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.
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.
Leadership Strategist and a Neuroscience Coach, Owner
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.'
CEO, Vine IT & Cybersecurity
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.'
Partners, Lucid Coffee & Kava
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.
VP Private Banking and Relationship Manager, Bank of Tampa
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.
Local Policy and Community Affairs Manager, Wing
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.
Public Relations Director, St. Pete Clearwater Airport
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.
Partner/VP, Strategy and Client Services, Pyper, Inc.
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.
Florida Manager, Political Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund
Ali Dysard discusses her work in environmental policy, the growth of electric vehicle adoption in Florida, and the critical importance of coastal resilience.
Partner, Finley Williams Law
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.
VP Business Banker, First Horizon Bank
Melissa Salamanca discusses SBA lending, risk management, and her "deal-maker" mindset. Discover how individualized banking leads to long-term growth.
VP, Commercial Relationship Manager, Bank of Tampa
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!