment.  Sherry asks the thought-provoking questions of fellow guests Christopher Johnson (Pitney Bowes Global Financial Services), Shannon Lawson (Keating Muething & Klekamp) and Eric McGriff (Wintrust Specialty Finance) and the discussion is a must-listen for anyone in the industry.  What progress has our industry made when it comes to Black representation? How must policies change to move from words on paper to actual transformation?  What can Black leaders do to help Black candidates succeed in the workplace?  How can ALL leaders champion diversity and become allies in this effort?  

Episode 11: ELFA Board Chair Mike DiCecco - All In on ELFA Member Value

In the first episode of 2022, Mike DiCecco, Executive Managing Director of Huntington Asset Finance, shares his vision for his year as ELFA Board Chair, the benefits of being involved with ELFA, and the challenges and opportunities around the changing workforce.  Mike also discusses his belief that there are no right or wrong decisions in your career development, as long as you learn from them along the way.  There's much more to this conversation, so don't miss it!

Episode 10: Reconnect and Reunite with Ralph Petta

This episode highlights ELFA's 60th Annual Convention taking place October 24-26 in San Antonio, Texas. Join host Alexa Carnibella and ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta as they talk about the importance of this year's theme - reconnect and reunite.

Learn about the excellent lineup of keynote speakers and breakout sessions, plus more opportunities than ever to reconnect and reunite with fellow attendees. And it wouldn't be an ELFA convention without the opportunity to give back by participating in the community service events!

If you're a first-time attendee, don't miss the top advice to get the most out of your convention, including the "Colleague Connection" program jointly brought to you by the Emerging Talent Advisory Committee (ETAC), Women's Council and Equality Committee. 

So - before you reconnect and reunite at the convention, CONNECT to this episode to get a sneak peek at what's in store! See you in San Antonio!

Episode 9: Networking for Equality with Ben Grove and Stuart Papavassiliou

Inspired by Pride Month, this episode features lobbying and public policy powerhouse Ben Grove, Legislative Director at Thompson Coburn and President of Q Street, the professional nonprofit association of LGBTQ lobbyists and public policy advocates promoting LGBTQ equality and community. 

Ben shares how Q Street advances its mission to connect, support, and empower LGBTQ lobbyists and public policy advocates, how LGBTQ ELFA members can effectively speak to government officials, and three things ELFA members can do to support diversity, equity and inclusion for the LGBTQ community in the industry. 

This episode is co-hosted by Equality Committee member Stuart Papavassiliou, who shares how and when he became involved with ELFA and with the Equality Committee.

Episode 8: ELFA Federal and State Advocacy with Andy Fishburn and Scott Riehl

This episode is a government relations double-feature with guests Andy Fishburn, VP of Federal Government Relations and Scott Riehl, VP of State Government Relations.

Andy Fishburn discusses how the pandemic has changed advocacy, the future of tax policy, updates on Section 1071, this year's Capitol Connections and what ELFA members should be doing to impact policy in Washington.

In part two, Scott talks about the state and regulatory threats facing the industry and the issues ELFA is currently focused on.  

Bonus points if you catch the tidbits about the importance of composting!

Episode 7: With Jen Fanz and Deb Baker - Stoking the fire of Women's Leadership

This episode is all about what’s new with the ELFA Women's Council and upcoming Women's Leadership Forum. Join the formidable team of Deb Baker, Chair of the Women's Council and Jen Fanz, Chair of the Women's Leadership Forum, PLUS special co-host Lexie Dressman, Chair of the Emerging Talent Advisory Council. Whether you’re male or female, emerging or seasoned talent, this episode has insights for you.

This discussion is full of passion and excitement for what's on tap this year - including the launch of a mentoring program, creating opportunities for networking and relationship-building, plus the amazing sessions and speakers at this year's Leadership Forum on April 20.  We also discuss the challenges of the past year and the perks of working from home (hint...it's comfortable pants!)

Episode 6: Sales Talk with Jeff Dicosola and Jesse Johnson

Episode 5: ELFA Board Chair Kris Snow - No fear of failure

In this episode, double-threat Kris Snow, ELFA Board Chair and President of Cisco Capital, discusses why having no fear of failure has played a role in her success, shares the biggest challenge and rewarding risk in her career, and talks about her priorities as ELFA Chair. Along the way, we discuss diversity, inclusion and equity initiatives that all companies can implement and why golf is a sport for people who like a challenge.

Episode 4: Ricky Rios, CLFP - Working smarter, not harder

Ricky Rios, COO of Commercial Equipment Finance, Inc. (CEFI) shares the story of the biggest risk he ever took that led to his biggest reward and the importance of working SMARTER, not harder. We also discuss the value in hiring people with a desire to learn and grow, the wealth of information on the ELFA website (www.elfaonline.org) and the benefit of earning the CLFP designation. This interview was conducted on August 24, 2020.

Episode 3: Mike DiCecco - not just business, business, business

Mike DiCecco, President of Huntington Equipment Finance, talks about the benefits of personal connection with customers and the importance of being flexible with colleagues in the era of social distancing. We also talk about e-docs, SBA Disaster Assistance and the upside of video chats to stay connected. This interview was conducted on March 30, 2020. 

Episode 2: Live from Quarantine with Madhu Natarajan

This episode features Madhu Natarajan, Co-Founder and CEO of Odessa. We discuss - what else? - the impact COVID-19 has had/is having on the industry, from how to ensure that remote employees are motivated and systems are secure to how to respond to customer needs in this challenging time. This episode was recorded on March 25, 2020. 

Episode 1: ELFA Board Chair Martha Ahlers – Soft on people, hard on the issues

Martha Ahlers, President of United Leasing & Finance, shares her top 3 pieces of advice for someone starting out in equipment finance, her biggest professional challenge and skills for success. Along the way, we talk bumper stickers, diversity in the industry, fashion and finance, and Pepsi.