In this episode of CEO & Executive Thought Leadership, host Jennifer Kluge sits down with David Lopez, President and CEO of American Gaming Systems (AGS), to discuss what it takes to lead a company through rapid growth while keeping people at the center of the business.

David shares his experience leading acquisitions, taking the company public, partnering with private equity, and navigating complex organizational change. He discusses why building a culture of trust, humility, and teamwork has been just as important as achieving business results. From hiring the right leaders and eliminating organizational politics to fostering transparency and empowering employees, David offers practical leadership lessons for executives leading through transformation.

Whether you're scaling a business, integrating acquisitions, or developing your leadership team, this episode provides valuable insights on creating sustainable growth without sacrificing culture.

In this episode of CEO & Executive Thought Leadership, host Jennifer Kluge sits down with Kelly Springer, President and CEO of Metal Flow Corporation, to discuss leadership in an era of rapid transformation. From automation and workforce development to navigating industry disruption and global competition, Kelly shares how a people-first approach has helped Metal Flow continue to innovate and grow.

Drawing on her background in finance and manufacturing leadership, Kelly explores the importance of balancing data-driven decision-making with a deep commitment to employees. She discusses why communication, trust, and clarity are critical during times of change and how leaders can build resilient organizations by investing in both technology and talent.

The conversation also highlights strategic decision-making, the future of advanced manufacturing, and the opportunities AI presents for improving efficiency, innovation, and workforce development. Kelly offers practical insights for leaders seeking to create cultures that embrace change while remaining focused on people and long-term success.

In this special panel episode of CEO & Executive Thought Leadership, Eve Lai of VIVUS LLC, Shonna Turner of Riskonnect, Cristin Costanza of OneMagnify, and Tonya Hubbartt of Blachford Acoustics Group share their experiences leading organizations through mergers, acquisitions, private equity transitions, and other major business changes. Together, they discuss culture, communication, trust, and the strategies that help employees and organizations thrive during times of transformation.