TG Talk

The first episode of season 4 features Kyle Ranally, SAE alumnus and Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives Insights Lead for the NBA. Kyle grew up just outside of Cleveland and attended Ohio University, where he was a journalism major. Initially, he was interested in writing about music and sports, but midway through college, he developed an interest in social sciences, especially after an internship with CNN doing research and analytics. Ten years post-graduation and several jobs later, he’s jumped into a new role with the NBA, where he is tasked with researching the organization’s strategic initiatives. Kyle attributes his success to having a passion for his work. His current role pairs his love of sports with his professional passion for research and insights. Additionally, Kyle believes that being part of a supportive community plays an important role in an individual’s ability to be successful.

Foundation CEO Steve Mitchell interviewed Kyle over Zoom last month. Tune in today for this conversation that focuses on identifying your passion, aligning your personal and professional interests into a fulfilling career, and the importance of community, networking, and building relationships.

The fourth episode of season 3 features SAE alumnus and the 33rd Governor of North Dakota, Doug Burgum. Foundation CEO Steve Mitchell interviewed Governor Burgum over Zoom earlier this year. Governor Burgum grew up in a small town of just 400 people in North Dakota. He attended North Dakota State University, where he became a member of the North Dakota Beta chapter. After graduating with a degree in university studies and attending graduate school at Stanford University, Governor Burgum decided to jump into the tech world and started Great Plains Software in 1983. Microsoft acquired Great Plains in 2001. In addition to building this successful start-up and running for office, Governor Burgum was also a senior vice president for Microsoft and started several other businesses - A real estate development firm and a venture capital firm.Tune in today for this episode, which focuses on the lifelong significance of fraternal membership and the importance of values-based leadership. Governor Burgum says that lessons learned as an SAE through leadership opportunities, friendships, and the True Gentlemen are assets and have guided him throughout his professional career.

TG Talk is brought to you by the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation and Fraternity and is an opportunity to engage with staff, volunteers, undergraduates, and notable alumni. Join us for discussions on all things SAE, including chapter operations, alumni engagement, university relations, ritual, and values. Additionally, TG Talk is a speaker series. We feature guest speakers focusing on leadership, professional development, and current events. As True Gentlemen, we must always strive to rise above. One of the ways we do that is by continuously learning.

If you have ideas for upcoming topics, questions, or if your chapter has exciting news to share with the Realm, connect with us at communications@sae.net. You can find the podcast by searching for TG Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the Anchor app.

The third episode of season 3 features retired Air Force General Richard B. Myers, SAE alumnus and President of Kansas State University. Foundation CEO Steve Mitchell interviewed President Myers over Zoom earlier this year. President Myers grew up just outside of Kansas City, Kansas, and studied mechanical engineering at Kansas State University. He is a member from the Kansas Beta chapter and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force shortly after graduating. Throughout his 40 year military career, President Myers had many assignments, most notably Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Bill Clinton and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George W. Bush. As someone who had no interest in joining the armed forces when he started college and then worked his way up to be the highest-ranking member in the U.S. military, President Myers has an interesting perspective on what it takes to succeed.

Tune in today for this episode, which focuses on the importance of excelling in your current role, whether that be student, professional, volunteer, or otherwise, to be successful in the future. President Myers says, “We can tell you what it’s going to take to be successful tomorrow, and that’s to be the best at what you’re doing today.” Additionally, President Myers discusses following the guidance of the True Gentlemen, self-reflection, working to improve each day, and taking responsibility for mistakes you’ve made.

Across the realm, many chapters will be transitioning back to campus life we knew before the COVID-19 pandemic this fall. In this episode, Cody Delmendo (Eastern Illinois '15), his new co-host Gage Wolt (North Dakota State '18), and this month's guest Seth Crawford (University of Houston '18) discuss the three discussion points to help undergraduates transition back to returning to campus for the next school year. The three goals highlight making the most of being an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, chapter standards academically, socially, and utilizing new recruitment methods, and reviving chapter traditions.

TRIVIA QUESTIONS:

1. Which founder was the first-ever president of SAE and which founder designed the badge?

2. What chapter & university raised $100,000 for Movember in 2019?

The first episode of season 3 features Vincent Marsala, SAE alumnus and Superintendent for Turner Construction Company. Most recently, he oversaw the construction of LA’s brand new So-Fi Stadium. So-Fi Stadium is home to the LA Chargers and LA Rams and will host Super Bowl LVI in 2022, the College Football Championship in 2023, and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Olympics in 2028. Foundation CEO Steve Mitchell interviewed Vincent over Zoom earlier this year about his unique journey. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, enlisting shortly after graduating from high school. Following his service, he studied civil engineering at Cal State Poly-Pomona, where he became an SAE in his mid-twenties. In addition to his work with Turner Construction, Vincent is active in several professional associations and his local community. He serves as a mentor for ACE Mentor Program of America, Inc., which supports high school students interested in architecture, construction, and engineering. He is also the southern California liaison for Veterans Resource Group at Turner Construction, is a lecturer for USC’s Master of Business for Veterans program, and was the Keynote Speaker for Cal State Poly-Pomona’s Veteran Future Forward event.

Tune in today for this episode which focuses on the importance of goal setting, self-reflection, and getting out of your comfort zone. Vincent attributes his success to saying, “I want to be that guy,” and then finding a way to make it happen. Vincent also discusses the importance of his SAE membership, how it positively changed his life and encourages brothers to take advantage of their membership and all that it offers. We also asked him about all of the extraordinary aspects of So-Fi Stadium, from technology to infrastructure.

Are you an upcoming senior or recently graduated alum? Are you uncertain of what’s next after your undergraduate career? Join Jeremy Bellman (University of New Haven '19), Cody Delmendo (Eastern Illinois '15), and Manager of Alumni Engagement, Ryan Gibbons (Tennessee Tech '16), as they discuss how to best navigate life after college and the best tips and strategies to prepare you for success in your career.

The three discuss their experiences after graduating from college that includes applying for their first job as a post-graduate, relocating to a new home that takes them out of their comfort zone, and how they stayed involved with Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

Tune in today for a conversation where Cody and Jeremy discuss the importance of mental health and how it carries over into your chapters. 

In this episode, Dylan Silva (Long Island '18), shares his experience being a mental health advocate and the best practices for positive mental health among individuals. John Ligouri, a current undergrad from the University of Connecticut-New Haven (Connecticut Nu-Eta), shares how significant mental health is among his chapter and the best ways to retain brotherhood among members.

Silva '18, an alumnus from New York Beta, is an advocate for the Be Nice Foundation. He remains involved with Sigma Alpha Epsilon as the Alumni Advisor for Michigan Gamma and the Chapter Advisor for South Carolina Nu. Ligouri '22 is a junior majoring in Criminal Justice. He's held four different positions within his chapter: Philanthropy Chairman, Community Service Chairman, Eminent Recorder, and Eminent Deputy Archon.

The fourth episode of season 2 features Marc Malnati, SAE alumnus and owner of Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza chain, Lou Malnati’s. Foundation CEO Steve Mitchell interviewed Marc over Zoom late last year. Marc is the son of Lou Malnati, founder of Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. Shortly before his father passed away, Marc graduated from Indiana University and started working for the family business, a business that has grown from just three locations at the time to 64 locations today. In addition to its restaurants, Lou Malnati’s is also the largest shipper of pizza worldwide. Through Tastes of Chicago, Lou Malnati's ships 500,000 pizzas across the country yearly as well as other Chicago specialties.  In addition to his work as chairman of Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Marc is also the Co-Founder of the Marc & Jeanne Malnati Family Foundation, co-chair of the Lou Malnati Cancer Research Foundation, and board member for the Northwestern Medicine Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute.

Tune in today for a thoughtful conversation focusing on people, relationships, and how they can contribute to an individual’s success. We decided to name it Emotional Intelligence because of Marc’s firm belief in the importance of learning more about yourself and how you interact with others. He attributes his success to these lessons as well as surrounding himself with good people.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon is back with another great episode of TG Talk. 

Every chapter or colony is looking for creative ways to engage and educate its members. The Phoenix Member Education Program provides a step-by-step process for engaging and educating all members of your chapter/colony whether you're meeting in person or online. In this episode, Eric Eidson, Coordinator of Educational Programs, dives into the opportunities, activities, and accolades available in the new 2021 edition of The Phoenix Member Education Manual with the show's new hosts Cody Delmendo and Jeremy Bellman.

Listeners can learn how to implement these program updates in their own chapter or colony and hear from their fellow brothers, Garrett Rolph (Eminent Archon at Harvard University - Massachusetts Gamma) and Nolen Rinn (Member Educator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Nebraska Lambda-Pi). Brother Rolph and Brother Rinn share and reflect upon their chapters' experiences implementing The Phoenix Member Education Program and ask key questions regarding the new 2021 updates.

Tune in to this episode by clicking the link above, or if you prefer, all episodes are available on YouTube. Click here to watch this month's episode.

The first episode of season two features SAE alumnus Stephen Simon. Tune in today for an honest conversation with the future owner of the Indiana Pacers on mistakes made, lessons learned, and keys to success (aka everything you won't learn in school). Foundation CEO, Steve Mitchell, interviewed Stephen over Zoom, and the two of them re-lived fond memories of their time at Indiana University. This episode is jam-packed with advice, wisdom, and of course, great stories.

Stephen is the son of Herbert Simon, Founder of Simon Property Group and owner of the Indiana Pacers. Ever been to a mall? As the largest mall owner in the U.S., it's likely owned by Simon Property Group. Although he admits that he didn't have much direction as a young adult, Stephen is successful in his own right as the Founder and Managing Partner of Simon Equity Partners, a private equity firm based in California. In addition to SEP, Stephen is a director for the Herbert Simon Family Foundation and on the board of directors for the Pacer's Basketball Corporation, a team he will eventually inherit from his father. Stephen also serves on the boards of Central Indiana Land Trust, Conscious Alliance, and HeadCount.

Stephen speaks to some of the common themes that we've seen throughout Foundation episodes; be curious, never stop learning, and do what you love. He also discusses what he attributes his success to, owning and learning from mistakes, and things he would change if he could go back in time. We also couldn't let him go without talking Pacer's basketball! 

The ninth episode of TG Talk features songwriter, entrepreneur, and SAE alumnus, Jimmy Dunne. Let’s get real. What you think post-graduation life will be like may not be a reality. Don’t worry; we enlisted Jimmy to tell us the truth about what really happens after graduation. Have you ever scaled a wall to get an interview? We don’t recommend it, but Jimmy has.

Although considered by many to be a renaissance man, Jimmy is, first and foremost, a musician. He has studio albums and successful covers recorded by big names such as Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, and Kenny Rogers. Jimmy’s songs have been recorded on 28 million records, in addition to scores, songs, and themes featured in over 1500 television episodes and dozens of films. Additionally, he is the Founder and CEO of Inspire. Inspire assists colleges and universities in composing and recording official university music and incorporating music into its overall culture.

Jimmy also has experience as a television writer and producer, working on hit shows such as Happy Days and Joanie Loves Chachi. Foundation CEO Steve Mitchell interviewed Jimmy about his extraordinary career and how he got his start. Jimmy gets real about what you need to do to succeed after college. While we don’t recommend using your musical talents to get out of paying the bill at a restaurant or scaling the fences at Paramount Pictures to get a job, we do think that Jimmy has a ton of great advice for undergraduates and young alumni who are starting in their careers.

The eighth episode of TG Talk features Eminent Supreme Recorder, Chris Hancock. Chris speaks about officer transitions, what current officers can do to prepare for them, and planning for the spring term. Additionally, we discuss adjusting goals to be COVID compliant and available resources to consider.

The seventh episode of TG Talk features Alex Sacopulos, a member from Indiana Delta who serves on the diversity, equity, and inclusion committees for his chapter and DePauw University, and Dustin Stewart, Manager of Chapter Development for SAE. Alex and Dustin discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion within a chapter and how members can begin conversations and support a diverse chapter experience on their campus.

The fifth episode of TG Talk features John Sebalos, Chair of the Council of Province Archons and Ryan Gibbons, Manager of Alumni Development. John and Ryan share strategies for engaging with alumni, building connections within a virtual setting, the benefits of strong alumni support, and ways for alumni to reconnect with the Fraternity. 

The fourth episode of TG Talk features SAE Foundation Trustee, Tom LaMantia. Did you know that interviewing is just like camping? No? Well, according to Tom, it is.

Tom is an entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in digital transformation, which means he uses the newest and best technology to improve his client’s processes and customer relations. In addition to that, Tom advises senior-level management across many industries, guiding a variety of areas, including strategy, operations, marketing, and finance. He is also a professor for Northwestern University’s Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Co-Founder and Managing Director of Magenium Solutions, a successful Microsoft service provider.

Tom has started several businesses throughout his career and thus has learned many difficult lessons along the way. Foundation CEO, Steve Mitchell interviewed Tom earlier this month on various topics, including advice on strategically prepping for and giving an interview (outrunning the other campers). However, despite its name, this episode explores so much more than career advice. Tune in for a discussion on striving to live up to the True Gentleman every day, setting personal and professional goals for ourselves, and crafting the perfect apology.

The second episode of TG Talk features Justin Tinkler from Kansas State University, winner of the 2019-2020 John O. Moseley Award for Fraternity Zeal. Justin advises about recruiting the best members, setting goals as a chapter, and adapting chapter goals, operations, and recruitment tactics this fall.

The first episode of TG Talk features Ross Pometta, Manager of Membership & Records, and Kaden Mortenson, Eminent Treasurer from Nevada Beta. Ross and Kaden give advice on financial planning for the fall including information on the fall invoice, navigating difficult conversations with chapter brothers, and utilizing OmegaFi to streamline your membership and financial records.

TG Talk is an all-new initiative brought to you by the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation! Together with the Fraternity, we will host bi-weekly discussions on fraternity updates, best practices, and chapter operations. We will engage with various audiences, including staff, volunteers, and undergraduates, to understand their perspective. We will also speak to our partner organizations to give information about available resources, how to use them, and links and tutorials on our website. Additionally, we will feature guest speakers with a focus on a variety of topics, including leadership, professional development, and current events. We plan to engage with notable alumni to gain an understanding of how their fraternal experience has influenced their success and wisdom from their unique experiences.