Coffee Talks with LSPAA Podcast

Hear from the incredible people shaping the future of St. Pete

Welcome to Coffee Talks With LSPAA, a podcast celebrating the leaders, changemakers, and community champions who make St. Petersburg a vibrant place to live and lead. Each episode features candid conversations with Leadership St. Pete alumni and event speakers, business owners, nonprofit leaders, creatives, and innovators, all sharing the real stories behind their work, their "why," and the impact they're making across our city. Expect behind-the-scenes insights from our events, practical wisdom on leadership and community building, and inspiration to deepen your own involvement in St. Pete.

Want to pitch a guest? Email lspaa@lspaa.com
Welcome to Coffee Talk with LSPAA

Audrey Grounds, Events Director, Caledon Concepts
Mark Sprague, Deputy Director, Airport Operations and Facilities, St Pete - Clearwater International Airport.   
Jamie Van Cuyk, Owner, Growing Your Team

Welcome to Coffee Talk with LSPAA, a new podcast hosted by Ron Platt, Co-Founder/CEO for the National Association for Single and Divorced Families (NASDF.org) that features Leadership St. Pete alumni discussing their leadership and professional experiences.

September 24, 2025
Stop the Mental Noise and Start Leading

Kelly Abanda explains how neuroscience can shift your leadership, team dynamics, and personal happiness. Learn why accountability is the 90% secret to reaching your goals and how to 'stop the car.'

October 13, 2025
The Easy Button for Business Tech

Mike Thackery of Vine IT & Cybersecurity joins Ron Platt to demystify cybersecurity for businesses, shares his journey on why small businesses are prime hacker targets, and discusses how he uses AI as a 'thinking partner.'

October 20, 2025
A Lucid Approach to Craft Coffee and Community Connection

Tired of coffee shops closing at 4 PM? Lucid Coffee is changing the game! Discover how LSP classmates Lokesh Vale and Amar Nathwani created a non-alcoholic social sanctuary full of connection and craft coffee.

October 28, 2025
Private Banking and the Power of Resiliency

Banking isn't just about numbers—it’s about people! Jeni La Paglia shares how 25+ years of experience and resiliency help her guide St. Pete families toward their biggest financial dreams.

November 3, 2025
Navigating Tech and Advocacy in the Sunshine State

Dive into a fresh brew with Eric Vaughn on this week's episode of LSPAA Coffee Talk. Today, Vaughn discusses Google's Wing drone delivery, navigating Florida's DEI landscape, and the wild ride of single fatherhood.

November 24, 2025
The Art of Airport Public Relations

Michele Routh, PR Director for St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, discusses airport expansions, the hospitality of travel, and how she navigates the fast-paced world of aviation PR.

December 1, 2025
The Truth About Branding

From "moments of discomfort" to brand strategy, Lindsay Petty Wattam covers it all. Learn why your brand is a reputation, not a logo, and how to protect your business’ digital footprint in this wide-ranging talk.

December 15, 2025
Breaking Down the Surprising Growth of Electric Vehicles

Ali Dysard discusses her work in environmental policy, the growth of electric vehicle adoption in Florida, and the critical importance of coastal resilience.

January 5, 2026
The Estate Planning Masterclass

Attorney Melissa Williams explains estate planning, probate, elder law, and why simply having a will may not be enough to protect your family from the stresses of probate court.

January 12, 2026
Individualized Approach on Using Business Banking to Satisfy Your Short-and-Long Term Goals

Melissa Salamanca discusses SBA lending, risk management, and her "deal-maker" mindset. Discover how individualized banking leads to long-term growth.

January 19, 2026
Scaling Your Business the Local Way

Stop being just a number at a big bank. Debbie Viveiros reveals how local relationships get deals done faster. Plus, a look inside the future of Leadership St. Pete!

January 27, 2026