Becoming a Multiplier (wsg Chris Uhl)

During this episode, You, Me, and Your Top Three host and CGS Advisors CEO, Gregg Garrett, speaks with Chris Uhl, Executive Director of the Eastern Region at IFF – a nonprofit mission driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Chris and Gregg spend time discussing the importance of becoming a multiplier within the industry. Chris shares his ‘Top Three’ – from those he was inspired by to give back to the community, to likeminded individuals, to those who helped him understand the value of both sustainability and the triple bottom line. And, you have to hear what Chris has to say about the Appraisal Bias. About Chris uhl Chris Uhl joined IFF as the Executive Director – Eastern Region in 2017. Located in IFF’s Detroit office, Uhl oversees IFF’s full-range of services in Michigan and Ohio, including lending, real estate consulting, and community strategies program operations. Prior to joining IFF, Uhl served in leadership roles at Rock Venutres LLC, The Skillman Foundation, and Detroit Children’s Fund, as well as working several years as a banker at major financial institutions. As Vice President of Social Innovation at The Skillman Foundation, Mr. Uhl helped the foundation move beyond grants to program-related investments in the form of low-interest loans and loan guarantees. He most recently led community investment efforts at Rock Ventures, a Detroit firm that serves and connects a portfolio of more than 100 companies owned by Dan Gilbert – the founder of Quicken Loans and majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mr. Uhl is a Michigan native with a M.B.A. from Wayne State University and a B.S. in business administration from Central Michigan University. Show Highlights Segment 1: Overview 1:00        Being a multiplier. 3:05        Introduction: Chris Uhl and IFF. (Skillman Foundation.) 5:50        Finding who you are and setting your path. Segment 2: The “Top Three”  8:45        Chris’s ‘Top Three’ – Michael J. Brennan – Supporting ‘finding your calling’. 11:03      The journey to ‘finding your calling’ – dialing in on who you are. 14:40      Chris’s ‘Top Three’ – Existing Leaders  – Surrounding yourself with the right people. 16:50      The values of the “kitchen cabinet” around you. 18:10      Chris’s ‘Top Three’ – Tom Brennan – The Green Garage – Creating sustainability & triple bottom line. 19:45      Chris’s ‘Top Three’ – Bob Weins – Driving socially impactful businesses. 22:40      Chris’s ‘Top Three’ – Matt Uhl –  Having a sound board. 24:10      Chris’s ‘Top Three’ – Tricia Uhl – Prioritize your time and reign in your ego.   Segment 3: Industry Disruption & Transformation  29:20      IFF:  CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution)    33:40      The structure of working with firms that are for-profit. 38:00      Technology disruptions have not impacted the CDFI space, yet. 40:10      The appraisal bias. 42:32      The impact investing space – “doing well by doing good”. Segment 4: Leadership & Wrapping Up 45:30      Becoming a Multiplier. 51:00      Learn more about IFF. (IFF.org) 54:00      Brave leadership: “The biggest thing for me is continue to stay in touch with your team.” Additional Information Contact Chris Uhl: Chris’s LinkedIn Chris’s Email Contact IFF: IFF Link Website IFF Link Twitter IFF Link LinkedIn Contact Gregg Garrett: Gregg’s LinkedIn Gregg’s Twitter Gregg’s Bio Contact CGS Advisors: Website LinkedIn Twitter

Om Podcasten

You, Me, and Your Top Three is a podcast focused on exploring leadership in the connecting world. Specifically, the podcast invites leaders to tell stories, reflect, and discuss their views on: - disruptions in industry and society; - how they are leading transformations considering these disruptions - brave leadership to drive transformation. It is this last point where we focus most of the discussion, asking our guests to share their insights into the relationships they have with their “Top 3” closest advisors. It is our observation and experience that as the world connects, the importance of a diverse set of counselors is increasing in value. For some this may be a formal advisor who has been contracted on behalf of the company. For most this will be deep relationships in which they have been invested and nurtured. Through stories and discussion, we strive to celebrate the art of giving and receiving advice. The stories that are told are heartfelt and real. At the root we are exploring the process of knowledge building, relationship building, and perhaps most importantly, confidence building. After all, it takes a brave leader to battle the inertia that exists in industries, our organizations, and in ourselves. It is our hope that as successful leaders open up about around the subjects and the way in which they interact with their closest confidants, that our listeners will, in turn, reflect on their own “virtual board of advisors.” Over time they will then surround themselves with those who help them stretch toward greatness and lead bravely in the connecting world.